Retreats & Cabin Rentals
Retreat Center Near St. Louis
A Private Retreat Destination in Southern Illinois
Camp Manitowa Retreat Center offers the facilities, programming, and hospitality to create an unforgettable getaway. Our intimate 40-acre property is nestled between Lake Hamilton and Rend Lake in beautiful Southern Illinois — just 90 minutes from St. Louis, 4½ hours from Chicago, and 3 hours from Nashville.
Fully renovated in 2010, Camp Manitowa–Rend Lake accommodates up to 175 guests in our signature yurts and an additional 60 guests in cabins and dormitory-style lodging.
On-Site Amenities Include:
Lake access and waterfront activities
50-foot climbing tower and high ropes course
400-foot zip line
Hiking and biking trails
Athletic fields and indoor recreation spaces
Arts & crafts building
Commercial kitchen and spacious dining hall
Everything you need for a productive, meaningful, and memorable retreat — all in one place.
Flexible Rental Options
We offer a variety of retreat formats to fit your group’s goals:
Half-Day Retreats
Full-Day Retreats
Overnight & Multi-Night Experiences
“Manitowa Base Camp” for Southern Illinois Adventure Trips
Private Venue Rentals
Whether you’re a small business, major corporation, youth organization, church group, or school, Camp Manitowa provides the ideal setting to step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with purpose.
Programming Options
Our experienced team can design programming tailored to your group, including:
Team building and leadership development
Experiential outdoor education
Adventure sports and challenge course facilitation
Classic camp experiences
Custom pricing is available based on group size, lodging, meals, and programming. Contact us to begin planning your retreat.
Weddings at Camp Manitowa
A Weekend Wedding Experience Unlike Any Other
If you’re looking for a beautiful, unique wedding venue near St. Louis, Camp Manitowa offers the perfect blend of natural charm and flexibility.
Host a full weekend celebration with exclusive access to our property. Your guests can stay on-site, enjoy camp activities, gather around the lake, and experience a wedding that feels personal, relaxed, and unforgettable.
Our team works closely with you to design the experience — from ceremony location to reception dinner. Our professional chef will collaborate with you to craft a memorable menu, whether that’s an elevated reception dinner or camp-inspired favorites throughout the weekend.
At Camp Manitowa, your wedding isn’t just a day — it’s an experience.
We would be honored to help you create a celebration that reflects your story.