Bear Creek Camp

For Iowans seeking a profound escape that nourishes both the spirit and the soul, Bear Creek Camp in Boone offers a truly unique and transformative experience. More than just a traditional campground, Bear Creek Camp is a Christian camp and conference center dedicated to providing a place of sanctuary and inspiration amidst the beautiful Iowa landscape. Here, you're invited to unplug from the constant demands of technology and reconnect with nature, yourself, and your faith in a supportive and welcoming community. It’s a place where adventure intertwines with spiritual growth, creating memories that resonate long after you leave.

Bear Creek Camp stands out for its commitment to fostering genuine connections and personal development. As highlighted by numerous visitors, the staff here are exceptionally welcoming and dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone who steps through the gates. Whether you're deeply rooted in your faith or simply curious to learn more about God, the camp provides an open and non-judgmental space for exploration and reflection. This focus on authenticity and spiritual growth, combined with abundant outdoor activities, ensures a rich and fulfilling experience for all ages.

Originally founded in 1960 by Presbyterian Churches, Bear Creek Camp has a long history of nurturing faith and extending Christian education beyond the traditional church setting. Today, it continues this legacy, offering a diverse range of programs from vibrant summer camps for youth to impactful retreats for adults and families. Situated as a sanctuary of forest amidst Iowa’s farmland, the camp reminds visitors daily of the inspiring beauty of God’s creation. It’s a home away from home where towering trees, chirping birds, and serene natural settings play a pivotal role in personal and spiritual development, inviting you to live fully in the moment.

Bear Creek Camp is conveniently located at 1598 Magnolia Rd, Boone, IA 50036, USA. This address places it in east-central Iowa, nestled within a picturesque forested area that provides a significant contrast to the surrounding farmlands. While it offers a secluded and peaceful environment perfect for unplugging, its proximity to Boone means that essential services and additional attractions are within a reasonable driving distance. The camp's location allows for a true immersion in nature, while still being accessible enough for visitors from across Iowa.

For Iowa locals, the accessibility of Bear Creek Camp is a major advantage. It's a manageable drive from many of Iowa’s larger cities, including Des Moines, Ames, and even Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, making it an ideal destination for weekend retreats, summer camps, or family gatherings. The journey to the camp provides a gradual transition from urban or agricultural landscapes into a tranquil woodland setting, setting the tone for a relaxing and reflective experience. Its natural seclusion, often noted for having "quiet, no cell service," makes it a perfect place for Iowans to genuinely disconnect from digital distractions and embrace the present moment in the heart of their home state.

Bear Creek Camp offers a comprehensive range of programs and facilities, catering to diverse groups from youth to adults and families. Their services are designed to facilitate spiritual growth, outdoor adventure, and community building.

• Summer Camp Programs: A wide array of themed summer camp sessions for various age groups (e.g., Explorer, Sports, Music/Arts/Drama, Water Adventures, Thrill Seekers, Night Owls, Wilderness Survival, Habitat Explorers, Fishing Frenzy).
• Youth Retreats: Dedicated programs and facilities for youth groups, fostering growth and connection.
• Adult & Family Retreats: Accommodations and programming support for adult groups, family gatherings, and reunions.
• Overnight Camping & Day Camp Options: Offers both overnight stays for longer programs and Nature Day Camps (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm) for younger campers.
• Extensive Lodging Facilities: Includes 8 bunk-style cabins per program site (sleeping up to 10 with electricity and heat), 6 Retreat Center cabins (sleeping up to 12 with private restrooms/showers), and a Retreat House (up to 14 guests with full kitchen/meeting space).
• Dining Hall: A central Dining Hall with flexible meeting spaces, providing family-style meals and accommodating various dietary needs.
• Commercial Kitchen: Fully equipped commercial kitchens in the Lodge and Retreat House for group use or catered meals.
• Outdoor Worship & Reflection Spaces: Sanctuary overlooking Bear Creek with seating for up to 150 guests, and a Bonfire Circle for large gatherings.
• Recreational Activities: Access to a 5-acre stream-fed lake for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing (with certified lifeguards for swimming).
• Ropes Courses & Climbing Wall: High ropes course (14 elements, zipline), low ropes course (12 team-building elements), and two rock walls within the pavilion (trained staff required).
• Game Room: A Rec Room in the Dining Hall's lower level with carpetball, ping pong, air hockey, and foosball tables.
• Programming Support: Assistance with program development and activities for guest groups.
• Camperships (Financial Aid): Provides financial assistance for Nature Day Camp weeks to ensure accessibility.
• No Pets Allowed: Except for service animals, pets are generally not permitted in the camp.
• No Cell Service (Generally): Campers can expect limited to no cell service, encouraging a true unplugged experience.

Bear Creek Camp distinguishes itself with a unique blend of spiritual focus and outdoor adventure, offering several compelling features and highlights that make it a cherished destination for many Iowans.

• Faith-Based Immersion: At its core, the camp is dedicated to providing a formative faith experience. It offers a welcoming environment for all, regardless of their prior religious background, to learn about God, grow in faith, and be authentic in a judgment-free setting.
• Opportunity to Unplug: A notable highlight is the generally quiet environment with limited to no cell service. This creates a rare opportunity for campers, especially children, to truly disconnect from digital distractions and engage fully with their surroundings and fellow campers.
• Variety of Programs for All Ages: From extensive summer camps for various youth age groups (grades 1-12 and high school graduates) to adult and family retreats, there's a program designed to meet diverse needs and interests, ensuring a tailored experience.
• Authentic Connection with Nature: Situated on 3,000 acres of forested land with bluffs, caves, and a stream-fed lake, the camp encourages deep engagement with God's creation through hiking, exploration, and outdoor activities like swimming and boating.
• Professional and Welcoming Staff: Reviews consistently praise the "amazing," "welcoming," "friendly," and "energetic" staff who are committed to creating a positive and supportive atmosphere where campers feel safe and valued.
• Challenge and Growth Activities: Features like high and low ropes courses and a climbing wall provide opportunities for physical, mental, and social challenges, fostering personal growth and team building under the guidance of trained staff.
• Versatile Facilities: The blend of rustic yet comfortable facilities, including cabins with electricity and heat, a commercial kitchen, and various meeting spaces, caters to a wide range of group sizes and retreat needs.
• Community and Relationships: The camp actively fosters a sense of community, with shared meals, group activities, and a focus on building meaningful relationships among campers and staff.

For inquiries about programs, reservations, or general information regarding Bear Creek Camp, please use the contact details provided below. Their welcoming staff are ready to assist you in planning your visit and ensuring a meaningful experience.

Address: 1598 Magnolia Rd, Boone, IA 50036, USA

Phone: (515) 275-4888

Mobile Phone: +1 515-275-4888

We recommend visiting their official website for the most up-to-date program schedules, registration details, and further insights into their mission and values. You can also reach out via phone for personalized assistance.

Bear Creek Camp is an ideal destination for Iowa locals seeking more than just a typical camping trip; it’s an opportunity for holistic growth and genuine connection. For Iowa families, youth, and adults, its conveniently accessible location in Boone provides a sanctuary from the daily grind, allowing for easy weekend or week-long retreats. The unique blend of outdoor adventure activities—from ropes courses to lake exploration—combined with a strong emphasis on faith and personal development, offers a truly enriching experience that is hard to find elsewhere in the state.

For Iowans wanting to truly unplug, the limited cell service acts as a beneficial feature, encouraging genuine interaction and immersion in nature. The consistently praised welcoming and non-judgmental staff create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels accepted and encouraged to grow. Whether it's for a child's transformative summer camp experience, a family seeking to reconnect, or an adult group looking for an inspiring retreat, Bear Creek Camp offers a valuable local resource for fostering faith, building community, and creating cherished memories right here in Iowa.

Bear Creek Camp

1598 Magnolia Rd, Boone, IA 50036, USA