If you’re organizing a group retreat in Florida, summer isn’t always the smartest choice. Many of the most cost-effective and productive retreats actually happen between September and April. Here are the actual rates along with the benefits of our Florida retreat venue.
One of the advantages of Florida retreat centers is year-round usability. Central Florida enjoys mild weather throughout much of the year, making September through April an excellent time for retreats. This period also offers lower seasonal pricing and a lower minimum attendee requirement.
At Orange Springs Retreat Center, we’ve seen hundreds of groups take advantage of the off-season, and the benefits are clear — especially for churches, youth groups, high schools, corporate teams, and leadership retreats.
Here’s why more organizations are choosing the cooler months:
1. Lower Pricing + Lower Minimums
One of the biggest advantages is cost. Our off-season rates (September–April) are lower than summer, and the minimum group size drops to just 60+ attendees.
Here’s what off-season per-person pricing looks like with meals included:
September Through April Per-Person Rates by Group Size
| Length of Stay | 60+ Guests | 100+ Guests |
| 2 Night / 3 Day | $255 | $205 |
| 3 Night / 4 Day | $315 | $255 |
| 4 Night / 5 Day | $375 | $315 |
| 5 Night / 6 Day | $435 | $375 |
| 6 Night / 7 Day | $485 | $425 |
All rates include exclusive use of the full 100+ acre property, lodging, meals, and standard recreational activities. Ropes course facilitation is available as an add-on.
2. More Comfortable Weather
Central Florida’s off-season is actually peak comfort season for most groups.
• Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low 80s
• Much lower humidity than summer
• Fewer afternoon thunderstorms
• Ideal conditions for both indoor programming and outdoor activities
Many groups report higher engagement because participants aren’t battling extreme summer heat.
3. Better Availability and Scheduling Flexibility
Summer is our busiest season. During September–April you’ll generally have:
• A better chance for open dates than Summer
• Easier mid-week options
• Greater ability to secure your preferred weekends
This flexibility is especially helpful for church calendars, school groups, and corporate planning retreats.
4. A More Focused Group Experience
With fewer crowds and generally calmer energy, off-season retreats often feel more intentional. Organizations frequently use this window for leadership development, spiritual formation, strategic planning, and team building.
Who Benefits Most from Off-Season Retreats?
• Churches & Youth Groups — Lower costs and comfortable weather for both indoor and outdoor programming
• High School Leadership Retreats — More scheduling flexibility around school calendars
• Corporate & Organizational Teams — Better rates and a focused environment for planning
• Wellness, Men’s, or Women’s Groups — Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and reflection
Ready to Plan Your Off-Season Retreat?
Ready to Plan Your Off-Season Retreat?
We’ve made our September–April pricing clear and straightforward. You can view the full off-season as well as Summer rates and details on our Pricing & Details page.
Contact Orange Springs Retreat Center today to discuss your retreat goals and check 2027 availability. Call 561-221-7773 or visit orangespringsretreat.com to start planning your group’s unforgettable adult summer camp experience.
Orange Springs Retreat Center | Florida’s Exclusive-Use Retreat Venue for Private Groups, Schools & Churches (60–200 Guests)
Value Comparison Table
Renting a Private Exclusive-Use Summer Camp vs. Alternative Options for Your Florida Group Retreat
To help you evaluate the best fit for your group, here’s a side-by-side comparison for a typical group of 100 people planning a 3-night / 4-day summer retreat in Florida.
Costs shown for Orange Springs are based on our current 2027 summer pricing (all-inclusive with meals). Alternative costs are realistic estimates and can vary widely depending on dates, specific vendors, and group needs. The biggest differences usually show up in hassle, privacy, and the overall group experience.
Comparison for 100-Person Group, 3-Night / 4-Day Summer Retreat
| Aspect | Orange Springs Private Camp Rental (Exclusive Full Property) | Booking Hotels + Separate Venue + Catering + External Activities | Typical Resort or Shared Camp Rental |
| Total Estimated Cost (100 people, 3-night/4-day summer) | ~$26,500 total (~$265 per person) All-inclusive: lodging, meals, facility use, and standard recreational activities with exclusive use of the entire property. | Often $38,000 – $60,000+ total (highly variable) Hotel room blocks + meeting space rental + catering for all meals + activity vendors + transportation between locations. Significant staff time required. | $28,000 – $55,000+ total (varies widely) Depends on resort level and whether facilities are truly private or shared with other groups. Many options have minimums or additional fees. |
| Hassle / Planning Time | Low One point of contact. All-inclusive package. Your group has the entire property to itself. | High Multiple contracts, vendors, and logistics to manage (hotels, caterers, activity providers, AV, transportation). | Medium to High Some packages exist, but you often still coordinate details and may share spaces or schedules with other groups. |
| Privacy & Exclusivity | Excellent Full exclusive use of the entire 100+ acre property. No other groups on site. Complete privacy and control. | Low to Medium Public hotels and venues mean shared spaces, other guests, and less control over the environment. | Low to Medium Many “private” options are only partially exclusive or shared with other groups on the property. |
| Customization (schedule, meals, activities) | Very High Full control over your program, meal choices (including dietary needs), and daily schedule. Activities can be tailored. | Medium Possible but requires coordinating multiple vendors. Changes often involve extra cost and complexity. | Medium Some flexibility, but usually more limited by shared facilities, set menus, or other groups on property. |
| Activities & Facilities Included | High Private spring-fed lake with white-sand beach, canoes/kayaks/paddle boards, tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, sports fields, meeting spaces, and more — all exclusively for your group. | Low to Medium Usually requires booking separate activity providers. Transportation between locations often needed. | Medium Many activities available, but often shared with other guests or limited by resort schedules and capacity. |
| Food Quality / Control & Group Dining | High Customizable group meals served in a dedicated dining hall. One kitchen, consistent quality, and the ability to eat together as a group. | Variable Depends on caterer. Often more expensive per meal and logistically harder to have the whole group eat together comfortably. | Variable Resort or camp dining can be good, but quality and group cohesion vary. Shared dining spaces are common. |
| Atmosphere & Setting | Excellent Pristine spring-fed lake with white-sand beach, 100+ acres of natural beauty bordering the Ocala National Forest. Peaceful, distraction-free environment designed for groups. | Variable Depends on the specific hotels and venues chosen. Often urban or standard resort settings with less natural immersion. | Variable Some resorts have nice settings, but many lack a true private lakefront or large natural acreage feel. |
| Bonding / Group Dynamics Potential | Excellent Shared meals, activities, and downtime in a private setting naturally builds connection. No outside distractions. | Medium Possible, but fragmented locations and other hotel guests can dilute the group experience. | Medium Can work well, but shared spaces and other groups often reduce the sense of “this is our group’s time.” |
| Florida Summer Considerations | Well suited Air-conditioned buildings, flexible indoor/outdoor options, excellent water activities on the private lake. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but manageable with good planning. | Variable Depends on venues. Transportation between locations in summer heat/rain adds complexity. | Variable Many resorts handle summer well, but shared pools/lakes and schedules can be less ideal for focused group time. |
Notes & Disclaimer
• Orange Springs pricing reflects 2027 summer rates for groups of 100+ with meals included. Flat-rate options (no meals) are also available.
• Alternative cost ranges are estimates based on typical Florida group retreat planning and can vary significantly based on dates, group size, and specific requirements.
• Every group is different. We’re happy to provide a custom quote based on your exact dates, group size, and needs.
• Contact Mike Sokol at (561) 221-7773 or campshalomfl@gmail.com for a personlized proposal.
Orange Springs Retreat Center | Florida’s Exclusive-Use Retreat Venue for Private Groups, Schools & Churches (60–200 Guests)
Located just south of Gainesville, Florida, Orange Springs Retreat Center offers Group Retreat Rentals, Fall & Spring School/Church Camp venue, and an ideal Summer Camp Location. What separates us from other retreat venues is true exclusivity: “One Group At a Time Always- No Shared Spaces, No Outside Guests”
Check out how Orange Springs Retreat Center was featured in the New York Times.
