Blue Ridge Men’s Retreat
Connection-centered. 21+ inclusive men’s getaway where gay/bi men feel at home and all respectful men are welcome in Ellenboro in Western North Carolina. A private members-only men’s retreat experience nestled along the Second Broad River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unplug. Unwind. Be your authentic self.
It’s as easy as 1,2,3…
1. Become a Member (required)
2. Book your Day Pass Stay or Overnight Stay (required)
3. Schedule a BRMR Experience (Kayaking, massage, yoga, etc.)
Who We Are
Blue Ridge Men’s Retreat is a members-only haven created for gay/bi men seeking connection, restoration, and freedom.
Set on historic mill village grounds at Wallace Haven, our retreat blends:
– Natural beauty
– Southern hospitality
– Intentional brotherhood
– Body-positive freedom
Here, you don’t have to perform. You don’t have to explain. You don’t have to hide.
The Experience (become an Experience Host)
This is not a high-density campground or RV park.
This is not a party house.
It’s not a nightclub.
It’s not chaos.
It’s curated connection.
Our retreat weekends are built around:
– River time & nature immersion
– Fireside conversations
– Themed programming
– Community meals
– Relaxation spaces
– Optional workshops & facilitated circles
– Freedom to be clothing-optional in specified areas
– Whether you come for stillness or community, you’ll find space to breathe.
The River
The Second Broad River is our heartbeat.
Guests enjoy private river access & kayaking.
Depending on rainfall and season, the river may offer:
– Calm shoals for wading
– Ideal paddling flows
– Strong current after storms
We encourage respect for the water, use of life jackets, and mindfulness of nature’s power.
River life teaches presence.
And presence is powerful.
Come for just the Day or Stay Your Way
Amenities Include
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kayaking on the Second Broad River
- Swimming pool
- Fire pits & gathering spaces
- Bathhouse with hot showers
- Camping and unique lodging
Main House Stays
Base Membership: $69 – $139 Mon-Thu, $79 – $159 Fri-Sun ($25 per additional member)
– Downstairs w/ en suite bath 1 Queen
– Upstairs River View 2 Queens
– Upstairs 2 Queens
– Upstairs 2 Queens
– Upstairs w/ Bunk Beds (Brotherhood Bunkhouse)
Frequent Flyer – Silver Membership: 10% discount
Frequent Flyer – Gold Membership: 20% discount
Private Queen Rooms: Stay in the heart of the retreat in the historic Superintendent’s House, featuring four comfortable bedrooms. Each private bedroom includes 1-2 queen beds and refrigerator, sleeps 2-4 offering a cozy and convenient place to relax during your stay.
Brotherhood Bunkroom – Shared Lodging: Our bunkroom includes three bunk beds that sleep six comfortably and a refrigerator. Book one or all three bunk beds, bring a few friends, or meet new ones and share the space — making these rooms a fun and ultra-affordable way to experience the retreat together.
10’x12′ Sleeper Cabins – Riverbend
Base Membership: $69 Mon-Thu, $79 Fri-Sun ($25 per additional member)
Frequent Flyer – Silver Membership: 10% discount
Frequent Flyer – Gold Membership: 20% discount
Our cozy 10′ x 12′ Sleeper Cabins offer a comfortable step up from camping while keeping you close to nature. Each cabin features electricity, air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a comfortable queen bed, giving you a simple and relaxing place to unwind after a day enjoying the retreat.
Perfect for guests who want the outdoor experience without the hassle of setting up camp, these cabins provide a convenient and comfortable home base just steps from the retreat’s amenities and natural beauty.
Primitive Yurts – Riverside
Base Membership: $49 Mon-Thu, $59 Fri-Sun ($25 per additional member)
Frequent Flyer – Silver Membership: 10% discount
Frequent Flyer – Gold Membership: 20% discount
Located along the banks of the Second Broad River, our Primitive Yurts offer a simple, back-to-nature camping experience with a little extra shelter and character. These spacious round yurts are unfurnished, allowing guests to bring their own camping gear while enjoying protection from the elements.
Perfect for campers who want something more unique than a tent, the yurts place you close to the river, nature, and the peaceful atmosphere of the retreat. Bathhouse facilities and other retreat amenities are just a short walk away.
Primitive Tent Sites – Riverside
Base Membership: $25 Mon-Thu, $30 Fri-Sun ($25 per additional member)
Frequent Flyer – Silver Membership: 10% discount
Frequent Flyer – Gold Membership: 20% discount
Bring your own tent and enjoy a more rustic, nature-immersed experience. Perfect for members who love simplicity and fresh air.
Day Passes
Base Membership: $20 Mon-Thu, $25 Fri-Sun
Frequent Flyer – Silver Membership: $5 off Day Pass
Frequent Flyer – Gold Membership: $10 off Day Pass
Spend the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying river access, connecting with community, or simply unwinding in nature. Perfect for a midweek reset or weekend escape.
You’re always welcome to upgrade your Day Pass to Overnight Accommodations if we have availability the day you arrive. You do not need a Day Pass if you’re booking Overnight Accommodations.
Our Values
At Blue Ridge Men’s Retreat, we believe in:
– Consent & respect
– Body positivity
– Inclusivity
– Brotherhood without ego
– Safe, judgment-free space
– Personal growth without pressure
We welcome men across the spectrum of body types, ages, backgrounds, and relationship styles.
This is a place to exhale.
Our Roots
Located in historic Caroleen, North Carolina, our retreat honors the craftsmanship and resilience of the mill village community while creating something entirely new — a modern sanctuary for men seeking authenticity and connection.
We are rooted in history.
We are built for belonging.
Right in the Middle of Everything – Yet a World Away
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Men’s Retreat is an easy drive from Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville — making it the perfect destination for a quick escape into nature and community.
Join Us
Ready to experience the Blue Ridge in a way you never have before?
Reconnect with your body.
Reconnect with other men.
Reconnect with yourself.
Day Pass & Overnight Accommodation Bookings now available.