Retreats
St. Dorothy's Rest is an wonderful facility for retreats and conferences. Though easily accessible from the Bay Area, entering this peaceful place is like returning to a simpler, more gentle time. Perched amidst redwood, fir, and madrone trees on a hillside overlooking a valley, we are close to both the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean. The quaint old town of Occidental, with its shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, is just a mile or so away.
Several charming buildings can house groups ranging from 8 to 65 people in semi-private rooms. There are also dormitory rooms available at a reduced cost. A group of 50 people may reserve the entire facility. Bathrooms are "down the hall", and each retreat building has a meeting room with a fireplace or woodstove. There are also secluded outdoor meeting areas, and a lovely old redwood chapel. See the Grounds page for pictures of our facilities.
St. Dorothy's can provide either meals or the use of our kitchen facilities, depending on the needs of your group. Our meals include local produce and receive rave reviews from our guests.
This place washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.
For Retreat Rates, please contact us.
St. Dorothy's Rest was founded in 1901 by the Rev. & Mrs. James O. Lincoln as the first free summer camp in California. The Lincolns were active in the Episcopal Church and were adherents of the Arts & Crafts movement, with its emphasis on a simple and artistic life in harmony with nature.
The influence of the Lincolns remains strong at St. Dorothy's over a century later. We are the oldest continuously operating summer camp in California. During non-summer months we host retreats and conferences for churches, non-profit organizations, schools, and those on a spiritual path.
