Kirkwood Camp & Conference Center

Nestled just outside Wilmington, Ohio, in the picturesque Clinton County, Kirkwood Camp & Conference Center stands as a comprehensive destination within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category. Spanning a sprawling 214 acres of gently rolling hills, open fields, and encompassing a small lake, Kirkwood offers a tranquil and engaging environment for individuals, families, and groups seeking connection with nature and community. As a multi-purpose facility, it seamlessly blends the rustic charm of a campground with the conveniences of a modern conference center, providing a diverse array of services and experiences tailored to a wide range of needs.

The natural environment at Kirkwood Camp & Conference Center is one of its most defining features. The 214 acres are a blend of serene landscapes, featuring open fields perfect for expansive outdoor games and activities, and gently rolling hills that provide scenic backdrops for leisurely strolls and exploration. The presence of a small lake adds to the natural allure, offering opportunities for water-based recreation and providing a peaceful focal point for reflection and relaxation. A meandering creek further enhances the natural setting, inviting guests to explore its banks and enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water. This diverse topography ensures that whether you seek active adventure or quiet contemplation, the natural beauty of Kirkwood provides an ideal setting. The sense of being surrounded by God's creation is a recurring theme, often highlighted by visitors who appreciate the opportunity to unplug and immerse themselves in the outdoors.

Kirkwood Camp & Conference Center is well-equipped to host a variety of guests, from individual campers to large groups, offering a range of accommodation and facility options. For traditional camping enthusiasts, the RV park provides designated spots for recreational vehicles, allowing guests to bring their own mobile homes and enjoy the convenience of a dedicated setup. Beyond RV camping, Kirkwood offers a selection of lodging choices to suit different preferences. These include comfortable cabins, which are ideal for families or smaller groups, providing a more sheltered and amenity-rich experience than traditional tent camping. Some cabins offer heating, air conditioning, and indoor bath facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay. More rustic screened-in cabins are also available for those desiring a closer connection to the wilderness, and for the "extremely rustic" camper, tenting sites complete with fire pits are provided. The main lodge and a detached mini-lodge serve as central hubs, often utilized for larger gatherings, events, and conferences. These facilities are designed to accommodate meetings, workshops, and communal activities, offering comfortable spaces for interaction and collaboration. The dining hall is a significant amenity, capable of seating up to 140 people at tables or 200 auditorium style, with a food service staff prepared to serve healthy and delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beyond lodging and dining, Kirkwood boasts an outdoor in-ground pool, a welcome amenity for cooling off during warmer months and a popular spot for recreation. Meeting room spaces, often located within the main lodge, are available for day retreats, company events, and various group functions. The variety of facilities ensures that Kirkwood can cater to diverse programmatic needs, from casual family vacations to structured conferences and large-scale events.

The array of features and activities at Kirkwood Camp & Conference Center is designed to provide engaging experiences for all ages and interests. For over half a century, Kirkwood has been a staple for youth camps, adult and youth weekend retreats, and mission conferences, offering a blend of traditional camp activities and unique adventures. The small lake is a hub of activity, allowing for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even features lake rafts. For those who enjoy terrestrial pursuits, hiking trails wind through the property, offering opportunities for nature study and exploration. An outdoor ropes course, including both high and low elements, provides a challenge and fosters team-building skills. The zipline and V-swing offer exhilarating aerial adventures, while the power pole pushes personal boundaries. For target sports enthusiasts, there's an archery range, BB gun range, sling shots, and even hatchet throwing. A disc golf course, praised as one of the most challenging on the West Coast, weaves through trees and over mountainous terrain, providing a unique sporting experience. Recreational sports like gaga ball, basketball, and volleyball are popular group activities. The addition of an "Adventure Park" expands recreational offerings, ensuring there's something for everyone. For those seeking creative outlets, arts and crafts are available, exploring new media and traditional arts. Swimming is a central activity, with a focus on water safety. The camp also offers unique features like a Prayer Labyrinth for walking meditation and quiet focus. This comprehensive range of activities, from high-energy adventure to quiet reflection, underscores Kirkwood's commitment to providing a holistic and enriching experience for all guests.

Kirkwood Camp & Conference Center actively promotes its offerings and provides various avenues for engagement. As a popular destination for summer youth camps and retreats since 1963, it often highlights its long-standing history and the multi-generational impact it has had on visitors. While specific current promotions are not consistently listed on general information sites, the center frequently communicates about its diverse programs and facility rental opportunities. For instance, information about group reservations is readily available, with special rates for groups of 20 or more people, and children aged 5 and under often receive free admission. Overnight cabin rentals are available for camps, retreats, families, and individuals, with different nightly rates for summer season and off-season stays, which often include meals. Day retreats are also offered, utilizing meeting room spaces in the Main Lodge. The center encourages direct contact for reservations and to inquire about specific dates and availability for various events. Kirkwood also collaborates with organizations like Matthew 25: Ministries, a federally registered 501(c)(3) international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization, which powers Kirkwood and aligns with its mission of service and growth. Scholarship opportunities may be available through American Baptist Churches of Ohio and other community initiatives to help make camping accessible to all children and youth. Guests are encouraged to check the official Kirkwood website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on seasonal rates, special packages, and any available discounts or promotions. The emphasis is on fostering community, faith, and personal growth through immersive outdoor experiences.