Where Private Retreats Create Lasting Connections
Orange Springs Retreat Center is a family-owned, exclusive-use retreat venue in Florida where schools, churches, youth groups, corporations, and organizations create lasting connections through private, distraction-free experiences.
Situated on more than 100 beautiful acres in Central Florida, bordering the Ocala National Forest and a pristine spring-fed lake, our campus provides a peaceful setting where relationships grow stronger, leaders are developed, and lasting memories are created.
Unlike hotels and conference centers where multiple groups share facilities, your organization enjoys exclusive use of the entire property from arrival until departure. Every cabin, meeting space, dining hall, waterfront activity, sports field, and gathering space is reserved exclusively for your group, creating the focused, distraction-free environment needed for team building, worship, leadership development, fellowship, and meaningful connection.
Our Mission & Vision
“To provide private, exclusive-use retreat experiences where organizations, schools, churches, and youth groups can gather without distraction, connect deeply, and grow together in a focused group environment.”
Orange Springs by the Numbers
Since 1971, we’ve welcomed thousands of guests from churches, schools, camps, corporations, and organizations across Florida and beyond.
100+ private acres bordering the Ocala National Forest
1971 — Camp Shalom was founded, beginning our family’s tradition of welcoming groups to this property
2002 — Orange Springs Retreat Center opened as a year-round, exclusive-use retreat venue
60–200+ guests — Ideal capacity for retreats, camps, and private group events
200+ beds in comfortable, climate-controlled lodging
1 private group on campus at a time — always
Our Story: From Summer Camp to Private Retreat Venue
The story of Orange Springs Retreat Center began decades before it became the exclusive-use retreat venue it is today. Read the full story on our blog.
In 1971, Shelley and David “Big D” Sokol founded Camp Shalom, a beloved Florida summer camp that welcomed thousands of children over more than four decades, creating lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a legacy of hospitality that continues today.
As the needs of group organizations evolved, so did the property.
In 2002, their son, Mike Sokol, reimagined the family camp as Orange Springs Retreat Center—an exclusive-use retreat venue designed specifically for schools, churches, youth organizations, camps, corporations, and private groups.
The property was thoughtfully transformed with upgraded accommodations, an enhanced waterfront, and the addition of a high-element ropes course with zip lines—all while preserving the peaceful character and natural beauty that have always defined Orange Springs.
In 2007, The New York Times featured the property in the article “For Sleep-Away Camps, More Endless Summers,” recognizing how we set the trend for traditional camps like ours to successfully adapt and serve private groups year-round.
While much has changed over the years, one thing has remained constant: every group that comes to Orange Springs has the property entirely to themselves. Today, exclusive use continues to define the Orange Springs experience, giving every school, church, camp, and organization the privacy and freedom to focus on what matters most.
Orange Springs Retreat Center remains proudly family-owned and operated under Mike Sokol’s leadership, continuing a legacy of hospitality that began more than five decades ago.
More than fifty years after Camp Shalom first welcomed campers, our purpose remains remarkably consistent: providing a welcoming place where people step away from everyday distractions, build relationships, develop leaders, strengthen faith, and create experiences that leave a lasting impact.
What Makes Orange Springs Retreat Center Different
Exclusive Use—Always
No shared facilities. No outside guests. No distractions. Your organization enjoys exclusive access to the entire campus throughout your stay, creating a private environment where your group can focus entirely on its own retreat experience.
A Naturally Inspiring Setting
Towering oaks, gentle rolling hills, open fields, and a pristine spring-fed lake with a white sandy beach create an environment that naturally encourages reflection, conversation, recreation, and meaningful connection.
Everything You Need in One Place
Comfortable lodging, chef-prepared meals, flexible meeting and worship spaces, a spring-fed lake with a white sandy beach, waterfront recreation, ropes courses, sports fields, archery, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, evening campfires, and team-building opportunities are all conveniently located on one private campus.
Hospitality You Can Trust
Owner Mike Sokol, who grew up on this property and is a University of Florida alumnus, and our dedicated on-site team have welcomed thousands of guests over the years. From your first phone call through your final departure, we treat every group like family and every retreat as if it were our own.
Why Groups Return Year After Year
Many of our church groups, schools, camps, and organizations return year after year because they know exactly what to expect: a truly private campus, attentive staff, quality meals, comfortable accommodations, and a retreat experience built entirely around their group.
The greatest measure of our success isn’t the number of groups we’ve hosted—it’s the number that choose to come back.
Who We Welcome
Orange Springs Retreat Center is purpose-built for organizations seeking privacy, flexibility, and meaningful shared experiences.
We regularly host:
- Church retreats and youth ministry weekends
- High school leadership retreats
- Winter camps and seasonal camp programs
- Corporate retreats, leadership retreats, and team-building events
- University organizations and alumni groups
- Men’s and women’s retreats
- Wellness retreats
- Sororities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Private group retreats
Whether your goal is leadership development, team building, education, or simply spending meaningful time together, our campus provides the setting, facilities, and support to help your retreat succeed.
Conveniently Located in Central Florida
Our secluded setting offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat environment that feels far removed from everyday distractions while remaining conveniently accessible from across Florida and the Southeast.
Approximate driving times include:
- 35 minutes from Ocala
- 40 minutes from Gainesville and Gainesville Regional Airport
- 1½ hours from Orlando
- 1½ hours from Jacksonville International Airport
- 2 hours from Tampa
- 4 hours from South Florida
Meet the People Behind Orange Springs
Orange Springs Retreat Center is more than a retreat venue—it’s a family business built on hospitality.
Owner Mike Sokol and our dedicated on-site team—including Chef Kevin, Property Caretaker Ken Davis, and Barbara Carsey—work together to ensure every retreat runs smoothly from arrival through departure. Whether preparing customized meals, maintaining the grounds, coordinating logistics, or offering a helping hand, we’re committed to making every guest feel welcome.
Ready to Plan Your Retreat?
Whether you’re organizing a church retreat, youth group weekend, high school leadership retreat, winter camp, corporate offsite, or private organizational event, we’d be honored to help make your retreat a success.
Contact us today to check availability, schedule a personal tour, or request a customized proposal. We look forward to welcoming your group to Orange Springs Retreat Center and becoming a small part of your story.
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.
Orange Springs Retreat Center | Florida’s Exclusive-Use Retreat Venue for Private Groups, Schools & Churches (60–200 Guests)
What separates us from other retreat venues is true exclusivity: “One Group At a Time Always- No Shared Spaces, No Outside Guests”