Glamping Experience

PlainsCraft Covered Wagons are the perfect choice for luxury glamping accommodations at your resort, destination, RV park, or campground. Our wagons are built from the ground-up for your needs.

Covered wagons now available at Florida’s newest luxury Keystone Heights RV Resort

PlainsCraft Covered Wagons is proud to share its latest partnership with Keystone Heights, a gated RV community located in North Central Florida. This incredible new community provides visitors with a plethora of activities to enjoy within the fresh air of this sunny resort. Keystone Heights glamping brings even more fun to this area.

Keystone Heights, which is located northeast of Gainesville, opened in November of 2020. This luxury, gated community features unparalleled amenities, including a 2,700 square foot swimming pool and spa, a clubhouse, an activity center and Activities Director for resort-wide events, and more. In addition to PlainsCraft wagons, the resort offers short- and long-term RV reservations for both pull-through and back-in RV sites.

“We are so excited to find a home within the Keystone Heights resort,” said Dennis Steinman, Founder and CEO of PlainsCraft Covered Wagons. “We were so impressed with all Keystone Heights had to offer, and we can’t wait to see what kind of demand glamping in our wagons will drive to this unique location. Not only is Keystone Heights a beautiful resort, but the amenities it offers make it a great destination for travel enthusiasts. We know the addition of PlainsCraft wagons will be a successful endeavor for the Keystone Heights team.”

PlainsCraft wagons will be available at the resort starting July 1. To learn more about Keystone Heights glamping, visit KeystoneHeightsRV.com.

3 reasons to invest in glamping

We knew back in 2018, when we first launched PlainsCraft Covered Wagons, that glamping was taking off in the United States. What nobody knew at that point was that a global pandemic would exponentially change how people wanted to get away from home during a time where safety was a top concern. It changed how people vacationed, and because of that reality, glamping is becoming hotter than ever. There’s never been a better time to invest in glamping. Here are three reasons why. 

The glamping market is skyrocketing

A 2021 report by Grand View Research states glamping is expected to grow by a more than 16 percent compound annual growth rate through 2028. The search for unique outdoor experiences, luxurious amenities, and unique accommodations is what is largely helping it evolve.

Covid further drove glamping’s growth. As travelers looked for camping opportunities that were safe through the pandemic, those who camped reported they are nearly 3 times more likely to return to camping and glamping when they travel again. In addition, nearly 40 percent of campers surveyed in 2021 said they were interested in a glamping experience, while nearly 30 percent of prospective campers wanted to try glamping. So who are those prospects? We suggest you keep reading.

Glamping draws in a new demographic of campers

A study from Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) shows that the young millennials and Gen Z are just starting to embrace the camping lifestyle. In fact, that report shows 60 percent of those who traveled for glamping in North America between 2019 and 2020 were from that demographic. Still, it’s elder millennials and Gen X who are largely driving the growth of this type of luxury camping. As these demographics continue to find financial success, it’s expected they will be the largest consumers of glamping over the next several years. As these new campers look for luxurious ways to enjoy the outdoors, glamping is the solution.

In other words, glamping is a compelling and enjoyable getaway for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without the work of traditional camping. This fact is already drawing in non-campers. Therefore, if you invest in glamping now, rest assured you’ll be at the forefront of this trend and at the top of mind for guests looking for an unforgettable experience.

Unique accommodations are a compelling attraction

The Grand View Research report says cabins and pods were the largest market share of unique accommodations in 2020. Tents are growing in popularity, however, and will be the second-fastest-growing segment through 2028. Of course, those accommodations are just a small sampling of all the types that are available across the globe.

We did keyword research to determine what people are looking for from their glamping experiences. We found they’re searching for tents, but beyond that, they don’t seem to know what else is out there.

In fact, most people are searching for glamping in their favorite locations. Places like Big Sur, Asheville, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree were on the list. Yet many were even less specific, such as searches by state. That supports the idea that while potential guests are excited about glamping and finding stays in beautiful locations, there’s opportunity for them to be just as excited about the accommodations and amenities you have to offer, no matter where you are located. If you invest in glamping, simply adding glamping as an option will be what initially draws them in. From there, finding the most unique accommodations, like covered wagons, will be what encourages them to book. 

An important thing to remember is that your guests want luxurious experiences. If you try to cut corners, they’ll notice. Make sure you deliver on the luxury, premium experience you promise. They might be your biggest cheerleader, but bad news sometimes travels even faster. Give them more than they expect, and they’ll return — hopefully with friends next time.

Why PlainsCraft?

In the world of glamping, you want lodgings that will stand out in your potential guests’ minds. A wagon is a piece of Americana that conjures up a sense of nostalgia and romanticism. And because it’s so low-maintenance and easy to set up, it’s a great addition to any campground or unique location. 

While we recommend at least two wagons to circle up around the fire, we also know that wagons should just be a part of the bigger picture. For inspiration, check out Zion Weeping Buffalo Resort. This location will be a favorite destination for returning guests who want to experience everything from covered wagons to teepees to cave dwellings.

Ready to invest in glamping? Contact us about bringing PlainsCraft wagons to your property, and let’s build something together.

PlainsCraft travels into award-winning Canadian campground territory

PlainsCraft Covered Wagons has now shifted to become an international company with the addition of its covered wagons at Marco Polo Land in Cavendish, P.E.I. in Canada.

In January, Marco Polo Land was named Large Campground of the Year by the Canadian Camping and RV Council after it added a new water park and deluxe cabins to provide glamping opportunities for its guests. As Hennie Hoekstra, owner of Marco Polo Land, looks to expand upon the glamping trend, PlainsCraft wagons will be the next of the site’s offerings. The wagons will be available starting in June of 2021.

“Hennie is a dream customer for us,” said Dennis Steinman, Founder and CEO of PlainsCraft Covered Wagons. “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.”

Marco Polo Land features over 100 acres of P.E.I. camping, trailering, and RV sites. With 618 campsites, the resort is Prince Edward Island’s vacation center. It addition to PlainsCraft Wagons, the resort also features a take-out, dairy bar, store, restaurant, themed entertainment, a water zone, jumping pillows, and large play areas.

For full disclosure, we need to tell you if you’re looking to book a stay at Marco Polo Land, you might want to think ahead for 2022. Hennie tells us the wagons are already booked solid for the 2021 camping season. How’s that for a success story?

Honeytrek’s Apostle Islands Wisconsin glamping adventure

When we first met Mike and Anne from Honeytrek at the 2019 Glamping Show, we immediately fell in love with them and their story. They’ve been traveling the world together since the beginning of 2012, just after they got married, which opened their eyes to the world of glamping. Together, they wrote their first book, Comfortably Wild: The Ultimate Glamping Guide, where they explore the history of glamping and offer first-hand recommendations for unforgettable adventures. (Pick it up. You’ll be smitten with glamping if you aren’t already!)

Zach and Jennifer welcome Mike and Anne to the Apostle Islands

When we found out they were headed to Wisconsin to complete their tour of all 50 states, we checked in with them. Considering they’d traveled across 7 continents, 62 countries, more than 1,000 regions, and stayed in just about every unique spot you can possibly imagine, we wondered what they’d think about glamping in a PlainsCraft Wagon.

Fortunately, they had been thinking about us, too. We connected them with Zach and Jennifer from Apostle Island Area Campground, who added a PlainsCraft wagon to their offerings last year, and who are just moments from Lake Superior, sea caves, a national forest, and some of the most incredible outdoor attractions. Our wagon ended up being the perfect spot for their Apostle Islands glamping getaway.

Honeytrek’s stay at the Apostle Islands was part of a larger tour of Wisconsin, and if you’ve never spent much time in the Great Lakes state, you’ll want to read about their ultimate Wisconsin road trip. It will make you want to visit the first chance you get.

We haven’t been up to the Apostle Islands to visit Zach and Jennifer since we first delivered the wagon. We think maybe it’s time to change that. Let us know what you think about Mike and Anne’s trip — or if you’ve stayed in this wagon and what you thought — in the comments below.

Photos by Honeytrek

PlainsCraft is proud to bring new innovation to the outdoor hospitality industry

As PlainsCraft Covered Wagons looks toward 2021, a major new canvas innovation promises to bring modern technology to what looks to be a method of travel from yesteryear.

“We’ve found that park operators are concerned about a number of issues canvases bring, which is a common problem among glamping structures,” said Dennis Steinman, Founder and CEO of PlainsCraft Covered Wagons. “We heard those concerns and developed a solution. The result is an innovative canvas system that protects from the biggest concerns operators have about canvases, including harsh weather, shadows, and noise.”

PlainsCraft’s Bonnetgard™ Cover System includes four layers of protection. The exterior canvas is made from Aqualon Edge material, which is equipped with a heat gain reduction technology to protect from sun, mold, mildew, and abrasion, plus includes a manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind. The interior is layered with an acoustic and thermal insultation to stop sound and cold from entering as well as a radiant barrier to reduce heat gain. Finally, the interior canvas is a Sunforger® canvas, which is also layered with protection against moisture and mildew. Together, the system also creates a partial air gap to create air flow, ensuring the benefits of the radiant barrier. The system is highly efficient, weather resistant, and allows for a high level of privacy for guests.

“We’re proud of the system we’ve built,” Steinman added. “We heard what keeps park owners and operators up at night and we knew the only solution was to give them a product they wouldn’t have to worry about.”

The Bonnetgard™ Cover System is now available for 2021.

PlainsCraft also added the following options for covered wagons in 2020:

• Full bathrooms that answer consumer demand for both luxury and safety from a glamping structure. Bathrooms include a shower, standard flush, composting or rv style toilet option, a vanity with sink, and a ventilation fan. The bathroom walls are sealed and a hot water heater is installed for utmost comfort.

• An extended length of wagon is now available to provide more space for bathrooms or additional furniture. Choose from either a 20’ or 22 ½’ interior floor plan, depending upon your park’s needs.

• A detachable porch and a solid wood main entry door with a window boost the wagon’s visual appeal.

The Wild West like you’ve never seen it before

Interior of a luxury covered wagon, bed is made and bathroom is in the background

Pioneers heading west during the gold and land rushes of the 1800s often had no choice but to camp with their covered wagons as they traveled toward a better way of life. But back then, these types of travels were often difficult, tedious, and dangerous. So it’s no wonder they disappeared from the landscape years ago.

Yet modern adventurers are looking for a similar type of experience without sacrificing the luxuries of home. Glamping in a covered wagon gives you a taste of the wild, but with the comforts you don’t want to do without. And now, PlainsCraft Covered Wagons is proud to share upgrades we’ve made that would make those early settlers green with envy.

PlainsCraft Covered Wagons are made to be rugged and functional, but can also be designed with modern luxuries anyone can enjoy.

Our wagons are available with full heating and air units for year-round comfort. Our full bathrooms include a shower, composting toilet, and a vanity with sink. A hot water heater ensures utmost comfort, and a wall partition and curtain will provide privacy. Can you imagine what those early settlers would think of today’s wagons?

Want to learn more about PlainsCraft Covered Wagons and what it’s like to try glamping in a covered wagon? Check out our website for virtual tours and information, or give us a call to chat about how we can build something together.

About PlainsCraft

PlainsCraft Covered Wagons look and feel like authentic, full-sized covered wagons; the ones that traversed the Midwestern plains for over a hundred years, carrying merchants and settlers back and forth from the east coast to the edges of the prairie frontier. Once considered the best way to navigate the grasslands and wild rivers, covered wagons are now gone from the landscape. But the magic of the wagon remains, and we bring that magic to life for glamping campers and unique luxury outdoor hospitality providers.

Founded by Dennis and Donna Steinman, our company creates beautiful, full-sized, fully-outfitted covered wagons for outdoor hospitality providers, adventure travel destinations, campsites, agritourism, and anyone who seeks to offer a one-of-a-kind overnight experience that visitors will never forget. PlainsCraft Covered Wagons are a sound investment with great ROI. Our covered wagons are available as basic glamping units, fully-furnished luxury camping experiences, or anything in between.