Fortitude Ranch Offers Preppers a Self-Sufficient Retreat for Surviving Crises and Natural Disasters

Fortitude Ranch, located on 160 acres in the Nevada desert, is a survivalist community designed to prepare for societal collapse or natural disasters. Part of a larger network of eight such properties in the U.S., the ranch provides its members with the means to endure long-term disruptions.

Founder Drew Miller describes the initiative as a practical approach to disaster readiness, offering both survival training and the infrastructure needed to withstand crises. According to the ranch manager, Jeff, the facility combines the functionality of a working ranch with a unique membership model that provides peace of mind.

The concept of “prepping” has gained traction in recent years, with an estimated 20 million Americans now identifying as preppers—double the number from 2017. This surge in interest is attributed, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains and emphasized the importance of readiness.

Jeff views Fortitude Ranch as a form of “practical life insurance,” ensuring members have a secure fallback in times of societal or natural upheaval. The ranch is designed to handle emergencies ranging from power outages to large-scale disruptions caused by hurricanes, wildfires, or earthquakes.

At the Nevada location, self-sufficiency is key. The property features five natural springs that provide clean, unfiltered water, along with crops, fruit trees, and livestock such as chickens, cows, and lambs. Members can choose from various membership tiers, with costs ranging from $7,000 for a five-year shared space to $384,000 for a 50-year private luxury room.

The Viking Lodge, under construction, will offer advanced protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. These amenities ensure members have a safe and sustainable environment during both stable times and crises.

In addition to disaster preparedness, Fortitude Ranch serves as a recreational retreat. Members can store personal supplies at the ranch, ensuring they are well-equipped for emergencies. The dual-purpose design allows for year-round engagement, combining practical survival measures with opportunities for relaxation and retreat. For those living in disaster-prone areas, the ranch provides a crucial safety net, enabling a smooth transition during crises until recovery efforts stabilize their home environments.

Members like Sue Schmeder view Fortitude Ranch as an essential resource for uncertain times. A Napa, California resident, Schmeder has embraced the prepper lifestyle after observing the challenges of the pandemic.

She values the ranch as a safeguard against Murphy’s Law, emphasizing the importance of readiness in mitigating potential disasters. While Schmeder hopes catastrophic events never occur, her commitment to preparedness aligns with the broader ethos of Fortitude Ranch—proactive planning to ensure peace of mind.