Orange Springs Retreat Center has been recognized as a Top Choice on Retreat Discover’s “Best Florida Retreat Centers 2026” list. The publication features Orange Springs among its recommended Florida retreat destinations and showcases our property in the guide’s main image.
Located on 100+ private acres bordering the Ocala National Forest, Orange Springs offers something increasingly valuable for schools, churches, youth groups, and adult camps: exclusive use of an entire retreat campus for groups of 60–200+ guests. From lakeside activities and climate-controlled cabins to chef-prepared meals and dedicated meeting spaces, the experience is designed around one group at a time.
Orange Springs Retreat Center — Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
| Venue | Orange Springs Retreat Center |
| Location | 168 Camp Shalom Trail, Orange Springs, FL 32182 (Putnam County), bordering Ocala National Forest |
| Recognition | Top Choice — Retreat Discover’s Best Florida Retreat Centers 2026 |
| Retreat Model | 100% exclusive use — one organized group on campus at a time |
| Capacity | 60–200+ guests; 200+ beds in climate-controlled cabins |
| Property | 100+ private acres with spring-fed lake and white-sand beach |
| History | Founded as Camp Shalom in 1971 by Shelley and David “Big D” Sokol; converted into a year-round exclusive-use retreat center by Mike Sokol in 2002 |
| Groups Served | College, High school retreats and class trips, church, youth groups, adult camps, university programs including corporate and organizational retreats |
| Key Amenities | Lake and beach, high/low ropes course, gym, pool, sports fields, dining hall, meeting spaces, archery, climbing and lake activities |
| Meals | Chef-prepared group meals on site |
| Booking | now reserving Fall 2027 through Summer 2028 |
| Affiliation | Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) member |
More About the Orange Springs Retreat Center
Our profile on the list presents Orange Springs as a private, exclusive-use retreat venue on more than 100 acres bordering Ocala National Forest, focused on large private group retreats — including high school leadership weekends, youth group retreats, church retreats, and adult camps — for groups of 60 to 200+ guests. When an organization books Orange Springs, it receives the entire campus for the duration of its stay.
That exclusive-use model is central to how Orange Springs operates. Only one organized group occupies the campus at a time. Climate-controlled lodging, the dining hall, meeting spaces, spring-fed lake and beach, sports facilities, and recreation areas are reserved for that group alone. There is no second organization sharing the lake, competing for dining hall space, or requiring adjustments to the group’s schedule.
Orange Springs has operated as an exclusive-use retreat center since 2002, building on the property’s history as Camp Shalom, founded in 1971. Longstanding retreat partners include multi-year high school class retreats, church youth groups, camp programs like Kukenam and the University of Florida Honors Program’s annual H-Camp. Having completed its fifth consecutive stay in August 2026, Kukenam and UF H-Camp have both already reserved their sixth consecutive retreats for 2027.
Availability:
Due to strong demand from returning groups, Orange Springs’ 2026 calendar through summer 2027 is fully booked, with an active waitlist for cancellations. New reservations are currently Fall 2027 through Summer 2028, including school retreats, church gatherings, adult camps, and other private group programs.
All-inclusive retreat packages include climate-controlled lodging, chef-prepared meals on site, meeting space, standard campus recreation, and full exclusive use of the property. For September 2027 through April 2028, 2-night/3-day packages start at $205 per person for groups of 100 or more, or $255 per person for groups of 60–99. Longer stays and summer 2028 packages are also available. Applicable taxes and optional facilitated activities are additional. Check Rates & Availability.
Retreat Discover’s recognition reinforces the qualities that returning group organizers value about Orange Springs Retreat Center: privacy, flexibility, and the convenience of having an entire retreat campus reserved for one organization. For schools, churches, adult camps, university programs, and other groups of 60–200+ seeking a private retreat setting in Florida, Orange Springs offers a complete campus designed around their program. See also private group retreats.
Planning Your Next Private Group Retreat?
Experience the peace of mind that comes with complete campus privacy.
Orange Springs Retreat Center is now accepting reservations for Fall 2027 through Summer 2028. Popular dates may fill well in advance. Next available dates currently begin September 2027.
Call: (561) 221-7773
Explore: Check Rates & Availability
Located just south of Gainesville, Florida, Orange Springs Retreat Center offers Group Retreat Rentals, Fall & Spring School/Church Camp venue, Adult Camp, 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.
