We’re often asked whether a glampground should operate year-round or go seasonal.
It’s a great question—and one we’ve recently faced at Ferncrest in Promised Land, PA, where we just closed for winter. (FYI – our Oklahoma location is open year-round! But right now, we are discussing our Promised Land location)
Let’s explore both sides of this decision and what it could mean for your glamping business.
Why We Closed Ferncrest for Winter:
Our shutdown of our PA location isn’t just preference; it’s needed.
Without insulated pipes or buried plumbing lines, our bathrooms can’t withstand the freezing temperatures. Plus, no indoor showers mean it’s tough to give guests the cozy experience we’d like in the cold season.
But here’s the thing—people still want to book! We get messages from eager winter campers even after closing, making us feel like we’re leaving money on the table.
Which leads us to ask ourselves…what are the Pros and Cons of being a seasonal glampground.
Pros of Closing Seasonally:
- Time for Projects: Winter gives us breathing room to tackle improvements—whether it’s adding more units, reworking utilities, or deep-cleaning the entire site.
- Avoid Winter Challenges: Snow, ice, and freezing temps create unique customer service issues. Closing eliminates those headaches.
- Staffing Reset: Fewer guests mean less work, allowing us to reset schedules and projects. At Ferncrest, we keep some team members busy at our nearby hotel, but managing year-round consistency is a real balancing act.
Cons of Closing Seasonally:
- Lost Revenue: With the right setup, glamping can be a year-round business. Even with low occupancy (around 15-20%), high margins can make winter worthwhile.
- Guest Consistency: For some locations, staying open can build a reputation as an “any-season” destination, which helps attract loyal, year-round visitors.
- Challenge of Retaining Staff: It’s hard to keep great staff employed when you are closed for a prolonged period of time. Re-hiring each season takes time and effort.
So…Should You Stay Open?
It depends on your property and market. For example, our Ferncrest franchise location in Oklahoma operates year-round since the winter weather is milder. When scouting properties, we aim for year-round operability, knowing it builds a stronger, more reliable business in the long run.
A Few Tips for Year-Round Success:
- Winter-Ready Facilities: Insulate pipes, offer heated bathrooms, and design cozy accommodations to enhance the winter experience.
- Selective Availability: Consider opening fewer units during the winter to control costs while meeting demand. Guests love a dome tent in the snow—imagine a cozy, snow-draped dome tent in winter!
Ultimately, glamping’s high margin allows for year-round potential if you set things up right.
Whether you go seasonal or stay open, planning for off-season use or improvements can help you maximize your property’s potential.
Happy Glamping!
Brian & Joanna
