When we first set out to build Ferncrest, we didn’t find our property on Zillow or LoopNet.
In fact, it wasn’t even for sale.
We identified a piece of land that checked the boxes… natural beauty, utilities within reach, proximity to demand drivers – and pursued it directly.
After a few conversations and some persistence, we got a deal done. That one decision set us on the path that turned into Ferncrest.
The truth is: every glampground starts with a piece of land. But finding the right one is often the hardest part.
Here’s my thoughts on this and what you can do right now:
The Challenge
If you’ve ever scrolled real estate listings looking for “the one,” you know how discouraging it can be:
- Hours wasted looking at parcels with no access or zoning issues.
- Land that looks good online but turns out to be impossible for utilities.
- Properties that are too remote, too restrictive, or just plain unworkable.
And yet, some of the best opportunities never make it to the open market in the first place.
What We’re Seeing
Because of our large social media following and our reach in the industry, we regularly get pitched opportunities – land, campgrounds, even RV parks – that are completely off-market.
These are deals owners want to sell quietly, or properties that people share with us because they know we’re in this space.
There is no shortage of great land and opportunities out there for a business like this.
The key is access.
And access doesn’t come from Zillow. It comes from your network, your relationships, and your ability to recognize a property for what it could be, not just what it is today.
So what can you do right now?
- Drive around: some of the best opportunities are hiding in plain sight. An old campground, a “for rent” sign on acreage, or a property that just looks underutilized could be worth pursuing.
- Call around: reach out to local realtors, zoning offices, and even neighbors. People often know of landowners who might sell, even if the property isn’t listed.
- Do the legwork: this is not a sit-back-and-wait game. We get inbound opportunities all the time because of our reach, but if you’re just starting out, you’ve got to put in the reps yourself.
Frankly, the right deal rarely comes from scrolling websites. It comes from showing up, asking questions, and being persistent.
Learn How to Start Yours
If finding land (and everything that comes after) feels like a mystery, that’s exactly why we host the Glampground Startup Challenge.
In just 3 days, we’ll walk you through the steps to evaluate land, plan your build, and launch a profitable glampground in as little as 6 months.
And it’s completely free to join.
👉 Register here for the Glampground Startup Challenge
This is the best place to start if you want to go from dream to dirt – without spending years guessing.
A Final Thought
Every glampground starts with a piece of land. Finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But with the right connections, experience, and guidance, the process gets a whole lot easier.
Happy Glamping!
Brian & Joanna Linton
P.S. If you’re actively in the market for land right now and want our help, just reply to this email. We’ll jump on a call and explore what options are out there – including the off-market opportunities that never make it to Zillow.
