Wildhaven Glamping continues to attract travelers seeking nature experiences with added comfort, reflecting the growing popularity of upscale camping options in the United States.
The company, co-founded by Ken Barber, operates locations in Yosemite and Sonoma County, California, offering guests a chance to connect with the outdoors without the challenges of traditional camping.
“I’ve been camping and hiking my whole life, I moved to San Francisco, and I saw the pace of life among my friends and people that I met. They said they were too stressed, and I realized that they needed the nature experience that I grew up having, but they didn’t know how to do it,” Ken Barber, co-founder and owner of Wildhaven Glamping, told ABC7.
”They don’t have the gear or the time, and they don’t know where to go…so my business partner and I realized that we should start a glamping business that made it easier for people to get outdoors, but it had to be comfortable, easy, and also fun.”
Wildhaven’s accommodations include safari-style tents and cabins that offer varied levels of comfort. Guests can expect heated mattress pads, electricity, and USB charging ports, while still maintaining proximity to nature.
“Our guests have told us that they want nature in their glamping experience. They don’t want it to be sanitized too much, but they still need comfort. We have heated mattress pads, and electricity, and USB chargers for your phone,” Barber added.
Located approximately 45 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, Wildhaven Yosemite gives visitors access to one of the nation’s most visited natural destinations.
Hiking trails, yoga sessions with scenic views, and traditional campfire activities like roasting s’mores are available to guests.
A nearby shuttle stop makes trips into the national park convenient for those who prefer to leave their vehicles behind.
“We are just 45 minutes to the entrance gate to the national park, and we do have a shuttle stop right nearby. You can easily go in. There is nothing like Yosemite National Park in the whole world, it’s just beautiful. I believe everyone needs to see it,” Barber said.
For operators and developers in the outdoor hospitality sector, Wildhaven’s model illustrates the continued blending of comfort and authenticity that today’s travelers seek.
As glamping continues to mature as a market segment, properties that provide easy access to nature while maintaining essential amenities are well-positioned to attract new guests—particularly younger demographics seeking restorative outdoor experiences without the logistical demands of camping.
Wildhaven’s dual presence in both Sonoma County and near Yosemite underscores the opportunity for similar ventures in regions with strong natural attractions and existing tourism infrastructure.