Welcome! We are so thrilled you are considering Walnut Ridge for your upcoming camp or retreat. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email us. Our purpose is to help each group leader’s planning process go as smoothly as possible. We want your experience to be stress-free so you can fully digest what God has for you while you are here.

We hope our retreat center will meet your group’s needs in every shape and form. Our desire is to serve you above and beyond your expectations. As you continue to research what Walnut Ridge has to offer, please consider scheduling a tour with one of our staff members. We would be delighted to guide you through our beautiful Brown County retreat center and highlight everything we have to offer, firsthand.

Thank you for visiting our website and we look forward to partnering with you soon.

Blessings,

Jon & Corinne Johnson

Directors, Walnut Ridge Christian Retreat Center

The History of Walnut Ridge…

In 1940, the Hickory Hill Canning Factory occupied our 50-acre space within the woods. After its closing, a private residence was built in the 1970’s and is now the Hilltop Lodge. In the mid 80s, Young Life purchased the residence and added the ‘gymnasium’ down the hill. At that point in time, the camp could only house 40 guests. About 10 years later in April of 1995, Walnut Hills purchased the camp from Young Life and expanded both the acreage and housing capacity. The camp went from 50 to 65 acres and 40 to 100 guests. In October of 2014, Ted Hayes purchased the camp and changed the name to Walnut Ridge. His team added the outdoor stage, paintball course, swing set, and slide. He also remodeled the gymnasium into what is now Willow Hall. In April of 2017, the Johnson family began managing the camp. Their vision is to work alongside group leaders to create a fun and intimate retreat experience where they embrace God, together.