Amid the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Camp Tekoa offers your church group an unparalleled retreat experience where faith, fellowship, and adventure come together in perfect harmony. Our 354-acre facility near Hendersonville provides the ideal setting for your next youth group, adult ministry, or congregational retreat, with accommodations for groups ranging from 20 to 300 participants.
Why Church Groups Choose Camp Tekoa
1. Mountain Setting with Modern Amenities
Camp Tekoa combines the tranquility of a mountain escape with comfortable facilities designed for group gatherings. Our property features:
- Versatile meeting spaces, including the Chapel in the Woods and an open-air pavilion
- Comfortable lodging options with 275 beds across 12 buildings
- Year-round accessibility with 175 winterized beds in heated facilities
- A modern dining hall seating 185 people with catering services
- WiFi availability in select locations for leaders' planning needs
- Accessible accommodations for participants with mobility challenges
2. Faith-Centered Programming
As a facility owned and operated by the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church, we understand the unique needs of church retreats. Our mission of "Touching hearts, changing lives, sharing the light of Christ" guides everything we do, creating a space where genuine spiritual growth can happen.
"Camp Tekoa is a very calming and Spiritual place for families to share a quiet and meaningful and fun time together in retreat. Camp Tekoa is also a very spiritual atmosphere for youth or adult weekend retreats. It has been a place to experience God and his grace for our church and family forever 40 years."
– Bruce, Cokesbury UMC
3. Adventure Activities That Build Faith
Our wide range of on-site activities provides powerful metaphors for spiritual growth while creating memorable shared experiences:
- The thrilling "Big Zip" double zipline launching from a 45-foot tower
- A challenging 35-foot High Ropes course culminating in a 70-foot giant swing
- Lake zipline sending participants soaring over our 3-acre spring-fed lake
- Low elements challenge course with team-building activities
- Guided hiking trails of varying difficulty levels
- Professional 18-hole disc golf course spanning 5+ acres
These adventures do more than entertain—they build trust, encourage mutual support, and become tangible illustrations of faith concepts like surrender, courage, and community.
Perfect for Every Type of Church Retreat
1. Youth Retreats
Give your youth group an experience they'll never forget. Our combination of adventure activities, comfortable meeting spaces, and serene natural settings creates the perfect environment for teenage spiritual formation.
"I continue to bring youth on retreats to Camp Tekoa because time and time again I have seen the transformative power of God's grace through Tekoa and the activities they offer for groups!"
– Kevin Ward, Youth Pastor, Mooresville, NC
2. Adult Ministry Retreats
From women's and men's ministry gatherings to leadership training weekends, Camp Tekoa provides the space and support your adult groups need to dig deeper into faith and strengthen relationships.
3. Small Group Retreats
Help your Bible study, prayer group, or ministry team forge stronger connections in our intimate meeting spaces. The Laurel Lodge Back Porch with its rocking chairs and mountain views offers a particularly inviting setting for small group discussions and reflection.
4. Confirmation Retreats
Our annual confirmation retreats combine adventure activities, service projects, and engaging worship to help young people understand and embrace their faith. Custom confirmation retreat packages are also available for individual church groups.
Flexible Spaces for Meaningful Gatherings
Indoor Meeting Areas
- Dining Hall: Our spacious dining hall seats 185 and can be arranged to accommodate various meeting formats.
- Laurel Main: This versatile space seats 75 and provides a comfortable environment for presentations and group discussions.
- Little Lodge: available seasonally, this is a cozy space for small groups.
Outdoor Gathering Spaces
- Open-Air Pavilion: Connected to the dining hall, this covered area provides an ideal space for worship, campfires, and active games.
- Campfire Circle: Overlooking our lake area, this historic gathering spot seats 250 for evening programs and worship.
- Lakefront: Our 3-acre spring-fed lake offers swimming, canoeing, and a thrilling rope swing for group recreation.
- Chapel in the Woods: Nestled between two streams, our outdoor chapel seats 50 for serene worship services.
- Laurel Back Porch: This covered area is ideal for small groups or s’mores.
- Rainy Day Shelter: This covered area, adjacent to the field and basketball court, offers electricity and picnic tables.
Nearby Attractions Enhance Your Retreat
The "Land of Four Seasons" surrounding Camp Tekoa offers numerous opportunities to extend your group's experience:
- Hiking or mountain biking in DuPont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest
- Exploring historic downtown Hendersonville (just minutes away)
- Visiting the renowned Biltmore Estate in nearby Asheville
- Enjoying the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Seasonal activities including snow tubing and skiing (winter) or rafting (summer)
Comfortable Accommodations for Every Group
Our variety of lodging options ensures your group will find the perfect fit:
- Cedar Cabin: 64 beds with modern bathrooms
- Laurel Lodge: 16 beds with WiFi access
- Williams Cabin: 24 beds with handicap accessibility
- Multiple 20-bed cabins: With varying amenities for different group needs
- Adventure Base: 64 "glamping" style beds for groups seeking a more rustic experience
All accommodations are clean, well-maintained, and positioned to maximize enjoyment of our beautiful mountain setting.
Scheduling Your Church Retreat
At Camp Tekoa, each season offering unique advantages:
- Spring: Comfortable temperatures and blooming mountain landscapes
- Fall: Spectacular foliage and perfect hiking weather
- Winter: Cozy gathering spaces in our heated facilities (175-bed capacity)
Early booking is recommended, especially for weekend retreats during peak seasons.
Ready to Plan Your Church Retreat?
Let us help you create a transformative experience for your church group. Our staff understands the unique needs of faith-based retreats and will work with you to customize programming that meets your specific goals.
Contact Us Today
Phone: (828) 692-6516
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Bill Porter - Retreats and Hospitality Director
Physical Address:
211 Thomas Road
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1793
Flat Rock, NC 28731
Schedule a site visit or request our comprehensive retreat planning guide to begin your journey toward "the best church retreat location in WNC" – Camp Tekoa, where faith and adventure meet in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!