Scaling a Glamping Business: Lessons from Wildhaven’s Ken Barber
In a recent episode of The Unique Hospitality Podcast, host Connor Schwab interviewed Ken Barber, co-founder of Wildhaven Glamping. Barber shared his insightful journey of successfully launching and scaling glamping operations in Sonoma and Yosemite, navigating the notoriously challenging permitting and zoning requirements in California.
Since its inception in June 2020, Wildhaven Sonoma quickly established itself as a highly regarded outdoor hospitality destination, amassing over 270 reviews with an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars. Building on this success, Barber and his business partner Brian expanded their footprint by opening a second, larger location near Yosemite National Park in April 2024. This location has already earned exceptional feedback, boasting an average rating of 4.8 stars within its first year.
Key Insights from Wildhaven’s Growth:
- Choosing the Right Location: Barber emphasizes the importance of proximity to major urban centers to attract guests seeking accessible yet immersive nature experiences. Both Wildhaven locations are strategically placed within a few hours’ drive from San Francisco, drawing diverse guests ranging from couples and families to remote workers and corporate groups.
- Financial Strategy and Scalability: One notable aspect of Wildhaven’s success has been their disciplined financial approach. Barber initially raised approximately $500,000 from a small group of investors, carefully scaling operations based primarily on revenue generated from the business rather than relying heavily on debt financing. This prudent approach allowed Wildhaven to remain flexible and financially resilient.
- Marketing and Brand Positioning: Wildhaven leveraged strategic influencer collaborations and compelling social media content to build a strong brand presence, particularly on Instagram, where they have accumulated nearly 50,000 followers. By showcasing authentic guest experiences and high-quality visuals of their sites, Wildhaven effectively created strong organic appeal and customer loyalty.
- Accommodation Variety and Guest Satisfaction: Barber shared that finding the right balance between tents and cabins has significantly contributed to their success. While tents provide a cost-effective solution with lower initial investment, cabins have proven more profitable long-term due to higher rates, year-round occupancy, and greater guest comfort. This balanced approach has attracted a wider demographic and enhanced overall guest satisfaction.
Barber also emphasized the critical role of infrastructure investment, highlighting that thoughtful amenities and improved accommodations significantly boost revenue potential and overall guest experience.
Looking Ahead
Wildhaven Yosemite is entering its next phase of expansion, planning to grow from 40 units to approximately 70. This expansion includes new luxury cabins, the addition of onsite amenities such as a swimming pool, large hot tubs, and food and beverage services. Currently in the fundraising stage, this project presents an attractive opportunity for investors looking to participate in a proven and rapidly growing outdoor hospitality venture.