Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Successful Glamping Business

These are the critical aspects you should evaluate when launching your glamping business: 

1. Location — Choose a picturesque and accessible location that offers natural beauty, seclusion, and proximity to attractions like parks, hiking trails, or bodies of water.
2. Licenses and permits — Make sure your location complies with local zoning laws and get the necessary permits for operating a glamping site. Additionally, get permits related to sanitation, waste disposal, and food service if you provide meals or communal kitchen facilities.
3. Glamping equipment — Offer a variety of accommodations, such as luxury tents, yurts, treehouses, or cabins, to cater to different preferences and budgets. Ensure they are weather-resistant and comfortable.
4. Services and activities — Offer services such as housekeeping, concierge, and guided tours. Provide a seamless check-in and check-out process. Plan and offer activities like hiking, fishing, yoga sessions, wildlife tours, and outdoor games to enhance the guest experience and attract a diverse clientele.
5. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
6. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
7. Online presence — Create a professional website with high-quality images, detailed descriptions of accommodations and amenities, and an easy booking system. Use social media platforms to promote your business, share guest experiences, and engage with potential customers.

You May Also Wonder:

Can a glamping business be profitable?

Yes, a glamping business can be profitable considering how popular it is right now. You just need to have a great location and make your glamping sites unique to be successful.

What type of land is used for glamping?

Glamping can be set up on various types of land, including private property, public lands, or leased land. Ideal locations often feature scenic views, natural surroundings, and access to outdoor activities.

What is the biggest glamping company?

The biggest glamping company is difficult to determine as the glamping industry is relatively new and has many small to medium-sized businesses. However, some notable companies include Under Canvas, Collective Retreats, and Huttopia.

What is the best tent for glamping business?

The best tent for a glamping business depends on the type of experience you want to offer and the location’s weather conditions. Some popular options include canvas bell tents, geodesic domes, and yurts.

How to differentiate your glamping business from competitors?

To differentiate your glamping business from competitors, you could focus on offering unique amenities such as outdoor hot tubs, gourmet meals, or guided tours. You could also target niche markets such as family-friendly glamping or luxury glamping experiences.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Starting a glamping business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you. 

Glamping industry trends

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The global glamping industry is worth $2.74 billion in 2022, having grown nearly 17% the previous year.((https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/glamping-market))
• Growth forecast – The global glamping industry is expected to grow a whopping 217% by 2030.

Trends and challenges

Trends in the glamping industry include:

• Nearly a third of US travelers have taken a glamping trip.
• Shipping containers are starting to be used for glamping sites, opening up new possibilities for entrepreneurs. 
• Teepees and treehouses are also popular glamping sites.

Challenges in the glamping industry include:

• Regulations surrounding fire safety and other safety laws mean that glamping businesses have to put in the proper safeguards.
• The growing popularity of glamping has made it a very competitive industry. 

How much does it cost to start a glamping business?

Startup costs for a glamping business range from $10,000 to $27,000. Costs include tents, furnishings, and an outhouse or freestanding bathroom.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your glamping business, including:

• Tents
• Air conditioning or heating units
• Generator
• Beds
• Chairs
• Rugs
• Lanterns
• End tables
• Mirror
• Wastebasket
• Luggage rack
• Garment rack
• Towels
• Extra blankets
• Throw pillows

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$150 - $200	$175
Business licenses and permits	$100 - $300	$200
Insurance	$100-$300	$200
Business cards and brochures	$200 - $300	$250
Website setup	$1,000 - $3,000	$2,000
One to three tents	$2,000 - $6,000	$4,000
An outhouse or freestanding bathroom	$4,000 - $10,000	$7,000
Furnishings and decor	$2,500 - $7,500	$5,000
Total	$10,050 - $27,600	$18,825

How much can you earn from a glamping business?

Prices for glamping range from $150 to $300 per night. These calculations will assume a price of $200. Your profit margin, not including initial costs, should be about 80%. 

In your first year or two, you might have one tent and rent it for 200 days per year, bringing in $40,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $32,000 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. As your brand gains recognition and you get referrals and repeat business, you could add four more tents and rent them 250 days per year. With annual revenue of $250,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $200,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a glamping business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Having an appealing concept/destination that stands out
• The startup costs of tents, furnishings, and a bathroom

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a glamping business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research glamping businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a glamping business that has bubble tents or a glamping resort.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your products or services

In addition to the glamping site rental, you could offer food and drink. You could also offer glamping packages such as family glamping where you provide board games and snacks. 

How much should you charge for glamping?

Prices for glamping range from $150 to $300 per night. Your prices will depend on the amenities you can offer and the desirability of your location. You should aim for a profit margin of about 80%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be travelers who want the benefits of camping but more comforts than traditional camping offers. You should spread out your marketing to include sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also list your glamping on sites like Airbnb. 

Learn more about how to start an Airbnb business.

Where? Choose your glamping location

Choosing the right location for your glamping business is essential for attracting guests and ensuring its success. Look for a spot in a scenic and natural setting, such as a national park or a rural area with beautiful views. Consider accessibility and convenience, ensuring that the location is easily reachable by car and has ample parking.

Additionally, assess the local regulations and zoning laws to ensure compliance and obtain any necessary permits. Depending on the type of glamping experience you plan to offer, you may also want to consider the proximity to outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or other amenities.

By strategically choosing the right location, you can establish a popular and profitable glamping business that provides a unique and memorable experience for guests and stands out in the competitive hospitality industry.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Glamping Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “glamping” or “glamping experience”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “OutpostGlamping” over “FamilyGlamping”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Glamping Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: A concise overview highlighting the glamping business’s mission, objectives, and key selling points.
• Business Overview: A detailed description of the glamping venture, outlining its nature, location, and target customer demographics.
• Product and Services: The specific offerings of the glamping business, including accommodation types, amenities, and unique experiences.
• Market Analysis: A comprehensive examination of the glamping industry, identifying trends, customer needs, and potential growth opportunities.
• Competitive Analysis: An assessment of direct and indirect competitors in the glamping market, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and differentiators.
• Sales and Marketing: The strategies and tactics for promoting the glamping business, reaching target customers, and driving bookings.
• Management Team: Introduction to the key individuals responsible for running the glamping venture, including their expertise and roles.
• Operations Plan: Details on day-to-day operations, staffing, suppliers, and logistical aspects of running the glamping site.
• Financial Plan: A projection of the glamping business’s financial performance, including revenue forecasts, expenses, and profit margins.
• Appendix: Supplementary materials such as supporting documents, research data, and any additional information that enhances the glamping business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to glamping businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your glamping business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a glamping business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Starting a glamping business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

If you provide alcohol, you’ll need a liquor license from your state.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your glamping business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Guesty, GlampManager, or newbook, to manage your bookings, activities, invoicing, and payments.

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Professional Branding — Develop a brand that embodies adventure, luxury, and a connection with nature through your logo, website design, and the aesthetics of your glamping accommodations.
• Website Optimization — Create a visually appealing website featuring high-quality images and videos of your glamping site. Optimize your site for SEO to rank for searches related to glamping, luxury camping, and unique accommodations.
• Local SEO — Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Social Media Engagement — Utilize visually driven platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to display your accommodations and surroundings. Use Facebook to post guest reviews and special promotions.
• Content Marketing — Publish a travel and lifestyle blog with posts about the glamping lifestyle, outdoor comfort tips, and local attractions. Create video tours giving a virtual experience of what guests can expect.
• Direct Outreach and Networking — Network with travel agencies, event planners, and attend travel expos and outdoor adventure shows to promote your services to potential corporate groups and retreat organizers.
• Email Marketing — Send regular newsletters updating potential and past guests on new amenities, special offers, and events at your site.
• Experiential Marketing — Host open house events to let local residents and potential customers experience the glamping site. Participate in local tourism events to boost regional visibility.
• Partnerships and Collaborations — Collaborate with local businesses like tour operators, restaurants, and artisans to offer exclusive packages. Partner with travel influencers to broaden your reach.
• Community Engagement — Participate in community events and support environmental conservation efforts to align your brand with sustainable practices.
• Customer Loyalty Program — Offer special packages and discounts for repeat guests or those booking extended stays.
• Referral Incentives — Implement a referral program that rewards guests for bringing new customers, enhancing word-of-mouth marketing.
• Targeted Online Advertising — Use digital advertising to target audiences interested in unique travel experiences, luxury camping, and eco-tourism.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your glamping business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your glamping business could be:

• Luxe camping on an exquisite lakefront site 
• Celebrate your bachelorette party in style – glamping and margaritas
• Teepee glamping – get back to nature and go back in time!

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a glamping business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in glamping for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in glamping. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

You may not need any employees, but if you grow your business and have a large number of glamping sites, you may need employees. Potential positions for a glamping business include:

• Custodial Workers – clean up glamping sites
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Glamping Business – Start Making Money!

Ready to get in on a booming industry and have some fun? Glamping is growing in popularity around the world, with the market set to more than double in the years ahead. With your own glamping business, you can be creative and make your glamping sites uniquely appealing. You’ll make good money and you can grow your business until you have a whole glamping resort.

Now that you understand the business behind the glam, go ahead and pitch those tents and start becoming a successful entrepreneur!