Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp

- 40 S Lake Dr, Arlington, SD 57212

For South Dakotans seeking a serene, structured, and beautiful location for group gatherings, spiritual retreats, or large family reunions, the Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp, also known as the Living Waters Retreat Center, offers an exceptional lakeside venue. Unlike traditional public campgrounds, this location is primarily a mission of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, focusing on providing comfortable, clean, and faith-based facilities for groups, camps, and community events.

It serves as a cherished space set apart on the beautiful south shore of Lake Poinsett, offering both calm views and invigorating water activities. While the facility hosts numerous summer camps—including unique programs for foster children and those with diabetes—its modern lodging and meeting spaces are also available for rental by various groups, schools, and families looking to host an unforgettable event in the Glacial Lakes region. This provides local residents with a premium, organized space for multi-day gatherings that traditional parks may not accommodate.

The Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp operates as a comprehensive camp and retreat center, functioning year-round to serve the needs of the community in the Dakotas. It is fundamentally a place of refuge and celebration, extending hospitality to a variety of groups and organizations. The camp’s mission-driven approach means the facilities are consistently well-maintained, and the atmosphere is intentionally peaceful and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

Its primary utility for local users comes from its capacity to handle large groups. Whether a church is planning a weekend retreat, a school is looking for a structured outdoor education venue, or a South Dakota family needs space for a sprawling, multi-generational reunion, the Lake Poinsett Camp provides the necessary lodging, dining, and meeting facilities. This distinction from a public campground—focusing on hosted events and organized stays—is what makes it a specialized and highly valuable local resource.

The center is perfectly situated to take advantage of one of South Dakota's largest and most popular lakes.

The precise location is

40 S Lake Dr, Arlington, SD 57212, USA

This placement on the south end of Lake Poinsett ensures easy lake access while maintaining a sense of separation and quietude from the busier public recreation areas. Arlington is a nearby supportive community, and the camp is conveniently located in the northeastern quadrant of South Dakota, easily accessible via major highways for families and groups traveling from Sioux Falls, Brookings, and other regional centers. The address places the camp in the heart of the Glacial Lakes region, which is synonymous with excellent water recreation, fishing, and natural beauty—all of which are immediately available to the groups utilizing the camp’s facilities.

As a full-service retreat center, the camp offers a robust array of amenities tailored to groups and organized events:

• Facility and Lodging Rentals: Availability of comfortable accommodations, including cabins and dedicated lodging units, suitable for both summer and winter use, often equipped with heat and air conditioning.
• Meeting and Conference Spaces: Dedicated rooms and halls for meetings, workshops, worship services, and large group gatherings, often including Wi-Fi access and presentation equipment (such as LCD TVs).
• Group Meal Service: Ability to coordinate and provide meals for large groups, a crucial service for family reunions or scheduled retreats.
• Camps and Events Programming: Hosts a full calendar of specific summer camps for various ages and needs, including unique programs like 'Grandparents and Me Camp' and camps for children with disabilities or specific health conditions.
• Recreational Access: Direct access to Lake Poinsett, with a beach shoreline, dock access, and green spaces ideal for organized outdoor activities.
• Dedicated Staff Support: On-site staff available to assist with event planning, accommodation logistics, and the specific needs of the hosting group.

The features of the Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp emphasize community, comfort, and connection to the local environment:

• Year-Round Cabin Availability: Offers cabins that are heated and air-conditioned, making the site an option for off-season retreats, including winter activities.
• Lakeside Property: Features private beach shoreline, lake views, and direct lake access for activities like swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
• Large Event Capacity: Ideal for hosting substantial events, such as family reunions, weddings, or corporate/non-profit retreats, with ample lodging and meeting spaces.
• Spiritual and Educational Focus: As a faith-based center, it provides dedicated worship spaces and an environment conducive to personal and group growth.
• Proximity to State Recreation Area: The camp is located adjacent to the greater Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, meaning organized groups can also easily access the state park's amenities, including the disc golf course, hiking trails, and the Lake Poinsett Visitor Center and Museum.
• Specialized Programs: Known for its unique, inclusive camps, demonstrating a commitment to serving diverse segments of the South Dakota community.

For booking rentals, inquiring about specific camp schedules, or making other arrangements, please use the following contact details:

Address: 40 S Lake Dr, Arlington, SD 57212, USA

Phone: (605) 983-5547

Mobile Phone: +1 605-983-5547

Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp is perfectly tailored to the unique needs of South Dakota locals, moving beyond a simple overnight campsite to become a premier group facility. For a local family planning a major reunion, a church organizing a multi-day youth trip, or any organization needing dedicated, self-contained space, this center offers a solution that is often difficult to find elsewhere in the region.

Its suitability is rooted in its focus on hospitality and community. It provides local residents with comfortable, year-round lodging and meeting amenities directly on the waterfront of a major South Dakota lake, taking the logistical burden out of hosting large groups. Instead of piecing together lodging and event space, the camp offers a comprehensive package in a beautiful, natural setting. Furthermore, the availability of specialized and inclusive camp programs ensures that the camp is actively giving back to the diverse communities within South Dakota. Choosing Lake Poinsett Camp supports a local mission while providing a stunning, stress-free location for making lasting memories, solidifying its place as an invaluable asset to the local South Dakota community.

Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp

40 S Lake Dr, Arlington, SD 57212, USA