As the sun sets over JB Wagoner’s 20-acre ranch just west of Temecula, the ambiance within the white bell-shaped canvas tent is one of serenity and luxury.
Temecula Bullfrog Pond’s idyllic setting, complete with oak trees, a tranquil pond, and a gentle breeze, isn’t a four-star hotel room, but a sophisticated form of camping — “glamping.”
According to a 2023 survey by campsite booking app The Dyrt, this glamorous take on traditional camping is not only on the rise but also becoming the fastest-growing type of outdoor leisure.
This new trend offers an opportunity for private property owners to repurpose their land into prosperous ventures, providing them with additional income and a chance to share the beauty of their property with others.
For Wagoner, whose ranch has been in his family since the late 1980s, the decision to embrace this flourishing trend has proven profitable.
Having invested $50,000 in two glamping sites with plans to add a third, his land, once reserved for family use, now welcomes visitors from afar.
Priced at $230 per night, Wagoner’s site offers an outdoor shower, a furnished deck, and most importantly, an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
On the other hand, Marissa Mendoza and Chris Waldhaus started their journey into the glamping industry from a humanitarian perspective.
Initially allowing tent camping on their undeveloped land in Joshua Tree to fund their nonprofit sanctuary for Mustangs, they soon discovered the potential of the glamping market. Today, with seven glamping sites on their property, the revenue generated not only sustains their sanctuary but also adds value to their overall mission.
The Dyrt’s survey suggests that glamping has caught the imagination of a significant number of campground owners across the country.
About half of them expressed plans to join this flourishing trend, lured by the potential of an entrepreneurial opportunity that combines profitability with a love for the outdoors. This isn’t surprising, considering the fact that glamping prices can reach up to $555 a night during peak season, especially for coveted locations like yurts with ocean views in Big Sur.
John Hayden, CEO of The Dyrt, believes that the key to a successful glamping business lies in providing unique and personalized experiences. The most popular sites are those where guests can not only enjoy luxurious camping but also engage in unique experiences like farm stays. Hayden emphasizes, “The richer the experience they can provide for their guests, the more of a return rate they’ll get.”
Glamping businesses, from a humble start, are quickly becoming lucrative ventures for private property owners.
Yet, the appeal of glamping is not just in its profitability, but in its ability to offer a blend of the natural and the luxurious, and an opportunity to connect with the land and its beauty.
As these two inspiring stories highlight, the rise of glamping signals a new era in outdoor leisure, reshaping the private campground landscape while offering exciting possibilities for both business owners and outdoor enthusiasts.
Featured image from Temecula Bullfrog Pond’s.