At Orange Springs Retreat Center, group leaders often tell us the same thing after their stay: “This felt completely different from any other retreat we’ve done.”
That difference comes down to one clear principle: true exclusive use.
When your church, school, youth ministry, corporate team, or private organization books Orange Springs, your group is the only group on our 100+ acre private lakefront campus. No shared dining halls. No competing schedules. No outside guests. No public interruptions. Just your people, your program, and the freedom to create the experience you envisioned.
This is what we mean when we say our retreats are one of a kind.
Why Exclusive-Use Creates Better Outcomes
Most Florida retreat venues and camps operate on a shared model where multiple groups rotate through the same facilities. That setup can introduce noise, scheduling conflicts, and constant small distractions that quietly erode focus and connection.
At Orange Springs we removed those variables. Since converting the former Camp Shalom property into a year-round exclusive-use retreat center in 2002, we have hosted only one organized group at a time. Groups of 60 to 200+ guests receive the entire campus — lodging, dining hall, meeting spaces, spring-fed lake, sports fields, ropes course, and open grounds — for the full duration of their stay.
Leaders consistently report deeper conversations, higher engagement, stronger bonding, and programs that stay on schedule because nothing competes for attention or space. Learn more about why exclusive-use retreat venues create better group outcomes.
We Support Your Program — You Stay in Control
Most groups that come to Orange Springs handle their own programming and schedule. Others appreciate extra support, especially if they are newer to large-group retreat planning. We are happy to help either way.
Our all-inclusive, flat per-person rate covers:
• Comfortable climate-controlled lodging
• Three chef-prepared meals daily (fully customizable for dietary needs)
• Exclusive use of the entire property and all amenities
• Access to canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, lake inflatables, sports equipment, and campfire areas — see our full list of available activities
• Flexible meeting and gathering spaces with AV capability
Optional add-ons such as facilitated high and low ropes course elements can be arranged when desired. We also provide sample menus, suggested daily frameworks, and practical logistics guidance so your leadership team can focus on the people rather than
the details.
Planning for 2027
Our 2026 calendar is fully booked and we are currently maintaining a waitlist for any cancellations. The strongest remaining availability for winter, spring, and fall is now shifting into 2027.
Groups that value privacy, flexibility, and a truly distraction-free environment are locking in dates 9–12 months in advance. If you are beginning to plan a 2027 church retreat, high school leadership weekend, youth camp, corporate offsite, or private organization gathering, now is the ideal window to explore options.
For a complete step-by-step planning resource, see our guide: How to Host Your Own Retreat in Florida (2027 Edition). You may also find our budget and fundraising tips for youth and church groups and winter/spring off-season benefits helpful.
Experience the Difference
If your group values an environment designed entirely around your program rather than someone else’s schedule, we invite you to experience what true exclusive use feels like. Explore our main group retreat venue page for more details.
One group at a time. Always.
No shared spaces. No outside guests.
Continue planning your 2027 retreat with these helpful guides:
- What Is Included When Renting a Summer Camp?
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Summer Camp in Florida?
- Can You Rent a Summer Camp for a Weekend?
- About Orange Springs Retreat Center
- Florida High School Retreats
- Florida Church Retreats
- Florida Youth Retreats
- Rent a Summer Camp in Florida
- Orange Springs Retreat Center Home
“Written by Mike Sokol, Owner of Orange Springs Retreat Center since 2002. With over 20 years of experience hosting youth camps and group retreats, Mike shares insights to help camp directors find the right venue.”
📞 561-221-7773
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.
Website: orangespringsretreat.com
Let’s build something meaningful together.
