Ponderosa Bible Camp & Retreat Center

Experience the Peaceful Charm of Ponderosa Bible Camp

Located atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama, Ponderosa Bible Camp & Retreat Center offers a peaceful, Christ-centered setting where groups can step away from the distractions of everyday life and spend meaningful time together.

Our 88-acre property along the banks of the Little River provides plenty of room for worship, fellowship, recreation, rest, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are planning a weekend retreat, youth event, leadership getaway, or larger Christian gathering, Ponderosa offers the space and flexibility to make your event feel like a true retreat.

Perfect for Groups Such As:

• Church retreats

• Youth groups and student ministries

• Men’s and women’s retreats

• College and young adult groups

• Leadership and staff retreats

• Christian schools and homeschool groups

• Ministry conferences and gatherings

• Family and church fellowship events

Comfortable Group Lodging - all with heat and a/c

Our current overnight accommodations include:

• 6 rustic bunk cabins, each sleeping up to 13 guests

• 2 dorm-style bunk cabins in our gym

  • One dorm sleeps up to 23 guests

  • One dorm sleeps up to 17 guests

• Additional private leader housing is available for an additional fee and offers a more comfortable option for pastors, speakers, group leaders, or adult guests. Three separate leader-housing spaces are available, featuring queen beds and private bathrooms.

Our bunk-style accommodations are designed to encourage the classic camp experience while giving groups the convenience of staying together on-site.

Gathering & Worship Spaces

Ponderosa provides a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces where your group can worship, meet, relax, and spend time together, including:

• Large indoor chapel with seating for approximately 180 guests

• Outdoor chapel area

• Gymnasium for recreation and indoor activities

• Dining hall for meals and group fellowship

• Open recreation areas throughout the property

• Beautiful wooded spaces perfect for quiet time, prayer, and small-group gatherings

Recreation & Outdoor Activities

There’s plenty to do between meetings and worship sessions. Depending on the season and your group’s reservation, recreation opportunities may include:

• Swimming pool, typically available during June, July, and August

• Riverfront access along the Little River

• Gymnasium

• Hiking and walking areas

• Beach volleyball

• Ballfield and outdoor recreation areas

• Archery and other camp activities that may be available as optional add-ons

Some activities require advance scheduling, additional fees, or Ponderosa staff supervision.

Meal Options to Fit Your Group

Groups can choose the meal arrangement that best fits their retreat.

Cook Your Own Meals

Eligible groups may rent kitchen facilities and prepare their own meals during their stay.

Ponderosa Catering

Let our team handle the cooking so your leaders can focus on your retreat. Catered meals are available for groups meeting our minimum meal requirements, generally 35 guests or the equivalent minimum meal charge.

Our dining hall provides a welcoming place for your entire group to gather around the table together.

A Place to Connect, Recharge & Grow

Ponderosa is more than a place to sleep and hold meetings. Our desire is to provide an environment where people can slow down, enjoy God’s creation, strengthen relationships, worship together, and grow in their walk with Christ.

For generations, churches and ministries have come to Ponderosa to get away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with what matters most.

Even More Space Coming Soon!

We’re excited about the continued growth of Ponderosa.

Six additional bunk cabins are currently under construction, adding approximately 78 additional guest spaces to our property.

These new cabins are expected to become available beginning Fall 2027, allowing us to better serve larger churches, ministries, retreats, and Christian organizations.

Plan Your Retreat at Ponderosa

Whether you’re planning an intimate leadership retreat or bringing a large church or youth group, we’d love to help you create a memorable experience at Ponderosa Bible Camp & Retreat Center.

Come enjoy the beauty of Lookout Mountain, the peaceful surroundings of the Little River, and the welcoming atmosphere that has made Ponderosa a place groups love returning to year after year.