Twin sisters Whitney Carver Vitt and Sydney Carver Vance have transitioned from their family’s restaurant background into outdoor hospitality, establishing Kentucky Lake Glamping in New Concord, Kentucky.
The venture, which began with a renovated camper intended for short-term rental, has evolved into a multi-site glamping business now operated by both sisters and their husbands.
Raised in the hospitality environment of Sirloin Stockade, which their parents own, the sisters were familiar with the demands of service-based industries from an early age.
Their initial interest in lakefront lodging grew into a business opportunity after experimenting with a few Airbnb-style rentals.
With encouragement from their parents, who challenged them to build a comprehensive business plan, the family ultimately launched Kentucky Lake Glamping in 2022.
The site now features 24 camping spots, including vintage campers, domes, tiny homes, and newer campers, according to a report by Murray Ledger & Times. It also offers various guest amenities, such as a boat dock, kayak and pontoon rentals, a small restaurant, and a newly added spa.
Future plans include adding more domes and installing recreational courts to enhance guest experiences.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, the Carver sisters’ story offers several strategic takeaways.
First, the importance of starting small to validate the business model—testing their concept through Airbnb rentals allowed them to refine their offering before investing heavily in infrastructure.
Second, developing a formal business plan was not only crucial for securing family support but also helped guide early-stage growth.
Third, operational insights such as understanding the need for in-unit bathrooms and water treatment solutions demonstrate the value of anticipating guest needs and regulatory requirements.
The venture remains a family-driven operation, with Whitney and Sydney managing customer relations, marketing, and retail, while their husbands handle construction, maintenance, and water systems.
Their mother oversees bookkeeping, ensuring the financial structure of the business stays on track.
Kentucky Lake Glamping operates year-round with a short winter closure. The location has also become a local draw, particularly for nearby Airbnb guests seeking dining options or lake recreation.
Although the business began with the intention of avoiding the restaurant industry, guest demand led the team to offer a pizza-focused menu that has since expanded.
The Carver sisters emphasize that thorough planning and full commitment are essential to launching a successful outdoor hospitality venture.
For those in the industry considering a similar move into glamping or short-term rental lodging, their experience underscores the importance of adaptability, strong family collaboration, and a guest-centric approach.