Nestled near Zion National Park in Kanarraville, Utah, Little Village Retreat offers a unique glamping experience where privacy, family connection, and nature are at the forefront.
Established by Diane and Adam Bealer, the family-owned retreat reflects their commitment to fostering a peaceful atmosphere for guests to disconnect from technology and reconnect with loved ones and outdoors.
The Bealers, married for 20 years with six children, also opened the retreat to teach their kids the value of hard work, creativity, and teamwork.
The journey to create the retreat, however, was far from simple. Overcoming numerous challenges—including land acquisition and regulatory hurdles—shaped their business into what it is today.
In an exclusive interview with Modern Campground, Bealer shared the retreat’s philosophy, stating, “We focus on being actually small. We don’t want to get as big as possible. We want our guests to have a private and secluded opportunity.” This vision drives every aspect of their operations, from the size of the resort to the guest experience.
Overcoming Challenges to Build a Dream
The journey to create Little Village Retreat was not without significant obstacles. Initially, the Bealers planned to develop a tiny home community, but financing challenges led them to pivot to glamping domes.

To secure land, Diane handwrote nearly 40 letters to local landowners in Iron County, Utah, eventually negotiating a lease agreement. “So, we actually sold our home in order to have some cash to be able to build this business,” she noted.
The challenges didn’t end there. Diane explained that acquiring water rights and meeting health and zoning regulations presented additional hurdles.
“We also had to secure all of our permits. You have to meet the health department’s criteria for a campground,” she added.

As the first glamping retreat in the county, the Bealers had to educate local officials on the concept of glamping.
“No one in the government offices knew what we were talking about,” she said. Despite these obstacles, the Bealers took a hands-on approach to construction, gaining valuable experience along the way.
“We helped run electrical wires, plumbing, and dug foundations. It was an amazing educational experience,” Diane said. Reflecting on the experience, she acknowledged that while it often felt like a series of challenges, those difficulties ultimately contributed to their growth and success.
Creating Meaningful Connections for Guests
The retreat’s mission revolves around fostering strong connections between guests and their loved ones. Drawing inspiration from her large family and childhood reunions, Diane emphasized the importance of connection. “Those memories, those connections you make, I swear they’re hardwired into your brain,” she said.
When asked about the origin of the retreat’s name, Bealer also explained that the idea came through collaboration with her close friends and family, particularly her sisters. With five sisters and two sisters-in-law, Bealer sought their input as she shared her vision for the retreat.

She discussed her goals, the atmosphere she wanted to create, and the sense of community she hoped to build for guests.
Bealer recalled expressing her desire for the retreat to feel like a “family village”—a small, close-knit place where guests could form meaningful connections. It was one of her sisters who suggested the name “Little Village Retreat,” which resonated perfectly with Bealer’s vision.
The name encapsulates the essence of the experience the Bealers aim to provide: a peaceful and intimate environment for families and friends to connect and recharge.
Little Village Retreat also aims to minimize guest stress by offering amenities such as fully equipped domes with luxury bedding, onsite shower facilities, and curated lists of local restaurants and activities.
“We try to take every instance of stress out for them,” Diane noted. By doing so, the retreat provides a space where guests can create lasting memories and recharge.
“The guests can [be] able to connect with each other and make those magical memories that bring them peace and create stronger connections for them,” she explained.

Guests are typically between 35 and 45 years old, with a preference for outdoor adventure combined with comfort and privacy. Many seek a peaceful retreat after visiting nearby Zion National Park or Kanarraville Falls.
“You’re always going to get people outside that range, but our guests want to be outside and want to spend the majority of their time on their vacation outside, but they also want to be very comfortable,” she told Modern Campground.
Diane also noted that many of their guests exhibit introverted tendencies, which has influenced how they tailor the guest experience at Little Village Retreat.
While these visitors are eager to explore popular attractions like Zion National Park and participate in well-known hikes, they prefer to avoid large, crowded resorts. Instead, they seek a more private and serene environment where they can recharge after a day of outdoor activities.
The retreat caters to this need for balance by providing comfortable, secluded accommodations that allow guests to relax and restore their energy.
Bealer emphasized that guests appreciate the opportunity to enjoy both excitement and tranquility during their stay. By offering privacy and peaceful surroundings, the retreat creates a space where visitors can unwind and prepare for the next adventure on their itinerary.
The first-ever MC Camper Compass Report, titled “Boosting Camper Stays: Key Strategies to Revive Campground Reservations,” highlights the importance of modern amenities in attracting and retaining guests. According to the report, offering features such as comfortable accommodations, quality camping equipment, designated cooking area and clean shower facilities can significantly enhance the guest experience.
These amenities not only draw new visitors but also encourage longer stays and increase the likelihood of repeat visits—an approach that aligns with the offerings at Little Village Retreat, where comfort and convenience are prioritized to help guests fully enjoy their time in nature.

According to its website, Little Village Retreat offers a variety of accommodations designed to provide comfort and convenience while allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature. Dome 1, a popular choice, features a king-size bed, a futon, and accent chairs, all outfitted with fresh bedding and linens.
Guests can start their day with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa and enjoy the stunning Southern Utah views from their private picnic area, complete with a gas grill and fire pit.
For larger families, the Safari Canvas tent offers spacious accommodations with a king-size bed and twin bunk beds. Like Dome 1, the tent is fully equipped with bedding and essentials.
Although the tent does not have traditional electricity, a solar-powered generator allows guests to charge phones and small devices, and solar lights provide illumination at night.
Both the dome and the tent include games that the Bealer family enjoy themselves, inviting guests to bond around the fire and create cherished memories. On-site amenities, such as a tetherball net and a volleyball court, add to the fun, giving families opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection.
A Family Effort and Values in Action
The Bealer children play an integral role in daily operations. From cleaning bathrooms and raking pathways to assisting with marketing and social media content, they contribute to every aspect of the business.
“They’ve learned how to do laundry, assemble guest gifts, and even make brochures,” Diane said, adding that these tasks teach her children the importance of hard work and goal-setting.

Bealer also shared that the process brought their family closer together and provided invaluable lessons for their children about hard work and goal-setting.
In addition to its amenities, the retreat embraces sustainability as a core value. A report by Modern Campground and Cairn Consulting Group, released in April 2024, highlights the role of sustainable practices in enhancing guest experiences at campgrounds. The research found that approximately half of leisure travelers prefer campgrounds that implement sustainability measures, while a majority believe these efforts improve their overall stay.
Little Village Retreat reflects these principles by incorporating solar power, minimizing land disturbance, and using biodegradable products. The Bealers are committed to leaving the land as undisturbed as possible, a condition outlined in their lease. Solar power provides energy for the domes, while natural materials like pebbles are used to maintain the property’s landscape.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the Bealers envision expanding Little Village Retreat to include up to 20 units while maintaining its intimate atmosphere.
Diane outlined their dream of creating a true village experience, complete with a general store, a small movie area, and events that guests can participate in. Collaborations with local tour operators and vendors are also part of their long-term plans.
“We never want to be huge. We always want it to feel private, safe, and small,” Diane emphasized. By offering guests opportunities to connect with both the local community and nature, the retreat aims to provide a holistic, enriching experience.
For aspiring glamping entrepreneurs, Diane offered a piece of advice: “Every problem is figure-outable. Networking and connecting with your community solves so many issues, and 90% of people really do just want to help.”
The Little Village Retreat continues to thrive, driven by the Bealer family’s passion for hospitality and their commitment to creating a peaceful haven for nature lovers.
As Diane concluded, “We get to host the happiest people on earth. They already love nature, they’re already seeking joy from being outside—and we just get to have fun with them. It’s a great business.”
This inspiring journey serves as an example of the power of family, hard work, and vision in shaping a successful glamping business. The Bealers’ dedication to their guests and the environment underscores the growing appeal of sustainable, family-centered outdoor retreats in today’s hospitality landscape.