Our History
We want to be part of your story
Roy and JoAnn Kyzer had a dream for a camp for the youth of their church and the churches they fellowshipped with. After searching throughout Tennessee, they came upon a beautiful place in Vanleer, TN and with the help of The (Original) Church of God and many individuals inside and outside of the organization, they were able to procure this property and build it into what it is today. Camp Ridgedale was founded in 1978 and continues on today being a blessing to churches and Christian organizations.
Camp Ridgedale Today
Today, Camp Ridgedale is managed by Bryan Johns. Roy and JoAnn are still on site and still love being involved where they can. Caden Holloway has moved on site and is vital to the operations of the camp. The Crider family gave many years to the camp and though they have moved off site, are still involved as well as the Geisler family, though they may have moved back home, are still part of us and also still help when they are able. We also are so grateful to the volunteers that are helping us.
News & Announcements
What’s Happening at Camp Ridgedale?
Cabins are being updated for 2024
January 5, 2024
We are working hard to update the cabins with new paint, flooring, and if needed, new roofs. If you would like to help sponsor a cabin refresh, click on the giving link. Each cabin refresh is between 400 to 800 dollars depending on needing a roof or not and even a small donation helps.
70 Years Strong
December 15, 2023
Happy 70th Anniversary to our Camp Founders Roy and JoAnn Kyzer
Christmas at Camp Ridgedale
December 1, 2023
Christmas time is here.
Common Queries
We are a small church, we don't have enough people to meet the minimum for rental.
Small churches are very important to us. If you are a small church and are willing to partner with others, we would be happy to try to help facilitate events with other small churches. If you are wanting or willing to join others in doing an event, please contact us and let us know.
Is there food??
We have a kitchen and can provide food for your camp or retreat. We have two separate rental prices, one with food and one where you provide food and cooks and you rent the kitchen. We have a time tested menu and can even accommodate most special requests and allergies if needed and notified in advance.
Do you have internet?
Currently we do not have internet access in our lodge, tabernacle, or cabin areas. Also cell service is kind of spotty with Verizon being ok outside and ATT not working well in most areas. For those who need emergency access to the internet, we can usually accommodate that need on the property. We encourage our guests to download any media they wish to use while on site.
Do you host your own camps or retreats open to the general public?
Camp Ridgedale usually rents out to churches and organizations though we do try to have one kids day camp in the summer. If we have enough interest and most importantly, volunteers, then we would be very open to doing some of our own programming. If you want to be part of this, please contact us.