Planning the perfect fall retreat starts now. This comprehensive guide will help you create a transformative mountain retreat experience at Camp Tekoa in Hendersonville, NC for the fall season—complete with booking timelines, program suggestions, and everything you need to know for a successful group getaway.
Why Choose Hendersonville, NC for Your Fall Retreat
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Hendersonville provides the perfect backdrop for your fall retreat. Camp Tekoa's 285-bed facility offers a spectacular natural setting where your group can experience genuine connection, spiritual growth, and adventure amid the stunning colors of autumn.
As a retreat center affiliated the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church, Camp Tekoa combines the beauty of creation with purposeful facilities designed for groups of 20-275 people. The mission of "Touching hearts, changing lives, sharing the light of Christ" infuses every aspect of the retreat experience.
Fall in Hendersonville transforms the landscape into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange, and gold—creating an atmosphere where participants naturally disconnect from daily distractions and open themselves to deeper experiences. The moderate temperatures (typically ranging from 55-75°F during fall days) provide ideal conditions for both outdoor adventures and cozy indoor gatherings.
2026 Fall Retreat Booking Timeline: Secure Your Dates Now
The most common mistake retreat planners make is waiting too long to secure their preferred dates. For fall 2026 retreats at Camp Tekoa, follow this booking timeline for best results:
July-August 2025 (12-14 months in advance)
- Prime weekend dates (Friday-Sunday) for September-November 2025 are now available for booking
- Largest groups (100+ participants) should book during this window
- 50% of fall weekend dates typically book during this early window
September-December 2025 (9-12 months in advance)
- Weekend availability becomes limited, especially for October dates
- Weekday retreats (Sunday-Thursday) still offer excellent availability
- Groups of 50-100 participants should book during this window
January-March 2026 (6-9 months in advance)
- Weekend availability primarily limited to November
- October 2025 weekend dates typically fully booked
- Groups under 50 participants may still find suitable dates
April-June 2026 (3-6 months in advance)
- Limited availability for any fall weekend dates
- Weekday retreats still possible to schedule
- Last-minute planners should consider flexible dates
With a variety of accommodation options ranging from rustic cabins to modern lodges with different amenities, early booking ensures you'll secure the perfect facilities for your group's needs and preferences.
Benefits of Early Booking:
- First choice of preferred dates
- More accommodation options
- Greater flexibility for custom programming
- Time to fundraise, if needed
- Opportunity to build momentum through pre-retreat activities
- Better rate guarantees
- Lower stress for organizers
Is It Too Late to Book Your Fall 2026 Retreat?
Not at all! While prime weekend dates are filling quickly, Camp Tekoa still has excellent availability for fall 2026 retreats. We're currently accepting bookings for September through November 2026, with options for both weekend and weekday experiences.
Whether you're planning for a youth group, church leadership team, women's gathering, or corporate retreat, now is actually the perfect time to secure your preferred dates and accommodations. Our retreat coordinators can work with your schedule to find the ideal time slot.
Don't let the opportunity for a transformative fall mountain experience slip away—reach out to us today at (828) 692-6516 or through our contact page to discuss availability and begin creating your perfect autumn retreat at Camp Tekoa.
Retreat Accommodation Options at Camp Tekoa
Camp Tekoa offers 285 beds across 12 buildings, with varying levels of amenities to suit different group preferences and budgets. During fall, the full range of accommodations is available, with capacity for up to 285 guests in climate-appropriate facilities.
Lodge Options (Ideal for Adult and Mixed Groups)
Laurel Lodge
- 16 beds in 2 rooms
- Private bathrooms with 4 showers, sinks, and toilets
- WiFi access
- Heated for fall comfort
- Modern, comfortable setting
Thrushwood Lodge
- 15 beds in 4 rooms
- Shared bathrooms with 3 showers, sinks, and toilets
- WiFi access
- Heated for fall comfort
- Ideal for speaker/leadership housing
Little Lodge
- 11 beds in 4 rooms
- Shared bathrooms with 2 showers, sinks, and toilets
- WiFi access
- Cozy, intimate setting
Cabin Options (Perfect for Youth Groups)
Cedar Cabin
- 64 beds in 4 rooms
- Private bathrooms with 3 showers, sinks, and toilets per room
- Handicap accessible
- Heated for fall comfort
- Largest group accommodation option
Sourwood Cabin
- 20 beds in 2 rooms
- Private bathrooms with 1 shower, 2 sinks, and 2 toilets per room
- Adjoining porch for small group gatherings
- Heated for fall comfort
- Nestled in beautiful wooded area
Williams Cabin
- 24 beds in 2 rooms
- Private bathrooms with 2 showers, 2 sinks, and 2 toilets per room
- Handicap accessible
- Heated for fall comfort
- Excellent for youth groups
Oak Cabin
- 20 beds in 2 rooms
- Private bathrooms with 1 shower, 2 sinks, and 2 toilets per room
- Adjoining porch for small group gatherings
- Heated for fall comfort
- Beautiful fall views
Additional cabin options include Maple, Rhododendron, Birch, and Hickory, each offering similar amenities and capacity for approximately 20 participants.
For rustic enthusiasts, the Adventure Base offers a "glamping" experience with 64 beds across 4 adventure shelters, complemented by a nearby bath house.
Fall Programming Options at Camp Tekoa
Camp Tekoa offers a range of programming options that take advantage of the beautiful fall setting. Popular fall retreat activities include:
Adventure Elements
Big Zip
- Fast, double zip-line beginning 45 feet in the air
- Stunning fall foliage views
- Vertical Playground obstacle course
- 250+ foot zip across the property
High Ropes Course
- 35-foot course with multiple challenging elements
- Pirate's crossing, plank walk, Charlie Chaplin elements
- Culminates with the thrilling 70-foot giant swing
- Builds confidence and team trust
Lake Zipline
- Zip across the beautiful 3-acre lake
- Stunning fall reflections on water
- One of the most popular activities
Low Elements Challenge Course
- Team-based problem solving activities
- Includes Low Ropes, PJ and J Log, Dinosaur Feet
- Whale Watch, Swing, Labyrinth, The Maze
- Spider Web, Lilly Pads, and 3 Islands
- Professional facilitation available
Fall-Specific Activities
Fall Hiking
- Several on-site trails of varying difficulty
- Outer campsite loop, lakeside stroll, challenging Eagle trail
- Meditation trail for reflective walking
- Peak fall foliage typically mid-October to early November
Campfire Experiences
- Large campfire circle overlooking the lake
- Seats up to 250 participants
- Perfect for evening worship, testimonies, or s'mores
- Particularly magical surrounded by fall colors
Fall Lake Activities
- 3-acre spring-fed lake
- Canoes and paddle boats available
- Perfect for reflective time during fall
- Often mist-covered in fall mornings
Outdoor Recreation
- Professional 18-hole disc golf course
- Basketball court
- Large activity field
- All set amid beautiful fall foliage
Planning Your Fall Retreat Curriculum
While Camp Tekoa provides the perfect setting and facilities, the heart of your retreat is the curriculum and schedule you design. For fall, consider these thematic approaches that work particularly well in the autumn season:
Youth Retreat Themes for Fall
- "Rooted & Growing" - Use fall's changing leaves as a metaphor for spiritual seasons and deep-rooted faith
- "Harvest" - Focus on recognizing and celebrating spiritual fruits in participants' lives
- "New Perspective" - Leverage the mountain viewpoints to discuss seeing life and faith from God's perspective
- "Letting Go" - Use falling leaves as a metaphor for releasing past hurts, doubts, or fears
Adult/Church Leadership Retreat Themes for Fall
- "Seasons of Leadership" - Explore leadership challenges through the lens of seasonal change
- "Vision Summit" - Utilize mountain views for strategic planning and future-focused discussions
- "Rest & Renewal" - Create space for leaders to experience personal renewal before winter ministry seasons
- "Cultivating Community" - Focus on building authentic relationships within leadership teams
- "Beauty in Change" - Explore personal transformation through fall's visual metaphors
- "Gathering Grace" - Focus on harvesting God's grace in different life seasons
- "Mountain Perspectives" - Use elevation changes to discuss seeing challenges from new viewpoints
- "Authentic Connection" - Create space for genuine relationships in a breathtaking natural setting
Corporate Retreat Themes for Fall
- "Peak Performance" - Use mountain imagery to discuss reaching new heights as a team
- "Navigating Change" - Leverage seasonal transitions to discuss organizational adaptation
- "Clear Vision" - Utilize mountain vistas to discuss strategic planning and future direction
- "Team Elevation" - Focus on taking your team to the next level through intentional development
Nearby Attractions to Enhance Your Fall Retreat
One of Camp Tekoa's greatest advantages is its proximity to world-class attractions that can enhance your retreat experience. Consider incorporating these nearby destinations into your fall retreat plan:
- Visit a Local Apple Orchard (varies) - Henderson County boasts a number of pick your own orchards with a variety of additional activities, including Jeter Mountain Farm, Stepp Family Farm, and Sky Top Orchard
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (10 minutes) - Pet goats, hike beautiful trails, and see where famed poet Carl Sandburg spent his later years
- Jump Off Rock (15 minutes) - stunning overlook with exceptional sunset views
- Holmes Educational State Forest (10 minutes) - interactive exhibits and family friendly hiking trails
- Downtown Hendersonville (10 minutes) - Charming Main Street with local shops, restaurants, and seasonal events, as well as an excellent children’s museum
- Brevard (25 minutes) - local shops, restaurants, and seasonal events, with close proximity to Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway; great place to rent adventure equipment or take a tour
- Village of Flat Rock (10 minutes) - fun and quirky dining and shopping
- Biltmore Estate (30 minutes) - America's largest home surrounded by spectacular gardens with stunning fall colors
- Blue Ridge Parkway (45 minutes) - America's favorite scenic drive, especially beautiful during peak fall foliage
- Dupont State Forest (15 minutes) - Features stunning waterfalls and hiking trails through colorful hardwood forests
- Asheville, North Carolina (45 minutes) - Vibrant city with unique arts, culture, and dining options
- Pisgah National Forest (30 minutes) - Over 500,000 acres of forest with spectacular fall colors and recreation opportunities
- Chimney Rock (45 minutes) - Iconic rock formation offering panoramic views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge
Testimonials from Fall Retreat Leaders
"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
"Tekoa has such a fun and unique way of connecting us with one another, with God, and with God's glorious creation." - Kelly Connelly, Youth Pastor, Belmont, NC
"The reason as a youth pastor that I visit Tekoa is because it is a beautiful picture of what we should strive for our groups to be." - Will Busch, Youth Pastor, Winston-Salem, NC
"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
FAQs About Fall Retreats at Camp Tekoa
When is peak fall foliage season in Hendersonville, NC?
Typically, the most vibrant fall colors occur from mid-October through early November in the Hendersonville area, with higher elevations changing first and lower elevations following. However, beautiful fall conditions generally extend from late September through mid-November.
What makes fall an ideal retreat season?
Fall offers comfortable temperatures, stunning natural beauty, fewer insects than summer, and a natural atmosphere of transformation that complements retreat themes. Many groups also find fall to be a strategic time before holiday season busyness.
How far in advance should we book our fall retreat?
For fall weekend dates, especially in October, booking 12-14 months in advance is strongly recommended. Weekday retreats can sometimes be secured closer in advance, depending on availability.
What is the minimum group size for a retreat at Camp Tekoa?
Camp Tekoa can accommodate groups ranging from 20-300 people, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and large events.
Are meals provided or do we need to handle our own food service?
Camp Tekoa offers a full-service dining hall that seats 185 people, with food service available for groups of 25-200. There is limited capacity for groups under 25 people to cook for themselves in Laurel Lodge or Thrushwood Lodge.
Can we incorporate nearby attractions into our retreat schedule?
Absolutely! Many groups build in time to visit nearby attractions like the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, or downtown Hendersonville. The Camp Tekoa staff can help you plan appropriate timing for off-site excursions.
How to Book Your Fall Retreat at Camp Tekoa
Ready to secure your dates for a transformative fall retreat experience? Follow these steps:
- Contact Camp Tekoa's retreat coordinator at (828) 692-6516 or through our online form
- Discuss available dates for fall 2025 (September-November)
- Determine your group size and accommodation needs
- Review program options and custom activity possibilities
- Place your deposit to secure your preferred dates
- Begin your pre-retreat planning with Camp Tekoa's expert guidance
Don't wait—while the most desirable fall dates will begin booking 12-14 months in advance, we do still have last-minute availability. Secure your group's mountain experience today!