Odessa Hills Campground

Greetings, fellow Missourians! When it comes to finding a place for groups to gather, reconnect, and engage in meaningful activities, Odessa Hills Campground in Odessa, MO, offers a truly unique and beautiful setting. It's important for local users to understand that this is not a public campground in the traditional sense; rather, it is a private facility primarily dedicated to faith-based events and spiritual retreats. However, its serene environment and dedicated facilities make it a remarkable resource for specific types of gatherings within our Missouri community.

Odessa Hills Campground stands out for its specific mission and tranquil atmosphere. Described by visitors as a place where they are "greeted with the sweet, peaceful Spirit of God," it emphasizes a spiritual connection and community. While individual public camping is not permitted, the campground has a rich history of hosting church camps, reunions, and retreats throughout the year. For those within Missouri's diverse faith communities, or other private groups seeking a dedicated and well-equipped space for their functions, Odessa Hills Campground presents an exceptional opportunity. We will delve into its specific offerings, location, and why it is a valuable asset for certain local groups.

Odessa Hills Campground is nestled at 6505 Odessa Hills Rd, Odessa, MO 64076, USA. Odessa is a city situated in Lafayette County, Missouri, known for its friendly atmosphere and connection to the broader Kansas City metropolitan area. This location offers a convenient balance: it's far enough from major urban centers to provide a sense of peace and natural beauty, yet accessible enough for groups traveling from various parts of Missouri. For residents across our state, reaching Odessa is a relatively straightforward drive via well-maintained highways, making it a practical choice for group events.

The accessibility of Odessa Hills Campground is a significant advantage for organizations and groups planning events. Whether participants are coming from St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, or the Kansas City area, the drive to Odessa is manageable. This ease of access ensures that group members can arrive without undue travel burden, maximizing their time on the grounds. The "beautiful private campground" is set on more than fifty acres, providing ample space for activities and reflection, yet its address ensures it's not overly isolated. For Missouri-based church groups, youth organizations, or other private entities looking for a dedicated and secluded environment for their gatherings, Odessa Hills' location offers both convenience and the desired sense of retreat. The peaceful drive into the rolling Missouri landscape sets the tone for a meaningful experience.

• Private Group Accommodations: The campground is designed to accommodate groups, particularly those associated with its church ownership. This includes facilities for youth camps, church reunions, and spiritual retreats.

• Two Lakes: The expansive fifty-plus acre property features "two lakes," providing scenic beauty and potentially opportunities for certain water-based activities approved by the management.

• Fifteen Cabins: There are "15 cabins," each equipped with "8 beds," and featuring "A/C and heat," offering comfortable lodging options for group attendees.

• RV and Tent Sites: In addition to cabins, the campground provides "several RV and tent sites," indicating flexibility for different types of group camping needs.

• Dining Hall: A "large dining hall with A/C and fully equipped commercial kitchen" is available, complete with a "walk-in refrigerator and ample freezer space," facilitating meal preparation and service for large groups.

• Cook's Cabin: A dedicated "Cook's cabin with 10 beds" is available, likely for staff or volunteers managing the kitchen and food service.

• Full RV Hookups: There are "20 full RV hookups with 30 AMP electric," catering to groups bringing recreational vehicles.

• Large Open Tabernacle: An "open tabernacle with new PA system" serves as a central gathering point for large assemblies, services, or presentations.

• Recreation Facilities: The grounds include a "large, new swimming pool (75 x 30 feet) with beach-front entrance," "two water slides," and a maximum depth of 5.5 feet suitable for all ages. Other recreational amenities include "baseball, softball, recreation field," "volleyball courts," and a "basketball court."

• Craft and Class Cabins: Dedicated cabins for "craft and class" activities are available, indicating spaces for educational or creative programs.

• On-Site Caretaker: A "24/7 on-site caretaker" ensures continuous management and support for groups utilizing the facilities.

• Exclusively Private and Faith-Based: The defining characteristic is its private ownership by a church group. This fosters a unique environment centered on spiritual growth and fellowship, welcoming "anyone who desires to seek and become closer to the Lord, regardless of denomination," for their organized events.

• Serene and Peaceful Atmosphere: Visitors consistently describe the grounds as possessing a "sweet, peaceful Spirit of God" and a "beautiful" setting, making it ideal for reflection and spiritual renewal.

• Comprehensive Group Facilities: The campground is exceptionally well-equipped for hosting large groups, offering a variety of lodging options (cabins, RV/tent sites), a full dining hall, dedicated class/craft cabins, and ample recreational spaces.

• Extensive Recreational Amenities: The inclusion of a large swimming pool with slides, sports fields, and courts provides diverse options for physical activity and leisure within the private grounds.

• Dedicated Support Staff: The presence of a 24/7 on-site caretaker ensures that events run smoothly and that the facilities are well-maintained, providing peace of mind for event organizers.

• Spacious Natural Environment: Situated on "more than fifty beautiful acres" with "two lakes" and "plenty of wide-open spaces," the campground offers a genuine escape into nature, conducive to both active recreation and quiet contemplation.

• Versatility for Group Functions: While primarily church-owned, there was a past allowance for reservations by "other groups for functions outside of the church organization," although these slots were noted to fill quickly. This indicates potential versatility for certain private non-church group events, subject to availability and specific criteria.

As a private facility, direct public contact information for individual reservations may not be applicable. However, for group inquiries and to learn more about hosting an event, the general information is:

Address: 6505 Odessa Hills Rd, Odessa, MO 64076, USA

(Note: Public phone numbers are generally not provided for private campgrounds not open to general public reservations. If specific contact details for group bookings become publicly available, they would be listed here.)

For Missouri residents and organizations, Odessa Hills Campground is a distinctive and invaluable resource, particularly for those involved in faith-based communities or other private groups seeking a dedicated space for retreats and gatherings. While it's crucial to reiterate that this is not a campground for individual public reservations, its suitability for specific local needs is paramount. For church groups, youth ministries, or other spiritual organizations across Missouri, this campground provides a tailor-made environment. The "sweet, peaceful Spirit of God" mentioned by visitors speaks to the very essence of what these groups seek – a serene setting conducive to spiritual growth, fellowship, and meaningful communal experiences.

The comprehensive facilities, including comfortable cabins, RV and tent sites, a large dining hall with a commercial kitchen, and extensive recreational amenities like a swimming pool and sports fields, make it an ideal logistical choice for event organizers. Planning a large youth camp or a multi-day church reunion can be complex, and having a dedicated, well-equipped venue like Odessa Hills Campground, with a 24/7 on-site caretaker, significantly simplifies the process. Its location in Odessa, accessible from major Missouri cities, further enhances its appeal by reducing travel time for attendees, allowing more focus on the purpose of the gathering.

The fifty-plus acres of beautiful, private land, complete with two lakes, offer ample space for both structured activities and quiet reflection, catering to the diverse needs of group retreats. For Missourians, knowing that such a purpose-built facility exists within our state for faith-based and specific private group functions is a tremendous asset. It allows our local communities to foster connection, provide education, and deepen spiritual bonds in an environment specifically designed for these very purposes. Odessa Hills Campground serves as a vital anchor for many Missouri groups, offering a peaceful and fully-equipped haven for their most cherished gatherings.