Orthodox Cabins, Campin' & Glampin': Sept 22nd - Sept 24
Dear Brave Orthodox Warm Cabin Lovers and Adventuresome Campers!
Our annual Kentucky Orthodox camping trip is three months away! It’s time to reserve a cabin, campsite! Get your spots soon, before they fill up! We are going again to the serene Falls Creek Cabins & Campground just past Corbin, KY (1.75 hrs from St Athanasius, 2.5 hours from St. Michael, 1.5 hr from St. Anne), and just 5 miles from the beautiful Cumberland Falls.
RESERVATIONS: Cabins of all comfort levels, covered wagons, and campsites are still available. There are also activities at the campground and nearby, like Zip Lining, Drop Tower, Rafting, etc. Call the campground to reserve your accommodations. Here below are the details on the campsite, church services, etc, as best as can be foreseen. (FYI, this year we are beginning with the fourth full weekend in Sept as our new standard annual date.)
DATES: Friday, Sept 22nd through Sunday, Sept 24th, 2023
As always, you need to plan to fend for yourself; food, shelter, firewood, etc..
Other than church services (which will depend on clergy availability) there aren’t any organized events or schedules which is part of the charm for sure. Last year several of us enjoyed a wonderful hike on Eagle Falls Trail on Saturday morning and we hoped to do that again this year with a picnic lunch at the Falls. (pic below) It was great for swimming last year too! The hike is about 1 mile each way and moderately tough, but the trails are good. Plan for possibly chilly evenings and warm days, and the possibility of rain. Campsite & Cabin
Reservations: ***THIS YEAR CALL or USE THE WEBSITE TO RESERVE YOUR OWN SITE AND CABIN!***I have only reserved two cabins so far, the luxurious Big Star Falls Lodge for clergy and one Super Cozy Cabin for my family. In the past, we have also used the following campsites and cabins:
Four (4) Backwoods tent sites for our group, and we can fit up to 32 people in these sites.
This area is where we generally congregate for fire time, crafts, meals, prayer services, and socializing. (Backwoods Primitive Sites: Link)B8 &B7
Group Sites: 10 person sitesB5: 6 person siteB6: 6 person site$23/night/siteSuper Cozy and Cozy CabinsCovered Wagons (sleeps 6)All sites have Bathhouse privileges (hot showers/flush toilets) included though some are nearer than others, but none are terribly far away.
Call 1-800-541-7238 (toll-free) to make new reservations. Site Map.Other Notable Items:DATES: Friday, Sept 22nd - Sunday, Sept 24th
The service schedule is still being determined based on clergy availability. I’ll update you as we know more. Last year we were blessed to sing the Akathist of Thanksgiving on Saturday morning before the Eagle Falls hike. Fr. Justin Patterson and Fr. Stephen Freeman joined us on Saturday evening for Vespers and Confessions under the stars. On Sunday morning we were blessed to have Divine Liturgy with Fr. Stephen Freeman. We need a choir director, please!!! We still need to figure out where we’ll do the services, at a campsite or at the pavilion. Last year the campsite worked well.
The weather could be chilly or scorching but is generally a little cooler than Lexington. Usually, warm enough to wade and play in the river during the day and chilly/cool at night and perfect for a fire. (Weather Link) Long-range weather forecast here.
Food: My family usually takes pre-packed homemade cookables and cook at our campsite for Friday dinner, Saturday’s three meals, and two meals on Sunday. Groceries, if you don't bring enough, are available with a short drive 15 minutes Southeast to Williamsburg, and they have lots to choose from, or 20 minutes Northeast to Corbin.
Sleeping: can be chilly sometimes so tent sleepers and rustic cabin sleepers should bring a sleeping pad, warm sleeping bag and blankets, and warm socks. Hammocks can work well if you are prepared.
Supplies:The campground has a nice store with lots of amenities, souvenirs, and playthings.Nearby Williamsburg has a Tractor Supply and Walmart. Corbin has Badwoods Outdoors, Kentucky Outdoorsman, and C&E Outdoors.
Bicycles: Many kids love bringing them to ride around the great roads and trails through the woods and around the campground at large.
Checking-In at the lodge when you arrive: I recommend that you come early and even pay the $5-10 Early Check-In Fee. Setting everything up in the daylight is a big help and I always feel like I get an extra whole day of vacation out of just arriving a few hours early and getting to relax Friday evening. (SUNSET will be 7:42PM, Eastern Time)
Early check in Fee1-3 PM: $5/site or cabinBefore 1 PM: $10/site or cabin.
Late checkout fee- $5/site or cabin, 11-1PM (The campground is generally very understanding and forgiving with late checkout if no one is checking in to that same cabin/site that day.)
Questions, Dreams, Concerns, Hallucinations:READ THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE!!! Let Josh Lourie know if you have any questions.
Invite other churches, other friends, etc. The more the merrier!