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Clemson Outdoor LabClemson Outdoor Lab

The Clemson University Outdoor Lab

The Clemson Outdoor Lab provides meeting facilities, business team adventures, camps, weddings and venue services that are found in few other environments. With eight distinct venues offered, and several lodging accommodations, the Outdoor Lab is sure to be just what you're looking for in your next event. Whether it’s a work conference, a wedding, family reunion, team building, meeting, or any celebration, the Outdoor Lab is the place for you.

Clemson University Outdoor Lab Activities

Located a mere five miles from campus, the Clemson University Outdoor Lab offers unique experiences and impeccable scenery. The Outdoor Lab, placed on a beautiful peninsula within Lake Hartwell, provides meeting and programming possibilities that are found in few other environments. With eight distinct venues offered, and several lodging accommodations, the Outdoor Lab is sure to be just what you're looking for in your next event. Whether it’s a work conference, family reunion, team building, meeting, celebration of any sort, or even a wedding, the Outdoor Lab is the place for you. To find out more about what we offer explore our Event Services page.

The Outdoor Lab is also home to several summer and weekend camps. Our programs are accredited by the American Camp Association ® and are designed to offer campers opportunities they won't get other places. Our amazing staff care for and lead campers in a variety of activities which include overnight camping, archery, canoeing, swimming, arts & crafts, drama, sailing, nature and more.

Why Hold Events At The Outdoor Lab?

  • About the Clemson's Outdoor Lab

    The Clemson University Outdoor Lab is a beautiful hideaway featuring the scenic views of Lake Hartwell. We host a variety of events, some of which include conferences, meetings, retreats, weddings, receptions, family reunions, cookouts, and celebrations. While visiting, guests can choose to take a pontoon boat ride or canoe trip out on Lake Hartwell, explore our nature trails, take a hayride, and so much more. Our facility provides a high ropes course and group initiatives that foster excellent team building. Add our superior food services and distinguished lodging in our cabins and suites to create an all-inclusive event. Our exceptional staff is here to serve you from mid-August through early June. Our summer camps are offered in June and July.

    Our Mission

    The mission of the Clemson University Outdoor Lab is to provide superior customer service by creating social, recreational and educational opportunities for the university community and our guests.

    Our Vision

    To be an exceptional camp and retreat center with a personal touch.

    Our Core Values

    Our core values at the Clemson Outdoor Lab Retreat Center include customer-driven service, integrity, honesty, sincerity, stewardship and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

  • Our People

    Leslie ConradLeslie Conrad
    Title: Director
    Phone: 864-656-9538
    Email: conrad@clemson.edu
    About: Leslie directs all areas of the Outdoor Lab from conference and retreat center to summer camps and everything in between. She desires to provide all guests of the Outdoor Lab with wonderful memories of their time spent here.

    Tom ChildressTom Childress
    Title: Associate Director
    Phone: 864-656-9539
    Email: rchildr@clemson.edu
    About: Tom works with all departments at the Outdoor Lab to ensure guest satisfaction.  He coordinates our Team Ventures program and leads various volunteer efforts and service projects to benefit our site and programs. 

    Ashlee RobinsonAshlee Robinson
    Title: Business Manager
    Phone: 864-656-9541
    Email: ashlee7@clemson.edu
    About: Ashlee is the Business Manager for the Outdoor Lab. She is also the Registrar for Camp Hope and Camp Sertoma.

    Janay WhiteselJanay Whitesel
    Title: Reservations Coordinator
    Phone: 864-656-9540
    Email: jkw@clemson.edu
    About: Janay organizes reservations for all events and lodging at the Retreat Center. She is also the Registrar for Day Camp, Camp Lions Den, and Camp Odyssey.

    Mike Oros Mike Oros
    Title: Property Superintendent
    Phone: 864-656-9545
    Email: moros@clemson.edu
    About: Mike is the Property Superintendent for the Outdoor Lab. He started his Outdoor Lab career with us in 1993.

    Kevin FowlerKevin Fowler
    Title: Trades Specialist
    Phone: 864-656-9545
    Email: kf@clemson.edu
    About: As a Trades Specialist, Kevin is quite literally the "jack of all trades," dealing with much of the preparation, cleanup, and maintenance that the Lab requires.

    David MilnerDavid Milner
    Title: Trades Specialist
    Phone: 864-656-9545
    Email: dmilner@clemson.edu
    About: At the Lab, David is part of the Properties and Facilities team; he takes care of all of the maintenance, landscaping, and cleaning needs of the grounds, and his favorite spot at the Lab is Beaver Dam Trail.

    Norman McGeeNorman McGee
    Title: Assistant Academic Program Director
    Phone: 864-646-7502
    Email: mcgeen@clemson.edu
    About: Norman is the Program Advisor and Special Programs director. He enjoys spending time outdoors whenever he has the chance.

    Katie & Matt DobsonKatie & Matt Dobson
    Title: Camp Sunshine Weekend Directors
    Phone: 864-646-7502
    About:  Katie & Matt have been involved in the Outdoor Lab camps for many years, meeting each other here! They plan & lead our weekend camps and also help in many other ways. They have two daughters, Lilly & Rowan, who are growing up to be great camp helpers, too!

  • Contact, Reservations & Rates

    For all inquiries about the Outdoor Lab services and reservation information, please contact us in any of the following ways.

    Mailing Address
    Outdoor Lab
    Clemson University
    Clemson, SC 29634-0737
    (p) (864) 646-7502
    (f) (864) 646-3620

    Camps & Programs:

    For more information about any of our camps or programs, please email the Camps & Programs Coordinator.

    Reservation Services:

    For more information, availability or to make reservations, please email our Reservations Coordinator or call (864) 646-7502

  • Employment Opportunities
    Summer Employment with the CUOL Camps!

    June - July 2022

    The Outdoor Lab is home to several residential summer programs. We are accredited by the American Camp Association and are designed to offer campers opportunities they won’t get other places. Our amazing staff care for and lead campers in a variety of activities which include: overnight camping, archery, canoeing, swimming, arts & crafts, drama, sailing, nature, and more! Volunteer and Course Credit Opportunities are available! Contact us for more information, (864) 646-7502 or cuolcamps-L@clemson.edu

    Camps include:

    • Jaycee Camp Hope (children and adults 7+ who have intellectual or developmental disabilities)
    • Camp Sertoma (children 7-13, who are either underprivileged or have a speech or hearing impairment)
    • Camp Lions Den (children, teens, and young adults who have visual impairments or are blind)
    • Camp Odyssey (children 6-12)

    Positions Available:

    • Group Counselors
    • Activity Instructors, including:
      • Lifeguards
      • Drama
      • Archery
      • Photography/Videography
      • Canoeing
      • Sailing
      • Gardening
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Nature

    Apply Now


    Spring/Fall Employment

    Throughout the academic year, volunteer and paid positions may be available for the following:

    • Property staff support
    • Food Service
    • Weekend camp staff
    • PRTM 206/207 & PRTM 405 Practicum Opportunities

    For further information, contact us at cuolcamps-l@clemson.edu or call (864) 646-7502.

  • Camp Alumni

    We have just completed another amazing summer at CUOL Camps. Several former camp staff came to visit, volunteering their time and energy to help out. We welcome veterans to return and bring their families during the summer. If you want to know more about this opportunity, give us a call or an e-mail.

    In an effort to keep you updated on camp and each other, please take a minute to let us know what is happening with you!

    1) Your Information

    2) Your Newslegend

    Can we post this update on our website?

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  • Directions to the Outdoor Lab
    Physical Address:

    Outdoor Lab
    Clemson University
    415 Charlie White Trail
    Pendleton, SC 29670
    Google Maps Link

    From I-85 North or South:
    • Take Exit 19-B (Highway 76/28) towards Clemson.
    • Follow Hwy 76/28 for 7.5 miles.
    • After you pass Tri-County Technical College located on your right, take your first left onto West Queen Street (this is also the turn for the T. Ed Garrison Arena).
    • Follow West Queen Street for 2.5 miles.
    • The Outdoor Lab entrance is on the left.
    From Highway 123:
    • Turn onto Hwy 76/28 East towards Anderson.
    • Follow Hwy 76/28 for 4 miles.
    • Turn right onto West Queen Street (this is also the turn for the T. Ed Garrison Arena).
    • Follow West Queen Street for 2.5 miles.
    • The Outdoor Lab entrance is on the left.
    GPS coordinates:
    • N 34 degrees 37.721 minutes
    • W 82 degrees 50.366 minutes
    • Note: GPS systems are unreliable in this area.
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“I have used the outdoor lab many times for everything from an afternoon retreat to an academic conference. It is an amazing place - great facilities, extremely competent and helpful staff, etc. I highly recommend it for all your needs! ”

Kelly H.
Outdoor Lab Patron
Clemson University
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“Awesome Place! We rented the Dove cabin with A/C, 10 beds, one full large bathroom and access to the covered fire pit. You are nestled in the woods so you can hear all the animal sounds and are right on the lake. We had 5 adults & 3 children and it was perfect. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to rent a cabin in the woods. You don't have to be affiliated with Clemson.”

Betty C.
Outdoor Lab Patron
Clemson Outdoor Lab
Clemson Outdoor Lab | 415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, SC 29670