Black River Center for Learning, a publicly-funded 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is a retreat and conference center serving New Mexico and Texas. The Center provides year-round facilities for individuals and groups and is flexible for a wide variety of indoor or outdoor programming. Located conveniently near Carlsbad Caverns and two major highways, Black River is in a beautiful natural setting with towering cottonwoods around the river and Castle Springs Creek which flow through the Center. The riverside provides a stark contrast to desert vegetation on surrounding hills. We are a ministry of the Tres Rios Area of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

This historically rich area attracted Native Americans, Spanish or Mexican and Anglo travelers to share in the waters of the river. The prehistoric Jordana Mogollon and later Apache tribes established home sites here. Prior to the 1950's, Black River Village included public buildings and a tourist resort along the main road to the caverns and El Paso. When a new highway was built further west, the tourism aspects declined and the area was converted to its present mission.

Our Mission is:

1. To enliven diverse groups with full-service hospitality
2. To offer quality programs and professional program support which generates community interaction within a common learning environment
3. To help guests deepen their respect for the sacred in this unique desert environment, and in all people
4. To enable guests to leave BLACK RIVER refreshed and empowered.

 

Contact Information:
Telephone: 575-785-2361
FAX: 575-785-2344
Postal address: 1159 Black River Village Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220 
Electronic mail  blackriver@brcl.org

LODGING AND MEAL COST

The cost of each night’s lodging (per person) with dinner, breakfast and lunch meals are listed below. You may deduct $4 per meal from the prices if meals are not prepared for the group (must be deducted before discounts).

A 10% discount is offered for groups if the event occurs Monday through Thursday as reflected in the chart above. Youth events may take an additional 15% off the above prices for meals and lodging.

LINENS

Linens are available at five dollars ($5.00) per set for the event. This includes sheets, blankets, spread, pillow and case, bath towel, face towel, wash cloth, bathmat, and soap. A fresh towel set is offered after three days. A fresh set of linens are available after seven days.

RV UNITS AND CAMPERS

The cost per RV unit is fourteen dollars ($14.00) per day (up to two persons) with hookups.
The cost per unit or site per day (two people) without hookups (includes campsites) is ten dollars ($10.00)
The cost for each additional person staying or visiting is five dollars ($5.00) per day or night.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RETREATS

The cost for our two bedroom mobile home facility is thirty dollars ($30.00) per night for up to four people. Additional persons staying in the facility or visiting must pay five dollars ($5.00) day use fee. There is a thirty dollar ($30.00) reservation fee that is deducted from the final invoice provided the facilities are clean and free of damage.

DAY USE

Individuals using the center facilities and not staying overnight are required to pay five dollars ($5.00) day use fee.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Insurance is included in the fees unless stated otherwise.

MEALS

If meals are required in addition to those offered with the lodging, the following prices apply:

• Breakfast at $6.00
• Lunch at $7.00
• Dinner at $8.00

Prices are quoted to groups of 20 or more. If we prepare for fewer numbers, additional charges may be imposed. Banquet meals, meals off site and snacks are available at additional cost.

CHILDREN FIVE AND UNDER

There is no charge for lodging and meals for children five and under with smaller portions being served. There is a charge for insurance at $.50 per day. There is also a charge for linens if required. The number of persons in the room does not include children five and under.

CLEANUP

For each room that was used, the group may have their reservation fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per room per night applied to the final bill if the room is vacuumed and furniture left in it’s original location and there is no damage to the facilities. Arrangements can be made to have the rooms cleaned and rearranged by the Center staff for extra charge.

CHECK IN/OUT TIMES

Unless other arrangements are made, check-in begins at 3:00 PM and checkout is by 1:00 PM.

RESERVATIONS

A fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per room per night must accompany the signed Reservation Application unless other arrangements have been made. All or a portion of this fee is refundable if the event is cancelled, according to the following schedule:

• At least 9 mo. prior to event 100%
• At least 6 mo. prior to event 75%
• At least 3 mo. prior to event 50%
• Forfeiture anytime thereafter

This fee will be held as a cleaning and damage deposit. If no damage is done and the facilities are left cleaned, the fee for each room that was used will be credited toward the final invoice. The deposit for rooms reserved but not used is forfeited.

Click here to see what dates are open and to make online reservations.

Contact Information:
Telephone: 575-785-2361
FAX: 575-785-2344
Postal address: 1159 Black River Village Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220 
Electronic mail  blackriver@brcl.org

Lodging

Each of our carpeted living centers are divided into 10 sleeping quarters which can accomadate up to 4-6 with a private restroom and shower. Both centers are handicap accessible and have a large gathering room with fireplace, piano, and TV/VCR. The kitchenette may be used for snack preparation and storage. (Linens/towels available at extra charge.)

RV units and campers may hook up to electricity and water at one of our 12 concrete pads, with sewage disposal at a central dump station.

A two-bedroom mobile home can be used for individual or family retreats or for speaker accomodations.

Meeting Place and Meals

The dining facility serves as a multi-purpose room with stage and sound system for conferences. It includes a beverage bar, cold drink machine and pay phone, with ping pong tables also available. Meals are prepared in our commercial kitchen by a trained and certified staff and served in the dining facility. Types of meals can vary (groups may suggest menus), with overall emphasis upon Southwest cooking using low-fat and low-sodium recipes when possible. We strive to be sensitive to individual diets with a variety of meal selections to provide adequate nourishment for each person.

Programming

Normally, each group is in charge of its own programs. However, the Center can assist in the following ways:

• Arrange group transportation to guided tours of Carlsbad Caverns, Living Desert State Park, Guadalupe Mountains, or potash mines
• Arrange local fishing/hunting trips, hot air balloon tours, or wild caving expeditions
• Secure speakers on a variety of subjects such as the desert environment, caves and caving, birds, history of the area, native or Hispanic culture
• Arrange for entertainment such as square dancing, line dancing, folklorico dancers, a disc jockey to provide music tailored to your needs.

Recreation

In addition to being near tourist attractions, we provide the following at the Center:

• Swimming pool and separate sports pool
• Hot tub
• Canoes and paddleboats (2 miles of navigable river with more if you portage)
• Fishing
• Camping sites
• Nature trails and desert hiking
• Campfire area and outdoor worship site
• Multi-purpose sports area
• Lighted sand volleyball court
• Lighted basketball court
• Horseshoes
• The natural beauty of God's creation
• Many sunny New Mexico days for relaxing as well as clear nights for stargazing

Contact Information:
Telephone: 575-785-2361
FAX: 575-785-2344
Postal address: 1159 Black River Village Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220 
Electronic mail  blackriver@brcl.org

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
• Friends of the Living Desert State Park and Zoo
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
• First Christian Church of Carlsbad (Disciples of Christ)

Contact Information:
Telephone: 575-785-2361
FAX: 575-785-2344
Postal address: 1159 Black River Village Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220 
Electronic mail  blackriver@brcl.org

Dates we have open

Check our online calendar for the dates we have open! Click here!

Reservations Online

Fill out this form and click on SUBMIT and we'll contact you about your deposit for reserving the facility. Thanks! Feel free to also call us at 505-785-2361.

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Contact Information:
Telephone: 575-785-2361
FAX: 575-785-2344
Postal address: 1159 Black River Village Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220 
Electronic mail  blackriver@brcl.org