Lake Shalom

For those of us in Georgia constantly seeking tranquil escapes from the daily grind, a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque North Georgia mountains offers a unique blend of serenity and community. Lake Shalom, located near Cleveland, GA, provides a distinctive camping and retreat experience, focusing on peace, nature, and gathering. It's a place where the clamor of city life fades, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the calm waters of its namesake lake. If you're planning a group getaway, a family reunion, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to reconnect with nature, Lake Shalom deserves your attention.

Lake Shalom is more than just a campground; it’s a private retreat center often associated with Camp Coleman, offering a tranquil and eco-friendly environment in the heart of the North Georgia mountains. While specific details about it being a public campground for individual bookings are less prevalent in public information, it is widely recognized as a venue designed to welcome families, church groups, and other organizations seeking a peaceful place to gather, fellowship, and recharge. The emphasis at Lake Shalom is on providing a haven where groups can enjoy nature, away from the constant interruptions of technology.

The property boasts beautiful natural surroundings, including serene water features and access to running water from a nearby river or creek. It provides secluded areas amidst a lush, natural environment where the songs of birds can greet you in the morning. Imagine a beautiful stroll to a nearby river where you can explore, swim, canoe, kayak, or simply float, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. The presence of a lovely covered platform provides a perfect spot for reflection, and if you’re quiet enough, you might even spot local wildlife. It's designed for quality family time, uninterrupted relaxation, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Lake Shalom is located at 210 Camp Coleman Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA. This places it deep within the scenic North Georgia mountains, a region renowned for its natural beauty, rolling hills, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Cleveland, GA, serves as a charming gateway town, offering local amenities and easy access to the surrounding national forests.

While the address is specific, it's important for visitors to understand that the property itself aims for a secluded, natural feel. Access typically involves navigating local roads that might transition from paved to dirt, especially as you approach the more private sections of the retreat. Based on available information, roads within similar natural properties can be unpaved, so planning your travel with this in mind is advisable, particularly after heavy rains. However, for most vehicles, general access to the area around Cleveland and then to Camp Coleman Drive is straightforward.

The location offers the best of both worlds: a feeling of remote wilderness, yet still within a reasonable driving distance from major Georgia cities like Atlanta (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive) and Gainesville. This makes Lake Shalom a convenient destination for weekend retreats or extended stays for groups coming from various parts of the state. Its setting ensures a peaceful environment while still being connected enough to reach emergency services or local attractions if needed.

Based on general information associated with retreat centers and similar properties, Lake Shalom likely offers a range of services tailored for group stays, emphasizing comfort within a natural setting. While specific detailed lists for "campground" services might vary if it's primarily a private retreat, common provisions for such a venue would include:

• Accommodations: Often provides both designated camping areas for tents and RVs (though precise RV hookup details are not widely specified in public information for Lake Shalom as a public campground) and potentially lodge-style housing or cabins for groups (as suggested by its association with Camp Coleman, which typically has such facilities).
• Communal Spaces: Likely features areas for group activities, such as a covered platform for gathering, meeting spaces (if it functions as a retreat center), and common rooms.
• Fire Pits/Campfire Areas: A natural stone campfire area or fire rings would typically be available for communal gatherings, bonfires, and outdoor cooking, fostering a classic camping experience.
• Basic Sanitation: While specific details about showers and flush toilets for a public campground are not explicit, retreat centers generally provide these facilities. For a true "campground" aspect, expect basic toilet facilities, which might range from pit toilets in more primitive areas to flush toilets in more developed sections or within lodge facilities.
• Water Access: Likely offers access to a natural water source (lake, creek, or river) for activities like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Potable water for drinking would be expected if it caters to typical campground standards.
• Pet-Friendly: Some information suggests it is a pet-friendly environment, allowing guests to bring their dogs (with responsible pet ownership expected).
• Outdoor Activities Equipment: May offer or have access to equipment for water activities (canoes, kayaks) or yard games (skittles), enhancing the recreational experience.
• Trash Disposal: Services for trash disposal would be expected to maintain the cleanliness of the property.

Lake Shalom's appeal lies in its unique combination of natural beauty and designed amenities for a group-oriented, peaceful experience.

• Private Lake/Water Access: The presence of a lake ("Lake Shalom") and nearby running water from a river or creek is a significant highlight, offering opportunities for swimming, non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking), and fishing.
• Secluded Natural Environment: The property is noted for its secluded areas, abundant trees, and natural beauty, ensuring a peaceful and immersive outdoor experience away from crowds.
• Wildlife and Birdwatching: With its natural surroundings, the area is conducive to wildlife observation, including various bird species (waking to morning songs), and potentially glimpses of local fauna like wallabies (though this may be a review from an Australian property named "Shalom," confirming specific GA wildlife is important), echidnas, possums, or even fireflies in season. Focus on common Georgia wildlife like deer, turkeys, and local birds.
• Eco-Friendly Approach: The description often emphasizes an "eco-friendly property," suggesting a commitment to preserving the natural environment and promoting sustainable practices.
• Designed for Groups & Retreats: Its suitability for families and church-based groups highlights its capacity and layout for communal activities, fellowship, and encouragement. This suggests spacious areas for gathering.
• Uninterrupted Relaxation: A key feature promoted is the chance to be "uninterrupted by technology," allowing visitors to fully relax and reconnect with nature and each other.
• Walking and Bike Riding Tracks: The property likely includes walking tracks or trails, suitable for nature strolls, hiking, or even bike riding for kids.
• Proximity to North Georgia Attractions: While secluded, its location near Cleveland, GA, means it's within reach of other popular North Georgia attractions like Helen, numerous hiking trails, and wineries.

Given Lake Shalom's likely operational model as a private retreat center often booked by groups rather than an individual public campground with per-night rates, traditional "promotions" in the sense of public discounts (like "stay 3, pay 2" or seasonal markdowns) are less common. Instead, offers may revolve around:

• Group Rates: The primary "offer" would be attractive group rates for organizations, families, or events booking the facility. These rates would be tailored to the size of the group, duration of stay, and specific needs (e.g., catering, use of specific facilities).
• Off-Peak Season Booking Incentives: Like many retreat centers, Lake Shalom might offer more favorable rates or increased availability during traditionally slower seasons (e.g., certain winter months, or weekdays outside of school holidays) to encourage bookings.
• Early Booking Discounts: For larger groups requiring significant planning, there might be incentives for booking far in advance.

To inquire about any specific pricing, packages, or potential special offers for your group's needs, direct contact with Lake Shalom (or the associated Camp Coleman if managed under their umbrella) would be the most effective approach. They would be able to provide detailed quotes based on your group's size and requirements.

Address: 210 Camp Coleman Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA

Phone: As Lake Shalom is closely associated with Camp Coleman, the most reliable phone number for inquiries regarding the property and its availability would likely be through Camp Coleman's administrative office. While a direct phone number for "Lake Shalom" as a standalone entity isn't widely published, general contact for Camp Coleman, which operates at this address, would be the go-to:

Camp Coleman Main Office: While an exact phone number specific to Lake Shalom for individual public camping inquiries is not readily available, for group bookings or general information about the property at 210 Camp Coleman Dr, it is best to search for the contact details of Camp Coleman itself, as they manage the site. Typically, this would involve visiting their official website or using a general inquiry number for the camp.

It is always recommended to contact the facility directly to confirm current availability, specific amenities for your type of stay (group vs. individual), and booking procedures.

For Georgians seeking a truly restorative and group-friendly outdoor experience, Lake Shalom near Cleveland offers an ideal retreat. Its prime location in the North Georgia mountains provides a convenient escape from the hustle of urban life, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer retreats for families, church groups, or community organizations.

What makes Lake Shalom particularly suitable for locals is its emphasis on a peaceful, natural environment coupled with facilities designed for communal gathering. Unlike bustling public campgrounds, its probable private or semi-private nature ensures a more serene atmosphere, allowing groups to truly bond and reconnect without external distractions. This focus on "shalom" or peace is a significant draw for those looking to foster deeper connections and recharge their spirits in a beautiful setting.

The opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities – from tranquil strolls along the river to fishing, canoeing, and simply relaxing by a campfire – cater to diverse interests within a group, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy. Furthermore, supporting a local retreat center like Lake Shalom contributes to the preservation of natural spaces in our beautiful state and provides a valuable resource for local communities to gather and thrive. It’s a place where Georgians can create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and find true peace amidst the breathtaking landscapes of their own backyard.