Meet John & David

PurpleTents is proudly queer-owned by partners John and David — two lifelong adventurers who met in 1985 and have been exploring the world together ever since. Over the decades, our life has been shaped by road trips, campfire stories, long hikes, early-morning coffee in the woods, and the simple joy of building a life rooted in love and curiosity.

How PurpleTents Began

This project grew from something very personal: our shared belief that the outdoors should feel safe, welcoming, and joyful for everyone — especially for LGBTQ+ campers who haven’t always felt at ease in traditional outdoor spaces.

We’ve spent years seeking out campgrounds where we felt comfortable holding hands, laughing loudly, and just being ourselves. Along the way, we realized how many queer campers were searching for the same thing:
A space where they could find inclusive places to stay…
A space where they could trade stories, learn, laugh, and feel seen…
A space where the wilderness felt a little more like home.

PurpleTents became our answer to that need.

What We’re Building Together

From our growing Campground Index to curated queer-friendly business listings, from the Campfire Blog to our merch and badges, everything here comes from a place of queer creativity and community care. Behind every feature is a conversation we’ve had over morning coffee, a trail we’ve hiked, or a tiny moment of inspiration while sitting beside a quiet lake.

PurpleTents is more than a website — it’s a living project shaped by decades of partnership, shared values, and a genuine desire to make the outdoors more inclusive. Our hope is that every visitor feels a spark of the same joy that inspires us to keep creating.

Why Your Support Matters

When you support PurpleTents, you’re not just helping two husbands keep building their dream — you’re uplifting a small queer-owned project that centers visibility, safety, creativity, and belonging.

Your visits, your stories, your purchases, and your presence here all help expand a community that celebrates every LGBTQ+ person who wants to pitch a tent, light a campfire, or simply feel welcome in nature.

From our little corner of the desert to wherever you’re camping:
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.