Our Story
In 2017, Sam set off on a cross-country road trip, planning to camp in national parks nationwide. Having never camped before, it quickly became clear that he hadn’t done enough preparation. Rustic camping requires a lot of know-how and expensive equipment. Not to mention, sleeping on the ground is nothing to write home about. There had to be a better way to experience the great outdoors.
Out of this experience, Off Map was born.
In 2019, we started looking for the ideal location to provide an elevated camping experience. After many setbacks and months of searching, we found the perfect setting – 75 acres of trees and meadows nestled in the Michigan forest.
We've spent the past decade living in Chicago and it's a great place to call home. But it’s hard to beat watching the sun rise while you drink your coffee and falling asleep in front of a wood-burning stove. We want to provide our guests with a place to escape, an opportunity to unplug, and a vacation adventure that they'll remember forever.
We hope you'll come visit us soon. We’ll keep a fire burning.
-Sam Shanley and Mike Doyle, Off Map co-founders