Glamping retreat campground coming to northern Amherst County

The board on April 21 unanimously approved the request from Jerry and Debbie Mays and Jason and Sarah Nichols for the permit in the agricultural residential, A-1, zoning district. The campground will include a shared bathhouse, a pavilion, an office structure, 15 canvas tents, a centralized parking area, utilities and common recreational amenities, including a fire pit and gathering area.

Tyler Creasy, director of community development, said the surrounding area is characterized primarily by agricultural land, vacant wooded parcels, low-density single-family residential uses and is zoned A-1. Several adjoining parcels are owned by members of the applicant’s family, and multiple neighboring properties are vacant and undeveloped, Creasy said.

The subject property has about 115 acres and includes multiple lakes, wooded areas and the Buffalo Recreational Center building, which is used for special events and gatherings.

“With appropriate conditions, the proposed campground is not expected to adversely affect surrounding properties or the public welfare,” Creasy’s report to the board states.

The campground represents a tourism-related rural enterprise, the application states.

“The goal is to provide a place to be immersed in nature, minimal impact to the forest, relaxation, quiet and peaceful recreation,” the permit application reads. “The proposed use is in alignment with the current property usage and the character of the nearby properties. Visitors can enjoy the serenity and beauty of our rural area, participate and learn about agriculture, and support local businesses.”

The intent is to glamp in luxury canvas tents that remain on site and are maintained by staff, along with modern bathroom facilities, and recreational areas, the application states. The sites are in no way intended for recreational vehicles or travel trailers; five canvas tents are proposed to start with the potential to expand up to 15 sites.

The common area is to possibly include a fire pit, playground and picnic area and the site plan calls for 20 parking spaces.

Tom Martin, the board chair, said his wife has told him stories of camping in that area of the Buffalo Recreation Center near U.S. 60 West when she was a girl.

“It’s a beautiful location,” Martin said.

Mark Labadie, a rural landowner who said he lives somewhat near the campground, said during a public hearing April 21 he supports the private enterprise endeavor. Labadie spoke of a major wildfire that consumed thousands of acres in the Mount Pleasant Scenic Area of the county nearly 10 years ago and he would be angry to see a similar event occurring because of the campground operation.

The board’s approval comes with eight conditions, including a limit of no more than 15 campsite structures with any expansion beyond that to require further review and approval by the county, the maximum occupancy of any site shall not exceed 120 days and other guidelines for parking, outdoor lighting and a vegetative buffer along property boundaries where practicable.

The new campground also shall comply with all applicable health department, fire marshal and building code requirements.