What Kind of Glamping Business Should You Start?
What Kind of Glamping Business Should You Start?
You know you want to build something in nature.
You’ve seen the domes, the tents, the treehouses.
You’ve got the vision (or at least the Pinterest board).
But there’s just one question stopping you:
What kind of glamping business should I actually start?
The answer? It depends on you.
Your land. Your goals. Your guest. Your style.
Let’s walk through how to choose the right glamping model—so you can build a business that’s not just trendy, but profitable and sustainable.
First, Know Your Why
Your “why” determines your what.
Ask yourself:
Do I want a passive income stream or a lifestyle business?
Do I want to host retreats, families, couples—or all of the above?
Do I want to be hands-on or eventually step back?
Am I building for now... or for long-term scale?
Your answers help shape your entire model.
1. Start Simple: Bell Tents or Canvas Tents
Best for:
Lower startup cost
Short-term stays or seasonal sites
Hands-on hosts looking to test the waters
Why it works:
Easy to set up, visually appealing, and a favorite for first-time glampers.
Keep in mind: These often require weather-dependent planning and might need seasonal takedown/storage.
2. Stand Out: Domes, Pods, or A-Frames
Best for:
High design, high rates
Instagram appeal
Year-round booking potential (especially with insulation)
Why it works:
These structures turn heads and sell themselves—especially with strong storytelling and beautiful branding.
Higher upfront cost, but greater opportunity for ROI and press exposure.
3. Go Niche: Treehouses, Floating Cabins, or Off-Grid Cabins
Best for:
Unforgettable experiences
Longer stays, special occasions
Building a destination brand
Why it works:
These offer a “bucket list” vibe—perfect for families, couples, and retreats.
Expect higher build times, zoning considerations, and creative logistics—but the payoff? Next-level.
4. Welcome Everyone: Family-Friendly Multi-Unit Sites
Best for:
Larger land parcels
Serving a mix of guests (kids, pets, multi-gen groups)
Offering workshops or events
Why it works:
More guests = more revenue streams. Think glamping village with shared experiences.
Requires more coordination, more amenities—but can scale quickly with the right systems.
5. Scale Smart: Glamping for Retreats, Events, or Rentals
Best for:
Coaches, yoga teachers, creators
High-ticket, high-touch offers
Off-season group bookings
Why it works:
You’re not just selling a stay—you’re selling transformation. These sites host paid retreats, weddings, or creative escapes.
The focus shifts from nightly rates to packaged experiences.
Final Quiz: Which One Sounds Like You?
You love nature but want to keep it simple = Canvas tent or bell tent starter
You’re all-in and love a showstopper = Design-forward domes or pods
You want to offer something unforgettable = Treehouse, floating, or off-grid stay
You’re all about families and scaling = Multi-unit, kid-friendly glamp village
You’re here to host transformation = Retreat-ready, event-focused property
Final Takeaway
You don’t need to copy what everyone else is doing.
You need to build a glamping business that matches:
Your values
Your guest
Your vision of freedom
Because when your business model aligns with your energy, goals, and land—you’re not just building a site. You’re building momentum.