Publication
Woodall’s Campground Magazine
Author
Woodall’s Campground Magazine
Published
December 30, 2022
Source
Editor’s Note: WOODALLSCM.com is taking a look back at the year that was by highlighting the most viewed stories of 2022 on its website over the next two weeks, culminating in a look at the most popular story of the year. From new developments to profiles of parks, new industry trends and more, 2022 has been a year full of change and excitement as campers continue to hit the roads in search of adventure.
There have been a ton of new entrants to the market over the past few years, but none have taken the industry by storm quite like Spacious Skies. Since May 2021, the company has acquired 13 parks — located mainly in the eastern U.S. — and plans to continue expanding even more. On top of acquiring the parks, Ali and Eric Rasmussen have also created a name for themselves in the outdoor hospitality industry by being active members of state and national associations, and by being willing to share their secrets to success.
A story on the company’s rapid growth in June was one that caught the attention of WCM’s readers and it was the second most-read story of 2022. You can read the full story below or by clicking here.
WCM will publish the most popular story of the year on Tuesday, Jan. 3, so stay tuned!
With 10 acquisitions under its belt and several others in the works, Spacious Skies Campgrounds is marking its first year as RV park and campground owners and managers, according to a press release.
Additionally, dozens of enhancement projects such as the expansion of the number of RV sites, upgraded campstores and improved Wi-Fi are underway.
The company was founded by Ali and Eric Rasmussen, a couple with a life-long passion for travel and camping and extensive backgrounds in real estate, capital markets, branding, design, marketing and talent recruitment, notes the release.
Spacious Skies acquired its first campground – Spacious Skies Walnut Grove in Alfred, Maine – in late May 2021, and quickly followed with seven more acquisitions in 2021 and two so far in 2022. Spacious Skies is presently evaluating multiple additional campground acquisitions. Although campgrounds are currently only in the eastern United States so far, the team is actively pursuing acquisitions throughout the country.
“As lifelong campers and lovers of the great outdoors, we believe that camping is one of the best ways to experience the exquisite wonder of slow-travel practices of hiking, fishing, stargazing and more in some of the most beautiful natural places in the U.S.,” said Ali Rasmussen, CEO and creative director. “Clearly, the outdoor hospitality industry is having a moment, with the popularity of back-to-nature adventures soaring. It is our mission to provide our enthusiastic guests with fun, relaxing and authentic experiences they will never forget.”
About the Campgrounds
The 10 campgrounds are located in Maine (two), New Hampshire (two), Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Campgrounds vary in size, acreage and offerings. A critical component of the company’s growth and execution strategy is its dedicated in-house property management company. In order to grow and operate the portfolio to its greatest potential, Spacious Skies built its in-house property management capabilities from the ground up.
“Consistency across all the elements that make up hospitality, property management, and customer experience is really best achieved when there is a direct connection between the home office and our onsite staff,” said Rasmussen. “It is fulfilling to work together as one team toward the same vision, the same dream, and that positivity should be passed on to our guests in their experience with us.”
Here is the complete list of campgrounds listed in order of acquisition:
- Alfred, Maine – Spacious Skies Walnut Grove– 93 RV sites, three cabins. Acquired May 2021.
- Henniker, N.H. – Spacious Skies French Pond– 140 RV sites, eight tent sites. Acquired Aug. 2021.
- Austerlitz, N.Y. – Spacious Skies Woodland Hills– 207 RV sites, two RV rentals, 14 tent sites. Acquired Aug. 2021.
- Boston, Mass. – Spacious Skies Minute Man– 93 RV sites, seven cabins. Acquired Sept. 2021.
- Abbot, Maine – Spacious Skies Balsam Woods– 84 RV sites, six cabins, four tent sites. Acquired Oct. 2021.
- Hancock, N.H. – Spacious Skies Seven Maples– 121 RV sites, four cabins. Acquired Nov. 2021.
- Luray, Va. – Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views– 76 RV sites, four glamping yurts, two deluxe cabins, eight tent sites. Acquired Dec. 2021.
- Dorothy, N.J. – Spacious Skies Country Oaks– 139 RV sites, two cabins. Acquired Dec. 2021.
- Fayetteville, N.C. – Spacious Skies Sandy Run– 62 RV sites. Acquired April 2022.
- Monterey, Tenn. – Spacious Skies Belle Ridge– 50 RV sites and 12 cabins. Acquired April 2022.
Outdoor Recreation is Paramount
When selecting campgrounds to acquire, the Spacious Skies team seeks out locations that offer a broad range of authentic outdoor fun and easy access to regional attractions.
For example, Spacious Skies Belle Ridge features access to miles of ATV trails, as well as a spring-fed swimming pool, on-site waterfalls and caverns that can be readily explored. Spacious Skies French Pond offers 200 feet of beach frontage where campers can enjoy kayaking and swimming. Located 10 miles from Shenandoah National Park and three miles from the historic town of Luray, Va., Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views features two swimming pools, a large dog park, game room and a community yurt for group gatherings. The company’s most urban campground, the 18-acre Spacious Skies Minute Man, located just 45 minutes from downtown Boston, features heavily wooded sites that offer city-dwellers quick access to a glamping getaway.
No RV? No Problem
The popularity of glamping options like the yurts at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Valley has skyrocketed.
Spacious Skies Campgrounds has also launched a partnership with RVshare to provide RV-less but curious travelers with a chance to try out the RV lifestyle. Each campground’s website features a link to RVshare, where travelers can choose from a wide range of RVs and trailers and arrange to either pick them up for their journey or have them delivered directly to the campgrounds.
Enhancements and Expansions
The company has launched numerous enhancement and expansion projects to maximize the potential of each campground and ensure that each location supports the company’s mission to offer “fun, relaxing and authentic” camping experiences in beautiful natural settings. While every campground has a unique personality and natural backdrop, all will feature consistent standards of customer service along with high-quality facilities and amenities.
For example, with the needs of RV-less travelers in mind, Spacious Skies is adding signature onsite Riverside Retro campers at Country Oaks, French Pond, Woodland Hills and Walnut Grove campgrounds.
Expansions projects are underway, too, with 50 new full hook-up sites at Belle Ridge and 30 new sites at Balsam Woods.
Playgrounds, dog parks and Jumping Pillows – in-ground trampolines – are being added to several of the campgrounds as well.
Additionally, Spacious Skies considers Wi-Fi an essential amenity and is in the process of upgrading all of its systems. The company is also adding or refreshing camp stores and bath houses and undertaking structural projects like improved water and drainage systems.
What’s Next
Spacious Skies will be offering a frequent-camper program and other benefits to its guests. Additionally, campground owners with an interest in selling are encouraged to contact the team to learn more.
Join the Team
Spacious Skies Campgrounds is actively seeking corporate and campground staff with a shared passion for the outdoors and an interest in working for a dynamic, fast-growing company. More information about employment opportunities can be found online.