We also need a security guard.

Probably should separate the tents from the RV's. If I were in a tent and someone with an RV next to me running a generator while I'm trying to sleep, I'd be upset.

“…if not, no refunds!” 😂😂 had me rollin

Dude you need to have the primitive rv park open every weekend Friday Saturday and Sunday. I don’t know why you don’t already! It wouldn’t hurt to do a discounted prerun the weekend before. Tons of people rustic camp with all the new solar and lithium setups. Most will use their over toilet and holding tanks. DUDE FOR THE LOVE IF GOD GET THE RV PARK GOING ALREADY!!!!!! I’ve been screaming this for months!

You should have 2 or three security personnel. One mobile in a ranch golf cart and at least two random walking patrols, all radio equipped for rapid communications. Some sort of EMT and fire prevention people present. I've seen a couple of full solar eclipses and several partials. They are AWESOME!!!

2 things. Trash dumpsters, and some large spaces for the bigger RV's.

Matt, you’ve got to have a big bonfire! And a cornhole tournament! Winner gets a Desperado Ranch shirt signed by your crew! Wish my son and I could go! We visited Bunker Branding four years ago to visit my other son while he was in Military law-enforcement Academy, would be awesome to see the resort! We’ll get out there again!

Damn that was the best sales pitch I’ve ever heard 😀 I’m tempted to jump on a plane and fly 20 hours and hire an RV and just turn up after Matt convinced me it will be the best day of my life ever!!! 😂

Don't forget the eclipse glasses! 😎 You might also want to consider having a livestream during the event.

As mentioned in another comment, you'll want to have to separate the quiet campers from the generator equipped campers. You'll also want to separate the party all night crowd from the in bed by 10 crowd. And ask people which type they are when they make the reservation so you can kinda plan the layout. Talk to your local ambulance companies about having a medic station/ambulance stationed there. And be clear about who will be there for a meet-n-greet and who will be there just to enjoy themselves.

When I watched the SED video I wondered if you were in the path of totality. Glad to know you're doing something with it! I'm too far away to attend but I can predict a lot of people will be heading your way for this. As a festival veteran, I would recommend the following... Dumpsters (and for recycling). Separate areas for RVs and tents. A dedicated information area (nothing fancy, just need a table) Also, use this as a testing tool and gather as much feedback as you can - good or bad. After the event send a link to attendees to an anonymous feedback form with a note that it will be up for 48 hours. You can get a LOT of great ideas of how to improve. In the long-term, you have a great place for large events like this and the infrastructure is going to be the most important part about it - drainage, restrooms, water, power, lighting etc. An event like this is an opportunity to start building both the experience and the physical aspects needed to grow in the future.

Matt, I'm from Kansas and am super excited at the thought of coming down to the desperado in a few weeks. My whole family and I have been fans for many years now and watch just about every video. One concern that I had is my truck, and 5th wheel camper is somewhere around 55' long when attached. Im not sure if only 40' long lots will be big enough as many campers are over 40 feet by themselves. Most camp grounds that I've stayed at have enough room to unhook and park the pickup in front of the camper, at least. I would also recommend separating the tents from the campers for a variety of reasons, including safety for the tent campers. Im sure whatever you come up with will be a blast and were all stoked here!

Have a head count cap. Presell tickets only. You need trash service. Vendors (food, drinks, water). Hit up some of the big business (HEB, Whataburger, Coke). Hit up the astronomy departments of some schools.

Park Hosts (beside Dr. Matt). Have trusted people wander the area and insure everyone is having a good time and complying with the guidelines. They will also (covertly) get customer feedback on the experience of each patron and build goodwill for future events. This is a great opportunity to measure the capability of the resort and what it would take to go even bigger. There is so much potential for this project, but you'll need to rely on your trusted staff members to run recon for you. Best wishes from Wisconsin!

We think it’s important to make clear if guests can roam the property. If not, have good signage and advertised rules, and then maybe offer guided tours of the range, interesting buildings, etc. You might also want to solicit feedback on how much you are going to charge. Good luck!

Me my wife and my sister will be heading out that way to see the eclipse anyway and we will be staying the entire week exploring Texas. I would love to make it out there at some point I just need to know what your plans are so I can plan around it, this is something I definitely wouldn’t wanna miss. I’ve been a fan of yours for over 10 years.

Get your boy Granger Smith to preform

Matt, Great ideas ... but you forgot one thing. The Commemorative Merch! You could sell t-shirts and baseball caps! Or a simple bandana. One of a Kind! The design can be really basic - Include the date, Desperado Ranch name, and a line drawing of an eclipse. Have a blast. Make sure to share videos with all of us who will be there in spirit!

Matts Fairy Tale was mesmerizing! 😮 As Always, May God Bless you and yours! 😇

Have a few different sizes of spots to rent and I would make them 25 wide or have 5-10 separation between spaces. Suggestion: 25x30 tent campers 25x45 for bumper pull campers 25x60 for the giant 5th wheels Separate RV’s from tent area. No one likes generators except the people using them to run their air conditioning 😂 Double the number of porta toilets you think you need… then double again. Extra water tanks (maybe water lines from the well) to fight fires etc. Set up a general store with loads of water, drinks, candy, snacks, and paper eclipse viewing glasses (you can buy cases of 100’s of them online right for a few cents each) and plenty of staff to sell the stuff.

Should rent a ice machine for people to buy ice.

bagged ice to buy is a must. And a decent price on it would be a real bonus.

Eclipse solar lens glases will be needed to properly view the eclipse. Maybe offer glasses for sale with the Deserado Resort logo on the sides. Just talking about the paper ones, nothing crazy if time will permit it to be made. Memorabilia to fund the Resort.

My suggestion would be maybe to have one of the trailer port-a-potties since they are a little bit nicer (maybe the sort that have the shower if it can be done). Especially since you would be looking at a few days stay. Also, maybe a few community fire pits or a safe way for people to build a fire if they choose to!

Give an option for something down at the gun range for an extra cost and bring some of the bunker stuff over to sell (even if it's just a worker pushing around a cart)!

Would be cool to see a “camp spot” price, and a “walk in” price for those just hanging out for the eclipse. 👍🏻❤️🇺🇸

Matt, Wishing you the best on your “sun out “ adventure! Nothing but fun, good safe times for all!!

The story you told about a father providing an adventure for his family was really quite beautiful. It made me emotional. That you came up with this story speaks of the man you are. It makes me hopeful that your generation, which gets a lot of criticism, is not entirely corrupted and that America is not lost. God bless you Matt.

Establish generator rules up front. A large portion of camper people don’t want to be primitive or off grid and will want to run their generator all night because they are used to full hookups. Determine quiet time and enforce it.

You got this Matt. And if you don’t, well, you’ve got the support of millions behind you.

Matt, your dad's band is cool, everyone would love to see them perform !

Thats a great plan.. Wish i could be there with my loved one, that would be na amazing way to propose !

My son recently turned 18 and he signed up for the Marines a few weeks ago, he leaves 3 days after he graduates high school in May. This would be a family experience that he will never forget. He’s been a big follower of yours for years. Also, he’d love to be able to shoot at the desperado range!! And my daughter and younger son would love this also. We’re pretty familiar with the area, we’ve been going to Enchanted Rock near there for over 20 years as a family.

Matt liability insurance, my friend need to check it out for the event

I love the idea and your enthusiasm! Wish I was close enough to attend

Oh you will get more people show up than you can possibly imagine. It will be EPIC..... In more ways than one. I can't wait to hear how this turns out.

im positive there are plenty of people that are going to bring vendors and food trucks to this event, this is gonna be a legendary moment in the perfect spot, your resort is gonna be packed

Matt, talk to your local veterans groups. You may have one with a food trailer. It would help you and would be a good fund raiser for them.

Best of Luck Matt!

Camp spot is the best campground management/reservation software

Good luck & pray for clear skies.

At Desperado, in Texas, a sight, A total eclipse, pure delight. On April the eighth, The sun took a break, And day turned to mystical night.

Sounds like a great few days, wish you all the best with it.

Love your version of the best day in your life!❤😄

Food trucks, if you can get one, should have picnic tables nearby. Available firewood is a good idea also. Maybe a communal bonfire area. especially if you get music. Having a friend who is an EMT on property isn't a bad idea either. Good luck, I hope it all goes according to plan.

I second other comments recommending separating the tents from rv's best as you can. Also, extra toilets lol. And asking people with broncos, wranglers, or 4runners to sign waivers about pulling people out of mud, and make sure people know to not use hitches to pull.

sounds like a lot of fun… good luck with the planning and if nothing else stay safe

Hope the event goes well ❤

Destin (smarter every day) is one of my favorite KZfaq channels. I would love to see a demo ranch and smarter everyday collaboration!

Your enthusiasm alone will make this a great experience. You’ve got a great plan, stick with it, it will blossom on its own from there.

Matt, Can I make the website for you? I've been trying to work with you for years, but can never get ahold of you :)

A stage up on top of the berm would be awesome. I bet the berm would even reflect audio like an amphitheater!

Remember to sell shades.

Make sure you have a merch truck

Fricken love this man!!! Also Matt, you could get some of your people to take those golf carts and give tours around the ranch. Small or big, I think that people would love that.

Love Destin!

Make a side buck on goodies for the kids. Glow sticks, that sort of thing. Maybe a event sheet as a collectable for the first event at the resort. Or any kind of collectable to commemorate the event.

Make sure you have some staffers. Security, guides, lifeguards for the river? Don’t run this event on a skeleton crew

My security is my 1911 and it all sounds fabulous especially when you are 70 and your kids are all grown up ❤❤❤

Can’t wait!!! ⛺️

I will second reaching out to Escapees! Also, 40 feet is not much for today's rigs. Ours, for instance is 46', not including space to park our full size crew cab dually truck (ya buddy), so you may want to consider deeper spaces or make sure folks understand the limit to length. You'll also want to publish what you will be allowing for generator use the 2 nights, given the no power thing, or, consider bringing in a couple tow behind gennies, maybe for "premium" sites, so you're not eating all the cost. In any event, it's going to be amazing! Wish we could go, but we'll be partying at Margaritaville in Auberndale Florida! Good luck!

We are really looking forward to making it out there from Indiana. April 8 is my wife and I’s 7th anniversary. The total eclipse is coming directly through our town as well but it would really be awesome to do it out there with y’all’s crew! I’ve been keeping an eye out for an update ever since you mentioned doing an event for the eclipse couple months ago in a video. Looks like it’s gonna be epic!

fun in the wild love it!!!

That story made me cry❤❤❤❤

Look into event insurance. Nothing worse than weather ruining your eclipse.

I’m coming. 👌 Also the one in 2017 was a top 5 event in my life.

Hey Matt, you might want to also try the local VFW post or the Lions Club and see if they would do a food booth. as a local fund raiser .

We love you too Matt I won't be able to be there but I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun and I wish you all the success

Find out about burn bans and such. Think about allowing only fire pits or propane stoves for cooking. Ground fires might be an issue if every one has one, so might be best to not allow them.

I'll be in the sky skydiving and under canopy during the eclipse. Going to be awesome!

I like your thinking.

Sounds like fun!

I believe that a 40 ft spot may not be long enough for some of the bigger rigs. Some Class A RVs and 5th wheels are 43 ft plus any vehicle towing or being towed. Maybe offer a few longer spots like 60 feet. I full-time RVd for 5 years in a 38 ft Class A with a full-size SUV, so we were right around 53 - 55 feet long.

I'm suggesting (for that date and in the future), build on site an RV dump station for grey/black water, a hook up to fill with fresh water, and a propane fill up. This will be useful for you to charge for that day, for anyone driving by other days, and for the future of the ranch as an RV destination. . Of course in the future make a "KOA-type" area for longer RV stays with 30-/50-AMP hookups, cable/satellite TV hookups, Ethernet or WiFi Internet

Matt you have entered the festival business. With that in mind water, please, water, have a way to give it out efficiently.

Best part of the total eclipse is seeing and hearing the animals react to it We had one in SC several years ago

Matt, wow I just checked on hotels in your town 4/7 through 4/10 for wife and I ! Let everyone know that prices are way high, even in San Antonio. Florida fans here.

Yes I can't wait planning on getting a spot when the site is up

Matt, bring your merchandise trailer store. That would complete the Desperado / Demo Ranch / Bunker experience 😮

Dope AF you shouting out Destin. What an awesome guy he is.

this project puts a smile on your face that we've rarely seen in Demolitia... I know you'll have fun doing it... best wishes from Australia!

Bro, I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone, when I say this.. As long as you're gonna be there and occasionally Donut, Brandon, Caleb, Baddie and the other guys pop in, it'll be fine. The Eclipse is the excuse, you guys are the attraction.

WOODSTOCK! DEMOLITION RANCH STYLE !!!! local wedding bands would trip over themselves for this opportunity !!!!

Build it. They will come!

Praying it comes together just like that!!

What a bunch of fun. Hope it turns a great .

From Southern Illinois gonna be sweet to see it again in my own back yard definitely dont miss it, its a crazy experience

i won't be able to make it from pa, but i love that you're breaking it down fair an square, no gimmicks, you what you have, hope the best for you

we cant be there , but we look forward to seeing it all transpire!! Good Luck! Dont forget some kind of First Aide Station!

make sure you say something about pit vehicles, mini dirt bikes, golf carts, e-bikes, bicycles etc.

You make it sound so much fun I am ready to start swimming from Australia.

my rig needs a 20 x 30 spot and the ability to pull thru IE have wide travel spots between rows wide roads with sweeping turns for us big boys

Matt, you need volunteers to help put it together. We would be happy to help. Just provide a good spot to set up. Totally self contained and experienced with campgrounds and hosting.

Random possible ideal for the resort. If the river is long enough, you can offer tubing.

I seen one when i was a young kid and it was amazing.

I'll be watching too from Arlington TX !!!

Sounds good until you get to the size of the space. Our RV and truck is 59 feet and we have slide on both sides. We can do dry camping which means no hook ups. But we can't camp on a space too small.

When people get there you should raffle stuff off from people who buy a shirt if you set up a shirt stand like you do when you go to events.

Experienced one in 1976 it really is amazing, all the birds go to their nests and trees. In the middle of the day it becomes night. Truly worth it

I wish i could be there to see it. It sounds like a great party.🎉