A month ago, we set a clear, simple challenge: Book $10,000 worth of stays in our new Family Dome tents at Ferncrest in 30 days.
The outcome?
- $12,036 in Family Dome bookings
- $51,464 in total campground bookings during the same time
But the numbers only scratch the surface of what happened during that 30-day sprint.
Because alongside the bookings, we also:
- Launched an entirely new tent category
- Attracted 1,000+ people with a successful giveaway
- Sold out all 3 Family Domes over Memorial Day Weekend
- Hosted our first-ever “Discovery Day” with potential franchisees staying in the new units
- Delivered a prefab bathhouse to elevate the guest experience for this new category
Most surprisingly? These Family Domes made up just 3 of our 25 units — yet drove nearly 24% of total revenue. The potential is real, and this is just the beginning.
What Worked:
✅ Clear demand — especially among families looking for elevated outdoor stays
✅ Beautiful design — the domes practically marketed themselves visually
✅ Strong value at a premium — $239 to $549/night felt well-priced for what was offered
What Didn’t:
❌ Too much competing activity in our work and lives at the time — the challenge lacked dedicated focus
❌ No pre-launch email list specific to the Family Domes
❌ No influencer stays or strong UGC pipeline yet
❌ Limited content — mostly basic iPhone shots and a few videos so far
The Reality:
We hit our goal, yes. But the real insight is in what wasn’t achieved.
At a conservative $300/night and 80% occupancy, a single Family Dome can generate nearly $7,500/month. With three domes, that could mean $22,500/month in potential revenue.
In that context, $12K in bookings = low occupancy… and massive upside.
What We Learned:
📌 Storytelling sells. Guests booked the narrative as much as the tent.
📌 Newness creates buzz. A fresh product gave us a reason to talk and guests a reason to listen.
📌 Unit mix matters. 12% of inventory drove 24% of revenue.
📌 Focus fuels growth. A clear challenge gave the team direction and momentum.
What’s Next:
Our target is $25K per Family Dome this year for a total of $75K — enough to cover our investment in the first season.
We’re also refining the playbook: stronger visuals, more focused marketing, and repeatable tactics for future launches.
If you’re planning a launch of your own, consider doing your own 30-day challenge. It’ll teach you more than any spreadsheet can.
Happy Glamping,
Brian & Joanna Linton
