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Camp Sonshine

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Camp Sonshine Overview

Rating

Phone (979) 465-7313

Address 13321 Sandy Ln, Iola, TX 77861, USA

Website http://texasfwb.org/sonshine/index.shtml

Hours

Camp Sonshine Location & Map

TexasGrimes CountyIolaSandy Lane

Camp Sonshine About

For Texans seeking a unique and versatile group camping or retreat experience, Camp Sonshine in Iola, TX, offers a truly special destination. Nestled in a serene, natural setting, this campground is designed to facilitate memorable gatherings, whether for youth groups, family reunions, church retreats, or any organization looking for a dedicated space to connect and enjoy the outdoors. As locals, we understand the value of finding places that foster community and provide ample opportunities for both structured activities and relaxed bonding, and Camp Sonshine embodies these qualities beautifully. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s a facility built to support shared experiences and create lasting memories.

Feedback from past visitors consistently highlights the joy and blessings experienced at Camp Sonshine. Many have exclaimed, "We had the time of our lives there," emphasizing the positive and impactful nature of their stays. The camp's design, featuring comfortable bunk houses, a wonderful game room, a dedicated chapel, and spacious dining and kitchen areas, speaks to its capacity to host groups of various sizes and needs. The abundance of "open land to play games" and a "very nice covered common area" ensures that both indoor and outdoor activities can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. Despite feeling "nestled in the middle of nowhere," its strategic location just a short distance from Bryan, TX, means convenient access to urban amenities when needed. This blend of peaceful seclusion and practical accessibility makes Camp Sonshine a truly blessed and cherished spot for many Texans.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Sonshine is beautifully situated at 13321 Sandy Ln, Iola, TX 77861, USA. This address places the campground in a wonderfully secluded part of Iola, a small town in Grimes County, Texas. While it offers the tranquility of being "nestled in the middle of nowhere," this isolation is part of its charm, providing a true escape from the noise and distractions of urban life.

Crucially, despite its seemingly remote feel, Camp Sonshine is "just close enough to go to Bryan Tx in a flash." Bryan, along with its twin city College Station, forms a significant metropolitan area that offers a wide array of amenities, including major grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, and various entertainment options. This convenient proximity means groups staying at Camp Sonshine can easily access supplies or medical assistance if needed, without sacrificing the peaceful, natural environment of the campground. For groups traveling from different parts of Texas, Iola’s location in East Central Texas provides relatively straightforward access via major state and county roads. The drive to the camp itself is often described as scenic, passing through charming rural landscapes that prepare visitors for the serene experience awaiting them.

Services Offered

Camp Sonshine is specifically designed to accommodate groups, retreats, and gatherings, offering a comprehensive set of facilities and services to support a wide range of activities:

  • Bunk Houses: The campground features four total bunk houses, each equipped with two toilets and two showers, and numerous bunk beds, providing comfortable dormitory-style accommodation for groups.

  • Common Dining and Kitchen Area: A dedicated space for communal meals, including a fully equipped kitchen suitable for preparing meals for large groups.

  • Chapel: A dedicated chapel is available for worship services, reflections, or quiet contemplation, making it ideal for church retreats and faith-based groups.

  • Game Room: A wonderful game room offers indoor entertainment options, perfect for downtime or inclement weather.

  • Covered Common Area: A very nice covered common area provides a versatile outdoor space for gatherings, activities, or simply relaxing in the shade.

  • Playground: A dedicated playground is available, offering entertainment for younger guests.

  • Open Land for Games: The campground boasts lots of open land, providing ample space for outdoor sports, team-building exercises, or general recreation.

  • Restroom and Shower Facilities: In addition to those in the bunk houses, centralized restroom and shower facilities are likely available for general use or other camping options (details not specified but implied by typical campground setup).

  • Secluded and Natural Setting: The primary service is providing a peaceful and natural environment conducive to group bonding and spiritual or personal reflection.

Features / Highlights
  • Designed for Groups: The most significant highlight is Camp Sonshine's specialized design and facilities tailored for groups, such as multiple bunk houses, a large dining hall, and dedicated meeting spaces, making it perfect for youth camps, church retreats, and family reunions.

  • Comprehensive Amenities: The camp offers a wide array of amenities including a game room, chapel, and a well-equipped kitchen/dining area, ensuring that groups have everything they need on-site for both recreation and essential services.

  • Abundant Open Space: With "lots of open land to play games," the campground provides extensive outdoor areas for sports, team-building activities, or simply enjoying the vast Texas sky.

  • Peaceful, Wooded Setting: Nestled in the woods, the camp provides a serene and beautiful natural environment, allowing groups to disconnect from distractions and truly focus on their shared experience.

  • Versatile Covered Common Area: The "very nice covered common area" offers a flexible space for activities, meals, or relaxation, providing shelter from the elements while still being outdoors.

  • Family-Friendly Features: The presence of a playground caters to younger guests, ensuring that the camp can comfortably accommodate families with children.

  • Proximity to Bryan/College Station: Despite its secluded feel, the camp's convenient location "just close enough to go to Bryan Tx in a flash" offers easy access to urban amenities if needed, without compromising the camp's natural tranquility.

  • A Place of Blessing and Connection: Many reviews express a profound sense of blessing and positive experience, suggesting the camp fosters an environment conducive to spiritual growth and meaningful connections.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a campground primarily catering to groups and retreats, Camp Sonshine's "promotions" often come in the form of customized booking packages, seasonal rates, or discounts for extended stays or larger groups. Specific, publicly advertised special offers are not available in the provided information, as their booking process is likely more personalized based on group needs.

Prospective groups and organizers are highly encouraged to contact Camp Sonshine directly to discuss their specific requirements, dates, and group size. When inquiring, it would be beneficial to ask about:

  • Group Rates: Special pricing for larger groups or organizations.

  • Off-Season Discounts: Reduced rates during less busy times of the year.

  • Multi-Night Stay Packages: Potential savings for booking longer durations.

  • Special Event Packages: If the camp hosts specific themed retreats or events, they might have bundled offerings.

Given the positive feedback on the camp's welcoming nature, a direct conversation with their management will likely provide the most accurate and beneficial information regarding pricing and availability for your group's needs.

Contact Information

To inquire about booking your next group retreat, family gathering, or youth camp at Camp Sonshine, please use the following contact details:

Address: 13321 Sandy Ln, Iola, TX 77861, USA

Phone: (979) 465-7313

Mobile Phone: +1 979-465-7313

When you call, be ready to provide details about your group size, desired dates, and any specific facility needs, as this will help the Camp Sonshine team assist you most effectively in planning your stay.

Conclusion: Why Camp Sonshine is Suitable for Locals

For Texans, Camp Sonshine in Iola represents an ideal and truly valuable resource for group-focused outdoor experiences. Its suitability for locals is deeply ingrained in its unique design and commitment to fostering community, which aligns perfectly with our state's spirit of camaraderie and togetherness.

Firstly, its specialized facilities, including well-equipped bunk houses, a dedicated chapel, a versatile dining hall, and a fun game room, make it perfectly tailored for a wide array of local groups – from church youth retreats and family reunions to scouting events and organizational team-building sessions. This eliminates the logistical challenges often associated with coordinating large group accommodations and activities, providing a ready-made solution that saves time and effort for local organizers.

Secondly, the camp’s strategic location offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, secluded setting that allows for genuine immersion in nature and focused group interaction, yet with the practical convenience of being "just close enough" to Bryan/College Station. This means local groups can enjoy a true escape without long, arduous travel, and can easily access urban amenities if needed, making it highly practical for short and longer stays.

Finally, the overwhelming sentiment of positive experiences and feeling "blessed" by those who have stayed here speaks volumes. It highlights that Camp Sonshine provides not just facilities, but an atmosphere conducive to meaningful connections, growth, and joyful memories. For any local Texas group seeking a dedicated, well-equipped, and spiritually or communally enriching outdoor venue, Camp Sonshine is undoubtedly "just the place to go," offering a truly special experience that resonates deeply with the heart of Texas community life.

Customer Reviews

4.0
6 reviews
L
Lynn Marie Bryan
Oct 14, 2018

We had the time of our life's there. It's nestled in the middle of no where but just close enough to go to Bryan Tx in a flash . Bunk houses have two toilets and two showers each and lots of bunk beds , there is 4 total bunk houses. There is also a wonderful game room, Chapel , and dinning and kitchen area for common use. Lots of open land to play games. Very nice covered common area . There is also a play ground . Just the place to go . So Blessed to have stayed there. And we will for sure go again..... Thanks and y'all be blessed.

L
Laura Burrow
Apr 20, 2019

Love this place

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Dustin Pedretti
Oct 01, 2019

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Sarah Davis
Jun 17, 2019

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Anita Rainer
Jun 24, 2018