Startup cost
$35k–$49k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Glamping Business
Decision Snapshot
Glamping
Idea Score
50
Profit margin
4%
Break-even
18 mo–36 mo
Time to launch
2 wk–12 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Medium
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Glamping business - Background
Glamorous camping, or glamping, can be traced back to ancient Turkish ottomans that served as mobile palaces. In more recent history, it has taken England by storm and is quickly becoming popular within the United States. Although there aren’t any official statistics for glamping in the U.S., industry insiders have seen a big increase in demand recently.
For entrepreneurs act, this demand represents an exciting opportunity. Glamping.com lists only 183 glamping sites within the U.S., which leaves plenty of space for new glamping businesses.
You may also be interested in additional unique business ideas.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Glamping business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a glamping business?
The startup costs for a glamping business are significant, but they can be managed. The main expenses are purchasing land and tents.
To save on land costs, many business owners get into this work after they already own land. Hunting grounds, farming fields and coastal properties that are already owned are excellent and free locations. Business owners that don’t already have land should look at remote locations where property costs are normally lower.
Tents can cost tens of thousands of dollars each. FDomes’ smallest glamping tents start at €7,575 ($9,350). Inspired Camping recommends larger tents that cost between £25,000 and £35,000 ($34,600 to $48,600).
Business owners that don’t have this capital can start with simpler tents that feature fewer amenities. Wigwam even mentions that some business owners haven’t installed toilet facilities for guests at first, and instead let guests use the facilities in their own house. This obviously isn’t as luxurious as high-end glamping that comes with a private restroom and shower, but it is an affordable way to get started in the industry.
In cold climates, business owners also need storage facilities for their tents during winter. Storage is usually inexpensive, though.
What are the ongoing expenses for a glamping business?
The ongoing expenses for a glamping business are minimal. They include property taxes, maintenance costs, employees’ wages and utilities, along with some other expenses.
Who is the target market?
The target market for glamping business is affluent individuals, families and couples who want to take a vacation. Many of these people are turning to staycations instead of or in addition to traditional vacations, and a glamping business is the perfect place to go on a staycation.
How does a glamping business make money?
A glamping business makes money by charging guests for use of a tent. Most glamping businesses have nightly and weekly rates, and they charge different rates for differently sized tents.
How much can you charge customers?
On Glamping.com, rates in the U.S. range from $50 to $3,000 per night. At the low end, sites are basic and include few amenities. At the high end, rates are for large lodges or extravagant tents. They also often include activities.
How much profit can a glamping business make?
Because a glamping business can charge significant nightly rates and have low ongoing expenses, this type of business can earn a significant profit. Under Canvas, for instance, has an annual revenue of $8 million.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Glamping businesses often diversify their revenue by adding activities to bookings. These may be on-site activities or activities offered through other companies. On-site activities typically command an additional fee, while other companies’ activities may result in a commission. Tours, outdoor activities and romantic events are all activities that people who go glamping may be interested in.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a glamping business?
Most activity at a glamping business focuses on making guests happy. This involves:
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responding to inquiries from prospective guests
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welcoming new guests
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checking in and recommending activities for current guests
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cleaning tents after guests leave
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helping guests in any other feasible way
These activities are only done during the glamping season. During the off-season, a glamping business may close for a vacation or due to weather. Where winter weather would damage tents, a business’ tents must be taken down at the end of the season and then put up once spring comes.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful glamping business?
Jake Jewell recommends that glamping business owners have a background in hospitality generally and in holiday accomodations more particularly. Wigwam Holidays echoes this overall sentiment and explains why. Glamping business owners work lots of holidays and weekends, when other people are able to vacation. It’s the job of business owners to make their vacationing guests feel as welcome as possible, and people with backgrounds in hospitality know how to do that.
What is the growth potential for a glamping business?
While a glamping business theoretically could franchise and open new locations, almost all businesses operate just one location. The location may have just a couple of tents, or it might have lots of spaces for guests. Firelight Camps is an example of a typical glamping business that has one location.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a glamping business?
A glamping business’ layout must give guests plenty of space to enjoy an intimate and private experience close to nature. To do this, glamping sites must be larger than traditional camping sites. Making sites small in order to fit more sites on a property will hinder long-term success, because it will negatively affect each guest’s experience.
As a general rule, plan on setting aside at least a half-acre for each site. In high-demand areas, such as waterfront locations, a third of an acre may suffice. In places where there isn’t a major natural attraction, like in fields, a full acre is better.
How and when to build a team
Most glamping businesses start out with a partner or employee. Having two people who can see to guests’ needs helps ensure that guests will always be as happy as possible.
Part 2 - Is a Glamping business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Glamping business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Glamping Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Glamping business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.