The global glamping market is valued at $3–3.5 billion and is poised for rapid expansion, with projected annual growth of 10–12% over the next decade. While Europe and the UK pioneered the industry, North America now holds 43% of the market share, with the U.S. alone expected to grow by 13% annually.
This surge is fueled by a growing demand for unique, experience-driven travel. More than ever, travelers want immersive stays that connect them to nature—without sacrificing comfort. As a result, glamping resorts are quickly replacing traditional accommodations in both remote and high-traffic destinations.
For property owners and entrepreneurs, this presents a high-ROI opportunity—whether as a full-scale business or a low-maintenance side hustle. With low startup costs, flexible scaling, and strong booking demand on platforms like Airbnb and Hipcamp, glamping offers a profitable path into the booming outdoor hospitality industry.
This article is a beginner’s guide to starting a successful glamping business where you will learn:
- What’s glamping
- What you need to consider
- Checklist of what you need to get started
Want to dive deeper? Check out a recentle article we wrote on the industry here, or reach out through our glamping page.
Memories over Amenities
Travel culture is shifting away from tourism and towards exploration.
Glamping is not just for the fancy. Experiential tourism is in demand. People create meaning through direct
experience, and that meaning is becoming more important than amenities. Yes, cable TV and a hair dryer are
convenient, but those creature comforts are not what is driving people to go glamping. If you've got a slice of
outdoor heaven, there is a market for outsiders like you looking to share it. A five-star experience is reflective
of your guests' satisfaction, not extravagance.
Glamping - mash-up of “glamour” and “camping” - is a form of camping involving accommodation and
facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping. Glamping is a buzzword that can be
applied to range of accommodation styles, from Airstreams to tree houses to bubble domes...but real glamping
is in tents!
- High demand - Glamping is a growing market
- Lower startup costs - Easier to get started & is cheaper than buying a vacation house
- Extended operating season - Generate revenue during peak and off-peak seasons
- Higher profits - lower startup and maintenance costs
- Sustainable and eco-friendly appeal - can be designed with sustainability in mind
Why choose a tent?
Providing an authentic experience creates an intimate relationship between travelers and locations, customs
and culture. Tents bring you closer - physically and emotionally. Tents are also temporary structures that do
not require building permits. You can move them, store them, sell them and rent them off site! Develop your
business model with a flexible product.
1. Location
Get the lay of the land and pick a location that stands out.
A luxury canvas tent can be pitched just about anywhere. Proximity or access to parks, rivers, beaches, resorts
and other outdoor recreation magnets is a plus -- but not a requirement. Turnkey camping experiences can
often be a destination in themselves for folks just looking for an escape.
Glamping experiences can also be offered alongside existing businesses. Businesses can use glamping as a
way to diversify their income channels, increase brand awareness and build stronger customer relationships.
Vineyards are famous for capitalizing on the lasting loyalty of customers that have participated in a sip and
stay experience. Farms and ranches everywhere should consider pitching in on the tent stay.
2. Experience
Provide an authentic camping experience that’s ultra-comfortable and hassle-free
Glampers want to experience the outdoors along with luxury. Your accommodation should allow guests to
really connect with nature without the hassle of setting up a tent or bringing a lot of equipment.
Embrace your niche
Play to your strengths
Take stock of your location and what would draw a person to visit. You don’t have to be everything to
everyone. If you’re decorating with rustic woodwork, antler, and deer skin rugs, don’t describe it as a
whimsical garden retreat for vegans. Be consistent, genuine and transparent.
Promote that local vibe
Everyone wants to be an insider
Empower your guests to make the most out of their visit by recommending local activities, restaurants, or
points of interest. Local knowledge and personal recommendations go the extra mile to make your guests’
stay special. Collect brochures from local businesses that visitors may be interested in. Leave a map to your
favorite neighborhood bakery for breakfast in the morning. Suggest a hike that hasn’t made it to the
guidebooks yet. Make sure you introduce yourself to the business operators and leave a card to promote your
business.
3. Decor
Start with Tents
Not too big, not too small
Four person tents are just the right size. Plenty of space to accommodate friends and family. Not too big for
two people. 4 person tents give you the flexibility to camp comfy on every occasion.
Furnish smart
Shabby Chic Ain't Cheap
All other factors held equal, furnishing and amenities can make the difference between commanding $60 per
night and $600. It is also the most variable expense.
Invest in comfort first: 1.) The tent 2.) The mattress 3.) The lights
Don't skimp on the basics - do discount decorations. Shipping platforms make great bed frames! Kitschy,
mismatched, vintage furniture and rugs could be your niche! Interior design is an art, not science. Get
creative!
Here are a few factors, such as location, decor and overhead, that you should keep in mind when getting
started.
When choosing a location, you will need to consider factors such as:
- Weather
- Glamping regulations
- Restrictions in the area
- Cost to own or rent the land in that area
Also consider:
- The popularity of the area
- Does it fit with your glamping business plan
- Nearby amenities and attractions
- Accessibility of the glamping site
- Security of the glamping site
These factors can determine how much to charge and how popular your glampsite will be.
Tent decoration setup
Focus on the essentials first:
- A comfortable bed
- Blankets
- Thoughtful lighting
- Hot stove (extend the camping season)
- Towels
- Hot shower
- Chairs
- Wardrobe or clothes rack
- Mirror
- Rug or Matting
Add extras to wow your guests
- A campfire kit with marshmallows, recipe ideas, etc.
- Outdoor camping blanket
- Board games
- Patio heater
- Laundry room
- Coffee machine
- Folding wooden picnic table
- Picnic basket
- Outdoor pizza oven
- Hammock
Offer something unique can make you stand out
- A hot tub
- Horse riding
- Stargazing
- Guided hikes
- Free bike rental
Once your glampsite is set-up, stay there for a few nights to see what your experience is, what needs tweaking
or what is missing. Add a few extra touches to make your guest’s experience even more enjoyable.
Price dynamically - Not all nights are equal
The value of the experience for the individual guest should be reflective of the nights they occupy. If it’s a
holiday weekend in a tourist hot-spot you can raise the price point. If it’s a random Wednesday in the rainy
season, be the bargain. Too many businesses miss the mark between profitability and customer satisfaction
simply because they lack dynamic pricing.
In addition to the tent and land, don’t forget your overhead (ongoing monthly expenses):
- Rent/Mortgage
- Property taxes
- Maintenance costs
- Water
- Electricity
- Business insurance
- Make an enticing listing
- List accommodation on Airbnb, Campspace, Hipcamp, Glamping Hub, Pitchup, Glamping.com etc. Do
some research and see which ones are most popular in your area, you don’t need to use all of them. - Build an online presence
- Encourage guests to leave positive reviews
Your Memory Bank is Equally Important
Making a profit with your CanvasCamp tent makes those adventures you’ve been putting off more accessible.
If you’re a CanvasCamp owner, or considering becoming one, you already know the investment and gains
involved aren’t just about the money. It’s the quality of life, the connection with others and the enjoyment of
the outdoors that holds the real value in the equation.
So get inspired! Be the catalyst! Get Outside!
