ST. GEORGE — Camping has evolved from roughing it to “glamping,” or glamorous camping, in the outdoors. The small town of Virgin has been named the 4th top place to glamp in America.
Top 20 glamping destinations are ranked by Sixt.com, an international mobility service provider. They named Virgin a top spot. The designation is based on how the destinations elevate the outdoor experience, amenities, proximity to nearby attractions, uniqueness, accessibility and wow factor.
As social distancing and travel restrictions continue, people of all ages are trying glamping.
“51% women and 49% of men make the reservations,” Jared Westhoff, Zion Weeping Buffalo co-owner, said. “We see a lot of 20 to say 45-year-old bookings; it is probably our biggest segment.”
Zion Weeping Buffalo sits 14 miles from the iconic beauty of Zion National Park. The glamping area opened in September 2021. But the planning began years ago. In 2006, Westhoff’s partners, Duane and Susan Munn, drove by the property on the way to Zion and saw a sign that the property was for sale. Duane enjoys farming and pioneer history.
“He saw the property and thought what an incredible place to be able to build something that could honor the West and the Native American Indians, as well as pioneers,” Westhoff said. “Just make a unique experience for those visiting Zion National Park to get a little piece of history while they’re coming to see the park.”
Zion Weeping Buffalo features five tepees with modern comforts such as TVs, hot tubs, climate control and private bathrooms.
“The showers have a custom mold that curves with the arc of the canopy on the wagon. And even a six-foot-four guy can fit in the shower, and it’s plenty roomy,” Westhoff said.
Another addition to the Weeping Buffalo will be the cliff dwellings in late spring or summer of 2022. The structures are patterned off of Anasazi Indian cliff houses built under overhanging cliffs to protect the residents from the elements. Anasazi Indians built the dwellings hundreds of feet above rivers where their farms would have been located. The property is near the Virgin River.
“They’re all facing the sun and use the passive solar energy in the sun. They’ll have a three-quarter bath, small kitchen, a rooftop deck, fire pit and a hot tub,” Westhoff said.
The online outdoor stays company HipCamp states that bookings are currently exceeding demand. HipCamp offers camping experiences that include campgrounds, cabins, yurts and other alternative accommodations. According to their website, they now have twice as many future bookings as at the same time in 2020.
“We are now in the position where we need to create the supply as the bookings come in. We are reaching out to more landowners and working to create more partnerships with campgrounds to meet the interest,” said Alyssa Ravasio, HipCamp founder and CEO. According to HipCamp’s website, it is a continuation of a long-term paradigm shift. Consumers are moving away from wanting to consume so many items and moving toward having meaningful, unique, memorable experiences.
Westhoff agreed. “We have all age ranges, and we’ve seen everything from couples to young families to more mature families. The older demographic, when they book it, they’re booking to have some fun with their grandkids.”
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