D - A Scout Camp, Michigan Crossroads Council

da scout ranch

For countless Michiganders, the spirit of outdoor adventure and character development is deeply ingrained, often nurtured through organizations like the Boy Scouts of America. Within our diverse state, certain places stand out as true havens for these experiences. D-Bar-A Scout Ranch, managed by the Michigan Crossroads Council, is not just a campground; it’s a sprawling outdoor education and recreation facility that consistently earns rave reviews as a top-tier scout camp. Located in the picturesque landscape of Metamora, D-Bar-A offers an unparalleled range of activities designed to challenge, educate, and inspire both youth and families.

Michigan's natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor learning and recreation. For locals, finding a camp that offers extensive programs, excellent facilities, and a supportive environment is paramount. D-Bar-A Scout Ranch excels in these areas, making it a truly remarkable destination. It's a place where young people can develop essential life skills, forge lasting friendships, and create cherished memories in a vibrant, engaging setting. Beyond its core scouting programs, D-Bar-A also opens its doors for various family and community events, making its rich offerings accessible to a broader audience in Michigan.

D-Bar-A Scout Ranch is majestically located at 880 E Sutton Rd, Metamora, MI 48455, USA. This address places it within the charming and rural setting of Metamora, Michigan, in Lapeer County. Metamora is well-regarded for its equestrian heritage, rolling hills, and abundant natural beauty, offering a serene escape that feels far from the urban bustle yet remains highly accessible.

For Michigan locals, the ranch's location is a significant advantage. It is approximately an hour north of Detroit, making it a convenient drive for families and scout troops from across Southeast Michigan, including the Metro Detroit area, Flint, and other surrounding communities. Major state routes and well-maintained county roads provide straightforward access to the property. The drive itself, leading into the heart of Michigan's beautiful countryside, sets the tone for a refreshing outdoor experience. This accessibility means that more families and scout groups can readily utilize its extensive facilities for weekend trips, summer camps, and various programs without extensive travel time.

D-Bar-A Scout Ranch offers an extensive array of services and facilities, catering primarily to scouting programs but also extending to family and group rentals:

• Campsites: Numerous well-maintained tent sites, each equipped with fire pits and flagpoles, and nearby outhouses with water.
• Heated Cabins: 28 heated cabins, some with indoor plumbing, offering bunk beds and a comfortable "at Camp feeling."
• Dining Facilities: Large central kitchen, three dining pavilions (including the Hay Pavilion Dining Hall), and a rustic banquet hall for meals and gatherings.
• Waterfront Activities: Access to three spring-fed lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming (with designated areas and inflatables like a blob and trampoline).
• Shooting Sports: Two dedicated shooting sports areas for BB guns, archery, slingshots, rifles (.22), shotguns (20 ga), pistols, and muzzleloaders.
• Equestrian Programs: Features a herd of horses, offering corral rides (for ages 7+), trail rides (for ages 10+), and hay rides. Specialized horsemanship and Ranch Hand programs are available.
• Hiking Trails: Over 11 miles of hiking trails, including the Pedro trail system with distinct loops (Red, Blue, Yellow), and a small trail with "stations" featuring stuffed animals, birds, insects, and rocks.
• Team Building & Sports Facilities: Human foosball, GaGa ball pits, volleyball pits, and football fields.
• Nature & STEM Education: Several nature centers, an observatory, and programs focusing on ecology, astronomy, and STEM-based activities.
• Winter Storage: Offers winter storage options for RVs and trailers.
• Rental Facilities: Cabins, campsites, and RV sites are available for public and community group rentals through Mitten Outdoor Adventures & Events.
• Special Programs: Ranch Hand Experience, Arrow of Light Camp, Cub Scout Resident Camp, Family Camp, and various merit badge programs.
• Retail Shop: A trading post for snacks, drinks, and camping essentials (like the Jack Lord Trading Post).
• Modern Restrooms: Flushable toilets and showers available on the property.

• Premier Scout Camp: Widely regarded as "probably the best Scout camp," offering a comprehensive and high-quality scouting experience.
• Vast Wilderness: Spans just under 1,800 acres of "breathtaking wilderness" with a mix of open fields and wooded areas.
• Diverse Aquatic Opportunities: Three spring-fed lakes provide excellent fishing (multiple species of fish), swimming, and boating.
• Exceptional Equestrian Program: A working ranch with horses and livestock, offering unique opportunities for horseback riding and ranch-life immersion.
• Extensive Program Variety: Caters to a wide range of interests including outdoor skills, nature study, STEM, climbing, and living history (e.g., blacksmithing, tinsmithing).
• Variety of Accommodations: Offers both traditional tent camping and comfortable, heated cabins, some with indoor plumbing.
• Dedicated Staff: Implies experienced and qualified staff to lead various programs and ensure safety.
• Family-Friendly Options: Hosts "Family Camp" sessions, allowing parents and Cubs/Webelos to camp together and participate in activities.
• Convenient Location: "Only have to drive 45 minutes to get to this gem" for many Southeast Michigan residents.
• "Memory Maker": Known for creating unforgettable memories, especially through activities like horseback riding.

Address: 880 E Sutton Rd, Metamora, MI 48455, USA

Phone: (989) 873-1516 (Main number for Michigan Crossroads Council, though some event pages list (810) 245-2250 for D-Bar-A directly).

Mobile Phone: +1 989-873-1516

For program details, reservations, and specific inquiries, it's recommended to visit the Michigan Crossroads Council website (michiganscouting.org) or call the main number, as programming and availability can vary.

For Michiganders, D-Bar-A Scout Ranch, operated by the Michigan Crossroads Council, is undeniably a premier destination for outdoor adventure, education, and family bonding. Its suitability for locals stems from a combination of its exceptional facilities, diverse programming, and accessible location. As one enthusiastic reviewer stated, it's "Probably the best Scout camp that I have ever been to," a sentiment echoed by the vast array of activities and amenities available.

The sheer breadth of offerings ensures there's something for everyone, from the adventurous scout to the family seeking a unique weekend getaway. The "plenty of hiking" trails, including the educational "small one with stations filled with all kinds of stuffed animals, birds, insects and rocks," cater to nature lovers of all ages. The three lakes for "great fishing" and "multiple species of fish" provide ample opportunity for angling enthusiasts. Furthermore, the specialized activities like "human foosball and GaGa ball," "BB gun and archery," and the highlight of "horseback riding" create truly unforgettable "Memory Maker" moments.

Beyond the activities, the living arrangements, from "great campsites with fire pits and flagpoles" and "outhouses with water" to "flushable toilets and showers on property," ensure a comfortable stay. The availability of "cabins with bunk beds and dining Halls," some even with "indoor plumbing," offers varied lodging options to suit different preferences. The ability for the Elliot Family to "spend a weekend or a week with family and your camper, trailer or motor home" further extends its appeal to a broader local audience beyond just scout troops, highlighting its versatility.

Finally, the convenient location, with one reviewer noting they "only have to drive 45 minutes to get to this gem," makes D-Bar-A Scout Ranch an easily accessible retreat for a significant portion of Michigan's population. This combination of a comprehensive, high-quality outdoor experience and practical accessibility firmly establishes D-Bar-A Scout Ranch as a top choice for Michiganders looking for enriching outdoor adventures, whether for scouting, family camping, or group retreats.

D - A Scout Camp, Michigan Crossroads Council

880 E Sutton Rd, Metamora, MI 48455, USA