Set Your Sites, a Lincoln-based startup in the camping technology space, has successfully raised $500,000 in a pre-seed funding round. The company, founded by CEO Stacy Dam and her husband, aims to revolutionize the camping industry with its innovative campsite reservation system and outdoor WiFi access solution.
Innovative Solutions for Campers and Park Managers
The startup began by offering QR codes that allow campers to claim and pay for walk-up campsites without needing cash or physical checks. This solution provided real-time information on campsite availability, a significant improvement over traditional metal drop-off boxes and other payment methods. In response to customer feedback, Set Your Sites expanded its services to include a comprehensive campsite reservation system and outdoor WiFi access for campers.
Rapid Growth and Expansion Plans
Set Your Sites is currently active at over 388 campsites across Nebraska and North Dakota, with more than 235 locations in the onboarding pipeline. The company has secured clients through a combination of cold calling, leveraging Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and networking at state tourism conferences. Dam stated that their goal is to integrate into 1,000 campsites by the end of the current season.
From Education to Entrepreneurship
Dam’s journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by her family’s camping experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frustrated with the limitations of traditional walk-up campsite availability systems, she decided to create a solution. After a near-death experience on a bike ride, Dam shifted her focus from a career in higher education administration to helping people experience the outdoors. She utilized resources from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Business and NUtech Ventures to develop her startup.
Recognition and Success Stories
Set Your Sites has received recognition through its participation in the NMotion Accelerator Fall 2024 cohort and as a 2025 LaunchLNK Grant Program recipient. The company has also won the 2024 Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) Business Awards. Clients such as the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (NRD) and the Nebraska State Fair have reported positive experiences with the company’s reservation system. Keaton Irwin, sales director for the Nebraska State Fair, praised the system’s reliability and ease of use, stating it has significantly reduced stress for their staff.
Client Testimonials
Eric Gottschalk, general manager with the Lower Platte North NRD, commended Dam and her team for their collaborative approach and understanding of camping needs. The success of Set Your Sites demonstrates the growing demand for innovative camping technology solutions and the potential for Nebraska-based startups to lead in this emerging market.
