Facility Rental and Recreational Programming
When we are not hosting a special weekend event, Camp Ondessonk functions like a public campground and event venue. Our site is perfect for families or groups to spend the weekend in nature and enjoy our 983 acres and adjacent Shawnee National Forest. Sleep in a treehouse, pitch a tent, or for those who don’t wish to rough it, rent a suite in St. Noel. Larger groups can arrange for meals and programs, as well. We host families, scout troops, and church groups, but also have capacity for up to 400 people. Click here for more information about great things to do at Camp on your own during the non-summer months. It is advised that groups make reservations several months in advance – especially larger groups wanting meals and programs and for dates during the busier months of April, May, September, and October. Call (618) 695-2489 x129 or email greg.santen@ondessonk.com
Camp Ondessonk ADULT Waiver 2021 (Age 18+)
Camp Ondessonk MINOR Waiver 2021 (Under Age 18)
All visitors, program participants, students, teachers, adult chaperones, regardless of age, are required to sign a waiver. Children not attending with their parent must have one signed prior to arrival.
Open Camping Dates
Year-Round Spots to Stay
Ondessonk Maps
Ondessonk Rules and Regulations
Camp Ondessonk’s Calendar of Events
EVENT MEETING SPACES:
Old Dining Hall
One of Camp’s original structures from 1959, our Old Dining Hall is a charming and rustic space for groups wanting to their event to be an intimate experience with the outdoors. The Old Dining Hall is completely screened in, has tables and benches for up to 300 people to accommodate large groups, and is a great covered space while still being outside. There is also free WiFi available in and around this building.
New Dining Hall
Built in 2005, our new Dining Hall has seating for up to 500 people and a modern commercial kitchen that cooks up nutritious and delicious meals for groups large and small. Situated on a high point, the new Dining Hall has beautiful views of the surrounding Shawnee Hills and is completely climate-controlled with restroom facilities. There is also free WiFi available in and around this building.
Chapel of North American Martyrs
Also one of Camp’s original 1959 structures 
and perfectly preserved, the Chapel is climate-controlled, seats about 200 people, and is a quaint and rustic place for quiet reflection, group meetings, spiritual services, or to have mass. Call Camp to request mass from our Chaplain or bring your own priest; either way, the Chapel is always available for groups to celebrate the Eucharist. There is also free WiFi available in and around this building.
Staff Lounge
Built in 1959 as the original administration building, the Staff Lounge is always open for any guests of Camp to sit back and gather around the stone fireplace. This climate-controlled building can be exclusively reserved as a meeting space for groups to enjoy its rustic, all wood ambiance and warm, inviting atmosphere. There is also free WiFi available in and around this building.
St. Noel Meeting Room
The St. Noel Retreat and Conference Center is a modern, climate-controlled facility with nine hostel-style rooms and meeting/dining space in the basement as well as a kitchenette and a common sitting area/library. The building has audio/visual equipment and free WiFi. For more information and photos of St. Noel, click here.
The Grotto
The Grotto is a huge sandstone shelter overlooking Lake St. Isaac. It has seating for 500 people and is perfect for large group events like concerts, spiritual services, or campfires. There is also a large fire pit, the stage/altar is lit by 3 high-powered spotlights, and electric hook-up is available, but Camp’s WiFi network is not available in this area.
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- The Grotto at Camp Ondessonk
LODGING:
Camp Ondessonk’s Signature Treehouses
One of the highlights of an Ondessonk visit, our 3-sided treehouse cabin units take full advantage of their natural surroundings. They are intentionally designed and located to maximize visitors’ experience of tranquility and inspiration of Nature. Some are on the ground for ease of access, one is built under shelter bluff with its own waterfall, and others are walled in for a bit more security. Whichever unit you choose, you will be immersed by the natural world in a unique setting. Most cabin units have 5-6 cabins and sleep around 40 guests. Click here to see more photos. All cabin units have fire pits, benches, picnic table, water spigot, outhouse, and are close to a showerhouse.
Bachelor Officer’s Quarters (B.O.Q.) :
Bunk-house style lodge, four walls, screened-in windows, large covered deck, fire pit, benches, picnic tables, electricity but no heat, no spigot but short walk to toilets and shower house. 27 guests.
Camp Ondessonk Dorms:
Two bunk-house style dormitories, screened-in windows, covered decks, electricity, and heat; no spigot but next door to showerhouse. Upper Dorms: 22 guests; Lower dorms: 26 guests.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS:
Outdoor Programs
Choose from a variety of programs to create an unforgettable Ondessonk experience for your group. We offer guided hikes into our 983-acre backyard or beyond into the Shawnee National Forest, canoeing and kayaking, swimming in our incredible Lake St. Isaac, and archery programs. See below to download our Program and Curriculum Descriptions.
Equestrian Programs
One of the most unique things about Camp Ondessonk is our 75-horse herd who live here year round for groups to enjoy. Groups can book a an arena or trail rides of varying lengths and skill levels through our beautiful pastures or out into the Shawnee National Forest. Visit our Ondessonk Stables Web Page for more information on trail rides.
Adventure and Leadership Programs
Adventure and leadership programs develop group communication, problem-solving, and cooperation. Our High Challenge Course is designed to engage the entire group, not just the climber. The Low Challenge Course incorporates a series of challenging obstacles that groups must overcome using creative problem-solving and communication and is perfect for retreat groups and scout troops. See below to download our Program and Curriculum Descriptions.
Click here for more information on our facilities.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Greg Santen- Guest Services Director
(618) 695-2489 ext. 129