Camp Ba-Yo-Ca

★★★★★Aiden Lamberton

50/10 experience it was just asking would recommend for anybody looking for a place for their kids to stay

★★★★★Thomas Keith

I had Carter Brown as a counselor growing up it was pretty great he flag poled the flag pole. The program was great then if he's running the show the camp and the kids are in safe hands still . I plan on sending my daughter to camp there when she's old enough it's a fantastic experience for any kid .

★★★★★Jeniffer Bales

Our church scheduled at Youth Retreat this fall at Camp Ba-Yo-Ca and had a wonderful experience! The youth enjoyed archery, canoeing, paint ball, and roasting marshmallows under a blanket of stars each night. The camp grounds are nestled into the mountains of Wears Valley which was absolutely stunning this time of the year! You can enjoy the many items that the camp offers or decide to go out on your own and just use the camping facilities. Everyone from our group had a wonderful time and during our stay we had 2 of our youth that accepted Christ as their Savior! To God be the Glory! Many from our group has already requested that we schedule a return trip soon! Looking forward to hopefully a trip sometime next year in spring or summer.

★★★★★Tenn MacNamara

Note I am reviewing primarily to give people additional info into the camp, especially if they are considering using the facilities for a retreat, since there isn’t a lot of info online. I have tried to select some good photos that might help. It is a great place for a church retreat, nestled in the mountains yet close enough for many in the Knoxville/Maryville/Sevierville region to make use of. What a blessing it is to be able to use this facility. My intent is not to criticize but to provide info and express gratitude for the use of this facility. (Note- I cannot comment on the lodge or bunk-houses, since I did not enter these facilities). First thing to know is that prior to entering the camp you will have to drive down a pretty narrow curvy road and through a small creek. This should not be a problem for most vehicles during normal conditions. My loaded-down minivan went through with no issues. If you are using the camping ring you will have to go through a slightly deeper/wider creek area. Again, my minivan had no issues with this. Upon entering the camp you might find it a bit confusing which way to go unless you have been provided with a map. The camp website has a brochure with a map, but they could definitely improve access for visitors with a better map online. Upon entering the camp you will come to a “T”. Here you will find camp store, first aid, caretaker huts, etc. The lodge is up on a hill to the left. If you turn to the left here you will find the chapel, a creek to drive through, a field with a western-themed outdoor theater, archery, a goat pen, gymnasium (quite nice), a cool “ropes” course, and the a camping ring with covered pads behind the gym. Note there is no electric/water in these covered camp pads; electric outlets would be a welcome upgrade. Also if camping in this area there are no nearby bathrooms. Closest is a little bathroom at the back of the chapel. Bathhouses are a good distance away and up a significant hill. If you turn right at the “T” at the entrance you will find just about everything else you are looking for. A pond with canoes, slide, and “the blob”; a nice firepit by the pond that looks like they just added it; pool; a tiny “frontier town” with stage; bunk houses; dining hall; cabins; and bathhouse. Note that there are some additional charges to use some stuff like the blob. Note that the camp is a bit spread out and there are a lot of hills. Plan to do a bit of walking, bicycling, or driving to get around. Roads are gravel. The pond is small, as noted, but great for swimming and kayaking. The bathhouse next to the pond needs work/attention. The pool looks nice but was not open while we were there. The dining hall is a very nice facility and is the perfect meeting space for retreats. Very modern and everything you would need for meal prep. Cabins seem a bit dated. The facility that needs the most work is the main bathhouse. It is a bit scary and in desperate need of renovation. So—great location, scenery, creeks and pond—great location for a retreat. Very friendly people, very much a blessing to be able to use this facility for a retreat. Note that bathrooms could potentially be an issue, and I am unable to comment on the lodge or bunkhouses (or what summer camp is like since we were there just for a retreat).

★★★★★Nathan Wayne

These guys are amazing. Their dedication and hard work pays off for the kids’ experience. The property is so beautiful and very secluded. The perfect place for camp to get away and learn more about the presence of God.