Orange Springs Retreat
A private campus built for gathering
A whole campus can make a group retreat feel markedly different: at Orange Springs, your church, school, youth group, or organization has the grounds to itself, without shared spaces or the usual distractions. The center spans more than 100 acres beside Ocala National Forest, with air-conditioned cabins, meeting rooms, a gym, sports fields, and trails for time outdoors. Groups can gather around the spring-fed lake, use the beach and pool, or add activities such as kayaking, tennis, and a ropes course. Meals are prepared for each group and can be customized, including for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free diets. The setting is designed for groups rather than individual meditation travelers, and the retreat’s practice or program depends on the group that books it. The center runs by donation; ask about arrangements and availability when planning a visit.
Highlights
- Exclusive use of the campus, with no shared spaces
- A spring-fed lake with beach, pool, and kayaking
- Customizable chef-prepared meals, including dietary options
- Ropes course, tennis courts, sports fields, and wooded trails
Good for
Setting
More than 100 acres border Ocala National Forest, creating room for group gatherings, outdoor activities, and quiet walks. The private-use campus includes a spring-fed lake with a beach, a pool, sports fields, tennis courts, trails, and a campfire area.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat, so confirm it with the center. Groups can organize their own sessions and gatherings in the meeting spaces, with meals prepared for the group and outdoor activities available around the campus.
Accommodation
Air-conditioned cabins accommodate group stays, with the campus suited to gatherings of roughly 60 to 200 guests. Ask the center about cabin arrangements for your group.
What to bring
Pack comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for trails and outdoor activities, along with swimwear if you plan to use the lake or pool. The annual average temperature is 16.5°C; summers are warm, while January through March are among the cooler months, so bring layers and a rain jacket, especially for visits in wetter months such as November, December, or February.
How to get there
The center is at 168 Shalom Camp Trail in Hawthorne, between Jacksonville and Orlando. Groups commonly travel by charter bus; ask the center about arranging an airport shuttle from Jacksonville or Orlando.
Nearest airport: Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR) (1 km)
Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport is approximately 1 km from the center. Ask the center about local transfer options; group shuttles may also be arranged from Jacksonville or Orlando airports.
Nearest city: Hawthorne
The center runs by donation. Ask about the arrangement for your group when checking dates.
Climate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Aug, Jul, May
Avoid: Nov, Dec, Feb
The annual average temperature is 16.5°C, with the warmest months from July through September and cooler conditions in January, February, and March. November, December, and February are among the wetter months, while May, July, and August are drier.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical day at Orange Springs Retreat look like?
The schedule depends on the group and its program. Ask the center or your group organizer for the daily plan.
Can beginners attend a meditation or retreat program here?
The center hosts private group retreats, but no specific meditation program or experience requirement is listed. Check with the group organizer about the program they are planning.
Can the meals accommodate dietary needs?
Meals can be customized, with vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options listed. Share dietary needs with the group organizer in advance.
How do groups reserve the campus and arrange arrival?
Contact the center directly to ask about dates and group arrangements. Airport shuttles may be arranged for groups traveling via Jacksonville or Orlando, while larger groups often travel by charter bus.
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