A new business is in town and it’s offering an upgraded camping experience in Druid City, a report said.
The new business in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, named Tuscaloosa Glamping Company, defines glamping as “a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.”
Heather Shipley is a retired UA business communications instructor, Beachbody coach, and co-owner of Tuscaloosa Glamping Co.
She says she was given an idea to create the company with her husband after seeing her friend stay at a glamping site.
A friend of mine from high school stayed with a similar business in Georgia,” Shipley shared. “She had posted pictures, and my immediate thought was, that would be really cool to bring that to Tuscaloosa.”
Shipley started to research her business concept and decided not to follow the same path other businesses have.
Tuscaloosa Glamping Company collaborated with Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation (PARA) to utilize Van de Graaff Park for their very first tent.
“The campsite itself has a restroom, and our site is right there on the water,” Shipley said. “There’s a dock so you can paddleboard or canoe or anything like that. There are trails out there, there’s also a historic bridge — I think it’s Alabama’s oldest bridge — but there’s a ton of people who walk over the rocks and explore tons of trails, so it’s really fun.”
Each tent is distinguished by its unique name and design. Presently, Tuscaloosa Glamping Co. only has one tent available for use, dubbed Yaycation. However, Shipley promises that additional tents will be available soon.
“We’re at Van de Graaff now, and we’re going to be expanding to Sokol Park,” Shipley said. “[Tents in] Sokol Park will probably be [available] in winter 2021.”
Every campsite is equipped with a 16.4-foot waterproof canvas bell tent. It also comes with a full-sized bed platform and memory foam mattress, bedding, décor, solar string lights, a battery-operated table lamp, as well as a unique sitting area for two, a fire pit complete with cooking grate, camping coffee, and indoor games such as Tic tac toe and Connect 4.
Each tent can accommodate up to five guests with the addition of three mattresses. Without adding any extra perks, a single night for two guests costs $225.
Tuscaloosa Glamping Co. also offers additional amenities, some of which are offered by local businesses with whom they collaborate. The add-ons include air conditioning, generator, gourmet s’mores, outdoor games like cornhole and Jenga. They also have paddleboards, firewood, luxurious picnics by Picnic Tuscaloosa, and breakfast delivery from Heritage House or Another Broken Egg Cafe.
Shipley shared that they’re eyeing to have three campsites available by September 2022. However, they have plans for at least five. The tents will soon be available on Airbnb so guests can reserve.
Anyone interested in booking is advised to visit the company’s website.