Rules & Practices

Montreat Conference Center is a Christian institution that strives to demonstrate intentional hospitality and foster a safe place. We host a wide range of guests, including:

• People who are seeking, either personally or in community with others, religious engagement or experience;
• Churches and religious organizations of many denominations and traditions;
• Non-profit organizations; and
• Community organizations

While the conference center strives to welcome all guests consistent with its calling to Christian hospitality, it reserves the right to decline the use of its facilities and property from individuals and groups at any time.

Hosting individuals and groups does not indicate or signify an endorsement of the beliefs, policies, or lifestyles of any particular hosted group, agency, or individual.

View President Richard DuBose’s full response to the North Carolina legislature commonly referred to as HB2 (Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act) here.

Read more about Montreat's commitment to inclusion.

It is the policy of Montreat Conference Center to maintain a place free from any form of unlawful harassment. To report an incident, please contact the one or both of the following:

• Tanner Pickett, Vice President for Sales Marketing and Communcations, at tannerp@montreat.org
• Carol Steele, Vice President for Program, at carols@montreat.org.

Robert Lake Park is owned and maintained by Montreat Conference Center. The park is open publicly to individuals and families from dawn until dusk. Alcohol, firearms, smoking, and dogs are prohibited in Robert Lake Park.

For scheduling and safety purposes, groups wishing to use the park are asked to submit an advance request by contacting the front desk of Assembly Inn  at frontdesk@montreat.org or 828.419.9844. Similarly, the front desk should be contacted to reserve the gazebo for parties, gatherings, etc., and fees may apply.

The Montreat wilderness is protected by conservation practices and is privately owned land. For scheduling and safety purposes, groups wishing to hike are asked to submit a request to Jason Nanz at jasonn@montreat.org. The Montreat wilderness is hike-at-your-own-risk. The rules and regulations are posted for your safety and enjoyment. Please read the full rules and regulations before hiking.

Camping is permitted only at the Montreat Campground. Download the camp information and guidelines here. To reserve a campsite, contact the front desk of Assembly Inn at frontdesk@montreat.org or 828.419.9844.

There are several picnic areas leading up to the campground which are open to the public by reservation. Camping is not permitted in the picnic areas. To reserve a picnic area, contact the front desk of Assembly Inn.

Lake Susan is owned and maintained by Montreat Conference Center.

Fishing is allowed in Montreat’s streams and in designated areas of the lake with a permit. Permits can be purchased at the front desk of Assembly Inn and at the Montreat Store.

Fishing Permit Prices:

Refer to signage around the lake for fishing/non-fishing areas and please follow all posted rules. Please review the rules listed below before you go.

• Please have fishing permit OR your conference name badge available when fishing
• Creel limit is 4 fish per permit per day
• Do not release fish after catching (unless using artificial lures)
• Children under 8 accompanied by a parent (with permit) and persons over 75 fish free
• Use only WORMS or ARTIFICIAL LURES
• Please use NO FOOD PRODUCTS (bread, cheese, corn, etc.).
• No fishing after dark
• No fishing before 1 PM on Sundays
• Fish from designated areas only. See map on reverse side of fishing permit. Do not fish from jetty with bench or docks when boats are in operation
• Do not fish with treble or group hook
• No wading

During the summer months, canoes and paddle boats are available from 2:00–6:00pm for $4 per half hour.

Montreat welcomes the responsible use of our outdoor spaces when they are not in use by the conference center. These properties include Welch Field, Moore Center Field, Anderson Lawn, the Dowd Green, the Prayer Path at the Walk Jones Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Roddey, Jones, and Boyd picnic areas. Individuals and groups using these spaces are asked to honor all posted guidelines. For more information on Montreat's Green Spaces visit the Recreation page.

Inquiries about availability of any of these spaces should be directed to the front desk of Assembly Inn at frontdesk@montreat.org or 828.419.9844.

Montreat Conference Center is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, employees, and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the center. The Juvenile Protection Policy reflects our commitment to preserving Montreat as a holy place of safety and protection for all and as a place in which all people can experience the love of God through relationships with others.

Recreation use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also referred to as "drones", are prohibited on all MRA property.

Individuals or parties requesting use of UAS for educational or professional use must seek advance permission in writing to tannerp@montreat.org. Parties must verify that they are currently licensed by all accrediting bodies and are following all applicable state and federal guidelines and laws. Copies of footage must be made available to MRA staff.

Official emergency and rescue personnel are allowed to operate UAS at any time and without notice.