About BRMR
What is Blue Ridge Men’s Retreat?
Blue Ridge Men’s Retreat (BRMR) is a private, members-only retreat for men (21+) located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in beautiful Rutherford County, North Carolina. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, kayak the river, make new friends, or simply unplug for a weekend, BRMR offers a welcoming environment where you can relax, connect, and celebrate.
Where is BRMR located?
We’re located about 50 minutes west of Charlotte, NC, in Ellenboro, North Carolina, making us an easy weekend getaway for guests throughout the Carolinas and beyond.
Membership
Do I have to become a member?
Yes. BRMR is a private members’ retreat. All guests—including Day Pass visitors and overnight guests—must purchase an annual membership before visiting.
Can my partner and I share a membership?
No. Every guest must have their own membership.
How much does membership cost?
Membership options begin at just $35 per year, with upgraded Frequent Flyer memberships available for guests who visit often.
Day Passes
Can I visit for just the day?
Absolutely!
Members may purchase a Day Pass and enjoy the pool, hot tub, river access, hiking trails, campfires, and weekend activities.
Do I need to reserve a Day Pass?
Yes. Day Passes should be reserved online in advance since capacity is limited.
Overnight Accommodations
What accommodations do you offer?
BRMR offers:
• Main House Guest Rooms
• Cozy Sleeper Cabins
• Primitive Yurts
• Primitive Tent Sites
Do you allow RVs or campers?
No.
We do not have RV sites or hookups.
Nearby Mountain View RV Park is only a few minutes away if you’re traveling with an RV.
Can I sleep in my vehicle?
Yes.
Guests may sleep in their vehicle if they reserve a Tent Site.
Facilities
Is the pool clothing optional?
Yes.
The pool, hot tub, and bathhouse areas are clothing optional.
Is the retreat clothing optional?
No.
Only designated areas are clothing optional such as the pool, hot tub, and bathhouse areas.
Guests should wear appropriate attire in parking areas, in front of the Main House, and where posted.
Is the hot tub open year-round?
The hot tub is generally available during the operating season unless closed for maintenance.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes.
Wi-Fi is available throughout much of the property.
Do cabins have bathrooms?
No.
Sleeper Cabins include electricity, A/C, and a mini refrigerator. Guests use our modern bathhouse.
What are yurts like?
Our primitive yurts include two comfortable cots. Guests should bring their own sheets, blankets, pillows, and other camping essentials.
Battery packs are available to rent for charging phones or running a small fan.
River & Kayaks
Can we swim in the river?
No.
Swimming in the river is not permitted.
Do you rent kayaks?
Yes.
Kayaks are available to rent, weather and river conditions permitting.
Life jackets are required.
Food & Drinks
Is alcohol allowed?
Yes.
Guests 21+ may bring alcoholic beverages for personal consumption.
Please drink responsibly.
Is BRMR BYOB?
Yes.
Unless otherwise noted, guests may BYOB.
Guests are encouraged to bring a favorite snack or dish to share.
Is food available?
Some weekends include cookouts, potlucks, or special meals.
Weekend Experience Themes will note any planned meals.
Pets
Can I bring my dog?
Small, well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Dogs over 18 pounds are not permitted.
Pets must remain leashed and owners must clean up after them. No pets in the clothing-optional areas such as pool, hot tub, and bath house spaces.
First-Time Visitors
I’ve never visited a men’s retreat before. Will I fit in?
Absolutely.
Many of our guests are first-time visitors.
Some come to socialize.
Some come to relax.
Some simply enjoy the peaceful setting.
There’s never any pressure to participate in activities you’re not comfortable with.
Is this a party campground?
No.
Some weekends are more social than others, but BRMR focuses on relaxation, friendship, and community rather than loud parties.
Is sexual activity expected?
No.
There is never an expectation that guests participate in sexual activity.
Guests choose the experience that’s right for them while respecting others and following retreat rules.
Are there areas where affection is permitted?
BRMR provides private spaces where consenting adults may socialize appropriately while respecting the privacy and comfort of other guests. Public common areas—including the pool, Main House, bathhouse, and primary gathering spaces—are intended to remain welcoming and comfortable for all guests.
Weekend Themes
Does something happen every weekend?
Yes!
Nearly every weekend features a unique Experience Theme with activities such as:
• Karaoke
• Pool Parties
• Country Roads Weekend
• Daddies & Boys Weekend
• Oktoberfest
• Halloween
• Friendsgiving
• Campfires
• Kayaking
• Yoga
• Massage
• Games
• Cookouts
Visit BRMR.org for the current calendar.
Reservations
What time is check-in?
Check-in times may vary depending on your reservation type and are listed in your confirmation email. Generally speaking, overnight guest check-in is 3pm.
Can I arrive early?
Often, yes.
If your accommodation isn’t ready, you may enjoy the pool and property until your room is available.
Can I stay after checkout?
Guests are often welcome to remain and enjoy the retreat after checkout as long as belongings are removed from room.
Guest Privacy
Will anyone know I visited BRMR?
Guest privacy is one of our highest priorities.
BRMR staff will never disclose whether someone is a guest, whether they are currently at the retreat, or any activities observed during their stay.
What happens at BRMR stays at BRMR.
We encourage all guests to respect one another’s privacy as well.
Weather
What happens if it rains?
Most activities continue rain or shine.
River activities may be canceled if conditions become unsafe.
How do I book?
Visit BRMR.org to:
• Become a Member
• Purchase Day Passes
• Reserve Overnight Accommodations
• Book Experiences
• View our Weekend Experience Calendar
We look forward to welcoming you to BRMR!
First Visit Guide
Welcome to Blue Ridge Men’s Retreat!
Whether you’re new to BRMR or visiting a men’s retreat for the very first time, we’re excited to welcome you. Most first-time guests tell us they were a little nervous before arriving—but quickly realized there was nothing to worry about. BRMR is a friendly, welcoming place where you choose the experience that’s right for you.
Before You Arrive
✔ Become a BRMR Member
✔ Purchase your Day Pass or reserve your overnight accommodations
✔ Complete any required online forms
✔ Review your confirmation email for arrival instructions
What Should I Bring?
Overnight Guests
- Driver’s license or government-issued ID
- Bedding (sleeping bag or sheets, blanket, pillow) for yurts
- Toiletries
- Bath towel
- Pool towel
- Comfortable clothing
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Closed-toe shoes for walking trails
- Flashlight
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Refillable water bottle
Optional
- Folding chair
- Favorite beverage (BRMR is BYOB unless otherwise noted)
- A snack or dish to share
- Cooler
- Bluetooth speaker (please be respectful of others)
What Happens When I Arrive?
Park in the designated parking area and stop by the Main House to check in.
We’ll:
- Welcome you to BRMR
- Verify your reservation
- Answer any questions
- Give you a quick orientation
- Show you where everything is located
What Can I Expect?
Every guest enjoys BRMR differently.
Some guests:
- Relax by the pool
- Soak in the hot tub
- Kayak the river
- Read a book
- Meet new friends
- Join weekend activities
- Sit around the campfire
- Enjoy peaceful solitude
There is never any pressure to participate in any activity.
What Are Weekend Themes?
Nearly every weekend has a unique Experience Theme.
Themes add fun activities, games, meals, karaoke, or social events—but you’re never required to participate.
Come as much or as little as you’d like.
Is BRMR Clothing Optional?
The pool, hot tub, and bathhouse areas are clothing optional during designated hours.
Outside those areas, guests should wear appropriate attire as posted.
Respect for everyone’s comfort and privacy is one of our core values.
Is This a Party Campground?
No.
Some weekends are more social than others, but BRMR is best described as a relaxed retreat where guests can unwind, recharge, and connect with others.
Will I Feel Out of Place If I Come Alone?
Not at all!
Many of our guests visit by themselves.
Our community is friendly and welcoming, and it’s common for first-time visitors to leave having made new friends.
Can I Bring Alcohol?
Yes.
BRMR is generally BYOB.
Please drink responsibly and respect fellow guests.
Guests are also encouraged to bring a favorite snack or dish to share.
River Safety
Kayaks are available when river conditions permit.
Life jackets are required.
Swimming in the river is not permitted.
Quiet Hours
Please respect fellow guests by observing posted quiet hours and keeping noise to a minimum late in the evening. 10PM – 8AM.
Guest Privacy
One of our most important values is privacy.
BRMR staff will never disclose whether someone is staying at the retreat, whether they are currently on property, or any activities observed during their visit.
We ask all guests to extend that same courtesy and respect to one another.
“What happens at BRMR stays at BRMR.”
Before You Leave
Before departing, please:
- Remove personal belongings
- Dispose of trash properly
- Return any rented equipment
- Leave your accommodations as you found them
We’d love to see you again soon!
Thank you for being part of the BRMR community.
Relax. Connect. Celebrate.