McDowell Environmental Center
- 205-387-1806, ext. 109
- mecdirector@campmcdowell.org
Plan Your Trip
Teacher Planning
Thank you for choosing us to deliver hands-on learning experiences to your students! We are happy to answer any questions you have.
Trips run Monday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Friday from late February - May and September - December.
We are currently accepting date reservations and requests through May 2026. Reservations for our 2026-27 calendar will open on September 3rd, 2025.
To inquire about a trip or funding assistance, contact mecdirector@campmcdowell.org.
Planning Information
Want to learn more or book a trip? Contact us to find dates that work for you. Questions about an existing trip? Contact us for assistance.
Once you have confirmed your trip dates, we will contact you with more information and due dates for the contract and forms below:
Parent Letter & Packing List (overnight trip)
Chaperone Letter & Information (overnight trip)
- Parent & Chaperone Letters (day trip)
Parent / Guardian FAQ
We are so glad your student is joining us at McDowell Environmental Center! Our staff is ready to make your student feels comfortable at camp while encouraging them to explore, discover, and try new things in our canyons, creeks, and forests! Below, you’ll find information about lodging, meals, medication, and packing. If you have any further questions, please reach out! pc@campmcdowell.org | 205-387-1806 ext. 108.
Parent Letter & Packing List - includes Medication Packing Sheet (overnight trip)
Parent Letter & Packing List (day trip)
Lodging & Dining
Lodging
McDowell Environmental Center has 12 cabins all with heating and air conditioning split units. Each cabin sleep between 12-20 people and has 2-3 showers, sinks, and toilet stalls. We require at least one adult provided by the school to stay in each cabin with students, but we recommend at least two adults per cabin. Separate lodging for teachers is available if enough parents are brought as chaperones for cabins and space is available. Teacher or separate lodging is assigned based on the return of the Trip Planning Form.
Dining
Three kid-friendly meals a day are prepared by our talented food service staff and served family style in Eppes Dining Hall. Our food receives the highest reviews! Certain times of the year, the dining hall incorporates fresh vegetables and eggs from McDowell Farm School.
- Dietary Accommodations: All of our kitchens are nut-free. The following dietary needs can be accommodated with indication on the health form: vegetarian, vegan, no pork/beef, dairy-free, and gluten free (*not celiac-safe). Additional allergies and dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.
If you need to pack meals or supplemental foods to ensure your student’s safety, please contact pc@campmcdowell.org and we’ll get you more information. *Cross-contamination is possible.
"This place lives up to that reputation. It's special. We're hooked." - Katherine House; teacher from St. Mary's