John Knox Ranch - Summer Camp and Retreat Center
Private
John Knox Ranch is the Presbyterian (Mission Presbytery, PCUSA) camp and retreat ministry on 300 acres along the Blanco River near Fischer, offering summer camps since 1963. It runs resident (overnight) camp for students entering grades 2-12 and a day camp for ages 4-8, with swimming, archery, rock climbing and rappelling, canoeing, a ropes course, nature discovery and Bible study. It is ACA-accredited.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact John Knox Ranch - Summer Camp and Retreat Center directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Karen Ware JacksonThis place is absolutely incredible! We send our kids to summer camp here, but have also stayed here for retreats and family vacations. We've stayed in the new casitas and they are so cool! They have everything you could need to be comfortable, while still feeling simple and close to nature. The natural beauty will take your breath away over and over, with so many unique spots like the spring-fed blue hole, cypress trees along the creek, and the beautiful Blanco River. The staff is amazing, from the office staff to the program leaders to the directors; they will take care of you and your kids. We cannot rave enough about summer camp at John Knox. It has helped form my children into the confident, creative, kind,. and kooky human beings they are. I trust the staff and safety plans at John Knox, which have been reviewed, updated, and adapted as needed to meet the American Camping Association's accreditation requirements as well as new laws.
★★★★★Isaac DolanI can not say enough good things about John Knox Ranch. I took our youth group there for our Fall Retreat and it was a 10/10 experience. The staff was very helpful and communicated very well both before arriving and on site. The food was excellent and home made. I have never had food so good at camp before. The accommodations were clean and great. The meeting space was great. The camp itself is absolutely beautiful and made for some truly wonderful prayer time and adventures. I will definitely be booking the camp once again for our Fall Retreat next year.
★★★★★SandyWhat an amazing experience! 5 stars for our staff retreat this fall. The staff of JKR were knowledgeable and very helpful to our entire staff. The food they prepare is amazing and we never went hungry. What a special place for children and families to get to experience.
★★★★★Amy TemperleyThis is the happiest place on earth. Beautiful land, good accommodations and the most amazing staff. Oh and the food! We hosted our camp for older adults at JKR and we will be back time and time again!
★★★★★Christina RogersMy husband, kids, and I had a really fun weekend at John Knox Ranch! We stayed in a duplex cabin and did activities with our group, who had rented a primitive campsite. Canoeing, archery, swimming, and hiking were great! The staff members were very kind and helpful. I think next time we'll pay to have the cabin cleaned instead of doing it ourselves, though. It was more work than I realized!