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Orlando-based Orange Real Estate Capital is spending about $2.5 million to build Campfire Resort, a 56-acre attraction in Polk County that will feature “glamping”-style accommodations. Glamping, for the uninitiated, is camping with a touch — or sometimes a heaping helping — of glamor. Think elaborate tents and yurts with creature comforts like air conditioning, electricity, hot water and home-style spring mattresses.

Campfire Resort, in Davenport, takes the concept a step further with the addition of upscale amenities such as luxurious, hotel-quality bathhouses outfitted with granite countertops, private family bathrooms and laundry facilities. For those who prefer to rough it, though, the attraction will also offer primitive campsites. RV sites and cabins are part of the plan, as well.

Orange Real Estate Capital president Joe Ganley says the idea behind Campfire Resort is to offer a more affordable alternative to families who might otherwise choose to visit Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Ganley and his family reside in nearby Celebration and enjoy camping, but he says they were often frustrated by the Disney resort's high prices and lack of available campsites. Campfire Resort's full pricing structure has not yet been publicized, but RV sites will start at $59 per night and cabins will be available for $200 per night, according to a LinkedIn post on the project from Ganley.

Women are another key demographic the project targets. Ganley says “glamping draws a lot of women — 95% of the inquiries I've received are from women.”

Ganley says he and his fellow investors acquired the land in 2015 for $235,000. It was previously sold in 2006 for $3.5 million, but the ensuing downturn in the real estate market caused the value to plummet.

Orange Real Estate Capital, a commercial funding firm, expects to complete Phase 1 of the development, which consists of 61 campsites and RV sites, in late 2018. Ganley is evaluating bids from contractors and hopes to break ground within two or three months.

Phase 2 of is being designed but will add about 100 campsites to the property when complete, says Ganley. He says the budget for Phase 2 will be roughly $2 million, and that he's clamped into glamping for the long haul. “Right now,” says Ganley, “this is a side career for me, but who knows? Maybe someday it will be my main career.”