Lodging Retreats & Camps

Camp Manitowa is a family-founded summer camp and year-round retreat center located just 90 minutes from St. Louis. Since 2010, we've welcomed campers, schools, families, and organizations to gather, unplug, and experience meaningful connection in the outdoors.

Whether it's a week of summer camp, a leadership retreat, or a lakeside wedding, Camp Manitowa is built around community, character, and shared adventure.

At Camp Manitowa, we believe that time outdoors builds stronger people and stronger relationships. Our 40-acre property near Rend Lake offers:

• Coed overnight summer camp programs
• School and youth retreats
• Corporate and nonprofit retreats
• Lakefront recreation and high-adventure programming
• Unique yurt and cabin accommodations

Every program is grounded in intentional leadership, safety, and a culture that values belonging.

Camp Manitowa is located southeast of Rend Lake, nestled on a 40-acre property between Lake Hamilton and the larger Rend Lake. It is also adjacent to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area.

Camp Hope is owned and operated by the Illinois State Association of Free Will Baptists. Its rustic facilities include a girls' dormitory, boys' dormitory, large meeting hall/multipurpose room, dining hall, swimming pool, and more. In addition to offering scheduled camp sessions for specific age groups, this camp is available for rent.  

Camp Hope has been in continuous operation for over 70 years. It has been at its present location for about 40 years. Previously, it was called the Free Will Baptist Camp and was located where McDonald's and Walmart are now in West City.

Camp Hope is about 7 miles east of Rend Lake and Interstate 57 Exit 77 in a beautiful rural area near Ewing Illinois.