PlainsCraft Covered Wagons has always been built for the American heartland, born from the same Kansas plains that once carried pioneer wagons west along the Oregon Trail. But the demand for “A Wilder Kind of Experience” does not stop at the border. In early 2021, PlainsCraft made its first move into Canada, partnering with Marco Polo Land in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, to bring covered wagon glamping to one of the country’s most celebrated campground destinations.
About Marco Polo Land
Marco Polo Land is Prince Edward Island’s premier camping destination, situated on more than 100 acres in Cavendish on the island’s north shore. With 648 campsites, the resort draws families and outdoor travelers from across Canada and beyond. Beyond the sites, it offers a full resort experience: a take-out and dairy bar, a restaurant, a store, themed entertainment, a water zone, jumping pillows, and large play areas.
In January 2021, Marco Polo Land was named Large Campground of the Year by the Canadian Camping and RV Council, recognizing the resort’s investment in guest experience, including the addition of a new water park and deluxe cabins designed to meet growing demand for glamping accommodations.
Why Marco Polo Land Chose PlainsCraft
Hennie Hoekstra, owner of Marco Polo Land, had watched glamping take off at her resort even through the challenges of Covid-19. Guests were seeking outdoor experiences that felt both safe and special, and the demand for premium accommodations was outpacing what was available. When she began looking for her next glamping addition, PlainsCraft wagons stood out as something genuinely different.
| “Hennie is a dream customer for us. As she saw glamping taking off for Marco Polo Land despite the challenges brought on by Covid-19, she was quick to work with us to develop a set of wagons that will create additional intrigue for glamping and camping guests. We can’t wait to see how the wagons do for Hennie and Marco Polo Land as the resort continues to remain a hot vacation destination this summer.”
— Dennis Steinman, Founder and CEO, PlainsCraft Covered Wagons |
The wagons were available to guests starting in June 2021. The response was immediate: by the time they launched, the wagons were already booked solid for the entire 2021 camping season.
What This Partnership Means for Glamping Operators
The Marco Polo Land story is a clear illustration of what happens when a proven destination adds the right glamping structure. This was not a new property trying to build an audience from scratch. It was an established, award-winning campground giving its existing guests a new reason to book a different kind of stay, and attracting new guests who might not have considered a traditional campsite.
Instant sellout of a brand-new accommodation type at an established resort is exactly the kind of demand signal that the broader market data reflects: covered wagons are in short supply relative to what guests want. Properties that add them early capture that demand before competitors do.
Considering Glamping for Your Campground?
Whether you operate in Canada or the United States, PlainsCraft works with campgrounds of all sizes to design and deliver covered wagon glamping packages that generate real returns. Contact us to talk through what a wagon addition could look like for your property.
