A Beginners Guide to Starting A Glamping Business

Glamping is on the rise, and it’s no surprise why.

Glamping is a combination of camping and luxury living, which appeals to everyone who wants to get outdoors but doesn’t want all the inconveniences that come with regular camping, like mosquitos, lack of kitchen facilities, and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

In order to start a glamping business, make sure you have a suitable property for your glamping site. You want to find somewhere with enough space for tents or yurts, and make sure you get the proper legal permission/permits before setting up camp there.

The low overhead cost for starting a glamping business means you’ll be able to make money much faster than other startup businesses. In this post, we will go over how you can start your own glamping business!

What is Glamping?

It’s in the name, “glamorous camping.” Think of glamping like a luxurious camping experience.

The idea is that you are getting all the great outdoorsy fun of going camping, without some of the inconveniences like having to sleep on cot or go to the bathroom in the woods.

Glamping usually includes a bed (either in a tent or yurt), electricity for lights and charging electronic devices, cooking facilities with basic running water and maybe even a shower/outhouse, so it really does feel more like home than regular old campground tents do!

Why Do People Choose Glamping Instead of Camping?

Traditional camping can be a real pain and a lot of work for someone who just wants to get out of the city and experience nature over the weekend, which is why it’s becoming increasingly more popular.

In fact, people are choosing to go glamping because it lets them focus on the outdoors without worrying about packing all of their gear, finding a camping spot, and potentially dealing with noisy neighbors.

Which leads us to one of the most important reasons why people choose glamping: because the site is usually private and all you have to worry about is bringing your food, and your family.

How Does Glamping Differ From Traditional Camping?

Glamping is often thought of as a more “glamorous” form of camping.

With traditional camping, you usually need to bring your own bedding, pots and pans, tent, etc. Then you need to find a camping spot, which is usually among other groups of campers.

If you aren’t renting a dedicated camp site, you can still go out on to government land for a more authentic frontier experience.

Glamping, on the other hand, is a much more comfortable form of camping. You stay in your own private tent or cabin with electricity and running water (and sometimes even wireless internet).

It includes many amenities that regular camping does not, such as full beds and kitchens. However, glamping has been around for much longer than one might think – while the name might be new, the way glamping sites are set up was how people lived and traveled for centuries, especially in the middle ages.

It’s funny how things come back around, because now people will pay more money to experience how life used to be.

Benefits of Glamping

One of the more ironic aspects of camping is when you go through all this work to get ready for the weekend so you can spend some time away from your busy life, only to see your neighbors setting up their tent in the space next to you.

You’ve traveled far to get away, but as you look around, you’re surrounded by the same people you were trying to get away from.

One of the main benefits of glamping is that you’re usually renting out a private site that only you have access to. This means you won’t be bothered by other groups that can get quite rowdy. Other benefits include:

• Private access to lakes/trails
• Enjoy seclusion in a scenic location with your family
• Have an amazing holiday/vacation without too much hassle
• Have a support contact should anything be wrong
• Glamping provides a unique, novel experience

Types of Glamping

Believe it or not there are many different types of glamping.

The most popular type is eco-friendly, but there are also rustic and luxury tents as well. Each one offers a unique experience with the common denominator being that they provide creature comforts to make you feel at home away from home!

Some include RV’s with amenities, while others have the feeling of a cabin rental.

Some glamping providers offer sustainable tours where guests can experience nature in an entirely different way with activities like backpacking and horseback riding. Others provide old-fashioned family vacations that are reminiscent of days gone by.

• Eco-Friendly Glamping: Eco friendly glamping is the most popular type of glamping. The tents are usually made with sustainable materials and offer sleeping areas, a full kitchen area complete with utensils, dishes and cooking ware so that guests can prepare their own meals on site if they choose to do so. Eco-friendly glampers also include outdoor shower facilities for washing off before entering the tent as well.
• Rustic Glamping: Rustic glamping is a type of glamping that offers the illusion of being in an old world cabin. The tents are usually made from reclaimed wood and include amenities like rustic furniture, fireplaces inside or outside, hot showers with solar heated water and other types of outdoor heating units for cool evenings.
• Luxury Glamping: Luxury glamping is the most luxurious type of camping. The tents are usually manufactured like a tiny home, and include all kinds of amenities like in-tent saunas, full kitchens with stoves and ovens as well as running water and dishwashers for easy clean up after meals. There are companies that manufacture luxury glamping domes that cost upwards of $30,000.

Why Start a Glamping Business?

The main upside of starting your own glamped business as opposed to other businesses is how low overhead costs mean you can turn profits much faster. For example, if your customers pay $100 per night instead of $50 per day at a hotel down the road, they are staying with you for four nights instead of two. That means more profit per customer and a much higher return on your investment!

Is There Money In Glamping (Profitable)?

The idea of living in a treehouse, sleeping under the stars and eating gourmet meals on an open fire sounds like a dream come true. After all, it is a form of camping, and people have been doing that for years. But what if you had all the comforts of home while still being in nature?

The largest selling point for starting your own glamping business might be how low overhead costs mean it can turn profits much faster than other types of businesses.

Not only is there money in glamping, a single glamping site can earn upwards of $200/night, or $6,000 per month or more if it is a luxury based unit. Rustic glamping sites often earn between $95-$130/night on average, depending on the area.

The average amount of overhead for most glamping businesses are between $10-$30/night. This includes the cost of renting or purchasing land, paying property taxes, utilities, and purchasing your glamping tent & furnishings.

Glamping Is a Growing Trend

As an entrepreneur, I don’t think I have to tell you about the importance of being early to market.

Glamping is a growing trend, and currently at the early stages like Airbnb was back in 2008. In fact, it’s starting to get some serious traction in the marketplace and could potentially be a big opportunity for entrepreneurs like you and me.

According to Google Trends Data, glamping has seen a 53% increase in search traffic since 2019 for the same quarter, despite the pandemic!

As more and more people catch on, the glamping market will grow and attract guests who would otherwise not have heard of it before. This also means more competition as new glamping businesses “pop up.”

You Can Start Small And Grow As You Go

One of the reasons why starting a glamping business can be such a great opportunity is because you can start small and grow as you go.

You could start with just a safari tent on one end of your property and use the profits to qualify for purchasing land dedicated to the experience.

Depending on the type of property you’re starting with, it can be a much lower barrier to entry than traditional real estate investing.

You can also offer your guests a lower range of amenities, starting with just the basics and then adding more as you grow.

How to Start A Successful Glamping Business

When we first saw the idea of glamping, we couldn’t believe anyone would actually pay money to spend a few nights in a tent without much electricity, but the reviews didn’t lie.

All of the glamping sites had dozens of five-star reviews and were booked out twice as much as we were – and that was a few years ago!

Now that we have a bit more experience, we know that these people are on to something.

The glamping industry continues to grow and more manufacturers of glamping tents are starting to come onto the scene with complete packages.

So if you want to start a successful glamping business, you’ll need to consider a few important details:

The Cost of Starting A Glamping Business

The cost of starting a glamping business will vary dramatically depending on the type and size of your location.

Are you going to invest in a luxury tent or go for a more rustic approach? Will your glamping site have running water for cooking/showers or just an outhouse?

The average cost of starting a glamping business ranges between $5,000-$50,000. If you already have property, purchasing a glamping tent with basic furnishings will be on the low end, while acquiring permits and property will be on the high end.

To start out, you will need to purchase land or rent it from someone who owns property in an area that has electricity and running water near by. The thing about starting a business is there are always startup costs involved which can be expensive if not planned for properly.

You will need a glamping tent, fire pit, pots and pans, an outhouse, etc. Optionally, you can provide power via solar panels for charging phones and lights.

You will also need a business license, so make sure you research the licensing requirements before starting your glamping site. Additionally, you will need to make sure that the land is properly maintained so it remains in good condition.

How to Find a Location for Your Glamp Site

Many people have started a glamping business by setting up a glamping tent in their own backyard, which significantly reduces costs and gives you the ability to offer things like running water, electricity, and Wifi.

However, not all backyards make for a good glamping site, and there are many considerations to make when choosing a location.

• How much space do you need?
• How much landscaping are you able to do?
• What kind of climate is the site in?
• Do you have access to public water, electricity, or other utilities?
• Is your property zoned for commercial use? (Some towns require business owners to obtain a conditional use permit before starting operations)
• Is your property located near any noise sources (loud neighborhoods, highways, airports)?

The location you choose will depend on the type of glamping experience you want to offer. For example, if proximity to restaurants and stores is important for guests from out of town who are unfamiliar with the area, then your location should be near a town.

If you want to offer guests the experience of being miles away from any other humans or if there is no nearby power grid; then you might choose wilderness areas for your glamping site.

In order to find a location for your glamp site, use websites such as Craigslist, Zillow or Redfin and search for properties with “land with electricity” or “acres of land with water nearby.”

If you find a piece of land that is not on the market, look up the plot of land with the county assessors website and get the name of the property owner. Contact them and ask if they would be interested in selling or renting their unused land to you so you can operate a glamp site.

The Legal Requirements of Starting A Glamping Business

Once you have found some property that is suitable for starting a business, it’s important to do research on the zoning regulations because they vary from location to location.

The last thing you want to do is purchase a piece of land that you can’t actually legally operate a glamping site on.

Make sure all necessary permits are obtained before opening up shop! Some necessary permits you may need are a business license, zoning permit, and a permit for stormwater runoff.

You’ll also want to be conscious about your water usage and what types of fires are allowed on the site.

Before you purchase or rent any property, contact the city or county and ask if they require any special permits for setting up a camping site or temporary structure at your location.

And if you live in an HOA you can kiss this idea of a glamping site in your own backyard goodbye, because almost all of them will not allow it and you’ll likely be too close to nosy neighbors who will complain.

Where to Find Inspiration for Your Campsite Design

Ah yes, you have the perfect property for your business and everything is good to go. Do you just throw up a bell tent in the middle of the woods and call it a day?

Not really. Finding inspiration for a great campsite design is key to success.

How much profit you make with your glamping business will be determined by how desirable your location is.

In order to make the perfect site, it is critical that you take time and do your research on what other people have done. Here are some great tips for finding inspiration:

• Read blogs or articles with pictures of different campsites for ideas. You can also find a lot of photos by searching “glamping tents” on Google.
• Utilize websites such as Pinterest, Houzz and Airbnb to get more design ideas for your site or explore what other people are doing with their own glamping sites.
• Travel magazines often showcase popular properties that will include glamping experiences.

How to Market Your Glamping Business

With so many companies competing for your attention, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. One way is with well-crafted marketing that makes you unique and memorable among all other glamping businesses in your industry.

Since glamorous camping is new to a lot of people, there is a significant share of the market that don’t yet know they would even be interested in trying it out!

So there are really two marketing concepts we will focus on:

• Demand Generation. Demand generation is the idea that your customers have never heard of the concept before, and you will get in front of them to pique their interest to get them to say to themselves, “whoa, I need that!”
• Demand Fulfillment. Demand fulfillment is the opposite. Your customers already know about glamping and are actively looking for a place to rent. You get in front of them and show why your listing has everything they might be looking for.

The marketing to these two groups will be very different because they focus in on different points. Here are some of the most successful approaches:

Hire A Professional Photographer

Regardless of the approach you take, you need to have good pictures. As Airbnb photographers, we have seen the difference professional photography can make.

This is especially true since 85% of the photos for listings on Airbnb are taken from the hosts smartphone, and it’s obvious. Very high quality photos stick out like a sore thumb and attract significantly more clicks.

Properties with professional photos are perceived as more valuable and can command higher nightly and weekly rates.

So if you want the best chance of booking your place, hire a professional photographer to do the job. You will be glad you did.

Create A Promotional Video Tour

This is where things get really exciting. We have been experimenting with video production and have created video tours of short term rentals for our clients with great success!

Not only are consumers watching more video than ever before, people are 60% more likely to purchase a product or book a property after watching.

Right now video tours are the single biggest opportunity for making your property stand out from the competition, and we are seeing travelers watch our video tours from Airbnb descriptions that direct people to watch on another site!

Not only do promotional videos education people about your property, but they help with SEO and being remembered should someone click on another listing.

Create a Listing on Airbnb

I think it goes without saying that Airbnb is one of the best places to promote your glamping business.

Not only does Airbnb have the biggest market share, glamping sites are harmonious with the typical Airbnb listing.

Airbnb is making it easier for travelers looking for off-the-beaten path experiences by creating new categories like “glamping” and will allow you to get in front of travelers who may have not seen this type of accommodation before.

So essentially you’re getting in front of the two groups of people mentioned above, and this is where your professional photos are going to really shine.

Create a Website That Will Attract Visitors

You can also create your own website that will rank in Google for people looking for glamping experiences, and can even book with you directly by utilizing platforms like Lodgify.

Your own website will also be a better place for advertising your property, because if you send paid traffic to sites like Airbnb that feature other listings you could be paying for the bookings of your competitors.

The cost to create your own website is often very low when you use a platform like Squarespace or Wix, and the SEO benefits are undeniable. You can also always choose to have someone build it for you if you don’t want to learn how.

Run Ads on Social Media (such as Facebook, Youtube, Instagram)

Pinterest and Instagram are the perfect social media platforms for this kind of experience, and people are going nuts over the “tiny home” sort of craze.

Marketing your glamping business on these platforms will yield a lot of organic results and spread like wildfire.

If you are just starting out, I recommend marketing your site to local communities that may be interested in this unique type of accommodation.

• Start by creating a Facebook page for your glamping business and interact with people in your community. Offer deals or promotions to those who like the page, follow you on Instagram, etc.
• Utilize Youtube videos of your actual site tours – this will help attract potential travelers from other cities to visit yours!
• Create an Instagram account that showcases your property, beautiful pictures of nature in and around it, fun photos with animals or guests – anything that may interest your target audience!
• Start a blog on your website that will provide helpful and interesting content for travelers that are just learning about glamourous camping.
• Post pictures with captions of your property on Pinterest with a link to your blog or booking platform.

Tips for Successfully Running A Glamping Business

Of course, starting a glamping business is one thing, running it is another! If you aren’t familiar with hosting, then you might want to think about taking an online course so you can learn about the basics.

At the very least, we recommend reading this book (Amazon) for everything you need to know about the business side of hosting.

Most glamping businesses are successful because they offer an experience that cannot be replicated at home. It’s important to make sure you have all necessities for your guests’ stay- things like toiletries, towels, pillows, etc.

Here are some tips to help you successfully run your glamping business.

Research The Market And What People Are Looking For

If you just jump into setting up a glamping business without researching what people are actually looking for or the types of guests you wish to attract then you are setting yourself up for failure.

Find out if travelers are interested in a luxury experience or a rustic one, and which areas those will be in.

Find A Safe, Secluded Location With Utilities

Although it’s not required, travelers are having higher expectations.

Not only is the glamping experience best when in a safe, secluded environment, travelers want to book with a place that can provide water, electricity, and Wifi.

If you can secure a property that is close to lakes for fishing or trails for hiking then you will be in a much better position.

Purchase A Quality Glamping Tent

Don’t think you can just plop down a tent from Walmart (even though many people have). To do this correctly, you’re going to want a quality glamping tent.

There are a lot of different tents to choose from, so you’ll want to think about what is important to the travelers and purchase accordingly.

This includes whether or not there will be electricity on site for things like air conditioning and how big the sleeping capacity should be (remember this is luxury camping).

We recommend going with the following types of tents:

• Safari Tents. Safari tents are designed for people who want to combine the best of glamping with camping. That means you’ll have plenty of room inside the tent, but will also be able to enjoy nature and all it has to offer outside your door. They are even set up for installation of a wood burning stove!
• Yurt/Bell Tents. These are extremely popular in the glamping world so potential customers will be able to immediately identify your property as something they might be looking for. They are also very easy to set up and tear down, and provide plenty of space on the inside.
• Luxury Domes. This is the ultimate type of glamping experience for the highest paying customers, but they are also very expensive. Luxury domes are often equipped with amenities that you’d normally find in a regular rental property, such as electricity, running water, indoor plumbing for showers/bathroom, etc.

Provide Amenities Like Wi-Fi, Electricity, and Running Water

As mentioned previously, travelers have higher and higher expectations and want to be able to have the same amenities they would at home, which is why you want your glamping business to provide these things.

Running water is a must for campers – without it there will be no way to clean dishes or wash up after cooking. Electricity can also provide some much-needed light and make the glamping experience safer when you don’t want to use candles everywhere.

These conveniences will easily set you apart from other listings and can be the deciding factor for someone booking their stay at your place, so it’s important to have these things in order.

Create An Outdoor Area (Fire Pit, Hammock, and Picnic Tables)

No glamping experience is complete without an outdoor area. This is where campers can enjoy the fresh air and views while enjoying some of their favorite activities like sitting by a fire or swinging in a hammock.

Depending on your local climate, it may be more beneficial to provide an outdoor space that includes heating during certain times of year so people aren’t freezing when they want to relax, so a fire pit is a must even if it’s only used for decoration.

There are many commercial fire pits available that can give your outdoor area a designer feel, and they’re also relatively inexpensive to purchase.

Depending on how much space is available, another option would be building raised picnic tables with benches around them so campers can sit when they’re not performing other activities around the campground.

Be Prepared For Emergencies

Unfortunately things happen, and those times can be more difficult at a campground because there are no emergency services readily available.

You should have an evacuation plan in place, as well as fire extinguishers on hand for any potential fire emergencies.

A first aid kit is also essential depending on the types of activities you offer, but it’s recommended to keep one on site in any case.

Have emergency contact information available on site as well, so people can contact you in the event of an emergency.

Common Challenges Faced by New and Established Glamping Operators

Of course, starting a glamping business is not all roses and sunshine. There are many challenges that glamping operators face, and it’s important to be prepared for them.

The most substantial challenge is the cost of starting a glamping business.

It takes time to start generating enough revenue for yourself or your employees before you’re able to make any money from this endeavor. The low overhead costs help offset this in some ways but it’s still a money-losing proposition in the early days.

Here are some of the different challenges you will likely face:

The Cost of The Land

It always seems like the time to invest in property was 5-10 years ago, but more recently the price of undeveloped land continues to rise significantly.

This is especially true in desirable areas with a growing population.

In many cases, you will need up to 40-50% for a down payment in order to secure a loan for a piece of land. If you live in a small town or rural area then that can be a few thousand dollars for an acre or two.

This can work quite well if your property is so appealing that your listing itself becomes a tourist destination, like this Hobbit Hole out in the middle of nowhere.

But for pieces of land in established or desirable areas, this can be a significant investment.

The Cost of Utilities and Maintenance

Every property owner will tell you that the cost of utilities and regular maintenance costs will be a lot more than you anticipate at first.

Things like landscaping, snow removal, sewer and septic systems, well water pumps, etc. need to be maintained.

And in many cases you will have to hire a professional for these jobs or spend your weekends on them yourself.

Hiring Staff To Maintain The Property And Clean

When it comes to glamping, cleaners have a much easier job because guests don’t expect things to be perfectly spotless in a camping environment.

While laundry cannot be done on site, swapping out sets of sheets is easy and sweeping/dusting is usually the only additional task that needs to be done.

However, manual labor due to maintaining the landscaping is an entirely different story. If you aren’t going to do this work yourself, you will need to hire someone to routinely take care of the grounds of your property in addition to finding a reliable cleaner for the glamping tent itself.

Managing Expectations For Different Types of Guests

Glamping guests come from all walks of life, from families or couples, to singles or large groups and they each have their own expectations.

For example, a family may be looking for a sleeping space that can accommodate dad, mom and the kids. A couple travelling with their dog will need pet-friendly accommodations.

Large groups may be put off by a glamping tent in your backyard since they plan on getting a little rowdy.

First time glampers may have heard about how luxurious it can be and expect amenities that you just simply aren’t providing.

This is why it’s important to have a very detailed listing or have a chat with your guests before their arrival. Be honest about what they can expect and answer any questions that might arise so there are no unpleasant surprises when they get here.

Finding A Balance Between Luxury And Affordability

And because of these higher expectations, you may be put off by the sheer amount of possible amenities to provide.

To find a balance between luxury and affordability, you may want to start by considering just the basic things people need in order to have a comfortable stay.

A well-equipped kitchen, for instance, is a must for those who are planning on cooking their own meals while they’re away from home – but a luxury for those on a glamping trip.

The same goes for sanitary facilities like a place to shower or “due your business.”

Final Thoughts

So what do you think? Are you going to start a glamping business?

If so, we hope that this post has helped get your creative juices flowing and pointed you in the right direction.

The glamping business has been growing tremendously in recent years as more people are looking for ways to live the glamorous life while still getting back to nature. The low overhead and cost to get started are also big pluses for a glamping business, so don’t miss this opportunity!

And don’t forget to come back here often! Our blog is full of helpful information on the hosting/short term rental business and we’re posting every few weeks – so stay tuned!