What is Holmes Camp & Retreat Center?

Updated

Holmes Camp & Retreat Center is a 500-plus-acre retreat and camp facility in the Hudson Valley, less than two hours from New York City. It hosts individuals, churches, nonprofits, community and scouting groups, social groups, and mission-compatible corporate clients, and you do not need to be Presbyterian or identify with any faith to attend.

Where it is and what the land offers

The site sits on over 500 acres of hills, forest, and wetlands in Holmes, NY (60 Denton Lake Road, Holmes, NY 12531). Onsite recreation and renewal options include:

  • Four lakes
  • Ten miles of trails
  • Nearby landmarks and state parks

Facilities

The property mixes a small conference center with lodging, dorms, cabins, outdoor and indoor meeting spaces, and rustic youth summer camp facilities. That range means it can serve a small leadership retreat, a larger group gathering, or a youth camp session.

Who it serves

Holmes describes its audience as individuals, churches, nonprofits, and other groups. More specifically, it lists:

  • Faith-affiliated groups
  • Nonprofits and community organizations
  • Scouting groups
  • Social groups
  • Corporate clients whose purposes are compatible with the center's mission and values

Affiliation with the Presbyterian church is not required. Holmes is a ministry of the Presbyterian Conference Association and is affiliated with the Presbyteries of Long Island, Hudson River, and New York City of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), but the center states plainly that your group does not need to be associated with the Presbyterian church or identify with a faith to attend.

Programs and ways to get involved

Beyond facility rentals, Holmes runs a published program schedule (a 2026 Program Schedule is listed) and offers financial aid. Named programs and events include:

  • Community Night
  • Confirmation Retreat
  • Earth Care in Action
  • Men's Service Retreat
  • Minister and Elders Luncheon
  • Tag, Plant and Bake Sale
  • Lobster Bake
  • Friends Day
  • Fundraising Dinner & Awards
  • Women's Retreat
  • Christmas Lessons and Carols
  • Volunteer Work Days

It also offers Pastoral Respite, a dedicated retreat option for clergy.

Core values and mission

Holmes states its core values as faith, education, conservation, community, recreation, hospitality, and renewal, and summarizes its mission as "Educate | Empower | Renew."

Practical starting points

  • Rentals: Facility Rental is the entry point for groups booking space; Pastoral Respite is a separate option.
  • Programs: Check the 2026 Program Schedule for dated events, and Financial Aid if cost is a barrier.
  • Volunteering: Volunteer Work Days are listed as an ongoing way to participate.
  • Contact: 60 Denton Lake Road, Holmes, NY 12531; phone 845-878-6383; email and a newsletter signup are available through the site.

If your group needs meeting space, lodging, and outdoor access within driving distance of New York City, and your purpose fits the center's values, Holmes is worth a direct inquiry about availability and rates.