Southeastern Conference Campground

Hello, fellow Floridians! When you think of a "campground" in our beautiful state, you might envision a rustic tent site or an RV spot. However, the Southeastern Conference Campground in Hawthorne offers a far more expansive and versatile experience, particularly for groups. This unique facility is less of a traditional public campground for individual family vacations and more of a dedicated venue designed to host large gatherings, conferences, summer camps, and spiritual retreats. It's a place steeped in history and community, with many people cherishing fond memories of attending events here for decades.

If you're part of a church group, a youth organization, or any large collective looking for a well-equipped location to host an event that combines comfortable facilities with a natural outdoor experience, the Southeastern Conference Campground should be at the top of your list. It provides a comprehensive solution for groups seeking dedicated spaces for lodging, dining, meetings, and recreation, all within a serene setting in North Central Florida.

Many who have experienced this campground speak highly of its "great facilities for large groups." Unlike many smaller campgrounds, it boasts cabins, dining and kitchen areas, multiple auditoriums, and various recreational spaces. This extensive infrastructure means that organizers can plan diverse activities, from spiritual gatherings and educational workshops to team-building exercises and outdoor adventures, all within one convenient location.

Beyond the physical amenities, there's a strong sense of heritage and purpose at this campground. It has served as a central hub for the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists for many years, fostering spiritual growth and community building. Visitors often express how their experiences here, from childhood through adulthood, have significantly contributed to their personal development. This speaks volumes about the positive and impactful environment that the campground cultivates.

While it may not be the first place that comes to mind for a spontaneous individual camping trip, its suitability for organized events and large groups makes it an invaluable asset for many Floridian communities. It offers a unique blend of structured facilities and a natural outdoor ambiance, providing a conducive environment for both productive meetings and enriching recreational activities. The campground has also undergone significant improvements over the years, ensuring that its facilities remain well-maintained and capable of supporting a wide array of events.

In the following sections, we'll dive deeper into the specific location and its accessibility, detailing the impressive range of services and facilities available for groups. We’ll also highlight the key features that make this campground a standout choice for large-scale events and provide essential contact information to help you plan your next gathering. If you're a Floridian event organizer or part of a group seeking a comprehensive and spiritually enriching venue, continue reading to discover why the Southeastern Conference Campground is an excellent choice.

The Southeastern Conference Campground is conveniently located at 1771 FL-20, Hawthorne, FL 32640, USA. This address places it strategically in North Central Florida, offering excellent accessibility from various major population centers in the state. Hawthorne itself is a smaller community, providing a peaceful, rural backdrop that is ideal for focused group events, yet it remains well-connected to larger cities.

For those traveling from Gainesville, a significant hub in North Central Florida, the campground is just about halfway between Gainesville and Palatka on Highway 20. This makes it an approximately 30-minute to 45-minute drive from Gainesville, a relatively easy commute for attendees. From the Jacksonville area, a major metropolitan center, the drive typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it feasible for groups coming from the northeast. For those venturing from Orlando or other Central Florida locations, the drive would be longer but still manageable for weekend retreats or multi-day conferences.

The campground is situated on the south side of Highway 20, approximately six miles east of Hawthorne. Its direct frontage on a state highway ensures straightforward access for buses, vans, and individual vehicles, which is crucial when coordinating large group arrivals. The well-maintained public roads leading to the facility contribute to a smooth travel experience for all attendees.

While the campground is nestled in a natural environment, its proximity to Hawthorne means that basic amenities and services are within reach if needed. This balance of a serene, natural setting with practical accessibility to local resources is a key advantage for event organizers. The location allows groups to truly immerse themselves in their activities without feeling completely isolated from necessary conveniences, making it an ideal choice for both spiritual retreats and active outdoor programs.

• Accommodation Options: Includes cabins (some with capacity for up to 140 campers), private rooms, motel units, and guest lodges to house large groups.
• Dining Facilities: Features a cafeteria and commercial kitchen capable of providing full catering for groups, accommodating diverse dietary needs.
• Multiple Auditoriums/Chapels: Offers various large meeting spaces, including auditoriums (some with seating for up to 4000) and outdoor chapels, suitable for worship services, conferences, and presentations.
• Recreational Areas: Extensive outdoor and indoor recreational facilities such as a gymnasium, tennis courts, horse corral, nature trails, climbing walls, high and low-elements challenge courses, and waterfront activities (e.g., ski boats, sailboats, canoes, wave runners, swimming). Other possible activities include basketball, shuffleboard, mini golf, and a skate park.
• Breakout Rooms: Meeting rooms and breakout spaces within the gymnasium and cafeteria areas for smaller group discussions and workshops.
• Tent Camping and RV Sites: While primarily for groups, the facility does include areas for tent camping and RV sites, offering flexibility for different accommodation preferences within a larger event.
• Program Facilities: Equipped for various camp programs, including aquatics, horsemanship, rock climbing, gymnastics, BMX, wilderness survival, and more.
• Airstrips: Some sources mention a 3000-foot airstrip, indicating potential for specialized access for event organizers or guests.
• Nature and Craft Complex: Dedicated areas for nature studies and craft activities, popular during summer camps.
• Event Planning Support: While not explicitly detailed, the nature of a conference center suggests support for event logistics and coordination.

• Extensive Facilities for Large Groups: The standout feature is its comprehensive infrastructure specifically designed to host major events, conferences, and camps with capacities ranging from dozens to thousands of attendees.
• Diverse Accommodation Choices: Offers a wide array of lodging options, from rustic cabins to more comfortable motel units and private rooms, catering to different group needs and preferences.
• Comprehensive Recreational Activities: Provides an impressive range of recreational opportunities, both structured (gymnasium, challenge courses, sports courts) and nature-based (waterfront activities, nature trails), ensuring engagement for all ages and interests.
• Dedicated Dining & Kitchen: Features a full cafeteria with a commercial kitchen, simplifying meal planning and execution for large-scale events.
• Multiple Meeting & Worship Spaces: Boasts several auditoriums and chapels, adaptable for various types of gatherings, from large spiritual services to smaller breakout sessions.
• Natural Outdoor Experience: Nestled within a serene natural environment, allowing groups to enjoy outdoor activities and a peaceful retreat from urban life.
• Historical Significance & Continuous Improvement: Has served as a vital spiritual and community hub for many years, with ongoing improvements noted by visitors, reflecting a commitment to quality.
• Pet-Friendly (Potentially for events): While specific policies vary, many large group facilities are accommodating, though confirmation is recommended for specific events.
• Unique Amenities: The mention of a "fourth oldest Cypress tree in the US at over 2,600 years old" suggests unique natural landmarks on the property or nearby for exploration.
• Versatile Event Hosting: Suitable for a wide array of events beyond spiritual gatherings, including youth camps, educational programs, family reunions, and corporate retreats.

The Southeastern Conference Campground primarily functions as a large-scale event and retreat center rather than a typical campground with individual nightly promotions. As such, its "promotions" are centered around its capacity to provide comprehensive packages for groups, offering value through bundled services for large gatherings.

For organizations planning an event, the key "special offer" is the availability of extensive facilities that can accommodate diverse needs, from lodging and dining to meeting spaces and recreational activities, all at a potentially competitive group rate. While specific pricing details for group bookings are not publicly advertised on general review sites, facilities of this nature typically offer tiered pricing based on group size, duration of stay, and the specific amenities requested (e.g., catering, use of auditoriums, specific recreational program access).

Prospective groups, such as churches, schools, or other organizations, would need to contact the campground directly to inquire about customized packages and pricing that fit their specific event requirements. The value here comes from the convenience and efficiency of hosting an entire event, including accommodation, meals, and activities, at a single, well-equipped location, which can often be more cost-effective than coordinating multiple vendors and venues.

Given its primary affiliation, the campground may also offer special rates or considerations for member organizations of the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, especially for their annual camp meetings and other scheduled events. These are internal benefits for affiliated groups rather than general public promotions.

For anyone considering hosting a large group event in Florida, the "promotion" is the robust infrastructure and the ease of planning that comes with a dedicated conference and camp facility. The best way to understand the cost-effectiveness for your specific event is to reach out to their administration for a detailed quote tailored to your group's needs.

Address: 1771 FL-20, Hawthorne, FL 32640, USA

Phone: (352) 481-3961

Mobile Phone: +1 352-481-3961

Website: secsda.org (This is the website for the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which operates the campground and provides information about events held there.)

For Floridians, especially those involved in community organizations, churches, or youth groups, the Southeastern Conference Campground in Hawthorne is an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource. It stands out not as a typical individual camping spot, but as a robust and well-established venue perfectly equipped to host large-scale events, conferences, and retreats right here in our backyard.

The most compelling reason for locals to consider this campground is its extensive facilities designed for groups. We understand the logistical challenges of organizing events that require accommodation, dining, meeting spaces, and recreational activities for many people. The Southeastern Conference Campground addresses these needs comprehensively with its array of cabins, dining halls with commercial kitchens, multiple auditoriums (some seating thousands!), and diverse recreational areas. This integrated approach simplifies event planning dramatically, making it a highly practical choice for schools, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and other large collectives across Florida.

Its location in Hawthorne, easily accessible via FL-20 from major hubs like Gainesville and Jacksonville, means less travel time for attendees and greater convenience for event organizers. This regional accessibility is crucial for maximizing participation and minimizing logistical headaches, allowing groups to focus on the purpose of their gathering rather than the journey.

Furthermore, the campground offers a unique blend of structured amenities and a natural outdoor experience. It's a place where groups can engage in productive meetings and workshops in comfortable facilities, then step outside to enjoy nature trails, waterfront activities, and various sports. This balance fosters an environment conducive to both learning and recreation, providing a holistic experience that can be truly enriching for participants. Many locals who grew up attending events here can attest to the positive impact these experiences have had on their lives.

While individual camping might not be its primary focus, its suitability for a wide array of group events — from summer camps that shape young lives to spiritual retreats that foster community — makes it an invaluable asset for Florida's diverse communities. The ongoing improvements to the facilities also demonstrate a commitment to providing a high-quality venue for future generations.

In conclusion, for Floridians organizing a significant group event, the Southeastern Conference Campground offers unparalleled facilities, a convenient location, and a supportive environment for memorable gatherings. It’s a foundational venue that continues to serve as a cornerstone for community building and enriching experiences in North Central Florida.