What is Glamping?

The definition of glamping can vary greatly, depending on who is answering the question. Generally speaking, "glamping" refers to camping in some fashion that is more glamorous than the norm. Where the baseline of regular camping is and where the line of glamping gets crossed, depends greatly, but we can give you a great example of how OPTIMA Batteries goes glamping.

Each year, the world's toughest one-day offroad race, the Progressive King of the Hammers, powered by OPTIMA Batteries, takes place in Johnson Valley, California. While Johnson Valley sounds like it could be a town, for the purposes of the King of the Hammers, it's really in the middle of the desert and 11 months out of the year, it's pretty much an empty lake bed. However, when January rolls around, all that changes, as racers and offroad racing fans converge on an area that becomes Hammertown. 

OPTIMA's presence at the King of the Hammers has grown so much over the years, that our level of glamping has increased exponentially in 2024. In the past, we've brought in very nice RVs with satellite TV service, karaoke machines, drift cart events and generally speaking, very well-equipped camping compounds. However, we're going over the top in 2024 with glamping at King of the Hammers. 

OPTIMA Oasis at The Forty
The size and scope of the glamping and associated activites OPTIMA engages in during a typical run at the King of the Hammers has grown so much, we've had to move from our familiar confines in downtown Hammertown to a property right on the edge of Hammertown, known as "The Forty." OPTIMA's literal oasis in the desert will take over 10 acres of this parcel and you won't believe what we have planned! The nice RVs are a given, but we're also bringing spacious and comfortable stand-alone bathrooms and shower facilities. We also plan to have a dedicated chef on-site, to prepare meals for our team. 

We're bringing Tanner Foust's Trailer Park Drift event back with a bunch of crazy drift carts, the karaoke machine and flat screen TVs not only be back, but we're bringing in OPTIMA's latest big rig semi truck, which features a massive television screen and stage area. It would be a shame to have such a big stage and not have live music at some point, so we're bringing in multiple bands to compliment the live entertainment already scheduled for the main stage at Hammertown. We'll also have a heliport located at the Oasis, to allow VIPs to fly in and out. 

While some of these glamping amenities and events are limited to our immediate staff and corporate guests, we want to give you an opportunity to enjoy a premium glamping and offroading experience at the King of the Hammers. 

Sparky's Offroad Rally

On January 28th, we will be hosting Sparky's Offroad Rally, presented by Lobo Offroad. This event is a unique opportunity for owners of Ford Broncos and Raptors to come out and experience the King of the Hammers, as well as the trails and terrain outside of Hammertown on a guided drive. Participants will receive an OPTIMA swag bag, full access to our bathing and bathroom facilities, three meals from our fantastic chef, a 20x30 dry overnight camping space and exclusive entertainment on the night of the 28th. Space is limited for this event, so Bronco and Raptor owners should reserve their spots now!

OPTIMA Unplugged

A few days later, we will re-boot the OPTIMA Oasis for OPTIMA Unlplugged, powered by Clarios and presented by Direct Current Engineering, which is open to all all-wheel drive electric vehicles and hybrids and their owners. We'll be hosting guided trail rides on February 1st and 2nd, offering free, unlimited EV charging at eight level two chargers, a 20x30 dry camping space for Thursday and Friday night, OPTIMA swag bags, full access to our bathing & bathroom facilities, five catered meals over two days, exclusive access to Tanner Foust's trailerpark drift cart event inside a temperature-controlled tent on Thursday night and private access to an exclusive concert on Friday night. Just like Sparky's Offroad Rally, space for OPTIMA Unplugged is limited, so sign up now!

Glamping on a Different Level

If our descriptions of OPTIMA's idea of glamping aren't enough for you, check out this photo gallery below, to see some of our glamping at the King of the Hammers from past years!