About

In 1967, Ralph and Jean Gilbert opened up 18 acres of land to their camping club and other camping enthusiasts, creating a nature lover’s paradise. Fifty years later, Lakes Pines Campground and Event Center has become more than just a campsite shared among friends—it has grown into a legacy for generations of outdoor enthusiasts to love. Lake Pines’ transition from a simple campground into a community center has been as natural an evolution as the change of the seasons.

This evolution began with the hay barn, a structure located on the property the Gilberts purchased next door. The hay barn became a gathering place, a sort of rec hall for the campground neighborhood, hosting potlucks and Christmas parties.

Since that time the owners have poured their love of event planning and the outdoors into the Lake Pines Event Center. The hay barn was transformed into the perfect stage for any local, corporate, and private event. From the tack room leather and antique stone fireplace that lend an organic feel to the air, to the drop lights strung from the ceiling which twinkle like a sky full of stars against the stained glass windows, each carefully considered element gives the barn an old-world feeling with a modern touch. A small kitchen, a corner stage for live music and room to seat 150—with enough space for a dance floor—have converted it from a barn into a meeting place able to host both corporate events and wedding receptions with ease.

In 1997, Lake Pines’ wedding chapel was completed, offering brides the opportunity to be married indoors, on site. The wedding chapel is a perfect blend of old and new. The old church steeple is from Hiawassee, pews from Whitewater Baptist Church in Oglethorpe and wainscoting from an old post office in Charing. Each were rescued from the debris and refurbished to craft a building as beautiful as the stories that are now created within it.

The most recent addition to Lake Pines Event Center has been the Lillie House, an early 19th-century shotgun-style house. The Lillie House boasts architectural pieces from across the state, such as the majestic Corinthian columns from Columbus’ original antebellum courthouse. This picturesque house, with a capacity of 45 (seated) to 80, is the perfect setting for bridal luncheons, showers, teas and especially wedding day preparations.

The Pavilion is an outdoor space that stands in a clearing, surrounded by stately pines and framed as a chapel in its own right. It is an outdoor alternative to The Chapel and can accommodate larger weddings and wedding parties.

In 50 years, Lakes Pines has grown from a local summer neighborhood into a hidden gem for the city of Columbus, and it is still growing. If you’ve never driven out toward Midland, noticed the well-loved wooden sign, and stopped to take a look, then you’re missing out on a walk in the woods you won’t soon forget.

Lake Pines Event Center wants to help you bring your vision to life, so we offer the option of using your own service providers or ones we recommend. If you prefer a more turnkey approach, we’re happy to help. We’ll always remember that it’s your day. Contact us at (706) 561-9675 for information and special rate packages.

We invite you to make an appointment to tour our Event Center and find out what this area was like 100 years ago.