Not every glamping destination is about luxury for its own sake. Some are about something more: a place with a genuine story, a purpose beyond the bottom line, and a guest experience that leaves people feeling like they have been part of something meaningful. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in Melrose, Florida is exactly that kind of agritourism destination, and PlainsCraft covered wagons are now part of how it welcomes overnight guests.
About Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
Rooterville is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing permanent homes for farm animals of all types. Founded in 2004 by Elaine West, the sanctuary began with a single rescued breeding sow named Stella, who was nursed back to health on a five-acre farm. Today, Rooterville has grown to 20 acres in rural Melrose, Florida, east of Gainesville, and is home to hundreds of animals including pigs, chickens, cows, goats, horses, and more.
Visitors are welcome at the farm. Guided tours give guests the chance to meet the animals up close, feed snacks to pigs, hear the stories behind each rescue, and experience farm life in a way that is both educational and genuinely moving. For animal lovers and ethically minded travelers, Rooterville offers something that no hotel or standard glamping resort can replicate.
Why Rooterville Added Glamping
Elaine West recognized that a day visit was only part of what Rooterville could offer. The sanctuary’s setting, quiet pastures in rural Florida with horses and cows grazing nearby, was exactly the kind of environment that invites guests to linger. Adding overnight farm stays through PlainsCraft wagons was a way to deepen the guest experience and generate the additional income a non-profit operation needs to keep growing.
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“This farm is truly a labor of love for me. While we believe it’s already an incredibly serene and wonderful place to visit, we think the wagons are perfect for this beautiful space. The wagons will be near our pastures, where a horse and several cows graze, so guests can go to sleep and wake up feeling the peace we’ve intentionally created here at Rooterville. We are working to make this a truly special experience for our guests.” — Elaine West, Founder, Rooterville Animal Sanctuary |
Two PlainsCraft covered wagons are positioned near the pastures, giving guests an unobstructed view of the animals from their accommodation. The overnight experience is intentionally quiet and grounded, which makes it a strong draw for guests who want to disconnect rather than be entertained.
What PlainsCraft Saw in This Partnership
Rooterville represents something that is becoming increasingly common in agritourism: a property where the mission and the guest experience are the same thing. The sanctuary’s commitment to ethical animal care is not a marketing angle. It is the entire operation. Guests who choose Rooterville are choosing it precisely because of what it stands for.
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“We are thrilled that Elaine chose our wagons as an opportunity to give her visitors a high-quality glamping experience. We know this was a major purchase for a non-profit like Rooterville, but we know the wagons will be a worthwhile investment. We’re seeing agri-tourism continue to grow in the glamping community as campers look for unique experiences to enjoy alongside their overnight stays. An animal sanctuary like Elaine’s is going to be a massive draw for the new age of campers who support and live by the same ethical practices Rooterville follows.” — Dennis Steinman, Founder and CEO, PlainsCraft Covered Wagons |
The Growing Demand for Mission-Driven Agritourism
Rooterville is part of a broader trend in Florida agritourism toward properties that give guests a deeper reason to visit beyond recreation. Younger travelers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are choosing destinations that align with their values. An animal sanctuary offering genuine farm immersion, combined with the comfort of a well-built covered wagon, speaks directly to that audience.
This is also a strong model for other non-profits or mission-driven farms thinking about income diversification. A glamping wagon does not change what you are doing. It gives more people a way to participate in it, for longer, with a tangible financial benefit to your operation.
Visit Rooterville
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary is located in Melrose, Florida, east of Gainesville. Overnight stays in PlainsCraft wagons are available seasonally. For more information on visiting or booking, find Rooterville directly online.
Thinking About Glamping for Your Farm or Sanctuary?
PlainsCraft has worked with farms, sanctuaries, and agritourism destinations across the country. If you are thinking about adding overnight accommodations to your property, contact us to start the conversation. You can also explore how glamping works for agritourism properties to see what an overnight farm stay could look like on your land.
