About Under Canvas
Our Story
Under Canvas began in 2012 with a camp in West Yellowstone, dedicated to connecting guests with the outdoors and to each other through experiences in nature. It has since grown to include ten safari-inspired locations and customized pop-up glamping experiences. The leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, Under Canvas has claimed awards from the likes of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as the best resorts in the US and indeed, the world.
Our safari-inspired tents include amenities ensuite bathrooms with hot, running water, plush king-size beds, luxe linens, and even a wood burning stove for chilly nights. Expansive main lobby tents and adjoining patios adorned in West Elm furnishings inside and out provide a communal space to enjoy meals from our café style kitchens, reading, connecting with friends and family, learning about the best local adventures and an opportunity to purchase exclusive retail items to enhance guests’ stays. Complimentary programming ranging from yoga classes and crafts to acoustic live music and outdoor games means the fun doesn’t end when the national park adventures do. Kids and adults alike delight over evening s’mores around the campfire as they share their stories of their day’s adventure. Guests wake to the sounds of nature, perfectly positioned to explore America’s most iconic national parks and monuments.
Recognized as the “perfect glamping experience” by Vogue, Under Canvas operates locations in Yellowstone and Glacier in Montana; Moab, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Lake Powell-Grand Staircase in Utah; Mount Rushmore in South Dakota; Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee; Grand Canyon in Arizona and Acadia in Maine.
We believe that nature is the best architect, family and friends are the best entertainment, and that a piece of every soul is hidden somewhere…outside.
Our Mission
To inspire connections with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors.
WE BELIEVE…
- being outdoors inspires and connects friends, families and loved ones.
- unique experiences enrich lives and strengthen relationships.
- nature fosters environmental consciousness.
- nature is the best architect.
- experiencing the outdoors doesn’t mean roughing it.
- in being #OutsideTogether
Under Canvas Leadership
Favorite Under Canvas Experience
“Being somewhere where everyone is on vacation and kids are playing around a campfire.”
Dan McBrearty
Chief Development Officer
As the Chief Development Officer for Under Canvas, Dan McBrearty oversees all new development, renovations and execution of real estate strategy including site selection, entitlements, design, engineering, and construction management. Additionally, he is responsible for all site concept and design components for the brand, including the incorporation of Under Canvas’ proprietary tent designs. Dan applies his more than two decade’s experience to drive an aggressive, system-wide growth plan to develop a pipeline of new locations across the United States. Prior to Under Canvas, Dan served as Vice President of Real Estate for Vail Resorts where he oversaw all real estate matters for the company including base area development; commercial tenanting; acquisition assessment; project management for all major development projects on and off mountain; and corporate office planning. Before that, Dan held an executive role at Walt Disney Imagineering; the creative design and delivery entity responsible for all of the Walt Disney Company’s parks and resorts development. Notably, Dan played a pivotal role as lead in Pre-Development Negotiation for the Hong Kong Disneyland expansion and the Shanghai Disney Resort. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of California, before going on to complete a Masters degree in the same field, at MIT.
Favorite Under Canvas Experience
“Breakfast and a coffee at camp before setting off for a bucketlist hike.”
Matt Gaghen
Chief Executive Officer
Matt joined Under Canvas from KSL Capital Partners where he was a Principal on the Strategic Operating team and responsible for oversight of investments in the hospitality, wellness and ski sectors. Before this, Gaghen held senior positions at Starwood Hotels, where he focused on brand growth, loyalty and innovation.
Gaghen earned his Master of Business Administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and his undergraduate degree from Amherst College. Based in Denver, Gaghen is an outdoor enthusiast and loves to spend time with his family in the mountains of Colorado and Montana where he grew up.
Favorite Under Canvas Experience
“Meeting new friends and fellow outdoor enthusiasts and sharing the day’s adventures around the campfire.”
May Lilley
Chief Marketing Officer
A highly-regarded marketer with 20 years of experience in the upscale, outdoor hospitality industry, May Lilley serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Under Canvas. May oversees all marketing planning and execution, responsible for multi-channel performance, communications and brand partnerships to drive revenue and awareness of Under Canvas and its subsidiary brands. Prior to Under Canvas, May held various leadership positions within the Vail Resorts Corporation for more spanning more than a decade, within its destination marketing and international communications teams. A leader in data-driven, omnichannel performance marketing, integrated branding and strategic communications, May understands the Under Canvas guest with more than two-thirds of those booking trips with the brand being female. Her expertise in lifestyle brand positioning has thoughtfully elevated Under Canvas to be recognized as the leading glamping company it is today. A passionate skier, hiker and tennis player, May is now based in Denver where she enjoys the outdoor-centric lifestyle the region boasts. She attended the University of Melbourne and earned a Bachelor of Arts, with majors in Psychology and Business Statistics.
Favorite Under Canvas Experience
“Forgetting about technology and feeling humbled by the outdoors.”
Daniel Betts
Chief Financial Officer
With twenty years of experience in the finance sector within the outdoor apparel/footwear and hospitality industries, Dan Betts is responsible for managing the financial actions of Under Canvas. Prior to Under Canvas, Dan spent over 15-years in the outdoor space holding various positions from FP&A lead to CFO within The Timberland Company and SmartWool LLC helping build and assimilate international finance teams from Singapore to London. He attended the University of Southern New Hampshire and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Dan resides in Bozeman, MT with his wife and daughter, and thoroughly enjoys the access to public lands the greater Yellowstone area has to offer.
Favorite Under Canvas Experience
“Staying by myself at Zion the night before opening. Perfectly calm, quiet and ready for the energy of guests to come the following day.”
Sean Rush
Chief Operations Officer
Sean serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Under Canvas. In this capacity, he oversees the following divisions: Hospitality Operations, Events and Facilities Management. Prior to joining Under Canvas, Sean spent 15 years in the restauarant and hospitality industry including holding positions of Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage for hotels in Denver metro and Boulder, CO. In addition to his corporate experience. Sean has a passion for developing concepts and opening hotels and food & beverage outlets driven by his experience developing and opening Tiller’s at the Denver Marriott Westminster, 5430 and Corinne’s at the Le Meridian in Downtown Denver. Sean takes part in mountain biking, snowboarding and rock climbing in his free time. He attended Ball State University where he received a BS in Psycology and an Associate in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales.
Sean serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Under Canvas. In this capacity, he oversees the following divisions: Hospitality Operations, Events and Facilities Management. Prior to joining Under Canvas, Sean spent 15 years in the restauarant and hospitality industry including holding positions of Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage for hotels in Denver metro and Boulder, CO. In addition to his corporate experience. Sean has a passion for developing concepts and opening hotels and food & beverage outlets driven by his experience developing and opening Tiller’s at the Denver Marriott Westminster, 5430 and Corinne’s at the Le Meridian in Downtown Denver. Sean takes part in mountain biking, snowboarding and rock climbing in his free time. He attended Ball State University where he received a BS in Psycology and an Associate in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales.