Mixing Luxury and Camping at Wildhaven
Ken Barber is one of the newest hoteliers in Healdsburg. Only he’s not running a hotel—at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, Barber’s place offers glamping, also known as high-end camping.
The property, dubbed Wildhaven, is located on Highway 128 just before the highway crosses the Russian River near Soda Rock Road. Accommodations are rustic and chic—40 canvas tents on platforms. Tents have comfy beds and minimalistic furnishings inside: night tables, a shelf for hanging and storing, and ample electrical outlets. Twinkly lights adorn each tent, each has an outdoor patio with table and chairs, and a firepit for making dinner or roasting marshmallows. Guests share modern bathrooms and an outdoor kitchen equipped with gas grills.
The way Ken sees it, Wildhaven is more than just a place to spend the night; with live music on weekend nights, Saturday morning yoga, a camp store, swimming holes in the river, and outdoor barbecues over which guests can come together, the place offers a complete glamping experience.
“What makes Wildhaven special is the community that comes together every single day,” he said. “You don’t get that at a regular hotel.”
Ken’s journey to Healdsburg was circuitous, kind of like a winding trail. Technically, he’s been in marketing for more than 20 years, working at ad agencies and at technology companies. Before he moved to San Francisco, he lived in Boulder, Colorado, where he fell in love with the outdoors. Upon moving here, he couldn’t believe campground reservations sold out so quickly. That’s when it hit him: Why not start a place that redefines camping and makes it accessible to all?
Ken teamed up with friends and investors to find a property to start a glamping operation. After a long search, they discovered the spot in the Alexander Valley. Between the natural beauty of the Russian River and the proximity to downtown Healdsburg, they were hooked. Wildhaven opened in early 2020.
After surviving the pandemic, Wildhaven already is looking to the future. Here in Healdsburg, Ken and his team are building seven small cabins that are expected to be finished by Labor Day weekend. These cabins will have heating and air conditioning.
Ken and his partners also are looking to expand. The group recently signed a deal to build a second location outside of Yosemite National Park in Mariposa, and are exploring a third location near Lake Tahoe.
“I think there’s something really special about experiencing the outdoors this way,” Ken said. And we couldn’t agree more!
