When Spacious Skies Campgrounds co-founders Ali and Eric Rasmussen started their company 2.5 years ago, they pledged to make camping more diverse. While building an empire of 15 campgrounds (and counting), they found ways to prioritize guest diversity and employee empathy.
Their efforts include partnering with Black Folks Camp Too, Girl Camper, LGBT Outdoors, and Latinos Outdoors. All these organizations promote camping to people who may not always feel welcome outdoors.
“Eric and I toured the entire Spacious Skies collection in July, and we witnessed an uptick in diversity among our guests. That makes me encouraged and determined to continue our efforts,” Ali said. “As a lifelong camper and frequent solo camper, I know how important it is to feel comfortable in your camping place, regardless of whether it is a tent, RV or cabin. We strive to make sure that every one of our guests feels like Spacious Skies Campgrounds is a true home away from their homes.”
The Outdoor Industry Association recently reported an increase in the diversity of outdoor recreation users, with numbers up for Black, LGBTQ+, and Hispanic populations.
“We truly believe that the great outdoors can bring people together, regardless of their heritage, communities or outdoor experience, and we will continue to seek out opportunities for Spacious Skies Campgrounds to work towards greater diversity in our campgrounds,” Ali said.
Spacious Skies Campgrounds offers cabins, glamping, and spaces for RV and tent campers in 15 locations in the eastern U.S., from Maine to Georgia. Amenities vary. Guests will find a swimming pool in Savannah and a rec hall with an arcade in the Adirondacks.
Additionally, Spacious Skies participates in the National Forest Foundation Sapling Program. Every time a guest reviews Spacious Skies via an in-person review card or on Google, TripAdvisor, and Dyrt, the camping company donates a dollar to the sapling program, which plants a tree.