Camping concierge services can be very basic (providing a reservation only) or can provide a glamping experience with all the bells and whistles provided for you. My Exquisite Florida caters to Florida tent campers who need help managing some, or all, aspects of their trip.
Why Would I Need a Camping Concierge?
Why would anyone need a camping concierge? Well, I was inspired by memories of my Mom and all the work she would do to get us ready for a family picnic. What was a relaxing day for the rest of the family was an exhausting experience for her!
She provided most of the physical labor and all the emotional labor that fueled those picnics and outings, and they seldom provided her with a break at all. Mom found the great locations, planned the menu, did the grocery shopping, prepared the food, loaded the cooler, made sure we were dressed appropriately for the day, made sure we went potty before we got in the car. . . and that was just the START of it!
When we got where we were going, then she wrangled my Dad and three kids all day long, kept us all out of trouble, and when we got home she made sure we all got bathed and changed into our jammies. Then she unpacked and did dishes. No wonder we didn’t have more adventures together.
A camping concierge makes sure that everyone gets to enjoy the vacations that are meant to recharge our souls. With the daily details taken care of, your family can simply enjoy the splendid surroundings and sleep soundly at the end of each day.
What Does a Camping Concierge Do?
At the simplest end of the spectrum, I will find and reserve a campsite for you, and you can do all the rest. Sometimes that’s all you need.
In the middle range, I will make your reservation, prepare meals for you to reheat onsite, and suggest several ideas of things to do while you are on vacation. Sometimes you just need a little guidance to have a thoroughly wonderful time.
At the most “glampy” end of the spectrum, I will make your reservation, set up the campsite for you in advance of your arrival, prepare and serve your meals (including clean-up afterwards), pick up your trash each evening, provide detailed itineraries and guided excursions, and break down your campsite at the conclusion of your trip. Sometimes you just want to let go and let someone else do ALL the work. That’s what I’m here for!
So Give Me an Example
How about SEVERAL examples?
I’ve led guided hikes through the Ocala National Forest. I’ve guided individuals and I’ve guided small groups. Sometimes these have included lunch, but most of the time they are short trips of about 3-4 hours.
I’ve guided groups of kayakers. We’ve taken trips on spring runs, on rivers, across open water in the Florida Keys and we’ve even done night trips during the bioluminescent season along our Indian River Lagoon. I really love working with people who have never kayaked before, or who have only kayaked a little bit. It is so gratifying to watch someone grow in skill and confidence! When I can shepherd someone from absolute beginner status into buying their own boat, I am as proud as can be.
I’ve coordinated camping trips for individuals and families. These range from simple trips which only required a reservation (where I do not even go along) to more involved trips which have included meal service and guided excursions for a family of five. On this last trip, we even made solar ovens and had a game day — unexpected fun for all of us!
I always try to include a bit of lagniappe – oh, you’ve never heard of lagniappe? Look it up right here! It may be hot chocolate for the kids one morning or a marshmallow toasting kit one evening, mulled cider. . .or something else entirely. The point is to delight you in an unexpected way.
So What’s It Gonna Cost?
Hard to say until we answer several questions together.
Where do you want to go and when? I add a 30% surcharge to the camping reservation fee. State and National Parks offer inexpensive camping opportunities, but it can be hard to get a reservation. Private campgrounds are generally more expensive, but may offer more in the way of amenities and availability. Let’s talk about what you want to do once you get where you want to be.
Want me to set up and breakdown your tent? $100, unless it’s particularly complicated. Got a canopy? Happy to set that up for an additional fee.
If you want guided excursions, the charge depends on the expertise required. If it is an excursion I can guide, I generally charge $40/hour plus any admission or ticket fees, gratuities, etc. Kayak trips are more expensive because of state registration and insurance requirements. Trips that require an outside guide will be based on that guide’s fees, with a surcharge for my set-up time. Let’s put some thought into what would make your trip most enjoyable, and then we can make it happen.
Meal service depends on the menu items you select and the level of service you require. This is the hardest part of the trip to calculate. If I’m just delivering prepared meals for you to reheat and serve on your own, a very rough estimate is about $12 per person per meal, but let’s talk.
I can often offer economies based on what’s in my freezer. How does coq au vin sound? Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with salad? Grilled pizza? I’ll feed you well, and there will often be leftovers. The same meal, cooked and served by me, including cleanup service, will run about $15 per person per meal.
Let’s Get Your Exceptional Adventure Underway!
Contact me today to get a quote started. Email pam@myexquisiteflorida.com for more information.
