NaCoMe Camp and Retreat Center is The Perfect Weekend Trip from Knoxville
- NaCoMe Camp
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Craving a quick break from Knoxville? Point your car west for a few relaxing hours and you will reach us at NaCoMe Camp and Retreat Center in Pleasantville, Tennessee. Our six-hundred-acre estate lies among gentle hills and whispering creeks, giving you space to breathe and reset. Spend your days zip-lining, canoeing, practicing archery, or wandering woodland trails, then gather round a crackling fire beneath clear stars as night sets in. Our cabins suit every group size, from cozy two-room hideaways to spacious lodges ready for youth groups or work teams. With homemade meals, friendly staff, and our long-standing commitment to sustainability, we provide a weekend trip that feels welcoming and well organized. Read on to see how easily you can plan a getaway with us, complete with activity highlights and handy travel tips.
Why Choose Us for Your Weekend Trip?
We stand apart from other weekend getaways near Knoxville thanks to our six-hundred-acre estate on the Western Highland Rim. Since 1940 we have cared for its valleys, creeks, and forests through sustainable practices, giving you welcome relief from city life.
Most retreat packages already offer zip lining, hiking, canoeing, archery, and other add-ons, so planning stays simple. Our cabins and meeting spaces suit families, churches, and corporate teams, encouraging genuine connection and easy relaxation. Unlike crowded tourist spots, we provide a secluded, fully immersive break where your group can recharge together.
A Haven of Tranquility
Our rolling hills, thick woodland, and bubbling creeks set a soothing scene for family weekends. Regular conservation keeps the landscape pristine, so deer, songbirds, and other wildlife flourish all year round. Guests are free to follow the prayer labyrinth, wander beside the creek for quiet reflection, or simply sit and listen to the water. Evening brings clear skies for stargazing, fireflies flickering above the meadows, and the gentle hush of the forest settling for the night. Although our roots lie in Christian ministry, we welcome everyone and keep a gentle, reflective atmosphere throughout the estate.
Comfortable, Group-Friendly Accommodation
Our cabins suit groups of many sizes. Standard cabins sleep six to eight guests per room and include private bathrooms, heating, air conditioning, and fireplaces. Cabin 11 has two rooms that sleep three guests each for smaller gatherings. Cabins 1 and 2 hold up to sixteen guests per wing, and up to 32 guests per cabin. Wide porches, picnic tables, and nearby fire circles encourage shared meals and evening talks, and each lodging area sits within easy walking distance of the dining hall and main activity field. Function comes first, making it easy for groups to settle in and interact.
Activities for Every Age
High-adventure elements
Fifty-foot zip line – glide across the treetops on a fast cable ride.
Vertical Playpen – climb three sections that become trickier with each level.
Giant Swing – get hauled skyward, then soar out over the trees, deep into the woods.
Leap of Faith – climb a tall pole and jump to ring a bell, all on belay.
On the water
Canoeing and kayaking – paddle calm lake water in pairs or solo.
Spring-fed swimming hole – cool off in clear creek water watched by lifeguards.
Inflatable water mats – scramble, slide, and splash on the anchored lake float.
Target sports
Archery, slingshots, axe throwing – practice aim under staff guidance at the range.
Nature and trails
Woodland hiking paths – wander several miles of shaded routes across the estate.
Prayer labyrinth – walk a winding stone path for quiet reflection.
Creek-walk exploration – wade through cool shallows examining rocks, fish, and plants.
Team-building and games
Low-ropes course – tackle balance beams and cables just above ground level.
Large group field games – join staff-led challenges that keep everyone moving.
Crate stacking – build a tower beneath you while harnessed, aiming for the sky.
Family favorites
Playground and rec field – climb, swing, or start a quick football or frisbee match.
Catch-and-release fishing – cast a line in the pond and see what bites.
All activity areas sit within a short walk of the cabins, so groups can move from one adventure to the next without hassle.
Custom Retreats and Group Support
Our team works with you from booking to departure, aligning schedules, meals, and activities with your goals for spiritual reflection, training, or recreation. Faith-based sessions are available, and groups of every background are welcome. Corporate teams gain structured team-building modules, reliable Wi-Fi, and meeting rooms equipped with audiovisual gear. Youth and family groups enjoy guided nature walks, evening campfires, and flexible mealtimes that keep the day flowing. On-call support staff stay nearby throughout your stay, ensuring every retreat runs smoothly.
Dining and Meeting Spaces
Our dining hall serves family-style meals featuring scratch-made entrées, fresh sides, and a full salad bar. Allergies, vegetarian preferences, and gluten-free requests are covered with forty-eight hours' notice. Coffee, snacks, and water stations stay open between meals.
Meeting options include three large halls that seat up to 150 and several breakout rooms for smaller discussions. Every room comes with Wi-Fi, projectors, sound systems, and movable seating, so you can shift quickly from worship to workshops or strategy sessions.
Getting to NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center from Knoxville
NaCoMe sits about 240 miles west of Knoxville, roughly a four-hour drive. Follow these steps:
Take I-40 West.
Exit at 172 for TN-46 South toward Centerville and drive 10 miles.
Turn right onto US-100 and pass through Centerville for 12 miles.
Turn right onto NaCoMe Road and continue 2 miles to the camp entrance.
Need a break? Dickson and Centerville both have fuel, food, and restrooms. Nashville is 45 minutes north of Exit 172 if you want to add a quick city stop before reaching camp.
Comparing NaCoMe Camp and Retreat Center with Other Weekend Destinations
Destination | Pros | Cons |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | World-class scenery, hundreds of miles of trails | Heavy traffic and long lines in peak season; lodging and activities booked separately; limited space for private group sessions |
Chattanooga | Mix of riverfront parks, museums, and restaurants; quick drive from Knoxville | Less privacy; hotel and parking fees stack up; most team-building activities require third-party vendors |
Planning Checklist
Booking
Reserve dates on our website or call +1 931-729-9723.
A deposit and signed contract secures your stay. 25% is due on arrival and final payment is due within 30 days of your stay.
What to Pack
Lightweight layers, a rain jacket, and sturdy hiking shoes.
Swimwear for the lake and spring-fed pool.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, and prescription meds.
Flashlight or headlamp, reusable water bottle, and a camera.
Bedding and towels are supplied, so luggage stays light.
Quick Facts
600 wooded acres on the Western Highland Rim, part of the Natchez Trace.
Cabins sleep 6–30; meeting halls seat up to 300 people, plus an outdoor chapel.
Free Wi-Fi in main buildings; limited cell signal on back trails.
On-site parking next to cabins.
Four-hour drive west of Knoxville via I-40 and TN-46.
Ready to Go?
NaCoMe Camp and Retreat Center offers an appealing break from the typical Knoxville-area weekend. Its spacious grounds, varied activities, and encouraging staff make it an easy choice for families, church groups, and teams who want time together in a natural setting. Reserve your stay, then look forward to a weekend of adventure, rest, and connection.
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