Retreats, Gatherings & Group Experiences

Where Meaningful Connections Happen

From leadership retreats and team-building events to family reunions, youth gatherings, nonprofit conferences, faith based worship, and celebrations, Camp Carter provides the space, support, and experiences your group needs to connect, grow, and thrive.

  • Just 15-Minutes from Downtown Fort Worth
  • 360 Acres of Natural Beauty
  • Lodging for 200+ Overnight Guests
  • Day Events for 500+ Attendees
  • Facilitated Team Building, Recreation & Adventure Activities
  • In-House Catering & Meeting Services Available

 

More Than a Venue. A Place with Purpose.

At YMCA Camp Carter, every gathering supports our mission of strengthening communities, developing leaders, growing appreciation for the environment, and creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect and grow.

Whether you’re hosting a strategic planning retreat, leadership summit, church retreat, family reunion, or celebration, our team helps create experiences that inspire relationships and lasting memories.

Flexible Spaces

Meeting rooms, lakeside views, outdoor venues, dining facilities, and gathering spaces designed for groups of every size.

Adventure & Team Building

Build trust, strengthen communication, and create unforgettable experiences through guided activities and outdoor adventures.

Overnight Accommodations

Comfortable lodging options for retreats, camps, conferences, and multi-day events.

Full-Service Support

Receive a dedicated Camp Host that works alongside you to customize a retreat experience that meets your goals and budget and serves you and your guests onsite for a fantastic experience.

Plan Your Perfect Event

Corporate/Team Meetings

Our staff is here to help coordinate and assist you in planning your next meeting.

Weddings/Special Occasions

From birthdays, family reunions, or the wedding of your dreams, Camp Carter sets the perfect backdrop.

Team Building

Whether a sales team, athletic club, corporate professionals, or a school group, success depends on working together as a cohesive and motivated group.

Experience Camp Carter Without Booking a Retreat

Looking to experience Camp Carter without booking a full retreat or event? The Comanche Cabin is now available as a standalone Airbnb rental, offering a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature—just minutes from downtown Fort Worth.

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, extending a retreat, reconnecting with nature, or exploring Fort Worth, the Comanche Cabin offers a comfortable home base with all the beauty and adventure of Camp Carter right outside your door.

Perfect for:

  • Weekend getaways & staycations
  • Couples and families
  • Nature lovers
  • Camp Carter alumni and supporters
  • Visitors looking to experience camp on their own

What They’re Saying About Camp

"This was our best Teen Retreat yet! We had a great and smooth retreat. The communication, organization and execution has been fabulous. Our Camp Host, Amber, is THE BEST! This summer has been the best summer for our group."
Cancer Care Services
"Everything was great, and thanks for being flexible when the activities went a little overtime. We will definitely book again.”"
Dallas Bulls
"Our Camp Host, Amber, was an absolute joy to work with and was very accommodating of our group's requests during pre-planning and while our group was onsite. She is very sweet and hard working!"
Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values
"There was so much to do around the camp that it made each day filled with excitement. The staff is very accommodating and answered all of our questions to make sure this experience was a positive one. The help to prepare and make the whole weekend great was very appreciated."
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
"Thank you for your continued hospitality with the Piper Picnic."
Piper Family Reunion Picnic Group
"The staff and volunteers were great directing traffic and checking in on everything. The fee was reasonable. The parking was golden for vendors... The communication was clear so I knew exactly what to do."
Calhoun’s Country Smoke
Annual Chili Cook-Off Vendor
"Staff at activities were great. Felt safe. Engaged with our youth. Fun. Flexible. All good to say on all staff members."
Retreat Guest

Frequently Asked Questions

Camp Carter welcomes corporate teams, churches, schools, nonprofits, youth organizations, scout groups, sports teams, families, wedding parties, and any other community organizations or private parties. Whether you’re planning a retreat, conference, leadership event, celebration, or team-building experience, we can help customize your event.

Camp Carter can host everything from small leadership meetings and family gatherings to large events with hundreds of guests. We offer meeting spaces, outdoor venues, overnight lodging, and activity areas that can be customized for your group’s size and needs. Our largest events have been over 1,000 individuals!

Yes! Groups can reserve overnight cabins and, during select seasons, tent camping areas. Overnight retreats are popular with youth groups, churches, schools, nonprofit organizations, and leadership teams.

Available spaces include:

  • Retreat Center
  • Dining Hall
  • Conference Rooms
  • Rec Hall
  • Outdoor Covered Pavilion
  • Outdoor Chapel
  • The Point
  • Nature Center
  • Cabins and Camping Areas

Our team can help identify the best setup for your event.

Absolutely. Our most popular group experiences include low ropes initiatives, climbing programs, giant swing, zipline experiences, leadership development activities, and customized team-building programs designed to strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration.

Groups may choose from a variety of activities, including:

  • Archery
  • Canoeing
  • Climbing Tower
  • Zipline
  • Giant Swing
  • Guided Hikes
  • Ceramics
  • Tie Dye
  • Hayrides
  • Swimming (seasonal)
  • Campfires
  • Animal Encounters
  • Equestrian Programming

Activity availability may vary by season and group size.

Camp Carter offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with menus to choose from. We can provide everything from simple meals to full retreat catering packages. Most groups choose Camp Carter catering, while others prefer to bring meals, snacks, food trucks, or outside catering. Our team can review available options based on your event needs. If we’re able to meet the needs you’re seeking outside of Camp Carter, a catering fee may apply. We regularly work with groups requiring vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-sensitive, kosher, and halal meal accommodations. Please share dietary needs during the planning process so we can create an appropriate menu.

Yes. All of our meeting spaces can accommodate presentations, strategic planning sessions, board meetings, and training events. Available technology includes Wi-Fi, projectors or screens, microphones, and speakers.

Absolutely. We encourage prospective groups to schedule a site tour to explore facilities, discuss programming options, and see how Camp Carter can support your event goals. Common requests include site visits for retreats, conferences, weddings, and large gatherings. We also welcome you to take a virtual 360 tour here: https://ymcafw.org/camp-carter/tour/

Some adventure activities such as the zipline, giant swing, climbing tower, and challenge course elements have participant requirements for safety. Our staff will provide specific guidelines during the planning process.

Our team works with groups to develop contingency plans and can often provide alternative indoor spaces or adjusted schedules when weather conditions change, however, for safety in conjunction with local authorities, the American Camp Association, and Department of Heath and Human Services, we may not be able to fully execute your original plans.

Yes. Most groups create a customized experience that combines facilities, meals, lodging, activities, and team-building elements. We’ll work with you to design a retreat that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekends, spring and fall retreat seasons, summer group experiences, and large events. Popular dates can fill months in advance.

Camp Carter offers something traditional venues can’t: meaningful shared experiences in a community-oriented environment. In addition to meeting space and accommodations, your group can enjoy outdoor adventures, team-building activities, lakeside gathering areas, and a mission-driven environment that strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories. This is where people come to connect, grow, and experience something truly different.