Christian Retreat Centers in PA: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re searching for the perfect Christian Retreat Cetnter to host your getaway or event, look no further than the beautiful Central PA region. Central Pennsylvania is blessed with picturesque countryside and farmland, serene woods and mountains, and a legacy of generational, family faith. A getaway into the peaceful outdoors is only fifteen to twenty minutes away from the main hustle and bustle of city life, so not only is it quiet- it’s convenient. While there are numerous options for Christian Camps and Retreat Centers to choose from when you visit our area, we’ve taken the time to go through our top five selections to help you make an informed decision on where to host your next event!
A Few Key Factors
When you’re looking for a place to hold your retreat, you’re focusing on two main categories: Facilities and Food. What kind of experience do you envision for your group? What are your priorities when it comes to lodging, meeting spaces, and meals? Whether it’s a couple’s retreat, youth event, family reunion, women’s retreat, etc, knowing your group’s demographics will impact your choices regarding lodging, the type of space you need, and meals.
Camp Versus Retreat: Who We Are
At Refreshing Mountain, we distinguish ourselves as a Retreat Center rather than a traditional camp. This may seem like a small distinction, but the differences add up! When you drive onto Refreshing Mountain’s property, you are welcomed by our beautifully maintained landscaping, modern lodging, and friendly staff. Our various departments work diligently to create an authentically refreshing experience for you and your group when you visit us. From your first interaction in person with our front desk team, to meals held in our Dining Hall, to our engaging activity staff who guide you across our Elevated Obstacle Course, you can expect to be refreshed right alongside your guests during your time here.
Refreshing Mountain is tucked away into the quiet hills and mountains of our area, so you’ll truly feel like you are getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life when you arrive on our property. However- we aren’t so far away that you can’t drive ten minutes to get a great cup of coffee or run to the store if you (inevitably!) forget something. Our lodging options are upscale and maintained to feel brand new every time you visit. Our outdoor space is safe to walk around and explore and to take time for reflection and prayer, with swings, benches, and picnic tables all around the property to sit at and gather.
Our adventure activities are varied and tailored to your group and can include things like Teambuilding, Ziplining, Archery, Escape Rooms– you name it!
Regarding the retreat-planning aspect of your event, we have a qualified team in our office who are here guide you through the details of organizing your retreat. We know how overwhelming it can be, so we’ve created a comprehensive retreat planning kit that we use to guide you along. We provide everything you need to have a successful retreat, and our approach is hands-on and individualized.
The bottom line? Refreshing Mountain specializes in providing our guests with an Elevated Retreat Experience.
Download your full retreat planning kit here >>
1. Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center (Stevens, PA)
Perfect For: Youth Retreats, Women’s/Men’s Retreats, Family Retreats, Church Retreats
Lodging (4 types)
Refreshing Mountain offers three types of lodging depending on the individual needs of each retreat:
- Bunkhouses (ideal for youth retreats and young adult events). Our bunks can accommodate 30 to 240 people, have heat/AC, are carpeted, and include indoor bathrooms and showers. If you are using our bunk-style lodging, you will need to bring linens, towels, sleeping bags, and pillows, as those are not provided with this specific style of lodging.
- Hotel Style Lodge Rooms. Our hotel-style lodge rooms can sleep up to six people and include 2 queen beds as well as 2 bunk beds. Our lodge rooms are great for family retreats, men’s retreats, women’s events, and young adult retreats. They are heated and air-conditioned with handicap-accessible options and do have a linens and towels service available
- Cabins Rentals. Cabin rentals are perfect for both our retreat groups and individual stays. Each cabin can sleep up to 8 people and have two separate bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with 4 bunk beds in the second bedroom. In addition, there is a pull-out sofa in the living room area. Every cabin also includes a private bathroom as well as a kitchen. In addition, linens and towels are included with the rental of any of our cabins. These units are air-conditioned and heated.
- Private Rooms. Located right above our main office, our private rooms are air-condtioned, heated, and have an attached private bathroom. They can sleep up to two people and include one queen bed, a desk for working, as well as a sitting chair for prayer and reflection. Retreat leaders often reserve these smaller rooms for themselves or for guest speakers, since they are isolated from the rest of the lodging on our property.
Meeting Spaces
When you plan your overnight retreat with us, a meeting room that is appropriately sized for your group is automatically included in your event. We also supply chairs and tables for each room and have audio/visual equipment available for rent. You can view our variety of meeting spaces here to get a feel for our offerings and the type of space you’d like to request.
Recreation
We believe that relaxation and recreation are the pinnacles of being refreshed. From our luxury swimming pool to campfire sites, to our on-site gymnasiums, your group will never be lacking an area to bond and play together. We can guarantee that no matter what the weather, your group will have access to both outdoor and indoor facilities to utilize. Find a comprehensive list of our recreational facilities here.
On-Site Activites
When it comes to our On-Site Activites & Adventures, the possibilities are endless! We offer a wide array of staff-led activities, from Adventure Recreation and Teambuilding activities to Nature Programs and Pool Parties. Our Overnight Retreat Team is here to help you find the best fit for your group, so there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. We have so many options because everyone is different and we want to cater to many different needs.
Interested in our favorites? Our Ascent and Basecamp Packages are some of our most popular package offerings since they are both versatile and cost-effective. We’re also passionate about Teambuilding and have unique programs that are guaranteed to pull your group closer and teach them how to work together as a unit. Additionally, our ziplines offer a thrilling and bonding experience to our guests and there are unique ziplines in every package that we offer. Our activities team is highly trained and engaging and makes every experience and activity special and customized to the individual. Another unique activity that we offer is escape rooms! Check out our other activities and pricing here.
Meals
Our Dining Hall is a warm and inviting space to share a meal with your group and has a capacity of up to 350 people. We serve our meals buffet-style and they always include a hot bar comprised of two main entrees as well as a selection of side dishes. Also included at each meal is a cold bar, with fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola at breakfast and boasting a full salad bar for lunch and dinner. You can make requests for what you’d like your group to be served during your time at Refreshing Mountain and we will do our best to accommodate your preferences! We can’t guarantee that you’ll get all of your requests but we work hard to make our meals something that everyone will enjoy. In addition, if you or your guests have any severe food allergies, we ask that you notify our team so that we can best serve you. Our kitchen is not certified allergen-free but can offer gluten-friendly breads as well as vegetarian patties. If you have a severe allergy, we also have a community fridge and recommend that you bring your own food to supplement. See more about our menu offerings here!
2. Black Rock Camp and Retreat Center
Perfect For: Marriage/family retreats, youth retreats, women’s/men’s retreats, large group retreats
Located near Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Harrisburg, Black Rock Retreat Center is a great space to unwind and reconnect with the Lord and your community. Surrounded by woods and nature, you’ll be able to take time away and quiet your mind and heart on their property while still being close enough to main roads/towns to make it convenient. It’s important to note that Black Rock offers customizable Retreat Packages and their team is ready to work with you to find the best fit for your retreat.
Lodging
Black Rock Retreat splits up their lodging types into four different categories:
- Maranatha Retreat Center, their main retreat building, holds up to 60 hotel-style rooms that include one queen bed and two single beds, a private bathroom, are air-conditioned, and have linens and towels provided. The benefit of booking their retreat center is that these bedrooms are in the same building as several meeting spaces as well as a dining hall, so you could congregate all in one space.
- Whip-Poor-Will Lodge, which can sleep up to twelve people (split into two private bedrooms and an open loft area), includes three bathrooms, has a kitchenette with all the basic cooking supplies, and is air-conditioned. There is also a small living space with a fireplace, which offers an ideal area to connect with your group.
- Dogwood Motel. The Dogwood Motel is exactly as it sounds- it’s a motel-style building featurning twelve private rooms with their own bathroom, air conditioning, and linens and towels are provided. These rooms are best for adults, families, and singles.
- Cabins (sleeping up to twelve people) and Bunk Cabins (Slightly smaller- sleep up to ten people). Their Bunk Cabins are heated during the cold months and have one bathroom. It’s important to note that Bunk Cabins do not have air conditioning (though there is a large ceiling fan) and linens and towels are not provided, so be sure to bring your own! For more detailed information on their lodging, click here.
Meeting Spaces
Black Rock is a large facility and thus has an expansive offering of meeting spaces and rooms depending on your group’s needs. Your retreat members can congregate on the deck of Maranatha Hall or gather around their fireplace to connect and have discussion. Maranatha Hall itself has six Conference-Style rooms with varying layouts and seating. Also on-site is Oakwood Chapel, which is a large meeting space in addition to a dining hall. In their Main Camp Room is an additional two meeting rooms, and their Nature Center has two meeting spaces for groups to be together in one space as well. During the warmer months, Black Rock Retreat also outdoor pavilions as well as an amphitheater for groups to meet in.
Recreation
Black Rock Retreat Center has a variety of outdoor recreation areas including ballfields, a lake, a pool, fire circles, a Nature Center, and a frisbee golf course. There is also a full-size indoor gymnasium located in Maranatha Hall for groups who have indoor activities planned or need an indoor area to utilize during poor weather. Check out all of their recreation options here!
On-Site Adventures
Staff-led activities are an important part of Black Rock’s Retreat offerings. In addition to having ziplining, rock climbing, and high/low ropes, Black Rock also offers Team-Building, archery, wilderness survival classes, and a Giant Swing. Some of their more unique options which are particularly great for youth-focused events include Laser Tag and Glow Dodgeball. You can view all of their retreat-programmed activities here!
Meals
Black Rock Retreat offers a set buffet-style menu for groups who come and use their facilities, and meals are eaten in the Maranatha Dining Hall (seating up to two hundred and fifty people). Groups who book a weekend retreat are required to book at least five meals with Black Rock as part of their retreat package. If your group has any unique dietary needs, the Black Rock Kitchen team will do their best to accommodate you in that area.
3. Woodcrest Retreat Center (Ephrata, PA)
Perfect For: Children’s Camps, Youth Retreats/Events, and Church Retreats
Woodcrest Retreat is located in Ephrata, PA and is simultaneously a summer camp, campground, and Retreat Center. Also surrounded by acres of woods and picturesque nature, Woodcrest Camp is a facility where guests can get away into peaceful nature and experience God. A different aspect of Woodcrest is that they also offer Summer Camp programs for adolescents (overnight and day camps) as well as individual stays on their campground. Learn more here!
Lodging
Year-round, bunk-style lodging is available at an affordable rate for small groups of 2-30 guests. Their shower houses are a short walk away from facilities that do not provide restrooms and guests need to provide their own linens, towels, food, cookware, and place settings. An added bonus of booking a retreat with Woodcrest is that they offer out their kitchen for guests who want to cook and prepare their own meals. For larger groups, Woodcrest also offers Dorm-Style lodging, where up to 40 guests can stay in four separate facilities. Additional lodging is available during the months of May-October, including a handful of cabins.
Meeting Spaces
Indian Rock Center is the meeting space for retreats and events at Woodcrest Retreat Center. Containing three Meeting Rooms, a dining hall, and an indoor recreation area, this building is available year-round for weekend retreats and has everything you need to facilitate a great event. The meeting rooms themselves are suitable for specific group sizes: Their Conestoga Room is their largest conference-style meeting room and can seat up to fifty people and features a full kitchen in addition to the seating area. Click here for more information.
In addition, the Mountain View meeting room is a cozy setting for groups up to thirty people, give or take. While this space is not available during Woodcrest’s Summer Camp Programs, it is a relaxed and intimate space with seating, a fireplace, and a kitchen area. Ask the Woodcrest Team for more information on how to book!
Activity Den: The Indian Rock Center has a designated area on the first floor for guests to gather for indoor games and activities. Tables, ping pong, and air hockey are all available for guest use and is the perfect spot to connect and play with others.
Recreation:
Woodcrest Retreat Center has a variety of activities to enjoy and places to play and relax! Basketball and GaGa Ball Courts, Hillbilly Golf, a Swimming Pool and Waterslide, as well as a Nature Center are all available depending on seasonal availability. There are also a variety of hiking trails available to groups coming to visit the Woodcrest property, including a trail that leads to Indian Rocks, which is a large formation of rocks to climb and explore. See all of their offerings here!
On-Site Adventures
For On-Site Adventures, Woodcrest offers two options: Their Adventure Playground is ideal for older children and gives them the opportunity to test their agility and coordination via climbing and traversing different obstacle-type elements. Their second option is their Challenge Course, which has three subcategories:
1. Teambuilding, which is a unique program for groups of all backgrounds looking to build unity and enhance problem-solving skills as a team. Pricing depends on how long your session runs and begin at one hour and can go up to four hours.
2. Low-Ropes Course, which tests your group’s agility and balance while also being led in a discussion about an individual’s walk and experience with Jesus.
3. The Flying Squirrel, which facilitates trust within a group as one person is lifted into the air while the other team members run with the rope in the opposite direction to pull the guest harnessed in off of the ground. For more information about these programs, click here!
Meals
Meals are not provided by Woodcrest Retreat Center, but each lodging space has their own kitchen area and guests and groups alike are welcome to bring their own food or select a caterer. The Dining Hall is located in the Indian Rock Center and can hold up to three hundred guests. Click here for more information and pricing!
4. Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center (Lebanon, PA)
Located in Lebanon, PA, Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center makes planning your church retreat easy and approachable. Known as a space to get away into nature and reconnect with others and ourselves, Gretna Glen specializes in Summer Camps, Retreats, and unique Outdoor Adventures. It’s important to note that retreat offerings are not typically available May-September.
Lodging
Gretna Glen has four main lodging spaces for retreat groups, with their largest building sleeping up to 48 guests. Their Raab Retreat Lodge is air-conditioned, dormitory-style, and has its own bathrooms and a designated meeting space as well as a kitchenette. The Chalet is a three-story air-conditioned building that sleeps up to 24 guests and is dormitory-style and includes a full kitchen and dining table, bathrooms, and a gas fireplace. The Wesley Lodge sleeps up to 22 people and is bunk-style split into two levels and is air-conditioned and heated. Finally, the Carrie Lodge can sleep up to 13 and has three separate bedrooms and is both air-conditioned and heated. In addition, there is a designated, newly-built Showerhouse on-site that specifically serves the cabins as well as Wesley Lodge.
Meeting Spaces
For Meeting Spaces, you will be congregating in the Funk Program Center. Holding up to 300 guests, the Poplar Room is set up with a projector and sound system and is a great option for indoor recreation activities as well as presentations, concerts, and other large gatherings. When you book a retreat with Gletna Glen, your group will automatically be assigned a room within the Funk Program Center.
Recreation/On-Site Adventures
Gretna Glen has limitless options for outdoor recreation and exploration. From boating to bouldering to basketball, your group will never be wanting for opportunities to get outside and into nature. Gretna Glen is passionate about Outdoor Education and (depending on the time of year) can include pond/aquatic studies, outdoor living skills, guided nature walks, and different Teambuilding Adventures. For more challenging team exercises, they also have Challenge Courses tailored to the needs of your group and can include either Teambuilding Challenges, their Low and High Ropes Courses, or both. Gretna Glen will contact you about activities when it comes time to book your retreat.
Meals
Gretna Glen typically provides meals for their retreats, but it’s important to contact them directly to see what the best option for your group would be. In addition, they do their best to accommodate food allergy and sensitivity needs, but guests should be aware that their kitchen contains all of the major allergens.
5. Camp Conquest (Denver, PA)
Perfect For: Youth Events, Men’s, and Women’s Groups
Passionate about camp ministry and evangelism, Camp Conquest facilitates Youth Summer Camp events as well as hosts retreats. They’ll work with you to help you find the best option for your group and to help you meet your ministry goals! Camp Conquest specifically asks that you affirm and adhere to their statement of Faith as strong members of the Charis Fellowship while on-site, and their beliefs can be found on their Mission & Values page here.
Lodging
Groups of 75 guests or more can have exclusive use of Camp Conquest’s facilities, which is a unique benefit to booking your retreat with them. Their lodging is split up into three main options:
1. Sprecher Lodge, which includes it’s own meeting room (including sound/projector system) and bunk-style cabins with 16 individual beds and bathrooms. This building is both air-conditioned and heated as well as carpeted.
2 &3. Their other two lodging options are the Hope and Lutz Lodge buildings, both of which include bunk-style sleeping arrangements, bathrooms, heat, and air-conditioning. Lutz Lodge has it’s own meeting room and Hope Lodge is home to the dining hall on-site. In addition, there are overflow cabin options that include a separate bathhouse and can sleep up to 14 people each.
Meeting Spaces
On the main floors of Sprecher and Lutz Lodge, there are meeting rooms that can again hold anywhere from 20-100 people depending on your individual group’s needs. These meeting rooms are air-conditioned, heated, and carpeted and include a sound and projection system. There are restrooms where the meeting rooms are located as well.
Recreation
There are specific recreation resources that are included in your rental and use of the Camp Conquest facility including their gym (which offers groups an indoor space when the weather isn’t cooperating), pavilion area, athletic field, pond, bouldering wall, hiking trails, and campfires. Again, these recreational areas are included in your retreat so be sure to get use out of them!
On-Site Adventures
Camp Conquest also offers on-site and staff-led activities, which are charged by the hour and are run by certified instructors. If you’re looking to add some adventure and daring into your retreat with them, you have a variety of options for your group. Archery, rifles, and slingshot activities are led by a certified NRA instructor, teambuilding activities on their challenge course, horse-riding experiences (June through August only), and Black Light Dodgeball (specifically great for youth events) are just a sample of their camp-provided offerings. Call for hourly rates.
Meals:
Camp Conquest offers two options to groups who are coming in for retreats. In order to save money, many groups prefer to do their own meals, and Camp Conquest is happy to facilitate this by giving you the ability to cook and prepare your own meals in their kitchen. However, if you’re looking for convenience or you have a large number of guests, that could be overwhelming. In those cases, Camp Conquest can also provide meals for your retreat- just ask! These meals are homemade, classic Lancaster-County style, so be sure to call for a sample menu and details when you’re looking to book.
5. Camp Conquest (Denver, PA)
Perfect For: Youth Events, Men’s, and Women’s Groups
Passionate about camp ministry and evangelism, Camp Conquest facilitates Youth Summer Camp events as well as hosts retreats. They’ll work with you to help you find the best option for your group and to help you meet your ministry goals! Camp Conquest specifically asks that you affirm and adhere to their statement of Faith as strong members of the Charis Fellowship while on-site, and their beliefs can be found on their Mission & Values page here.
Lodging
Groups of 75 guests or more can have exclusive use of Camp Conquest’s facilities, which is a unique benefit to booking your retreat with them. Their lodging is split up into three main options:
1. Sprecher Lodge, which includes it’s own meeting room (including sound/projector system) and bunk-style cabins with 16 individual beds and bathrooms. This building is both air-conditioned and heated as well as carpeted.
2 &3. Their other two lodging options are the Hope and Lutz Lodge buildings, both of which include bunk-style sleeping arrangements, bathrooms, heat, and air-conditioning. Lutz Lodge has it’s own meeting room and Hope Lodge is home to the dining hall on-site. In addition, there are overflow cabin options that include a separate bathhouse and can sleep up to 14 people each.
Meeting Spaces
On the main floors of Sprecher and Lutz Lodge, there are meeting rooms that can again hold anywhere from 20-100 people depending on your individual group’s needs. These meeting rooms are air-conditioned, heated, and carpeted and include a sound and projection system. There are restrooms where the meeting rooms are located as well.
Recreation
There are specific recreation resources that are included in your rental and use of the Camp Conquest facility including their gym (which offers groups an indoor space when the weather isn’t cooperating), pavilion area, athletic field, pond, bouldering wall, hiking trails, and campfires. Again, these recreational areas are included in your retreat so be sure to get use out of them!
On-Site Adventures
Camp Conquest also offers on-site and staff-led activities, which are charged by the hour and are run by certified instructors. If you’re looking to add some adventure and daring into your retreat with them, you have a variety of options for your group. Archery, rifles, and slingshot activities are led by a certified NRA instructor, teambuilding activities on their challenge course, horse-riding experiences (June through August only), and Black Light Dodgeball (specifically great for youth events) are just a sample of their camp-provided offerings. Call for hourly rates.
Meals:
Camp Conquest offers two options to groups who are coming in for retreats. In order to save money, many groups prefer to do their own meals, and Camp Conquest is happy to facilitate this by giving you the ability to cook and prepare your own meals in their kitchen. However, if you’re looking for convenience or you have a large number of guests, that could be overwhelming. In those cases, Camp Conquest can also provide meals for your retreat- just ask! These meals are homemade, classic Lancaster-County style, so be sure to call for a sample menu and details when you’re looking to book.
Wrapping Up: Finding the Perfect Christian Retreat Center in PA
We understand how daunting the retreat planning process can feel, but we hope that this comprehensive guide of Christian Retreat Centers in our area is a useful resource as you begin the process of looking for the perfect venue to host your event. If you choose Refreshing Mountain as the space to hold your retreat, we are here to walk with you through every step of the retreat-planning process. “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Prov. 11:25) is a verse we take to heart and strive to live out in every interaction with our guests, so come and be refreshed with us!
Ready to start planning your next retreat? Click here to discover more retreat and getaway options, and let us help you create an unforgettable experience that will inspire, refresh, and strengthen your group’s bonds!