[Disclaimer: We are not accountants, lawyers, or financial advisors, so please consult your own team of professionals about the topics covered in this article.]
If you’re considering starting a glamping business, you’re tapping into a growing trend that offers travelers the best of both worlds: nature and luxury. Glamping provides a unique experience with the comforts of a hotel stay, attracting guests who want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing modern amenities. With the rising demand for unique vacation experiences, now is the perfect time to enter the market. In the following sections, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to launching your own successful glamping business—from planning and selecting your location to marketing your new venture.
Step 1: Choose Your Setup Approach
There are two main ways to set up a glamping business:
- Buy Land: Purchasing land specifically for glamping gives you a blank canvas. You can design your glamping experience from scratch, but you’ll need to consider how to make the land profitable, as land alone doesn’t generate cash flow. Setting up a successful glamping business on raw land can be riskier without additional revenue streams to cover your costs (mortgage, taxes, maintenance). Learn more about the risks of land investing in our article The Dangers of Land Investing. Since land comes undeveloped, you’ll need to factor in infrastructure setup, such as electricity, water, sewer, and heating. Deciding whether you want to offer these amenities will not only impact guest satisfaction but also significantly affect your initial costs and logistics.
- Buy a Property with Land: A safer alternative to land is to purchase a home that comes with a piece of land. This will allow you to use the home as a short-term rental (STR). Adding glamping structures to this existing property can significantly boost revenue. In this scenario, you have the safety net of your STR income while building out the glamping business on the land. Ensure your STR is profitable by using our STR Cash on Cash (COC) Calculator.
Step 2: Identify What Makes a Good Glamping Site
When choosing land or property for a glamping business, it’s crucial to select a location that has or can create appeal. Here are some factors to consider:
- Natural Attractions: Sites with natural beauty such as a pond, river, lake, or breathtaking views are ideal. Visitors are more likely to book glamping stays in places that allow them to reconnect with nature.
- Tranquility and Privacy: Sites that offer peace and quiet are highly desirable, especially for guests looking to escape city life.
- Man Made Attractions: If the property lacks natural features, the glamping structures themselves can become the attraction. For example, unique structures like treehouses or domes will draw guests seeking novelty and memorable experiences.
Research shows that glamping guests are drawn to locations that offer both seclusion and convenience—close enough to activities like hiking or water sports, but far enough to feel private and special.
Step 3: Select Your Glamping Structures
The type of structures you choose is key to your glamping business’s success. Here are some popular options:
- Luxury Tents: Safari tents and bell tents are commonly used in glamping setups. These tents are durable and spacious, offering guests a comfortable indoor space while still feeling connected to the outdoors.
- Domes: Geodesic domes are becoming popular due to their unique appearance and ability to blend modern design with natural surroundings.
- Treehouses: If your property has large, sturdy trees, building a treehouse can be a major draw. Treehouses are especially appealing for families or guests looking for a whimsical experience.
- Tiny Houses: For a more substantial structure, tiny homes are a great choice. These compact yet functional homes offer full amenities in a small footprint and are easy to install on most properties.
- Converted Vehicles: Retrofitting old buses, airstreams, or RVs into glamping accommodations is another unique option. This is an example that some in our community have already embraced. For instance, Stephanie and Wilson converted a greyhound bus into a cozy stay, and it’s one of the reasons their property performs so well—they’ve mastered the art of standing out.
Step 4: Set Up Utilities and Amenities
Setting up utilities is one of the most challenging aspects of running a glamping site. Here are the key considerations:
- Water Supply: You’ll need to ensure each glamping structure has access to water, either through a well or a municipal supply.
- Septic System: Proper sanitation is critical. If you’re in a rural area, you may need to install a septic system. For more eco-friendly options, consider composting toilets.
- Electricity: Decide whether each unit will have electricity, and if so, how it will be provided. Off-grid solutions like solar power may be appealing, especially for eco-conscious travelers.
- Heating/Cooling: Depending on your location, you may need heating for colder months and air conditioning for hotter months. Glamping structures like domes or tents may require special insulation to ensure guest comfort year-round.
- Internet Access: Many guests expect Wi-Fi, even in remote areas. Providing reliable internet service can help attract more bookings, especially for digital nomads or remote workers. Starlink is a popular and increasingly reliable option for remote areas. We have Starlink in two remote locations and while the connectivity isn’t perfect, the speeds are great when it’s working.
- Luxury Amenities: Consider adding a hot tub, fire pits, or even an outdoor kitchen area. These extras can enhance the guest experience and allow you to charge higher nightly rates.
Step 5: Plan for Guest Check-In and Check-Out
Managing guest arrivals and departures is crucial for a smooth operation. Here are two common approaches:
- Self Check-In: Many glamping businesses allow guests to check in using keypad locks or lockboxes. This is a convenient option, especially if your site is remote or if you’re managing multiple units. Self-check-in is also increasingly preferred by guests for its flexibility.
- In-Person Check-In: If you think your guests would prefer human interaction, you might want to greet guests personally. This allows you to give them a tour of the facilities and provide any necessary instructions, enhancing their overall experience.
Regardless of the method you choose, providing clear instructions on how to access the property and what amenities are available is essential for ensuring a positive guest experience.
Step 6: Other Considerations
Starting a glamping business involves more than just setting up the site. Here are additional factors to keep in mind:
- Marketing: You’ll need to promote your glamping business to attract guests. Use platforms like GlampingHub.com, Hipcamp.com, and Airbnb to list your property. These platforms cater specifically to glamping stays and can help you reach a broader audience.
- Permits and Zoning: Ensure that the land you purchase is zoned for glamping or short-term rentals, and check whether you need permits for the structures you’re planning to install.
- Stand Out From the Crowd: As with traditional STRs, standing out is essential. Unique structures and exceptional amenities can help your glamping site rise above the competition. Check out our article on How to Make Your Short-Term Rental Stand Out.
Conclusion
Starting a glamping business can be a rewarding way to boost revenue, especially for those who already own land or a short-term rental with extra space. Whether you build from scratch or add glamping structures to an existing property, the key to success lies in selecting the right site, choosing unique structures, and offering high-quality amenities. By following these steps, you can create a glamping business that stands out and attracts guests for memorable outdoor stays.
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