Amenity Operations: What Yesterday’s Pheasant Hunt Taught Me About Glamping
Micah and I spent yesterday at Rocky Mountain Roosters, a pheasant hunting preserve about thirty-five minutes from what will become MG2. The original idea was simple: get a sense of what “amenity-based operations” look like up close. Turns out, the place was a masterclass. Here are the take-aways Micah and I wrote down: - Identity matters. Their lodge wasn’t fancy, but it was unmistakably “them.” - The big wall map gave structure to the entire visit and invited curiosity. - Dogs and photo spots created connection and shareable moments. - Small touches — candy jars, old photos, rustic signs — added personality. - Functionality was built into every corner: check-in, seating, traffic flow. - Sitting areas (inside and out) encouraged people to slow down and hang out. - A simple liability waiver handled risk without overcomplicating the operation. - Micro-experiences (like watching the dogs work) elevated perceived value. - The lodge served as the anchor for everything else on the property. So how does this translate to a glamping business? Amenities are what transform a glamping site into a place. Not a park. Not a campground. A place. Here’s the way forward for Monument Glamping: - Create small gathering spaces with intention: stargazing benches, scenic lookout chairs, hammock clusters. - Build a “welcome lodge” (small footprint, big personality) that becomes the emotional center of the stay. - Introduce micro-experiences: sunset walks, coffee tastings, fireside evenings, curated trails. - Develop a large map display showing the land, the story, and future plans. - Enhance the property’s identity through décor, signage, and subtle storytelling. - Build warm, social “linger spaces” that naturally extend guest stays. - Offer pet-friendly bonuses and photo-friendly moments that make the experience feel personal. If you’re developing your own site, don’t think “amenities = expensive builds.” Think layers of experience. A couple of smart, intentional additions can change the way people feel about your land — and that feeling is what drives bookings, reviews, and long-term success.