A new glamping destination is set to open in Virginia, marking a shift for former restaurateur Kevin Wilson as he enters the outdoor hospitality sector.
Camp Yellow Cardinal, a 25-acre retreat in Prince Edward County, will feature geodesic domes and upscale amenities designed to provide a high-end camping experience.
Wilson, who previously co-owned Richmond’s Sticky ToGoGo and The Cellar Door, along with his wife and co-owner Laura Wilson, recently secured a special-use permit to develop the site.
The couple envisions the project as a getaway for urban dwellers looking to reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort.
The property, located near Farmville, will be developed in phases. The first phase will introduce six campsites, each featuring a geodesic dome with a king-size bed, fire pit, hot tub, propane grill, and kitchenette, all set on a raised wooden deck.
Additional infrastructure will include a bathhouse with heated floors, a communal pavilion, a small camp store, and a walking path connecting the sites. The second phase will expand the offering with six additional domes, a sauna, another bathhouse, and an observation deck.
Wilson, drawing from his background in hospitality, emphasized the importance of curating an immersive guest experience.
“It wasn’t a lightning bolt moment. We slowly built this idea and it kept coming back to how great it would be to have something out in the countryside, and it was a retreat for people like us who want to get away for the weekend and recharge,” he said in a report by Richmond BizSense.
The project’s location was strategically chosen for its proximity to Farmville, offering a balance between rural seclusion and access to a town with essential services.
“Farmville is in that critical mass where it has around five to seven thousand people there,” Wilson said. “So it feels vibrant, but not like too much of a city.”
Camp Yellow Cardinal reflects a growing trend in the outdoor hospitality industry, where glamping businesses are tapping into demand for unique, experience-driven accommodations.
With an estimated investment of $500,000, the venture represents a significant commitment, but Wilson remains confident in the market potential.
Projected nightly rates will range from $285 during the off-season to $350 during peak months, positioning the retreat as a premium offering within the regional glamping landscape.
The Wilsons also plan to hire a small local staff to assist with cleaning and turnover services, further integrating into the local economy.
Wilson sees the venture as a natural progression from his experience in the restaurant industry, where hospitality and guest satisfaction were core components of his business approach.
“I’m thrilled to be back in that entrepreneurship saddle again,” he said. “I’ve been leveraging a network I’ve built over a varied but strong career in Richmond. I feel optimistic there’s a community behind this idea. I’m thrilled to bring this thing to life.”
With plans to open by late summer, Camp Yellow Cardinal is poised to contribute to the expanding glamping sector, catering to an audience seeking premium outdoor accommodations.
As the industry evolves, projects like this highlight the growing opportunities for hospitality professionals looking to diversify into alternative lodging concepts.
