Good-Natured Glamping
Good-Natured Glamping
Get back to nature in style; New campground opens in Ellicottville
Anyone who has ever been camping knows the excitement - and inherent challenges - of abandoning the modern comforts of home for the great outdoors. While selecting a beautiful campsite is usually the fun part, it’s the details that can be stressful. From packing the gear, cookware and bedding to the last-minute scramble for ice and firewood, preparing to “get away” can be just as hectic as whatever you were getting away from. Imagine a campground that already has all the high-quality, sustainable amenities necessary for a weekend escape within minutes of beautiful hiking and a short drive from downtown shopping and dining. Located just seven miles east of the village of Ellicottville on five acres of land, Good-Natured Glamping is that campground, and owners Kelly Loverdi and Dave Bebout are eager to host you!
Originally from Niagara Falls, Kelly visited Ellicottville on a regular basis for many years before she and her husband, Dave, who hails from Cleveland, made their home in the former Devereaux one-room schoolhouse at 4688 Route 242, Ellicottville. “We remodeled the schoolhouse to make it our home and started the campground on our property this year,” said Kelly. “We opened during 4th of July weekend!”
“Glamping” (glamorous camping) has become increasingly popular over the years, as it provides a way to escape the daily grind without forgoing all the amenities of home. “My husband did hospitality work when he was younger, and I’ve been a social worker for the last 25 years,” Loverdi explained. “I’ve been working with people from all walks of life through social work, which actually lends itself well to this industry. Covid gave us a break and time to start this project, which has been really exciting!”
At the heart of the glamping experience is getting close to nature, while also enjoying a bit of luxury. “My husband and I have enjoyed camping for many years,” said Loverdi. “As we got older, though, we realized it’s just not as comfortable to be sleeping on the ground!” With that in mind, the couple designed three large, well-equipped campsites that each sleep two people and eliminate the challenge of packing the whole car! Good-Natured Glamping is an off-grid campsite, meaning there is no electricity or running water, but there is no shortage of thoughtful details that make each site a cozy, relaxing experience.
The two 12-x14-foot safari tents each include two extra-large twin beds that can be converted into a king-size bed. The Devereux Cabin, a 144-square foot locally-made TimberHut cabin, has a queen-size bed, pinewood tongue and groove interior, and dark wood floors. Loverdi explained, “All of our mattresses are low-VOC, memory foam hybrid mattresses. We have all organic cotton and eucalyptus sheets that are made on a closed-loop system, and our duvets and pillows contain recycled materials.”
In addition to being comfortable, Good-Natured Glamping is also devoted to being sustainable. “The sustainability factor is so important to us,” said Loverdi. “Each site has its own 8x8 private outhouse with battery-operated lighting and a composting toilet. We also encourage guests to use food composting, which we have on each site.”
Guests are welcome to enjoy fresh organic produce and herbs from the campground’s raised garden beds. Speaking of food, each camp site has its own fire pit with a swivel grill, a five-gallon water jug with battery-operated dispensing, cookware and tableware, and a coffee and tea station featuring local roasters. Other amenities include private hammocks, battery-operated bedside lanterns and fans, and battery packs for cellphone charging.
“Our goal is to keep our prices reasonable while also including things that you would normally buy, like firewood and ice,” said Loverdi. Indeed, each campsite has firewood and a standing 45-gallon cooler already stocked with ice, so all guests need to do is bring the food and drink!
Although each campsite can be rented individually (two-night minimum required on weekends), Loverdi said a group of friends could rent the whole campground for a weekend or even a couple of weekdays. One of the safari tents is pet-friendly with food/water bowls and a dog bed, so even those furry friends are guaranteed a comfortable stay.
Good-Natured Glamping will be open for the season through Fall Festival weekend (October 8-9th), said Loverdi, as there are no indoor heating elements presently. “We do hope to get some kind of heating element for the cabin so that it could be rented any time of year,” said Loverdi.
Those who are interested in booking their stay at Good-Natured Glamping can do so online at www.goodnaturedglamping.com, where photos and videos (created by local media company PaNDaGOAT Media), suggested packing lists, and FAQs are available. Those with special requests can contact Good-Natured Glamping via email at info@goodnaturedglamping.com or call 716-699-9149.