Ferncrest Chambers Creek, a glamping destination in Grandview, Texas, has officially opened, introducing geodesic dome accommodations and outdoor wellness amenities to the North Texas market. Located less than an hour south of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the property offers guests a combination of private outdoor accommodations, recreational facilities, and nature-focused experiences.
The development is owned and operated by Chris and Lauren Jackson, who developed the property on land that has been in Chris’ family for more than 20 years. According to Lauren, the project was conceived as a way to preserve the family’s property while creating a business that could provide additional financial support for Chris’ parents during retirement.
“For years, we imagined creating a place where people could slow down, reconnect and experience peace in nature,” Lauren says to us following our visit. “This property has been in our family for over 20 years, and as Chris’ parents got older, it became harder for them to maintain the land the way they once had. We wanted to build something meaningful — not only to preserve the beauty and legacy of this property, but to help support them through retirement. Seeing that vision finally come to life has been one of the most emotional and rewarding journeys of our lives.”
Ferncrest Chambers Creek’s current accommodations consist of geodesic dome tents designed to combine outdoor lodging with several conventional comforts. Units feature air conditioning, beds, hammocks, and private wood decks, with options intended for both couples and families.
Outdoor amenities include fire pits equipped with grill attachments and barrel-style, wood-fired hot tubs. Guests are responsible for lighting the fires that heat the hot tubs and sauna, requiring advance preparation rather than relying on automated temperature controls. This approach incorporates an element of guest participation into the property’s outdoor experience.
The property also features a sauna and cold plunge setup, shared bath facilities, outdoor games, and a camp store carrying snacks, s’mores supplies, and other basic camping necessities. The accommodations are positioned on elevated platforms, allowing guests to stay outdoors while having access to climate-controlled sleeping spaces.
According to The Dallas Observer, the natural surroundings are an important part of the guest experience, with wildlife and seasonal activity contributing to the property’s atmosphere.
“One of my favorite things about Ferncrest is listening to the wolves howl at night,” Lauren says. “Our neighbors raise wolves and hearing them in the distance under the night sky feels absolutely magical. I also love watching the lightning bugs light up the property in the evenings, it’s like nature’s own little light show. It’s the kind of rest you can only find outdoors.”
The opening adds another accommodation option to the North Texas outdoor hospitality market, where operators continue to explore ways to differentiate their properties through lodging design and amenities. Ferncrest’s combination of climate-controlled dome accommodations, wood-fired facilities, and wellness features represents an approach that places emphasis on both outdoor recreation and comfort.
For campground and glamping operators considering similar developments, the property also illustrates several operational considerations. Wood-fired hot tubs and saunas, for example, can contribute to a differentiated guest experience but require clear operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and appropriate safety measures. Similarly, combining private accommodations with shared bath facilities and a camp store allows operators to provide additional services without necessarily incorporating extensive in-unit infrastructure.
Ferncrest Chambers Creek is still in its early stages of operation. The owners have indicated plans to add more tents and develop corporate retreat offerings, potentially expanding the property’s appeal beyond individual leisure travelers and families.
Lauren said the process of establishing the business involved financial and operational challenges, but that guest feedback has reinforced the decision to move forward with the project.
“Jackson and I have poured our blood, sweat and tears into creating this,” Lauren says. “Starting any business is scary, and there were plenty of moments filled with fear, uncertainty and challenges along the way. But seeing people truly relax, reconnect and leave feeling refreshed after experiencing the property has made every sacrifice worth it. Watching others enjoy something that started as a dream in our hearts has been incredibly rewarding. We are so excited for the future of it and look forward to continuing to grow, improve and perfect the experience for every guest who visits.”