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We catch up with Lark Elliott one year after opening Tuxedo Falls to learn what it takes to turn a rare waterfall property near Asheville into a high-demand glamping retreat. We dig into design choices like open air soak tubs, heated toilet seats, brutal infrastructure realities, and the operating and marketing decisions that drive reviews, pricing power, and direct bookings.

• How exceptional land and location can do your selling
• Choosing Bushtec safari tents and building true treehouses around living trees
• Guest experience details that lift reviews and return visits
• The hidden horizontal infrastructure budget: stormwater, roads, rock, wells and septic
• Zoning, utility availability and fire access as early deal killers
• Financing a proof of concept while building infrastructure for future units
• The whiplash shift from builder to operator and what to fix first
• Handing off social media marketing and using paid social to find the right guest
• Dynamic pricing and revenue management trade-offs at different unit counts
• Leveraging tourism board PR and avoiding costly OTA surprises
• Mentoring, books and practical habits that make operations saner
• Using travel insurance messaging to reduce cancellation pain

Check out tuxedofalls.com or reach out to lark at lark@tuxedofalls.com

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

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Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.

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We talk with Justin Kamm, founder of North Star Farm, about transforming a blueberry farm in New York's Western Catskills into a wellness-focused glamping destination. Justin shares how a personal health journey inspired the concept—and how thoughtful design, authentic storytelling, and intentional guest experiences have become powerful drivers of direct bookings, repeat visits, and long-term brand loyalty.

In this episode, we discuss:

• transforming a working farm into a hospitality business that isn't dependent on commodity-crop economics
• identifying three core guest segments and why destination positioning is critical
• using professional photography and organic social media to increase direct bookings
• turning a personal health crisis into a hospitality philosophy centered on healthy living
• designing geodesic domes with superior ventilation, low- and zero-VOC materials, and healthier building products
• overcoming the construction challenges of raw, sloped land, including foundations, utilities, septic systems, and winter conditions
• streamlining operations with self-check-in, automated messaging, and a comprehensive digital guidebook
• intentionally designing guest moments that create emotional connections, memorable experiences, and word-of-mouth marketing
• prioritizing exceptional sleep quality and comfort—even when it comes at the expense of higher margins
• balancing occupancy, ADR, and thoughtful expansion without losing the property's unique character
• using sheep, humor, and storytelling to create a distinctive and memorable brand

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.

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A mile of waterfront, a hillside that photographs cannot explain, and a resort name that dares you to relax. We’re joined by Justin McWilliams, developer and owner of Camp QYB (Camp Quitcherbichin) on Lake Bridgeport near Runaway Bay, Texas, fresh off winning Glamping Resort of the Year from TACO. Justin has spent roughly four decades in construction and land development, and he brings that hard-earned perspective to what it takes to build a real outdoor hospitality destination from scratch.

We talk about why variety matters in glamping and RV resort design: cabins, wagons, Airstreams, capsule-style units, and a growing number of RV sites, all built around the idea that many guests want nature plus community. From there, we dig into the amenity engine that makes the place work, including an old western town hub, multiple food and beverage concepts, events, activities on the lake, and the small details that create a “whimsical” feeling at night. Justin also shares the thinking behind the brand ethos: leave the complaining at home and be present.

Then we get practical about the business of campground development: unexpected rock conditions and how they reused boulders, fighting for water and sewer, how interest rates and timing can squeeze a project, and why conservative underwriting matters. Justin breaks down occupancy reality (including the logic behind modelling closer to 35%), the importance of weekday demand, and how ancillary revenue can change the revenue strategy for high-amenity resorts. We also cover events that sell, partnering with charities, and Justin’s next moves, from modular housing ideas to sourcing commercial-grade solar lighting and supplies directly.

If you care about glamping resort development, RV park operations, feasibility, occupancy strategy, and building a place guests talk about long after checkout, hit subscribe, share this with a builder or operator you know, and leave us a review. What would you prioritise first: more units, or better amenities?

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.