Blue Ridge lower parking area

Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of the North Georgia mountains, **Camp Mikell and Conference Center**—often referenced by its location at the Blue Ridge lower parking area—is far more than a simple campground. This expansive 468-acre rural campus, bordering the majestic Chattahoochee National Forest, serves as a sacred and welcoming retreat space for individuals, families, and organizations from across Georgia and the Southeast. Established in 1933 by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, Camp Mikell has evolved into a year-round ministry dedicated to providing a place apart from the chaotic world for playing, praying, hiking, and learning.

For decades, generations of Georgians have created cherished memories here, whether attending a transformative summer camp session, participating in a weekend church retreat, or engaging in hands-on environmental education. The facility successfully balances the tranquility of its natural setting—split by the peaceful Little Toccoa Creek—with the provision of modern, high-quality amenities. It is a place where faith, friendship, and adventure converge, fostering a strong sense of community and personal growth.

While the name "Blue Ridge lower parking area" may refer to an entry point or a specific section of the larger campus, the true value lies in the entirety of the **Mikell Camp and Conference Center**. The property is renowned for its beautiful natural setting, dedicated staff, and extensive facilities, which have earned it recognition as one of the top summer camps in Georgia. The overall ministry is focused on inclusion and hospitality, welcoming all people regardless of background to find rest, renewal, and connection in this beautiful Georgia mountain setting.

With recent infrastructure improvements, including enhanced roads, renovated bathrooms, and high-speed internet connectivity, Camp Mikell ensures a safe, comfortable, and well-connected experience for every visitor. It stands as a premier destination for those in Georgia looking for an authentic mountain retreat that caters to both spiritual and recreational needs.

Camp Mikell is strategically located in Stephens County, just five miles outside of the city of Toccoa, Georgia, making it a convenient mountain escape for the Atlanta metro area and other parts of the state. The address is 237 Camp Mikell Ct, Toccoa, GA 30577, USA.

The drive from Atlanta is approximately 90 minutes northeast, making it an accessible location for weekend retreats without requiring an excessively long travel time. The center has invested in significant infrastructure upgrades to improve access, including widening the main driveway to a two-way concrete road to prevent bottlenecks, particularly during high-traffic camp drop-off and pick-up times. Ample on-site parking is available for guests.

While the facility's extensive property includes forested hillsides and trails, the center strives to accommodate all visitors. The recent development projects, such as the new Retreat Village, incorporate ADA-accessible Premier Cabins and a Pavilion with new bathroom facilities, ensuring a high level of comfort and access for individuals with mobility impairments. Visitors are encouraged to inquire directly with the camp office regarding the accessibility features of specific lodging and meeting spaces.

As a year-round camp and conference center, the services provided by Camp Mikell are diverse, catering to youth, families, and large retreat groups.

• Lodging and Accommodations:
  • **Dorm-Style Cabins:** Six large dorm-style cabins, sleeping 26-30 guests each, primarily used for summer camp and youth retreats. These feature newly renovated bathrooms with private shower and toilet stalls.
  • **Retreat Village:** Motel-style rooms, each with two queen beds and a private bathroom, often overlooking the creek. This village also includes a dedicated conference center.
  • **Cottages and New Lodges:** Smaller, semi-private rooms and private rooms are available, offering a hotel-like experience with comfortable bedrooms and private bathrooms, some featuring beautiful views.
  • **Group Rentals:** Facilities are fully available for rental by parish retreats, conferences, school groups, weddings, and other large gatherings throughout the year, outside of summer camp sessions.
• Educational and Program Services:
  • **Summer Camp:** A wide variety of summer camp sessions for boys and girls aged 6 to 18, focusing on sports, water activities, arts, adventure, and environmental programs, all accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
  • **Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center:** Provides hands-on environmental education programs for school classes and church groups, leveraging the campus's natural setting.
  • **Allan Folk School:** A seasonal tradition offering a weekend of arts, crafts, and fellowship for adults.
• Food Service:
  • **Dining Hall:** Features meal services for campers and conference guests, accommodating groups with a commercial kitchen and seating capacity. An HVAC system has been targeted for an upgrade to enhance guest comfort.
• Technology:
  • **High-Speed Internet:** A major recent upgrade includes the installation of a dedicated fiber line, providing reliable, high-speed internet service across the campus for staff, guests, and students.

Camp Mikell's features are designed to enhance both the retreat experience and outdoor recreation, maximizing the use of its picturesque North Georgia mountain landscape.

• Recreational Amenities:
  • **Swimming Pool:** A popular feature for cool relief on hot summer days.
  • **Athletic Fields:** Three separate athletic fields accommodate a variety of sports and games.
  • **Outdoor Courts:** Includes a volleyball court for team activities.
  • **Disc Golf:** A 9-hole disc golf course provides a fun activity for all experience levels.
• Nature and Exploration:
  • **Miles of Trails:** Numerous trails wind through the hillsides and forested areas of the 468-acre property, perfect for hiking and reflection.
  • **Little Toccoa Creek:** The creek runs through the valley floor, offering scenic views and a peaceful backdrop.
  • **The Cross Hike:** A cross atop the western hillside is a visible landmark and a favorite hiking destination for guests.
  • **Art Shack and Nature Center:** Provides dedicated spaces for arts, crafts, and environmental learning.
• Meeting and Community Spaces:
  • **Multi-Use Pavilion:** A newly constructed, timber-built pavilion offering a safe, dry, and spacious place for large groups, including weddings, retreats, and the Outdoor Education Center's classes, complete with new bathroom and catering facilities.
  • **Indoor Meeting Spaces:** Multiple buildings, including the Old Dining Hall (Wilkins), Walthour, and the Retreat Village conference center, provide various options for communal gathering.

Georgia residents or those planning a trip to the North Georgia mountains can use the following information to contact Camp Mikell and Conference Center for reservations and inquiries.

Address: 237 Camp Mikell Ct, Toccoa, GA 30577, USA

Phone: (706) 886-7515

For the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center specifically, a separate phone number is sometimes listed, but general inquiries should use the main camp number. Email contacts for reservations and program directors are available on the camp's official website.

Camp Mikell is an exceptional choice for anyone in the Georgia area seeking a high-quality, year-round retreat and camping experience, particularly those looking for a setting that promotes both outdoor activity and personal enrichment. What sets it apart is its unique combination of expansive, beautiful grounds and an established, purpose-driven ministry. While many campgrounds offer a place to stay, Camp Mikell provides a structured environment for growth and connection through its nationally recognized summer camps and its comprehensive Blue Ridge Outdoor Education programs.

For large groups, the conference center amenities are a key advantage. The new multi-use pavilion, various meeting spaces, and the diverse lodging options—from private rooms in the Retreat Village to large dorm-style cabins—allow the facility to host events of virtually any size, from a small family reunion to a large diocesan conference. The recent capital campaign and subsequent infrastructural improvements, such as fiber-optic internet and renovated private-stall bathrooms, show a strong commitment to guest comfort and modern convenience, ensuring a frustration-free stay.

Its prime location in the peaceful Toccoa area of the North Georgia mountains, bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest, makes it an ideal base for hiking and exploring the region. Ultimately, choosing Camp Mikell means choosing a destination with a proven track record (since 1933) of providing safe, high-quality, and meaningful experiences, earning its reputation as one of Georgia's best retreat centers.

Blue Ridge lower parking area

237 Camp Mikell Ct, Toccoa, GA 30577, USA