What does it take to make untamed land not only livable, but luxurious? Janice Wilson found out in 2021 when she and her husband purchased 10 acres of coastal forest in Joyce, WA, for $375k. On it, they built Menizei, a retreat that celebrates a trend called “forest cocooning,” where couples can unplug from the stress of modern life and reconnect with each other. Here’s how Janice carved out her own version of paradise in the woods.
What inspired you to build this glampground? “This is my dream campground. My husband and I love dispersed camping [camping outside of designated campgrounds]. But as a chick, I’m not a fan of the squat. Park reservations rarely provide a true immersion in nature, as the campsites are typically within line of sight. And typical glamping outfits feel more like a Civil War reenactment than a nature retreat. Instead of being ensconced in nature, I felt claustrophobic in a sea of white canvas. I’m also not a fan of communal bathrooms—at all. So Menizei is my sweet spot.”
What was the land like when you bought it, and how long did it take to build up? “The land was untouched: no power, no septic, no water. Just towering conifers and a humbling view of the Salish Sea. For site infrastructure, we put in water, electric, and septic. All in, that effort spanned three calendar years, although actual time was closer to two years, and cost about $125k, the most expensive component being the septic system.”
What challenges did you face? “The biggest challenge was the permitting process. Clallam County, where we’re based, was lovely. We experienced none of the bureaucratic horror stories that developers in other parts of the country share. We considered the county to be a true partner in favor of stewardship tourism. I was proactive and sought to be above board from day one. I think that helps the county help you. The only issue has been with our neighbors about classic easement issues involving the scope of the access rights to our property. Although our easement is broad and expansive, a determined neighbor can always find something to argue about. If we had lawyered up earlier in the venture, we might have circumvented the legal challenges thrown our way, now four years in the making. My only regret is not hiring a land use attorney for our Conditional Use Permit hearing. We’d likely have saved north of $100k.”
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What’s Menizei like now? “Today, Menizei is a profitable, design-forward glamping destination offering biophilic basecamps with our signature blackout tents, floating bathhouses designed by the award-winning architectural firm GO’C, private saunas; each is completely private, tucked in a coastal forest—all tailored for couples seeking to disconnect from the urban grind and reconnect to nature. And each other. And no squatting. Our guests [rave] about the bidet.”
Has it been a profitable venture? “Leveraging crowdfunding, we launched in 2024 and sold out our first season. Despite operating for fewer than 100 days per year, annual revenue in 2024 was $239k. This year we’re averaging a higher average daily rate around $568, although booking windows are considerably shorter, and we’re on track to exceed $300k this year with a gross margin of 68%. We were recently featured in Condé Nast Traveler.”
What have you learned through this process? “Raw land often comes with murky easements, unclear access rights, or legacy disputes with neighbors. We learned this the hard way. Don’t assume rural means building whatever the hell you want without interference. Engage legal counsel early, especially if buying rural land. What you spend up front on a land use attorney can save tens (or even hundreds) of thousands in future legal headaches.”
Got any advice for others who dream of developing a glampground? “Design for your category, not for volume. The foundation of quiet luxury is seclusion. We invested in the experience rather than the number of units. With only three sites, we created space for guests to fully immerse themselves in nature. Our average daily rate makes up for quantity. And treat your parcel like a canvas, not a product. We didn’t bulldoze or ‘develop.’ Every path, light, and basecamp was placed in deference to what was already there. Guests appreciate when the architecture conforms to nature and not the other way around.”