Get on the list for first dibs on dates, build updates, and the occasional shiny surprise. No spam, ever.
👋The two behind the tin
The Tin-Side Story
Melodie's the dreamer behind the lens — twenty-plus years capturing people's most treasured days. A survivor turned artist, she's chased her own healing to rivers, oceans, and mountaintops, and now she curates the kind of trips she once needed herself.
David's the one who makes the aluminum shine and keeps the power on. An engineer and fabricator by trade and once founder of Voodoo Vintage Moto, now he's just as happy with dirt under his boots as salt on his skin — backpacker, sailor, designer, engineer, builder of all things vintage and vagabond.
Home base? A sailboat, always has been. But even wanderers need somewhere to plant something shiny — so they added a slice of the Smoky Mountains to the dream. These days you'll find them splitting time between the sea and the summit, and Tin Can Camp Co is where the two collide: restored Airstreams, open fires, and an open road (and open water) always calling next.
Come get Aluminated.
Where it started.
Our journey
Off the water, into the woods
Always taking pictures.
Half the year you’ll find Mel and David on a sailboat in Samaná, Dominican Republic - Mel behind the camera, curating all-inclusive island escapes for the brave ones: elopers and seekers, women ready to rise, friend groups chasing real connection. Twenty-plus years of capturing people’s most treasured days taught them what matters most - to feel, connect, wander, and truly live.
The magic...
When the sails come down for the season, the mountains start calling - and that’s where Tin Can rolls in. Same spirit as the islands, just swap the marina for a campfire: an elevated, community-inspired camping experience in the Smokies. Fun adventuring, nature at its best, and polished aluminum on a forest clearing.
So what’s next? A shiny little glamphood where you come to gather, slow all the way down, and get Aluminated. They’d love for you to pull in.
Happening now
What’s rolling in
The fleet is getting shined up right now. Here’s what’s coming to camp.
Restored Airstreams
Vintage aluminum, remodeled inside and out - each with a kitchenette, private bath, climate control, and its own fire pit.
A real neighborhood
A firepit for yourself and a community fireplace for when you want company. More than a campsite - a place you belong.
Smoky Mountain adventure
Minutes from hiking, waterfalls, rafting, and the small mountain towns that make the Smokies the Smokies.
Camp store & add-ons
Firewood bundles, s’mores kits, sunrise coffee boxes, and more - waiting for you when you pull in.
Mountains out your door
Escape, recharge, get aluminated
Tin Can sits minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains, Nantahala National Forest and All the Moto adventures, hiking, views, and, white water rafting you can ask for. - far enough to feel a world away, close enough to get to. When you pull in, you’re stepping into a camp built for slowing down:
Your own fire - A private pit right outside your door, plus a communal fire for the nights you want company.
Immersive nature - Ridgelines that fade blue to the horizon, morning fog in the hollows, and star-filled mountain skies.
Room to reconnect - Built for couples to slow down, families to unplug, friend groups to gather, and solo wanderers to breathe.
The Aluminati
Why join the Aluminati now?
By getting on the list early, you’ll:
Be first to pull in
Get first dibs on dates the moment reservations open.
Watch us build
Sneak peeks, photos, and behind-the-scenes as the fleet comes together.
Stay aluminated
Merch drops, Smoky Mountain mischief, and the occasional shiny surprise.
Every restored Airstream has a kitchenette (fridge, cooktop, and counter space), running water, a private toilet, and climate control for cool mountain nights.
Your own fire pit is right outside the door. Hot showers are a short walk across camp at the clubhouse.
How are the Airstreams priced?
Each tin can is priced individually - head to Our Airstreams to see the current nightly rate for the one you have your eye on.
Is there Wi-Fi?
There is. The network and password are posted inside your Airstream on the badge by the door.
It’s camp Wi-Fi in the mountains - great for messages and maps, gentle on 4K streaming. Lean into the disconnect.
Do you allow pets?
Traveling with a pet? Let us know when you book and we’ll sort out the details together.
Staying at Tin Can
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. No rush - grab one more coffee by the fire first.
Want to arrive early? Add Early Check-In to your booking and we’ll confirm your time the morning of your stay.
How do I find my Airstream?
Your unit name and gate code come in your booking confirmation, along with full driving directions once your dates are set.
Each Airstream wears its name on a retro badge right by the door.
Is there a fire pit? Do I need to bring firewood?
Every Airstream has its own fire pit, plus there’s a communal fire for when you want company.
Add a firewood bundle to your booking or grab one from the camp store - no hauling logs required.
Are there any camp rules I should know?
Just the neighborly kind: quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, fires stay in the pits and fully out before bed, one vehicle per Airstream at the unit, and leave your pit tidy for the next neighbor.
What’s there to do nearby?
You’re minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains - hiking, waterfalls, and small mountain towns. Some of the best days never leave the neighborhood, though: coffee at sunrise and the communal fire after dark.
A note from Mel & David
“We’re building this the way we live - one thoughtful, shiny step at a time. Every decision, every detail, every story will be uniquely ours, and we’d love for you to be part of the very first chapter. Come get aluminated.”
— Mel & David
Follow along as we build
Be part of the first chapter
Join the Aluminati and we’ll keep you posted as Tin Can Camp Co comes to life. No spam, ever.
