Ascend Camp & Retreat Center sits on 54 acres of wooded hills in Southwest Dallas, near Joe Pool Lake, along Kiwanis Road. The outdoor paintball arena is part of a larger camp and retreat property that has been welcoming guests since the 1930s, when it was founded as a Christian youth camp on this very hillside.
A Real Outdoor Battlefield
The paintball experience here is played on a genuine outdoor arena set within the camp’s forested grounds, so every match unfolds against a backdrop of trees, hills, and open Texas sky. Games center on classic tactical objectives — eliminating the opposing team with paintballs or capturing the opponent’s flag while protecting your own teammates. It is a fast, physical game that rewards communication, teamwork, and quick thinking. Each session runs up to an hour and a half on the field, with a full set of paintball equipment and protective masks provided for every player. Every participant receives 100 paintballs to start, and extra paintballs can be purchased on the spot if a match runs long. The minimum age to play is 12, and the camp uses an industry-leading paintball supplier whose washable paint comes off most normal clothing with water.
More Than Just Paintball
Paintball is only one piece of a much larger adventure property. The same 54 acres host horseback riding lessons and trail rides, a ropes course, archery and archery tag, bubble soccer, BB gun ranges, a swimming pool, a petting zoo, and hiking trails. For groups that want to stretch a visit into a full day, the camp can pair a paintball session with other activities to keep everyone moving. The property is also a working retreat and summer camp, accredited by the American Camp Association, so the grounds are kept to a high standard for safety and guest comfort. Whether you come for a single paintball match or build a longer outing, there is plenty to fill the time before and after the game.
Built for Groups and Celebrations
The paintball arena is designed around group play, with a package that covers up to 10 players in a single booking. That makes it a natural fit for birthday parties, corporate team-building days, youth groups, scout outings, and family gatherings. The camp’s mission has long centered on youth and community development, so group events are handled with care and structure. Because the camp also hosts corporate retreats, faith groups, and educational programs, the staff is experienced at coordinating larger events. A group can book paintball on its own or combine it with other camp activities, camping, or a retreat-style stay to turn a simple game into a memorable outing.
Friendly Faces and Solid Safety
Every paintball session begins with a briefing from an instructor who explains the rules of the game and the safety procedures before anyone steps onto the field. This matters because the camp takes safety seriously — when the rules are followed, statistics show paintball is safer than golf, tennis, and swimming. The staff reserves the right to approve any personal equipment brought in, and only tested, approved paintballs are used. Visitors can bring their own paintball markers as long as they meet the camp’s safety requirements, though outside paintballs are not permitted. The friendly, experienced team is part of what makes the place feel welcoming, especially for first-timers who have never played before.
Room to Relax Between Rounds
While players are on the field, non-playing guests are welcome to wander the main camp area, which includes a playground, a gazebo, swings, and a free cup of coffee. It is a comfortable spot for parents or friends to wait out a match, though for safety reasons spectators are not allowed close to the paintball field itself without protection. The camp’s broader grounds — with its wooded hills, open spaces, and peaceful setting near Joe Pool Lake — give the whole visit a relaxed, outdoorsy feel. Between the action on the field and the calm of the surrounding property, it is easy to spend a good part of the day here.
El Monte
