Summit Lake Camp

Tucked away in the beautiful forested landscape near Emmitsburg, Maryland, Summit Lake Camp offers a unique and enriching retreat experience. More than just a traditional campground, Summit Lake is primarily a Christian retreat center and summer camp that welcomes a variety of groups for religious, educational, and recreational purposes. Its setting, deep within a forest and featuring a beautiful lake, provides a serene backdrop for fostering personal growth, fellowship, and outdoor adventure.

Summit Lake Camp is designed to facilitate a wholesome environment where individuals and groups can engage in activities, learn, and connect away from the distractions of daily life. While it emphasizes spiritual and educational goals, it also provides a range of recreational opportunities that ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable stay. For Maryland locals seeking a structured camp experience, a tranquil retreat venue, or a place where groups can gather for meaningful engagement, Summit Lake Camp presents a compelling option. This article will delve into the specifics of what makes Summit Lake Camp a valued resource in the Maryland community, from its accessible location to its diverse offerings and features.

Summit Lake Camp is conveniently located at 7610 Hampton Valley Rd, Emmitsburg, MD 21727, USA. This address places it nestled within the picturesque Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County, Maryland. Emmitsburg, a small town with historical significance, serves as the gateway to this tranquil retreat.

Despite its secluded, forested setting, the camp boasts excellent accessibility. It is described as being "totally secluded but only 10 minutes from a major highway," making it relatively easy to reach from various points in Maryland and beyond. The proximity to major routes ensures that groups traveling from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region can arrive with ease. The drive into the camp itself, through the forest, immediately ushers visitors into a peaceful atmosphere, allowing minds to rest and hearts to open to the surrounding natural beauty. For those interested in winter activities, Summit Lake is also conveniently located just 20 minutes from Liberty Mountain Resort, an ideal spot for ski retreats. While the camp is designed to encourage disconnection, it's worth noting that cell reception can be limited, though Wi-Fi is available for certain individuals, suggesting a more focused and less distracted experience.

Summit Lake Camp offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to support its primary function as a Christian retreat center and summer camp. These services are designed to provide a comfortable, engaging, and spiritually enriching experience for groups and individuals.

• Lodging: The camp features a variety of accommodation options, including bunkhouses and lodges. Bunkhouses contain multiple cabins, each with 12-16 beds and indoor bathroom/shower facilities. These are winterized for year-round use. Additionally, there are lodges like the Catoctin and Bicentennial Lodges, designed as Swiss chalets, each accommodating up to 44 people with private baths and some featuring decks overlooking the forest. All lodging areas are committed to cleanliness, with mattresses vacuumed between groups.

• Meals: Summit Lake provides three meals a day at set times (e.g., 8:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 5:15 PM). Reviewers praise the large variety of food, often including home-cooked meals and homemade bread, ensuring guests are well-fed during their stay.

• Canteen: For snacks and additional treats, a canteen is available where guests can purchase items like candy, drinks, and sodas. Canteen cards can be purchased, offering a slight bonus value (e.g., $5 card for $6 worth of credit).

• Meeting Rooms: Various meeting rooms are available for groups, facilitating worship, study, teaching, and fellowship. Some lodges also feature large stone fireplaces, adding to the inviting atmosphere.

• Recreational Equipment: Equipment for various sports and activities, such as basketballs, kickballs, footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, ping-pong paddles, and foosball, is available from the kitchen staff for guest use.

• On-site Staff Support: The camp has staff available to assist with activity sign-ups and general guest needs, contributing to a well-organized and supportive environment.

• Laundry Lines: Each cabin has a hanging line behind it, useful for drying wet clothes, which is a practical amenity for campers and retreat participants.

• Infirmary: An infirmary is mentioned as part of the camp's facilities, indicating a provision for basic medical needs during stays.

It is important to note that canoes on the lake may not be used for safety and health reasons, and the swimming pool was noted as being closed for major renovations as of a past review, so current status should be confirmed.

Summit Lake Camp offers a range of features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for groups and individuals in Maryland:

• Beautiful Forested Location: The camp is situated within a gorgeous forest, providing a natural, secluded, and picturesque setting that fosters peace and quiet, ideal for spiritual reflection and outdoor enjoyment.

• Clean and Safe Swimming Pool: While subject to renovation status, the presence of a clean and safe swimming pool (when operational) is a significant draw, especially during warmer months, offering a refreshing way to cool off and have fun.

• Variety of Recreational Activities: Despite one review mentioning it being "lacking on activities compared to others," the camp offers a good range of options, including:

  • Indoor Gym with Basketball Court
  • Outdoor Basketball Courts (multiple)
  • Soccer Field and other playing fields (softball, football, lacrosse)
  • Sand Volleyball Court
  • Playgrounds for children
  • Hiking Trails (over 200 acres)
  • Low Ropes Course and Team Challenge Course
  • Personal Fitness Challenge Course
  • Outdoor Campfire Areas
  • Ping Pong and Foosball tables
  • A waterslide (presence noted by a past visitor, confirm current availability)
  • Boating (though canoe use on the lake is restricted)
  • Fishing (guests bring their own gear)

• Nutritious and Varied Food: The provision of three daily meals with a large variety of food, including home-cooked options, is a significant highlight, ensuring guests are well-nourished and satisfied.

• Clean Accommodations: Cabins are reported to be clean and free from pests like bedbugs, though occasional insects flying in are a natural part of a forest setting. The commitment to cleanliness across all lodging areas is a notable positive.

• Spiritual and Educational Focus: As a Christian camp, it provides an environment that encourages spiritual growth, contemplation, and learning. The availability of meeting rooms supports various retreat programs.

• Secluded Yet Accessible: Its location offers a deep sense of seclusion and natural immersion while remaining conveniently close to major highways, striking a good balance for groups.

While cell reception can be limited, this often becomes a feature, encouraging participants to truly disconnect and engage with their surroundings and fellow campers.

As a retreat center and camp, Summit Lake Camp's pricing structure generally includes lodging, meals, a meeting room, and access to all recreational activities. Instead of traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense, the camp likely tailors its rates based on:

• Group Size: Rates may vary significantly depending on the number of participants in a group.

• Length of Stay: Longer stays might have different per-night pricing compared to shorter retreats.

• Seasonality: While open year-round, there might be peak and off-peak seasons that influence pricing for certain types of groups.

• Program Customization: If a group requires specific facilities or bespoke programming, this might be factored into the overall cost.

The "special offer" for groups is often the comprehensive package that includes lodging, meals, and activities, simplifying planning for organizers. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on pricing, availability, and any potential group rates or package deals, interested parties are strongly encouraged to contact Summit Lake Camp directly. They can provide a customized quote based on your group's specific needs and dates.

For reservations, pricing inquiries, tours, or general information about Summit Lake Camp, please use the following contact details:

Address: 7610 Hampton Valley Rd, Emmitsburg, MD 21727, USA

Phone: (866) 961-4153

Mobile Phone: +1 866-961-4153

You can also typically find more information and possibly inquiry forms on their official website. Reaching out by phone is often the most direct way to discuss specific group needs, check availability for desired dates, and get a tailored quote for your retreat or camp experience.

For Maryland locals, Summit Lake Camp presents an exceptional and versatile option for a wide array of needs, making it highly suitable for various groups and individuals within the state.

Firstly, its accessible yet secluded location in Emmitsburg makes it an ideal retreat that feels far removed from urban bustle, yet is conveniently reachable from major metropolitan areas like Baltimore and Washington D.C. This means less travel time and more time to enjoy the natural surroundings and planned activities, perfect for weekend getaways or week-long programs.

Secondly, the camp's comprehensive offerings cater to diverse requirements. For Christian groups, schools, or other organizations, the inclusion of lodging, varied meals, and dedicated meeting spaces simplifies planning and execution of retreats. The blend of spiritual focus with robust recreational activities ensures a well-rounded experience, promoting both reflection and engagement. The abundance of outdoor and indoor sports facilities provides ample opportunity for physical activity and team building, regardless of the weather.

Finally, the consistent positive feedback regarding cleanliness, friendly staff, and the overall enjoyable atmosphere underscores Summit Lake Camp’s commitment to providing a quality experience. For Maryland families seeking a summer camp for their children, for churches organizing spiritual retreats, or for schools planning outdoor education programs, Summit Lake Camp offers a reliable, well-equipped, and welcoming environment. It’s a place where Marylanders can truly disconnect, grow, and create lasting memories amidst the serene beauty of their own state.

Summit Lake Camp

7610 Hampton Valley Rd, Emmitsburg, MD 21727, USA