Retreats

Amenities

Facilities

There are 6 heated and air-conditioned bunk-style cabins, 5 with 8 bunks and 2 twin beds (18 capacity) and 1 (Mt. Brook) with 7 bunks and 3 twin beds (17 capacity) for a total of 107 spaces. There are 2 toilets and 2 showers in each.
There are 6 motel-style staff rooms rooms with private baths, 3 have 2 twin beds and 3 have a queen bed.
The Shades Valley Lodge has a full kitchen, den area with television and Wi-Fi, 8 bedrooms with 2 twin beds in each room. Every two rooms share one bathroom.
The FPC Birmingham Dining Hall/Meeting Facility contains a commercial kitchen and meeting/eating space for up to 200.
The Storm Shelter is rated for EF-5 tornados will hold 150 individuals. It is located outside of the dining hall and close to the bunk cabins.
The McGuire Pavilion is a small-group, single-room building that will hold up to 50 individuals.
The Charlie and Sandy Durham Chapel is located down from the dining hall overlooking the Cahaba and seats approximately 100.
The IPC (Independent Presbyterian Church) Chapel is located off of the Main Road trail and seats approximately 100.
Patton Picnic Pavilion is a small covered picnic area close to the Shades Valley Lodge. There is a picnic table and grill.
Parks’ Park Pavilion is a large pavilion (20x40) on the big field adjacent to the fire ring.

Activities

Canoeing- Approximately 15 canoes with paddles and pfds are on-site. A group could paddle the 4 ½ miles of Cahaba River around the entire property which takes approximately 3 hours or canoe on the lake.
Ga-ga Ball- A group dodge ball game located within a wooden enclosure.
Alice Jordan Puliam Low Ropes Course- The low ropes course is located behind the McGuire Pavilion and close to the bunk cabins.
Disc Golf- A disc golf course is located along the road in the upper portion of camp.
Swimming- A swimming area is located at our larger lake with a floating dock. All participants must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD and only swim when a lifeguard is present. Swimming in the Cahaba at the Williams’ launch is also available if all participants wear PFDs, a lifeguard is present and the area is clear as verified by the Cahaba River Keeper’s swim guide.
Hiking- There are miles of hiking trails available on-site.
Archery- Equipment is available for groups who have a trained instructor.
Fossil Hunting- A rich fossil bed is located on fossil ridge. We ask that fossil hunters take away only one fossil per trip, no larger than your palm.
Primitive tent camping is available at the lake, the large field and at LeBron canoe launch.
Campfire rings are located on the large field and on the ridge overlooking the large field.

Living River 2025 Rates
Minimum Rental Rate (A nonrefundable, but transferable deposit)- $500

Overnight Lodging

Shades Valley Lodge- $600 per night (*PSL rate- $400)
Motel-style Rooms with lounge available (full-size refrigerator, microwave, hot plate)- $100 per room, per night, (*PSL rate- $80)
Bunk Cabins- $30 per person per night (*PSL rate- $25)
Primitive Camping- $15 per person per night (*PSL rate-$10)

Day Use (from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, single day activities)

Other Rates

Commercial Kitchen Use- $100 one-time charge
Dining Hall Use- $100 one-time charge
Canoe Rental- $20 per canoe, per day
- PFDs and paddles provided
- Must have experienced canoer or lifeguard.
- Vehicle with trailer hitch needed if moving canoes from behind locked gates.
Linens- $20 per set
- A limited number of linen sets are available for rental.
- A set consists of a top and bottom sheet, light-weight blanket, pillow, pillow case, towel and washcloth.
- Linens unable to be used again because of damage will be charged to the group at the replacement cost.

Download rates pdf here: Living River Rental Rates
*PSL rate available to Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley churches or affiliated groups.