Guest Guide
Everything you need to know before your visit to Lakeside Retreats. Whether you're joining us for a retreat, workshop, Family Fest, private event, or multi-day gathering, we want your experience to feel easy, comfortable, and connected to nature.
arrival & maps
π Lakeside Retreats
4521 Mial Plantation Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
Located less than 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh, Lakeside Retreats offers a peaceful setting that feels worlds away while remaining easily accessible from Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Wendell, Cary, Durham, and surrounding communities.
What to Expect
π The property entrance is paved and clearly marked from Mial Plantation Road.
π Once you arrive, you'll transition onto gravel roads that wind throughout the property.
π Please drive slowly (15 MPH) and watch for guests, wildlife, and event signage.
π Cell service and Wi-Fi may vary depending on your carrier and location on the property.
π The property spans more than 336 acres with 80 acres of usable event space, so comfortable shoes and a spirit of exploration are encouraged.
Accessing the campgrounds
Once you turn of of the road onto our gravel drive follow through the red gate and keep to the left along the road. After about a mile you will come to a split in the road, follow the signs to find your area of the campground and follow posted speed limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you rent individual yurts or campsites?
At this time, Lakeside Retreats is available for private full-property rentals only. Individual nightly stays, weekend camping, single-yurt rentals, and drop-in use of the property are not currently available. We welcome retreats, workshops, celebrations, nonprofit gatherings, fundraisers, corporate events, and other private group experiences. For availability and rental information, please contact Brandon at events@lakesideretreats.land.
How many people can stay overnight?
Lakeside offers a variety of overnight options as part of private group rentals, including six sleeping yurts, a Tiny House, tent camping, and RV camping.
The yurts and Tiny House can accommodate approximately 26 overnight guests in beds, with additional overnight capacity available through tent and RV camping. Total overnight capacity will depend on your group's setup and event needs.
Are linens and towels provided?
Yes. Our yurts and Tiny House are professionally cleaned between stays, and linens and towels are provided.
Do the yurts have heat and air conditioning?
Yes. Our sleeping yurts are equipped with heating and air conditioning for a more comfortable glamping experience.
Which accommodations are waterfront?
Yurts 4, 5, and 6 are located along the water. Other accommodations are located throughout the property, each with different surroundings and proximity to property amenities.
Do you have bathrooms and showers?
Yes. Lakeside has multiple bathroom and shower facilities throughout the property, including indoor and outdoor facilities. The Tiny House also has its own private bathroom.
Bathroom availability and setup may vary depending on the size and type of event.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of the property when service allows. Because our internet access relies on a cellular-based system, connectivity can vary and should not be relied upon for events requiring consistent internet access.
Can we have campfires?
Yes. Campfires are welcome in designated fire rings and approved fire containers only. Fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the area or going to sleep.
Is firewood available?
Guests should currently bring their own firewood. Please plan accordingly if you would like to use the fire rings during your stay.
Can we fish?
Yes! Guests are welcome to fish in the lake, which is stocked with catfish, bream, and bass. Please fish responsibly and help us care for the lake and surrounding environment.
Can we swim in the lake?
Yes. Swimming is permitted at your own risk during daylight hours. There is no swimming after dark.
What other outdoor activities are available?
The property offers plenty of room to explore, including walking and hiking trails, disc golf holes, fishing, hammocks, open outdoor areas, and spaces for yard games and group activities.
Lakeside is also located beside the Williamson Preserve, giving guests even more opportunities to experience the surrounding natural environment.
Are paddleboards or kayaks provided?
Not currently. Lakeside is continuing to expand its recreational offerings, but paddleboards and kayaks should not be considered included amenities at this time.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted during private rentals or Lakeside events unless specifically approved in advance.
Can we bring food trucks, caterers, or vendors?
Yes. Food trucks, caterers, vendors, tents, and similar event services can be incorporated into many rentals. Please discuss your plans with the Lakeside team in advance so the property can be appropriately prepared for your event.
Can we have amplified music, a DJ, or live music?
Lakeside is designed for gatherings that respect the surrounding property, wildlife, and neighboring community. DJs, loud amplified music, and high-volume music events are not permitted.
If music or entertainment is part of your event, please discuss your plans with the Lakeside team before booking.
What are the quiet hours?
Quiet hours begin at 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday.
Is there power throughout the property?
No. Electrical access is available in certain areas, but power is not available throughout the entire property. If your event has specific electrical requirements, please include those details in your rental inquiry.
What does a full-property rental include?
A full-property rental gives your group private use of Lakeside Retreats without other groups simultaneously renting the property.
The exact spaces, accommodations, event support, and amenities included will depend on your rental agreement. Additional days, specialty event needs, sanitation services, waste removal, rentals, or other event-specific requirements may involve additional costs.
How large of a group can Lakeside accommodate?
Lakeside is well suited for everything from smaller private retreats to large community gatherings. Groups of approximately 50β500 guests are an especially good fit for the property, while larger events may be possible with additional planning and infrastructure.
Please contact us about your specific group size so we can determine the appropriate setup.
What is your cancellation policy?
Reservations may be canceled free of charge up to 7 days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
Cancellations made within 7 days of arrival are non-refundable. Approved refunds are issued minus applicable processing fees.
Requests to move or reschedule a reservation are treated the same as cancellation requests.
Property Guidelines
To help keep Lakeside Retreats safe, peaceful, and enjoyable for all guests, we ask that visitors respect the following property guidelines during their stay.
Arrival & Check-In
We strongly recommend arriving before 6:00 PM, especially if it is your first time visiting Lakeside. Navigating the property and locating accommodations is much easier during daylight hours, and staff availability may be limited later in the evening.
Please follow the arrival and check-in instructions provided for your specific event or rental.
Fire Safety
Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings or approved fire containers.
Please bring your own firewood and fully extinguish all fires before leaving the area or going to sleep.
Open fires outside designated areas are prohibited.
Lake & Water Safety
Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only and at your own risk.
Please use appropriate caution around the lake, docks, shoreline, and other water features. Children should be supervised by a responsible adult around the water at all times.
Property Safety
Weapons and firearms are not permitted on the property.
Fireworks and shooting of any kind are prohibited.
Pets
Pets are not permitted unless specifically approved in advance by Lakeside Retreats.
Driving on the Property
Please observe the 15 MPH speed limit throughout the property.
Drive carefully and watch for pedestrians, children, wildlife, other vehicles, and uneven terrain.
Please park only in designated or event-approved areas.
Noise & Quiet Hours
Please be mindful of sound throughout your visit.
Quiet hours begin at 9:00 PM SundayβThursday and 10:00 PM FridayβSaturday.
DJs, loud amplified music, and high-volume music events are not permitted. Any planned entertainment or amplified sound should be discussed with Lakeside before your event.
Respect for the Property
Please leave the property in the condition you found it and clean up after your group throughout your stay.
Guests are responsible for their belongings and for properly handling trash generated during their rental. Trash removal, dumpster service, or other waste-management needs may need to be arranged separately depending on the size and type of event.
Please respect the yurts, Tiny House, bathrooms, trails, lake, gathering areas, wildlife, and natural surroundings.
Event Vendors & Outside Services
Food trucks, caterers, vendors, tents, and other outside event services may be permitted with advance approval.
Please discuss outside vendors, event infrastructure, electrical needs, sanitation needs, and other special arrangements with the Lakeside team before your event.
Private Property
Lakeside Retreats is a private property and is not open for general drop-in use. All visits should be associated with a scheduled event, approved activity, or private rental.
For private rental questions, availability, or event planning, please contact Brandon at events@lakesideretreats.land.
Thank you for helping us care for Lakeside Retreats and keeping the property a place for community, connection, and creativity. π
download the lakeside retreats app
Keep Lakeside right on your phone! Our Lakeside Retreats App makes it easy to navigate the property and stay up to date while you're here.
Use the app to:
π View schedules for upcoming events
πΊοΈ Explore an interactive map of the property
π² Find your way around Lakeside during your visit
Download the Lakeside Retreats App before your next visit! π