"So often in this life, the world becomes an incredible burden. It's then that
we tend to take refuge -- to go where our hearts and minds can be at ease;
where we may be healed. God gives us the places of that refuge --
places we retreat to -- to receive friendship, guidance, love and rest.
Here is that place!"
-- Nathan Sharpe


Camp Ba-Yo-Ca, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, provides an ideal setting for Christian camping programs and church retreats. The camp is owned and operated by the Knox County Association of Baptists and is located on 325 acres of beautiful woodland. Jett Lodge and the camp facilities can accommodate a variety of groups including children, youth, couples, and senior adults. Resident summer camps provide great fun and an outdoor challenge for youngsters.

The purpose of Camp Ba Yo Ca as a spiritual retreat center is to provide an atmosphere in which Christian groups can:

  • Lead the lost to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior
  • Make disciples for Jesus Christ
  • Provide training and opportunities for Christian service.

All retreats and programs are to be conducted in keeping with the primary purpose of Camp Ba-Yo-Ca as a spiritual retreat center. The goal is to provide a place where individuals can enhance their spiritual growth and share their experience with others.

Reservation Policy

  • Knox County Association of Baptist churches and programs, convention supported groups, other churches and Christian groups may reserve the Camp facilities for any time available time during the year.

  • All retreat reservations are to be made through the Camp Reservations Secretary, posted, and cleared by the Camp Director and Director of Missions. The Baptist Office will mail a confirmation of the dates requested along with the reservation policy.

  • Each group will be sent additional information regarding use of the facilities, grounds, check in-out, etc., four weeks prior to the retreat date.

  • ALL reservations must be made through the Baptist Office at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to occupancy of the facilities.

  • Due to the seasonal operation, the cabins are available for use from the first of May until the end of October, except during the summer camping season unless approved by the Director.
Sleeping Capacity
  • Cabins: The sleeping capacity for the cabins is 80.

  • Bunkhouses: The bunkhouses' sleeping capacity is 62.

  • Lodge: The sleeping capacity is 76.

Retreat Rates

JETT LODGE - Rates are $18.00 per person per night age 4 years and up, and $3.00 per child per night age 3 and under. A deposit of $270.00 is required.

BUNKHOUSES - Rates are $16.00 per person per night age 4 years and up, and $3.00 per child per night age 3 years and under. A deposit of $240.00 is required.

CABINS - Rates are $14.00 per person per night age 4 years and up, and $2.00 per child per night age 3 and under. A deposit of $210.00 is required.

EXCLUSIVE USE OF LODGE AND CAMP FACILITIES - The minimum cost is $1216.00 per night plus $16.00 per person per night age 4 years and up, $4.00 per child per night age 3 and under for all over 76 persons. A deposit of $480.00 is required.

WEEKDAY ONLY GROUPS - The cost for groups wishing to use any of the camp facilities from Monday through Thursday is $12.00 per person per night age 4 years and up, and $2.00 per child per night age 3 and under. a deposit of $180.00 is required.

Other Staff Housing for Small Groups - Small groups of 12 or less can user other sleeping quarters at camp that are available. Kitchen available. Groups prepare their own meals. The camp grounds are activities are also available to small groups. Call or e-mail camp for details and costs.

Children's Day at Camp plus Activities - Large and small groups of all ages can use camp for a day of activities. Dinner on the ground, outdoor games and activities, Froniter Adventure, with stage show and much more. Call or e-mail camp for details and costs.

VISITORS - Visitors to ALL retreats who do not stay overnight will pay $4.00 per person to cover insurance and use of facilities.

Day Groups (No Overnight) Rates

JETT LODGE - Rates are $8.00 per person per day regardless of age for all churches and organizations to cover insurance and use of the facility. A deposit of $120.00 is required.

BUNKHOUSES and/or DINING HALL- Rates are $7.00 per person per day regardless of age for all churches and organizations to cover insurance and use of the facility. A deposit of $105.00 is required.

CABINS - Rates are $6.00 per person per day regardless of age for all churches and organizations to cover insurance and use of the facility. A deposit of $90.00 is required.

GROUNDS ONLY - Day groups which use the camp grounds only (this does not include the use of camp facilities, cabins, bunkhouses, or Jett Lodge) will pay $1.00 per person regardless of age for all churches and organizations to cover insurance. A deposit of $30.00 is required.

OVERNIGHT CAMPOUT - Great for RA boys and other church groups. Tents and campers (no hookups) in the Lower Field. Cost is $4.00 per person. Primitive Campsite located on Brave Mountain, one mile from the main camp. Cost is $4.00 per person. No deposit is required.

DEPOSITS - PLEASE NOTE - The reservation deposits are the minimum charges for the use of the facilities and is due within fourteen (14) days after reservations are made. Two notices will be mailed for delinquent deposits before cancellation.

EARLY ARRIVAL (BEFORE 5:00PM CHECK-IN TIME) - $2.00 PER PERSON
LATE DEPARTURE (AFTER 3:00 PM CHECK-OUT TIME) - $2.00 PER PERSON