Best Group Retreat Locations Near Albany

Check Out The Best Group Retreat Locations Near Albany, NY

Searching for a great group retreat location can be a real challenge. That is why we have put together a list of 5 of the best available in the Capital Region. Below you will find venues that are all unique in what they offer, but they are all venues that know how to host a great event, no matter what you are looking for.

So if you want to go glamping for a weekend, hire an entire summer camp to yourselves, stay in a spacious country lodge, or relax and kick back in a spa, you will find something in our list below that will tick those boxes.

We hope that no matter what you are looking for, you will find ideas and inspiration from the venues below to help you with your search for the perfect retreat center for your group.

Camp Schodack / Berkshire Retreat Center

Camp Schodack is a beautiful countryside venue in Nassau, New York. This retreat was founded in 1957 and has been family owned and operated for four generations. It’s rich history and beautiful landscape make Camp Schodack a perfect venue for groups looking for privacy and plenty of activities for their group.

There are over 40 acres of open fields and 60 acres of private forest for you to plan your retreat, and spacious indoor venue space for anyone needing additional space. No matter what your plans may be, Camp Schodack will make it spectacular. This secluded getaway offers spacious open fields as well as wooded trails for a nature-seeking guests. The venue also offers an outdoor amphitheater with seating for up to 500 guests as well as dining facilities with thew same capacity.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Emerson Resort & Spa

Designed with the splendor of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley in mind, open spaces and oversized windows expose stunning views and bring the beauty of the outside in. Enjoy spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn or Adirondack-style Lodge, nature-inspired treatments at our award-winning spa, our signature restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, The Shops at Emerson, and the not-to-be-missed World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Skiing, hiking, biking, tubing, fishing and outdoor concerts are just a few of the numerous nearby activities. Or, explore the eclectic and historical towns of Phoenicia, Woodstock and Saugerties. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Catskills.

Find out more: https://emersonresort.com/

Handsome Hollow

This silvery-grey fox is 240 years old and once a working dairy barn. Not only will you have 4000 sq. ft of sweet space to soiree, a restored 18th century farmhouse to hang your hat in but Handsome Hollow sits on 93 acres of pristine wilderness. Explore endless trails, creeks, hemlock groves, maple forests, blueberry fields, springs, an old bluestone quarry and Big Fork Mountain.

Handsome Hollow is a truly rare place. The stunning, 93-acre property with fields, meadows, forests and mountain views, is the location of a restored 18th century barn. Also on the property, is a chic, stylishly designed, 120-year old farmhouse. Handsome Hollow is an idyllic, unforgettable wedding destination in the Catskills.

Find out more: http://www.handsomehollow.com/

Spillian

We welcome groups of friends, colleagues, family members for an all-inclusive weekend or a week at Spillian. Our chef and staff are on hand to make your stay utterly effortless! Relax, challenge yourselves and your imaginations, and revel in being together. Whether your dream is slow-paced porch-sitting punctuated with feasting and silly games in the library or an expansive weekend exploring the Catskills or a project together, Spillian embraces its visitors as family. Remarkable things happen at these gatherings!

We can host up to 18 overnight guests onsite, and can accommodate more daytime guests who are staying elsewhere for meals and any activities you’re dreaming. (We’re happy, by the way, to help you find additional lodging.)

And we offer virtually limitless choices  of special experiences, from spa services to guided adventures throughout the Catskills, informal workshops and cooking classes, wine and spirit tastings, and more, or simply the chance to read that great book you’ve been wanting to get to as you sit in front of the fire.

Find out more: https://spillian.com/

The Arnold House

If you are looking for a rustic country backdrop but don't want to compromise on great local food for your private event, The Arnold House on Shandelee may be just what you are looking for! We offer weddings & events year-round and can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests. Located 2 hours north of New York City in the western Catskills, the Arnold House is a country retreat set on seven acres and nestled into the forest of Shandelee Mountain.

We specialize in rustic barn and outdoor weddings on our beautiful grounds, including ceremonies in our meadows and near our pond, but also offer cozy cold weather affairs with our roaring wood stoves and comfortable indoor seating. These events can be held in our Tavern, 1960’s Dining Room, Sun Room, BBQ Barn or outside in the meadows. Our goal is to work with each individual party to make sure we customize to taste, style and budget.  

Find out more: http://www.thearnoldhouse.com/weddings

Athletic Retreat Venue - Albany, NY

Check out the amazing Sports facilities at Camp Schodack’s Berkshire Retreat Center

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Albany, Camp Schodack has been owned and operated by the Krouner family for 3 generations.

Located on 40 acres of open playing fields and sports facilities, the camp is surrounded by a further 60 acres of woodlands, all crisscrossed with running and hiking trails that are perfect for athletes or keen hikers to explore. The camp has a huge range of sports and activities available for groups to use, which are all complemented by wonderful facilities including large indoor and outdoor spaces, in addition to our huge dining hall and many other excellent areas you can make use of.

Operating as a summer camp from mid-June to mid-August means that the facilities are available for groups to use from May to mid-June and then late August through the fall into October.

Sports Facilities

The camp boasts an incredible range of sports facilities that are perfect for training and conditioning as well as recreational use. Spread over 40 acres guests can take advantage of tennis, basketball, soccer, volleyball, street hockey, archery, and more. There are 2 outdoor heated pools and for those looking for something more adventurous, the camp has a 5-sided climbing tower and zip-line, horseback riding, and a purpose-built go-kart track which is perfect for letting off some steam.

The entire property can be made available for exclusive use or shared by multiple groups, teams at the same time.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/sports-and-athletics

Accommodation

The camp features a range of different accommodation types with the majority spread throughout 20 beautifully renovated cabins. All come with high ceilings and cooling fans as well as ensuite bathroom and shower facilities. Each cabin also features wooden decking with outdoor seating to make the most of the warm summer days and nights.

For those looking for something more private, there are a number of more intimate cabins that are perfect for couples or individuals. All come with private showers and bathrooms as well as queen beds and air-conditioning.

There is also the camps ‘Lodge’ building which features 4 bedrooms either side of a large, central common room. This building is great for groups of 3-30 and is perfect for sports teams or others that are planning to keep their guests together.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/accommodation

Catering

One of the great features of the venue is the option for guests to have catered plans or to take a self-catering option. Having recently completed construction on a brand new culinary arts center, allows guests to prepare their own meals easily on-site.

If groups choose to take a catered plan then there are a number of options available that the events coordinator and chefs can put together after consultation. These can include hot meals, served buffet style, packed lunches for groups on the move or they can arrange for food trucks and other off-site catering options to be available.

The Camp’s main dining hall building can comfortably seat 500 people at once if needed. The room can be broken down into smaller dining areas and also features an outdoor patio that can sit up to 80 people.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/sample-menu

Facilities

Alongside all of the amazing sports and accommodation at the camp, are the rest of the incredible facilities that are available for groups to take advantage of. Over the past 12 months, the camp has spent time and resources developing new areas that are sure to be a hit with guests. These areas include a brand new welcome center featuring smaller rooms available for more classroom-style teaching if required, as well as a large common room. There is the brand new fitness center and spin studio in addition to a games room featuring air hockey and table tennis.

Aside from the newest areas of the camp are the 500 seater amphitheater and 500 person playhouse, both perfect areas for accomodating large groups. There is the ‘Garden', which is a huge indoor basketball court and also the Rec Hall, a smaller indoor space that can accommodate 50-100 people.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/new-gallery

Experience

Camp Schodack has been creating amazing summers for children and staff for over 60 years and in that time we have learned what it takes to make meaningful experiences for the people that stay with us. Whether you are looking to bond as a group, make the most of the sports and fitness facilities, or are just looking to escape to the countryside for a little ‘R & R’ then we know how to help.

Everyone that books with us get access to our core team who have years of experience working with groups of all kinds from high school and college athletes, wedding groups, and corporate retreats.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/