Outdoors

Shelter Co.'s "traveling resort" adds rustic-chic to the camping experience

Shelter Co.'s "traveling resort" adds rustic-chic to the camping experience
Shelter Co. combines glamping comforts with a nostalgic camping experience (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Shelter Co. combines glamping comforts with a nostalgic camping experience (Photo: Mel Barlow)
View 17 Images
This traveling luxury resort gives you whatever views your heart desires (Photo: Mel Barlow)
1/17
This traveling luxury resort gives you whatever views your heart desires (Photo: Mel Barlow)
If it wasn't for the canvas walls, you'd forget you were outside (Photo: Mel Barlow)
2/17
If it wasn't for the canvas walls, you'd forget you were outside (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Shelter Co. combines glamping comforts with a nostalgic camping experience (Photo: Mel Barlow)
3/17
Shelter Co. combines glamping comforts with a nostalgic camping experience (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Shelter Co. is located in California but will travel (Photo: Mel Barlow)
4/17
Shelter Co. is located in California but will travel (Photo: Mel Barlow)
No sleeping mat or bag here (Photo: Mel Barlow)
5/17
No sleeping mat or bag here (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Shelter Co. can take care of all of your meals, if you choose (Photo: Mel Barlow)
6/17
Shelter Co. can take care of all of your meals, if you choose (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Breakfast is served (Photo: Mel Barlow)
7/17
Breakfast is served (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Camping like when you were a kid reinvented for adulthood (Photo: Mel Barlow)
8/17
Camping like when you were a kid reinvented for adulthood (Photo: Mel Barlow)
A scene that appears pulled from the background of a Boys' Life cover (Photo: Mel Barlow)
9/17
A scene that appears pulled from the background of a Boys' Life cover (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Shelter Co. may deliver a modern experience, but it accents it with retro elements (Photo: Mel Barlow)
10/17
Shelter Co. may deliver a modern experience, but it accents it with retro elements (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Growing up isn't all bad (Photo: Mel Barlow)
11/17
Growing up isn't all bad (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Shelter Co. can make camping even easier by providing various essentials and accessories (Photo: Mel Barlow)
12/17
Shelter Co. can make camping even easier by providing various essentials and accessories (Photo: Mel Barlow)
Relax and enjoy the surroundings without having to rush back to set up camp and make dinner(Photo: Mel Barlow)
13/17
Relax and enjoy the surroundings without having to rush back to set up camp and make dinner(Photo: Mel Barlow)
Some things change, but the campfire is timeless (Photo: Mel Barlow)
14/17
Some things change, but the campfire is timeless (Photo: Mel Barlow)
In addition to standard camping, Shelter Co. can also plan events (Photo: Mel Barlow)
15/17
In addition to standard camping, Shelter Co. can also plan events (Photo: Mel Barlow)
A catered gathering gets a rustic twist (Photo: Mel Barlow)
16/17
A catered gathering gets a rustic twist (Photo: Mel Barlow)
In addition to standard camping, Shelter Co. can also plan events (Photo: Mel Barlow)
17/17
In addition to standard camping, Shelter Co. can also plan events (Photo: Mel Barlow)
View gallery - 17 images

You know what’s great about camping? Spending time with loved ones in the sanctity of the outdoors. You know what’s not so great about camping? Everything else. We’re talking packing your entire garage into your station wagon, getting lost in the wilderness on the way to camp, skipping dinner to pitch your tent in the dark, having your tent fall apart on top of you in the middle of the night, cleaning up garbage after critters ravage your campsite, and so on. Shelter Co. wilderness retreat aims to take all that hassle away so that camping can be what it's supposed to be: a relaxing retreat among friends and family.

Shelter Co. strikes an interesting balance between the doting comforts of glamping and the rough, rustic flavor of traditional bag-on-the-ground camping. The company calls itself a "pop up lodging service catering to groups looking for an outdoor experience." You pick out a location (or ask for their expert opinion on suitable spots), and Shelter Co. does the legwork, bringing tents, bathroom facilities and furniture. It's based in California, but company co-founder Kelsey Sheofsky told us that they'll travel anywhere, applying a travel fee calculated for the specific location.

While tents might sound like roughin' it, we're talking European canvas tents that are set up like lodge retreats - full beds wrapped in 400-count sheets and down comforters, lounge seating and carpeted floors. The furnishings and accessories look like they were pulled straight out of a four-figure ski or fishing lodge - basically a luxury wilderness lodge "in even the most far flung locations."

If it wasn't for the canvas walls, you'd forget you were outside (Photo: Mel Barlow)
If it wasn't for the canvas walls, you'd forget you were outside (Photo: Mel Barlow)

Shelter Co.'s basic package includes the furnished tents and restroom facilities. For an added cost, the company can also take on every other detail of the trip, including food catering, event planning and activities. Its à la carte menu includes basics like camping gear boxes with flashlights, sunscreen and the like, to more elaborate inclusions like an outdoor movie theater and wine-tasting nature tours. The only hassle you might have to deal with on the trip is the obligatory "Are we there yet?!" from the kids.

Shelter Co. definitely won't be the choice for those looking toward camping as a cheap family vacation - each tent costs US$750 and the website lists a 3-tent/$2,000 minimum for booking. In addition to regular camping trips, the company welcomes events like weddings and corporate retreats.

Source: Shelter Co. via Adventure Journal

View gallery - 17 images
No comments
0 comments
There are no comments. Be the first!