business plan glamping

Glamping Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Glamping Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their glamping businesses.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a glamping business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a glamping business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Glamping Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your glamping business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Glamping Business

If you’re looking to start a glamping business or grow your existing glamping business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your glamping business to improve your chances of success. Your glamping business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Glamping Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for glamping businesses are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for glamping businesses.

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How to write a business plan for a glamping business.

If you want to start a glamping business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your glamping business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of glamping business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a glamping company that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of glamping businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the glamping industry.
• Discuss the type of glamping business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of glamping business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of glamping businesses:

• Tents : this type of glamping involves a traditional tent with a luxury twist. It has canvas walls and is usually larger than the typical tent sold in stores.
• Yurts and Domes: this type is a larger tent like structure that is usually open floor with a fire in the middle.
• Treehouse: Usually wooden, this is luxury camping above the ground and amongst the trees. Heights, styles, and locations vary from small huts to huge connected buildings.
• Tepees : These structures are reminiscent of the camps used by Native Americans but much more luxurious. They are wide at the bottom with a peak in the top of the tent.
• Camper Van : this type of glamping is mobile; it is a luxury camper van that can travel wherever you want.
• Eco-pods : a newer form of glamping; the pods vary in size but rely on eco-friendly living for fuel and warmth. Many have full glass front and backs.

In addition to explaining the type of glamping business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of customers with positive reviews, reaching X number of customers served, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the glamping industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the glamping industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your glamping business plan:

• How big is the glamping industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your glamping business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your glamping business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families, couples, individuals, and seniors.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of glamping you operate. Clearly, seniors would respond to different marketing promotions than families, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other glamping businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes hotels, RVs, or AirBnBs. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of glamping are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide a variety of glamping types?
• Will you offer products that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a glamping business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of glamping company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide complimentary breakfast, group discounts, pet accommodations, or free mobile van/RV hookups?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your glamping business. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your glamping business located on a campground, a remote location, near a national park, a beach, or adjacent to other hotels? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your glamping marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your glamping business, including cleaning before and after stays, customer service and billing, scheduling staff hours and payroll, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sell your Xth stay, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your glamping business to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your glamping business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing glamping businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a glamping business or successfully running an AirBnB.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you sell 5 stays per day, and/or offer multiple glamping accommodation discounts? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your glamping business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a glamping:

• Cost of glamping facility or facilities
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your glamping location lease or a list of glamping types you plan to offer.  

Writing a business plan for your glamping business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert glamping business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will understand the glamping industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful glamping business.  

Glamping Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my glamping business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your glamping business plan.

How Do You Start a Glamping Business?

Starting a glamping business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Glamping Business
• Create Your Glamping Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Glamping Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Glamping Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Glamping Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Glamping Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Glamping Business Equipment
• Develop Your Glamping Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Glamping Business
• Open for Business

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Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How to Start a Glamping Business (Free Business Plan Template)

As one of the fastest-growing sectors in the vacation rental industry, glamping businesses present an excellent opportunity for aspiring hosts. More and more guests are choosing to book short-term rentals that offer a unique vacation experience, something glamping can provide at an affordable price.

We are seeing this trend throughout the world, with the global glamping market predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9% through 2031. This will bring its global market size to an expected $7,856.23 million by the end of this period.

This growth represents a huge business opportunity for glamping investment, especially as nature getaways continue to increase in popularity.

Don’t see the form to download our glamping business plan template? Click here .

What is a glamping business?

Glamping is, quite literally, the combination of the words “glamorous” and “camping,” and is also referred to as luxury camping. For many, the idea of camping may conjure up memories of being cold and wet in the middle of nowhere with little to no amenities. However, glamping has completely revolutionized this idea, making it an unforgettable experience for even the most trepid traveler.

Imagine being surrounded by nature and tranquility while having access to the comforts of luxury accommodation. Guests can explore the great outdoors and enjoy various activities, from hiking to stargazing, before relaxing in a hot tub and sleeping in comfortable beds.

It doesn’t sound bad, does it? And when it comes to glamping as a business owner, it gets even better.

This is because the investment opportunities are endless. You can start a glamping business pretty much anywhere, as long as it has access to nature. And depending on the accommodation type, you can attract guests throughout the year .

What is a glamper?

As we’d describe people who go camping as campers, “glampers” are what we call glamping guests. These travelers are unique as they’re looking for an off-grid experience without sacrificing the comforts of a standard vacation rental. Therefore, you’ll have to appeal to your target customer by emphasizing your property’s proximity to nature and highlighting the amenities you offer.

As glamping is a niche market, ensuring your business’s sustainability will require you to understand who intends to stay at your property.

Who goes glamping?

Younger guests.

Glamping is especially popular among 18-32-year-olds , with experts citing several reasons for this. Firstly, it’s fashionable, and the aesthetics of glamping make it perfect for social media . Secondly, music festivals have started to include glamping as a more comfortable choice of overnight accommodation.

In addition, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of environmental protection and sustainability. Most glamping structures are built using low-impact materials, including upcycled and natural products, making them appealing to eco-conscious travelers.

The rise in popularity of wellness and wellness tourism means glamping is in demand for guests looking to participate in activities such as yoga and forest bathing.

Beyond Millenials and Gen-Z, families have also taken to glamping. They see being in nature as an opportunity to bond and share quality time together away from work, cell phones, and video games.

Luxury camping is for everyone

Although younger guests make up the majority of the market share, glamping is attractive to a variety of age groups, which helps to support the argument for investment. According to the most recent data, guests in the 33-50 age group will have the second-fastest CAGR .

Are glamping businesses profitable as vacation rentals?

So, is glamping a good investment ? This should be your biggest concern before starting your business. The idea of putting money into something trendy could make buyers concerned, and rightfully so.

Fortunately, glamping’s popularity isn’t so fleeting. Since its rise to fame in the late 2000s, glamping has become a travel trend that seems here to stay. Taking this into account, along with its relatively low startup costs, it’s realistic to expect a quick ROI.

How much does it cost to start a glamping business?

The glamping business startup cost varies widely depending on the price of land in your area and the type of accommodations you choose to offer.

While you may be tempted to invest in the cheapest land you can find, remember that location is everything for glamping. Picturesque surroundings and proximity to local outdoor attractions will go a long way toward attracting guests and maximizing your nightly rates. So, a more expensive plot may well be worth it.

Property costs aside, you will need to have at least a few thousand dollars to start your glamping business, assuming you go with a cheaper glamping accommodation option. However, if you hope to provide a more expensive option such as yurts, your accommodations could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Read about the different types of glamping in the next section to learn more.

Additionally, as with any vacation rental business, you’ll have the following costs to take into account as well:

• Furnishings and decor
• Glamping insurance
• Property taxes
• Maintenance and cleaning costs

How much do glamping businesses make?

Similarly, glamping business income depends on a variety of factors, including the type of accommodations you offer.

For example, you can purchase good quality bell tents for as little as $2,000 , which are considered low-maintenance compared to a standard vacation rental. High-end luxury camping sites can charge up to $1,000 a night , so running a profitable business might be easier than you think.

In general, revenue potential for glamping businesses ranges from $40,000 to $250,000 . This puts glamping business profit around $32,000 to $200,000.

Of course, you’ll have fewer costs in your second year of business, as you won’t have to purchase accommodations and furnishings again. So, your profit will only grow over time!

Types of glamping

The beauty of glamping—for investors and guests—is the wide range of accommodation types available. Hosts can let their imaginations run wild when it comes to the kind of vacation experience they offer.

Cabins and pods are the most common in North America, followed by tents, yurts, and treehouses. However, there are many weird and wonderful examples of glamping options, from domes and pods to Airstreams and upcycled buses.

In the list below, we look at some of the most popular luxury camping categories.

Of course, the concept of cabins is not new, and they have been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Nevertheless, this is exactly what makes them so intriguing.

The rustic appearance of these log structures is often associated with the North American wilderness, and many can be found within easy reach of the continent’s most impressive national parks, making them ideal for glamping.

Pods are typically made from wood and are designed to replace traditional camping tents. Their interiors are often simple yet comfortable and can be fitted with electrical appliances and even WiFi.

Notoriously low-maintenance, pods can be built for as little as $3,000 , giving hosts a quick ROI, especially when there’s more than one unit on site.

3. Bell tents and tipis

Bell tents are classic glamping structures that provide better weather protection and offer more space than camping tents. They are durable, breathable, and easy to build.

Tipis are traditional Native American tents, but the modern version is constructed from cotton fabric and wooden beams. These triangular-shaped tents are found throughout North American campsites and are especially popular among families with young kids .

Although some may consider these tents too simple to be regarded as luxury camping, there are usually shared amenities outside of the accommodation. Hosts may offer facilities like bathhouses and outdoor kitchens to make up for the lack of amenities inside.

Originating from Mongolia, yurts are traditional circular tents often found in Central Asia that are made using a lattice of flexible wood and covered in felt. They are typically fitted with patterned rugs, comfortable beds, and a wood-burning stove, and are significantly more spacious than a regular camping tent.

Building a yurt can cost between $7,500 to $64,000 , depending on the size, materials used, and amenities you provide.

5. Treehouses

Unsurprisingly, treehouses are made from wood and are normally built within a tree, making use of its organic architecture, or placed in the woods. They are perfect for guests who want a peaceful stay in nature mixed with a bit of adventure.

The options are endless with treehouses. They are particularly popular among couples due to their romantic vibe. Still, if you build expansions or multiple units, you can expect higher profits by marketing your property to families and larger groups.

6. Tiny houses

Tiny houses are one of the most eco-friendly options, as they are designed to take up the minimum amount of space and minimize resources. In addition, many are built with eco-friendly materials.

Typically, vacation rental owners who manage tiny homes have more than one unit on a larger plot of land. The average cost to build a tiny house is between $30,000 and $60,000 .

7. Trailers and Airstreams

Retro trailers and Airstreams are hugely popular—and an American icon. Often associated with movie stars, these portable accommodations are not necessarily cheap, but they certainly boast longevity.

Hosts can add outdoor seating and barbecues to create an ambient exterior setting.

A dome is a transparent pod that usually comes with just a bed in its most basic form. Glampers love these structures because they can enjoy sunrises and stargaze from the comfort of their pillows.

Ideal for romantic getaways , domes can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $14,000 .

9. Railroad cars

While railroad cars will certainly be hard to obtain, if you’re able to locate them, you’ll have a highly unique experience to offer your guests. Remodel their interiors to create comfortable and attractive accommodations that your guests will love.

Why should you start a glamping business?

Hosts have different reasons for starting a glamping business, and not all of them do it purely for profit. There’s no doubt that glamping can be a lucrative business. However, many do it for their love of nature, the lifestyle, or simply as a side hustle as they tend to their land.

Whatever your reasons are, here’s why you should start a glamping business.

1. Glamping is an unforgettable experience

Glamping opens doors to a whole new group of travelers. The idea of traditional camping puts many people off: the cold, mosquitoes, no running water, no access to fresh food, etc.

However, glamping is a completely different ball game. Providing a comfortable and unique vacation in the great outdoors will allow inexperienced travelers the opportunity to connect with nature.

Many vacation rentals offer more exclusive extras, such as welcome packs , yoga classes, rustic breakfasts, organic farming experiences,  and animal petting areas.

Whether you market your vacation rental to couples, families, or large groups, it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience with long-lasting memories made.

2. Eco-friendly and luxurious

As both luxury and sustainable tourism trends surge, hosts have the opportunity to invest in an eco-friendly vacation industry—and their guests will love them for it!

Installing solar panels and eco-toilets while using recycled and organic materials will allow you to offer the experience guests want while lowering your carbon footprint.

3. Lower investment and higher profits

The initial investment for glamping isn’t as high as buying a house and having to take out a mortgage. Rather, it is a lot cheaper to build, manage, and run. Therefore, the profit should be higher, and you should get your return on investment in a shorter amount of time.

The key is to get your glamping vacation rental out on the market. Know how to target your vacation rental to certain types of travelers, such as fitness and wellness travelers and millennials . Be aware of SEO hacks to ensure guests find your vacation rental on the most popular OTAs.

Today, glamping is considered a profitable business and can be managed in the same way as any other type of short-term rental.

4. Glamping is for everyone

Even though the younger generation makes up nearly 50% of the market share , each age group is growing year by year, demonstrating that glamping is for everyone.

You can tailor your marketing approach to target specific age groups while installing appropriate facilities to match.

5. Weddings and events

Glamping isn’t restricted to local campsites. As an investor, you could decide to cater to the increasing rise in glamping weddings and music festivals. You can capitalize on these notoriously profitable events by offering unique and luxurious experiences for a relatively low starting cost.

6. Running a glamping business is fun!

The opportunity to be your own boss, earn an income, and be surrounded by nature is appealing to many would-be hosts. It can be a hugely rewarding experience tending to your land while welcoming all kinds of people. 

Reading the reviews from guests on luxury camping listings and speaking to fellow glamping hosts will tell you all you need to know about how fun it can be!

Starting a glamping business

The great news is that it’s relatively easy to open a glamping business considering the lower startup costs and the minimal build time. However, a successful glamping business still needs some strategizing. 

Glampers have a good radar for what makes a glamping site different from a typical campsite, so you have to carefully plan out your short-term rental business if you’re going to convince potential guests.

Create a glamping business plan

Would you undergo any major investment without a structured idea of where you’re headed? Of course not! Glamping is no exception. Many vacation rental owners are wrongly misled to believe it’s too easy to own a glamping business. While it can be a lower commitment, planning is still imperative.

A good example of a business plan for glamping would include a company and industry analysis, an operations plan, and revenue management, at a minimum. 

Still not sure how to write your glamping business plan? We’ve got you covered with our glamping business plan example .

Business loans for glamping

It’s not a plot of land and it’s certainly not a hotel, so what is it? In the eyes of lenders, glamping can be hard to categorize. It’s important to find the right loan for your glamping endeavor to avoid excessively high interest rates or extended timelines for paying it back. Read up on all the tips for financing so you don’t end up paying more than you have to.

Your own bank

This might be your best option if you have a good relationship with your bank. Good rapport goes a long way with lending, as most lenders are seeking reliable borrowers.

Local banks and credit unions have it in their best interest to lend to their local residents, so see what options they could offer you. Also, you give back to your community and stimulate the local economy—so it’s a win, win!

Secured loans

If you already have other assets you could put on the line as a “security” to get a loan, this might be a good option. This is especially beneficial for vacation rental owners who already have other properties. Your existing asset might help you secure a good loan.

Startup loans

Due to its unconventional nature, some lenders don’t view a glamping business as a property investment so much as a startup business. In some cases, you can secure a loan under the “startup” category with better terms and conditions than a property loan may offer you.

Building a glamping site

Your construction is going to vary depending on a number of factors. No two glamping businesses are created equal, nor should they be! Glamping is acclaimed for its uniqueness, so each build is going to be entirely different. Still, there are some factors to consider regardless of how you decide to create your glamping business.

Many sites are heavily safeguarded by governing authorities. Protected land and building permits can make the construction of a “glampsite” difficult.

Be on the lookout for land with an easements clause. Essentially, this means that certain parameters over your property (like road access, a septic system, or hooking up to an electrical grid) would require additional access outside of your property, like a private road on your neighbor’s land. You could find yourself purchasing land that can’t be converted into a glamping site if you’re not careful.

Zoning restrictions

Zoning laws are great for when you don’t want a busy highway at your doorstep, but they’re less than ideal when you’re trying to start a vacation rental business. There are many zoning regulations, especially for highly touristic areas, that would prevent you from building your glamping business on some plots of land.

If you’re using a realtor or real estate site, make sure you’re filtering out zoning options that wouldn’t allow a glamping site to be built.

If you’re dead set on owning a tipi glamping business, you should only consider land that would be feasible for this type of accommodation. The same is true for any other type of glamping stay. If you want to offer bubble domes, then a plot of land with heavy light pollution and limited visibility might not be your best option.

If you’re still undecided on what type of glamping accommodation you’ll offer, keep it general with the land you buy. If it’s difficult terrain to build on, has limited access to the main road, or is not suitable for installing a septic or well system, then think again! The more difficult your land is to make it habitable, the longer construction time you’ll have.

For more information, you can learn best practices and stay up-to-date with glamping industry news by joining groups like the American Glamping Association (AGA).

The AGA has over 300 active members who meet weekly to discuss topics such as zoning, permitting, glamping structures, raising capital, and more. The association works to create alignment across the industry as it continues to evolve.

What are the glamping regulations in the United States?

Beyond the zoning and building regulations we covered in the previous section, some parts of the country have been explicit about glamping builds. In most cases, if you’re buying raw land, you’ll have to get approval for the “change of use” as it will go from woodland to a business or rental property, depending on local law.

It’s important to consult with your state and local authorities to understand the specifics. Some land is off-limits for glamping whether it’s protected, zoned differently, or federally recognized aboriginal land.

Outside of the U.S.

Zoning and building laws can drastically vary from country to country. For example, in the Netherlands, you don’t need a building permit for glamping as it’s not considered a “permanent build,” but in the U.K., you would need a permit. Always check your local laws to avoid any future fines, penalties, or legal troubles.

Marketing your glamping vacation rentals

What makes glamping so attractive? The sense of escape, the lure of luxury, and the breathtaking views…now you just have to sell it! Glamping is easy to market thanks to its built-in beauty, widespread popularity, and originality. All that’s left for you, the glamping business owner, is to market it. Know who you’re selling to and create an online marketing plan that caters to your crowd.

There are a number of OTAs that specialize in glamping, including Glamping Hub , Hipcamp , and Glamping.com , and even the larger vacation rental platforms, such as Airbnb, are including glamping in their categories .

Use a glamping management software

If you’ve overcome the hurdles of building a glamping campsite, stuck to your business plan, and marketed to potential guests, now is your time to reap the rewards and rake in all those reservations!

Whether you’re working with one yurt or 20 tiny homes, you’ll need the right tools for your day-to-day business operations. It can become overwhelming to manage reservations, set up a booking calendar, list on multiple sites, and run your business.

Lodgify’s glamping management software provides all the property management tools necessary for running your glamping business. What’s more, Lodgify even integrates with Glamping Hub , the premier online booking platform specializing in nature-based accommodations, to empower glamping hosts with increased visibility and bookings. Glamping Hub offers a curated booking platform, SEO-optimized listings, an integration with Kayak, and a secure payment system.

Download our free glamping business plan

If you’re taking your first steps into the glamping industry, you can download our free glamping business plan template to help you along the way. Owning a glamping business can be both exciting and challenging—but definitely worth it.

Don’t see the form to download our glamping business plan sample? Click here .

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Glamping business plan template - checklist, PDF and examples

• 13th February 2024
• Expert advice

Tired of the 9 to 5 grind and ready to get your glamp on? We feel you. The allure of twinkling stars, crackling campfires, and luxurious comfort beckons, and you're ready to answer the call! ⛺️

Glamping has blown up from being a hippie trend to a mainstream must-do, and launching a glamping business can be a serious money maker. But like any business venture, you’ll need more than a killer Instagram game. Before you set up camp, a well-crafted business plan is crucial for navigating the exciting (and sometimes challenging) world of glamping. 

This guide equips you with everything you need to build a winning glamping business plan, complete with a template, a downloadable PDF checklist, and real-world examples to propel you towards glamping success. Map your journey, attract the perfect glampers, and turn your vision into a thriving reality.

Winning glamping business plan template

• Free glamping business plan template

Beyond the checklist: craft a compelling narrative

Ready to transform your dream of a unique glamping haven into reality? This comprehensive template empowers you to craft a compelling business plan that captures the essence of your vision and inspires potential investors.

1. Executive summary

Captivate your audience with a concise, skimmable overview of your glamping haven. Don’t go into too much detail yet, but do introduce your glamping business and its unique selling proposition (USP) and describe your experience, motivations and objectives for venturing into the glamping industry. Highlight your target market and explain what problems your business will solve for them. Showcase your financial projections to pique interest and leave potential investors wanting more.

2. Company description

Dive deeper into the essence of the glamping experience you want to provide. Describe your location, accommodation options (tents, yurts, cabins, etc.), amenities, and services. Make sure you highlight what makes your glamping site special… Stunning views? Luxury showers? Effortless eco-chic? Paint a vivid picture of the atmosphere, activities, and memories you'll create for guests.

3. Market analysis

Become an expert in the glamping industry! Research current trends , growth projections, and your target market demographics. Identify your competitors, determine their strengths and weaknesses, and analyse their success to identify any gaps you can fill. Make a note of their marketing strategies and use this information to explain how your glamping business will be better than theirs. Remember, knowledge is power in this competitive landscape.

Top tip : join the Glamping Business Community on Facebook. Run by Touch Stay user, Sarah Riley, of Inspired Camping , the group is full of thousands of glamping business owners who are happy to answer glamping questions, discuss industry news and build new business relationships.

4. Marketing strategy

Explain how you'll get the word out about your glamping business and what marketing strategies you’ll use to promote it in the future. From social media magic to captivating website storytelling, craft a strategy that clearly projects how you’ll grow from newbie to global glamping appeal by reaching your ideal glampers in all the right places. Explore opportunities for partnerships, local events, influencer marketing, and targeted online advertising. Make your glamping haven irresistible!

5. Management team

Show off the passion and expertise driving your glamping adventure. Introduce your team members and their roles and responsibilities. Highlight their relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. Don't underestimate the power of a strong and dedicated team.

6. Financial projections

Break down how much your glamping business will cost to initially set up and operate on an ongoing basis. Be realistic and meticulous. Create detailed forecasts for revenue, expenses, and profitability. Consider seasonality, operational costs, and potential investment needs. Be specific about when investors will see a return and let your numbers tell a compelling story of financial viability.

7. Operational plan

Ensure your glamping site runs smoothly and efficiently. Explain how your glamping business will be run on a day-to-day basis. Detail your booking system, guest logistics, communication, staff roles and responsibilities, maintenance procedures, security measures, and sustainability initiatives. A well-oiled operation breeds happy glampers and happy business owners!

Touch Stay provides digital guidebooks made specifically for glampsites. Check out how glampsites The Devon Den and Paperback Camp use theirs to share essential info and local recommendations to ensure their glampers have the best stay possible.

8. Growth strategy

Think big! Outline your vision for expansion, new offerings, and long-term goals. Consider innovative glamping trends, additional services, and potential partnerships. Your ambition paves the way for future success.

Bonus tip : include stunning photos and videos that showcase your glamping site, accommodations, and surrounding area. Remember, visuals are powerful storytelling tools that capture attention and ignite wanderlust.

Free glamping business plan template and checklist

Get your hands on our FREE glamping business plan template and checklist P DFs. Download our guides tailored for glamping ventures to ensure no essential info is missed off your business plan. Customise them to fit your unique vision and pique investors’ interest.

Or check out these other free glamping business plan templates from industry leaders:

• Inspired Camping

Remember, your glamping business plan is more than just numbers and logistics. Infuse it with your passion, values, and the unique story behind your idea. Weave a narrative that connects with your target audience and resonates with their desire for an unforgettable glamping experience.

Your glamping business plan is a dynamic document. As your venture evolves and adapts to market trends, regularly update your plan to maintain its accuracy and effectiveness.

Ready to turn your glamping dream into a thriving reality? Start crafting your winning plan with the tools and knowledge you've gained here. Let's make your glamping empire shine!

Spend less time managing your glampers by welcoming prepared guests with a Touch Stay glamping guidebook. Start your 14-day free trial today!

Starting a Glamping Business in 8 Easy Steps

Before we go into the details of Starting a Glamping Business, what is Glamping ? There are some major differences between camping vs glamping . Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a popular trend in the hospitality industry that offers guests a unique and luxurious outdoor experience. If you are considering starting a glamping business, you can provide a unique and memorable glamping experience for your guests while also tapping into the growing demand for outdoor travel. We deal with a lot of glamping properties and businesses throughout the glamping business industry, so we thought why not put together a step by step process on how to start a glamping business as many of our readers have asked us about setting up a glamping business.

Glamping as a Business and Industry Growth

The future of the glamping industry, ways to fund your glamping business, step 1. research the market and determine the demand for glamping in your area. consider factors such as the local tourism industry, the competition, and the type of experience you want to offer., glamping business plan template, step 3. choose a location for your glamping site. look for a property that offers scenic views, access to outdoor activities, and proximity to amenities and attractions., step 4. obtain the necessary permits and licenses for starting a glamping business. this may include a zoning permit, building permit, and health and safety inspection., step 5. select the type of accommodations you want to offer, such as tents, yurts, treehouses, or cabins. consider factors such as size, amenities, and cost when making your decision., step 6. purchase or rent the equipment and supplies you need, such as furniture, linens, and kitchen supplies. you may also need to invest in utilities, such as electricity, water, and sewage., step 7. after starting a glamping business, market your business and promote it to potential guests. consider creating a website, social media presence, and advertising in local and online publications., step 8. provide and maintain excellent customer service and a unique experience for your guests. this will help you attract repeat customers and positive reviews, which can help your business grow., starting a glamping business mistakes, starting a glamping business faq.

The glamping industry has grown significantly over the last decade not only in North America but around the world. The history of glamping goes back a ways to the UK, where it has been popular for a while. More people are seeking unique and luxurious outdoor experiences as time goes one. The rise of glamping can be attributed to several factors, including:

• Increased interest in outdoor travel: The popularity of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and nature photography, has increased in recent years. This has led to a growing interest in outdoor travel, and glamping provides a comfortable and convenient way for people to enjoy the outdoors.
• Technological advances: Technological advances, such as portable power sources and lightweight materials, have made it easier and more affordable to provide amenities and comforts in a glamping setting. This has expanded the range of accommodations and amenities that are available in the glamping industry.
• Environmental awareness: The increasing awareness of environmental issues has led many people to seek out sustainable and eco-friendly travel options. Glamping provides an alternative to traditional forms of tourism that can minimize the impact on the environment.
• Changing consumer preferences: The preferences of travelers have evolved over time, and many people are seeking unique and personalized experiences. Glamping offers a unique and customizable experience that is tailored to the individual preferences of guests.

It is difficult to predict the future of the glamping industry, as it is influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. However, based on current trends, it is likely that the glamping industry will continue to grow and evolve in the next 10 years.

Some potential developments in the glamping industry in the next 10 years may include:

• Increased adoption of sustainable practices: As environmental awareness continues to grow, it is likely that more glamping businesses will adopt sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and eco-friendly products, to reduce their impact on the environment.
• Expansion into new locations: As the demand for glamping continues to grow, it is likely that more businesses will enter the market and expand into new locations, both domestically and internationally.
• Introduction of new technologies: As technology continues to advance, it is likely that new technologies will be introduced that can enhance the glamping experience, such as virtual reality, smart home systems, and wearable devices.
• Development of new accommodations and amenities: As the market matures and competition increases, it is likely that businesses will continue to innovate and develop new accommodations and amenities to differentiate themselves and attract customers.

Overall, the glamping industry is likely to continue to grow and evolve in the next 10 years, offering new and exciting opportunities for businesses and customers alike.

There are various methods to finance a glamping company, the most common of which are as follows:

Self-funding: You may finance your glamping company using funds or assets that you can utilize to launch your business. If you have the money to pay the initial fees and don’t want to take on debt or give up stock in your firm, this might be a suitable alternative. However, since you may not have access to extra capital, self-funding may restrict your capacity to develop or grow your firm fast.

Bank loans: To support your company, you may ask for a loan from a bank or another financial organization. Loans of many forms are available, including term loans, lines of credit, and SBA loans. To get a loan, you will normally be expected to offer security as well as a thorough business plan, and you will be forced to repay the amount with interest.

Crowdfunding : This is a method of raising money from a large number of individuals, generally using an internet platform. Crowdfunding involves creating a campaign and establishing a fundraising goal, after which individuals may donate money to your campaign in return for prizes or privileges. If you have a strong internet presence and can design a compelling campaign that connects with prospective supporters, this might be a smart alternative.

Grants : Grant are sometimes available for small enterprises, particularly those in the tourist and hospitality industries. These awards are often offered by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or other organizations interested in assisting small enterprises. Grants are normally given via a competitive application procedure, and you will be required to submit thorough information about your firm and how you intend to utilize the grant monies.

Investors: Seek for investors that are interested in backing and financing your business in return for a stake in the company or a cut of the earnings. This might be a fantastic alternative if you need a large sum of money and are ready to give up a share of your company in exchange. However, it is critical to thoroughly evaluate the conditions of any investment agreement and ensure that they correspond with your long-term company objectives.

Partnerships: To assist support your glamping company, you may form partnerships or joint ventures with other companies or people. If you have complimentary abilities or resources and can profit from working together, this might be a smart alternative. A partnership may take many different forms, ranging from a simple agreement to split expenses to a more formal structure with shared ownership and profits.

Here are the Steps to Starting a Glamping Business

In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to start a glamping business, from researching the market and developing a business plan, to choosing a location and purchasing equipment and supplies. Whether you are looking to start a small-scale operation or a larger glamping resort , this guide will provide valuable insights and tips to help you get started.

Remember that starting a glamping business can vary on country, state, province, county and even by district or city. These steps are a good starting point but each potential entrepreneur should research the laws , regulations and what works best for their particular region.

There are several ways you can research the market and determine the demand for glamping in your area. Here are a few ideas:

• Conduct a market analysis to identify the size and growth potential of the local tourism industry. Look for information on the number of visitors to the area, their spending habits, and the types of activities and accommodations they are interested in.
• Analyze the competition to see what other glamping businesses are operating in the area and how they are positioned in the market. Consider factors such as their pricing, amenities, and customer reviews.
• Talk to local tourism agencies and organizations to learn more about the demand for glamping in the area. They may have data on the number of glamping accommodations available and the popularity of outdoor activities in the region.
• Reach out to potential customers and ask them about their interest in glamping. You can conduct surveys, focus groups, or interviews to gather information on their preferences and willingness to pay for a glamping experience.
• Monitor online platforms and social media to see what people are saying about glamping in your area. Look for reviews, comments, and discussions related to glamping and outdoor activities in the region.

By conducting research and gathering information from various sources, you can gain a better understanding of the market demand for glamping in your area. This can help you make informed decisions about your business and position it for success.

Step 2. Develop a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, pricing, and marketing strategy. This will help you stay organized and focused as you move forward with your business.

A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, target market, pricing, and marketing strategy for your business. Here are some steps you can follow to develop a business plan for your glamping business:

• Define your goals: Start by identifying the specific goals you want to achieve with starting a glamping business. These might include financial goals, such as generating a certain level of revenue, or non-financial goals, such as providing a unique and memorable experience for your guests.
• Identify your target market: Next, identify the customers you want to target with starting a glamping business. Consider factors such as their age, gender, income, interests, and location. This will help you tailor your marketing and pricing strategies to appeal to your target market.
• Develop a pricing strategy: Determine how you will price your glamping accommodations and services. Consider factors such as the cost of your supplies and labor, the competition, and the value you are offering to your customers.
• Create a marketing plan: Develop a plan for promoting your business and attracting customers. This might include creating a website, social media presence, and advertising in local and online publications. Consider the channels and methods that are most effective for reaching your target market.
• Outline your financial projections: Create a financial plan that outlines your projected costs and revenues for the first few years of your business. This will help you determine how much capital you need to start your business and how long it will take to break even.

By following these steps, you can create a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, pricing, and marketing strategy for your glamping business. Here is a sample glamping business plan template to get you started:

I. Executive Summary

• Brief overview of the business, including the goals, target market, and unique selling points.

II. Company Description

• Detailed description of the business, including the ownership structure, location, and services offered.

III. Market Analysis

• Analysis of the local tourism industry, including the size and growth potential, the competition, and the demand for glamping in the area.

IV. Target Market

• Description of the target market for the business, including their demographics, interests, and willingness to pay for a glamping experience.

V. Marketing and Sales Strategy

• Plan for promoting the business and attracting customers, including the use of a website, social media, and advertising.

VI. Financial Plan

• Outline of the projected costs and revenues for the first few years of the business, including the initial investment, operating costs, and projected profit.

VII. Conclusion

• Summary of the business plan and the key takeaways.

*It is important to remember that this is just a template, and you should adjust it to fit the specific needs and goals of your business.

Choosing a location for your glamping site is an important step in starting your business. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a location:

• Scenic views: Look for a location that offers beautiful views and scenery. This can help create a unique and memorable experience for your guests and differentiate your business from competitors.
• Access to outdoor activities: Consider the types of outdoor activities that are popular in the area and how your glamping site can provide access to them. This might include hiking, biking, fishing, or birdwatching.
• Proximity to amenities and attractions: Choose a location that is conveniently located near amenities and attractions that your guests may be interested in. This might include restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
• Zoning and building regulations: Check with local authorities to ensure that your glamping site complies with zoning and building regulations. This will help you avoid any legal issues or penalties in the future.
• Cost and availability: Consider the cost and availability of the property you are interested in. Make sure it fits within your budget and that you can secure the necessary permits and licenses to operate your business.

By considering these factors, you can choose a location for your glamping site that is scenic, convenient, and compliant with local regulations. This can help you attract guests and provide them with a unique and enjoyable experience. Apps and website like Zillow and be a good tool to narrow down potential properties.

Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to operate a glamping business is an important step in starting your business. Here are some tips to help you get the permits and licenses you need:

• Research the requirements: Start by researching the permits and licenses that are required for your specific type of business and location. This will vary depending on factors such as the size of your business, the type of accommodations you are offering, and the local regulations.
• Contact the appropriate agencies: Contact the local, state, and federal agencies that are responsible for issuing the permits and licenses you need. This might include the zoning department, building department, health department, and fire department.
• Submit the required documentation: Gather the required documentation and submit it to the appropriate agencies. This might include a business license application, building plans, and health and safety inspection reports.
• Pay the fees: Most permits and licenses require a fee to be paid. Make sure you have the necessary funds to cover the fees and any additional costs, such as inspection fees or legal fees.
• Follow the regulations: Once you have obtained the necessary permits and licenses, make sure you follow the regulations and requirements associated with them. This will help you avoid any penalties or legal issues in the future.

By following these tips, you can obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate your glamping business. This will help ensure that your business is compliant with local regulations and can operate legally.

Selecting the type of accommodations you want to offer for your glamping business is an important decision that will impact the overall experience you provide to your guests. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the type of accommodations for your business:

• Size: Consider the size of the accommodations you want to offer. This will depend on the number of guests you want to accommodate and the space you have available on your property.
• Amenities: Think about the amenities you want to provide in your accommodations. This might include a bathroom, kitchen, heating and cooling, and electricity.
• Cost: Evaluate the cost of purchasing or renting the accommodations you are considering. Consider factors such as the initial investment, maintenance costs, and potential return on investment.
• Style: Consider the style and design of the accommodations you want to offer. This will depend on the overall theme and atmosphere you want to create for your business.

By considering these factors, you can select the type of accommodations that are best suited to your business goals, target market, and property. The most common types of glamping today are Bell Tents and other glamping tents , Yurts , Treehouses, Domes , Tipis, Tiny Homes, Cabins and RVs. This will help you provide a unique and enjoyable experience for your guests.

It is critical to follow local norms and codes while constructing glamping structures such as yurts, treehouses, pods, and domes. Here are some significant concerns for each structural type including building permits, zoning, environmental restrictions and health and safety for customers:

Yurts can be categorized as temporary or semi-permanent constructions, which may exempt them from several building codes. Specific rules should be checked with your local government.

Treehouses, because of their distinctive structure and possible influence on trees and the surrounding environment, treehouses may necessitate a more thorough approval process. To maintain the health and longevity of the trees that support your treehouses, consult with an arborist. Weight distribution, tree growth, and wind resistance should all be considered while designing a treehouse. All in all for safety during tree house building, it is normally advisable to undertake as much work on the ground as possible while keeping long-term sustainability in mind.

Pods , which are frequently prefabricated, may have specialized installation and foundation requirements, especially if they incorporate water and electrical services.

Geodesic domes and other dome structures may require special engineering and design to ensure their stability and safety.

Consult with local authorities, builders, architects, and engineers who are knowledgeable with the legislation and requirements for your specific location and type of glamping building. Adequate research and planning may help you avoid possible problems and guarantee that your glamping business functions securely and legally.

To purchase or rent the equipment and supplies you need for starting a glamping business, you can follow these steps:

• Create a list of the items you need: Start by making a list of the equipment and supplies you need for your glamping business. This might include items such as furniture, linens, kitchen supplies, and outdoor gear.
• Research the options: Next, research the different options for purchasing or renting the items on your list. Consider factors such as the quality, cost, and availability of the products.
• Compare prices: Compare the prices of the products you are considering from different suppliers or vendors. This will help you find the best deals and avoid overpaying for the items you need.
• Place your order: Once you have selected the products you want to purchase or rent, place your order with the supplier or vendor. Make sure you provide accurate and complete information, such as your shipping address and payment details.
• Arrange for delivery or pickup: Arrange for the delivery or pickup of your order. If you are purchasing the items, they will likely be shipped to your location. If you are renting, you may need to pick up the items from the rental company.

Yes, you may need to invest in utilities, such as electricity, water, and sewage, to operate your glamping business. This will depend on the type of accommodations you are offering and the amenities you are providing. You will need to research the options and costs for providing these utilities to your guests.

Marketing your glamping business and promoting it to potential guests is an important step in attracting customers and growing your business. Here are some ways you can market your business and promote it to potential guests:

• Create a website: Develop a website for your business that provides information about your accommodations, amenities, pricing, and location. Include high-quality photos and videos to showcase your property and the experience you are offering.
• Use social media: Use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to promote your business and engage with potential guests. Post regular updates, photos, and videos to showcase your property and the activities and amenities available.
• Advertising: Consider advertising your business in local and online publications, such as newspapers, magazines, and travel websites. This can help increase visibility and reach a wider audience of potential guests. In fact, we offer a service to promote your glamping property on All About Glamping.
• Partnerships: Consider partnering with other businesses or organizations that serve the same target market as your business. This might include local tour operators, outdoor equipment rental companies, or restaurants.
• Customer service: Provide excellent customer service and a unique experience for your guests. This will help you attract positive reviews and repeat customers, which can help your business grow.

By using these marketing and promotion strategies, you can increase awareness of your glamping business and attract potential guests. This will help you grow your business and provide a unique and memorable experience for your guests.

Providing excellent customer service and a unique experience for your glamping business guests is essential for attracting repeat customers and positive reviews. Here are some ways you can provide and maintain excellent customer service and a unique experience for your guests:

• Anticipate and address their needs: Anticipate the needs of your guests and do your best to address them. This might include providing information about the area, offering recommendations for activities and attractions, and responding to any questions or concerns they may have.
• Make them feel welcome: Make your guests feel welcome and comfortable during their stay. This might include providing a warm greeting upon arrival, offering refreshments, and providing information about the property and amenities.
• Keep the property clean and well-maintained: Keep the property clean and well-maintained to ensure that your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This might include regular cleaning, maintenance, and repairs of the accommodations and amenities.
• Offer additional services and amenities: Consider offering additional services and amenities that can enhance your guests’ experience. This might include providing meals, arranging transportation, or offering outdoor activities or entertainment.
• Gather feedback: Gather feedback from your guests to learn about their experience and identify areas for improvement. This might include conducting surveys or asking for reviews on social media or travel websites.

By following these steps, you can provide excellent customer service and a unique experience for your guests. This will help you attract repeat customers and positive reviews, which can help your business grow.

Starting a glamping business can be a challenging and rewarding venture, but there are potential mistakes that business owners may come across. Here are some common mistakes that glamping as a business owners may encounter:

• Not researching the market and competition: Failing to research the market and competition can lead to poor business decisions, such as choosing the wrong location or pricing the accommodations incorrectly. It is important to conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for glamping in your area and the level of competition.
• Not obtaining the necessary permits and licenses: Not obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to operate a glamping business can result in legal issues and penalties. It is important to research the requirements for your specific business and location and to obtain all the necessary permits and licenses before starting your business.
• Not providing excellent customer service: Not providing excellent customer service can lead to negative reviews and a lack of repeat customers. It is important to provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for your guests and to address any concerns or issues they may have.
• Not having a clear marketing and promotion plan: Not having a clear marketing and promotion plan can make it difficult to attract customers and grow your business. It is important to develop a plan for promoting your business and reaching your target market, and to regularly update and adapt your plan as needed.
• Not having a realistic financial plan: Not having a realistic financial plan can lead to financial difficulties and potential failure of the business. It is important to create a financial plan

When starting a glamping business, there are many questions that you may have. Please read our step by step process on starting a glamping business to get more detailed answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with their simple answers:

What is glamping?

Glamping is a form of tourism that combines camping with luxury and comfort. It offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a unique and luxurious setting, with amenities and comforts that are not typically found in traditional camping.

How do I choose a location for my glamping business?

When choosing a location for your glamping business, consider factors such as the scenic views, access to outdoor activities, proximity to amenities and attractions, zoning and building regulations, and cost and availability.

How do I obtain the necessary permits and licenses?

To obtain the necessary permits and licenses, research the requirements for your specific business and location, contact the appropriate agencies, submit the required documentation, pay the fees, and follow the regulations.

How do I choose the type of accommodations to offer?

When choosing the type of accommodations to offer, consider factors such as the size, amenities, cost, and style. Yurts, which are considered as temporary or semi-permanent buildings, may be excluded from some building codes. Treehouses involve thorough permission and arborist consultations, taking into account aspects such as weight distribution and tree development. Installation, foundation, and particular engineering and design requirements for stability and safety are all important considerations for pods and domes, which are frequently prefabricated.

How do I purchase or rent the equipment and supplies I need?

To purchase or rent the equipment and supplies you need, create a list of the items you need, research the options, compare prices, place your order, and arrange for delivery or pickup.

How do I market and promote my business?

To market and promote your business, create a website, use social media, consider advertising, form partnerships, and provide excellent customer service.

Starting a Glamping Business in 8 Easy Steps Pinterest Pin

Glamping Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Glamping Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Glamping business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Glamping businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Glamping business plan and start your own a glamping business.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Oregon Glamping Company is a glamping business located in Eugene, Oregon. We provide glamping supplies and structures to individuals as well as businesses that set up glamping experiences and glamping sites for their customers (such as campgrounds, state parks, travel agencies, and Airbnbs). Our customers can choose from a wide range of structures and accessories, including yurts, tents, domes, beds, showers, and hot tubs. All supplies are made with the highest quality materials to ensure that campers have a luxury camping experience. Our excellent service, fast shipping, and quality products will ensure that we are the #1 glamping supply store in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon Glamping business is founded by Tyler Grant. Tyler has been an avid camper and glamper his entire life. He has always wanted to start a glamping business and knows what supplies are needed for the ultimate glamping experience. In addition to his passion for glamping, he has been a senior manager at a Fortune 500 company for several years, which has given him the experience and expertise needed to run a business. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable to building a successful glamping business.

Product Offering

Oregon Glamping Company will sell everything that is needed to have the ultimate glamping experience. This includes tents, yurts, domes, furniture, fixtures, and other accessories. All of our products will be made with premium quality materials so that everyone who uses them will experience ultimate luxury while they are camping.

Customer Focus

Oregon Glamping Company will serve businesses in the Oregon tourism industry that want to offer an ultimate glamping experience for their customers. This can include state and local parks, Airbnbs, campgrounds, and other similar businesses. We will also sell our products to individuals who want to create their own glamping experience in their backyard or buy glamping accessories that can be easily transported.

Management Team

Success factors.

Oregon Glamping Company is primed for success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• There are very few glamping stores in the region, which means we will have little competition.
• Tyler has experience glamping as well as running the operations of a large business.
• Glamping is becoming increasingly popular so there is great demand for our products.

Financial Highlights

Oregon Glamping Company is currently seeking $700,000 to launch. The funding will be dedicated to the office build out, purchase of initial inventory and supplies, working capital, marketing costs, and startup overhead expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Store design/build: $100,000
• Initial equipment and supplies: $300,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $100,000
• Marketing costs: $100,000
• Working capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Oregon Glamping Company.

Company Overview

Who is the oregon glamping company.

Oregon Glamping Company is a glamping business located in Eugene, Oregon. We provide glamping supplies and structures, including yurts, tents, domes, and glamping furniture. We aim the be the #1 supply store in the Pacific Northwest for businesses who want to set up glamping structures and experiences for their customers. We also sell these supplies to individuals who want to create these glamping experiences themselves. Though we are located in Oregon, we expect most of our clientele will be located throughout the West Coast. We also expect to receive sales from other regions throughout the United States.

  Oregon Glamping Company is founded by Tyler Grant. Tyler has been an avid camper and glamper his entire life and knows what supplies are needed for the ultimate glamping experience. In addition to his passion for glamping, he has been a senior manager at a Fortune 500 company for several years, which has given him the experience and expertise needed to run a business. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable to building a successful glamping business.

Oregon Glamping Company’s History

Tyler Grant incorporated Oregon Glamping Company as an S-Corporation on February 1st, 2023. The business is currently being run out of Tyler home, but once the lease for Oregon Glamping Company’s retail location is finalized, all operations will be run from there.

Since incorporation, Oregon Glamping Company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a retail space and signed a Letter of Intent to purchase it
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Determined equipment and inventory requirements
• Begun recruiting key employees

Oregon Glamping Company’s Services

Oregon Glamping Company will provide glamping structures and furniture to help its clients create the ultimate glamping experience. Some of these items include:

• Dining tables

Industry Analysis

Travel and tourism have been on the rise in the past few years, especially since the pandemic ended. People are looking for creative ways to travel and leave their homes after several years of being cooped up indoors. As a result, industries that support or are connected to the travel and tourism industries have been growing and recovering from pandemic-related losses. Some of the industries that are profiting from this trend include camping and glamping.

“Glamping” is a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping.” It is a style of camping that includes lavish glamping accommodations such as luxurious tents and huts, comfortable beds, appliances, and hot tubs. This style of camping is great for people who want to enjoy the great outdoors but don’t want to “rough it.” It is a fairly new concept but the glamping industry is already proving to be highly profitable.

According to market research the glamping industry is already valued at around $2.73 billion USD and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from now until 2023. This is substantial growth and shows just how popular glamping has become in recent years. Therefore, this is a great time to introduce a new business to the glamping market.

Customer Market Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Oregon Glamping Company will serve businesses in the Oregon tourism and travel industry that want to offer an ultimate glamping experience for their customers. This can include state and local parks, Airbnbs, campgrounds, and other similar businesses. We will also sell our products to individuals who want to create their own glamping experience in their backyard or buy glamping accessories that can be easily transported.

Customer Segmentation

Oregon Glamping Company will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Campgrounds
• Glamping Sites
• Local parks

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Oregon Glamping Company will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Rick’s Glamping Rentals

For nearly a decade, Rick’s Glamping Rentals have been a popular source for glamping structures and supplies for the residents of the Pacific Northwest. They rent out glamping gear to their customers, including tents, furniture items, appliances, and accessories. Rick’s is the perfect place for those who want the glamping experience without the cost of purchasing these accommodations permanently. Rentals are charged by the day and costs are determined by the length of the rental period as well as what specific supplies are being rented out.

While Rick’s will continue to thrive, they target a customer base that prefers to rent glamping gear to save money. Customers who would prefer to purchase equipment and not just rent it will be more interested in frequenting our establishment.

The Camping Warehouse

The Camping Warehouse has been a major supplier of all things camping for decades. Every camping item that a person can think of is sold by The Camping Warehouse. This includes tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, and camping clothing. While The Camping Warehouse has a very successful business model, they do not sell glamping supplies so they will only provide indirect competition.

The Glamping Store

Established in 2015, The Glamping Store has been one of the most popular stores to buy glamping supplies. It is a wholly online store that ships glamping tents, yurts, furniture, and other supplies to customers all around the United States. Though The Glamping Store will continue to thrive, the store is designed to sell supplies that can be easily transportable, such as foldable tents and furniture. Businesses and other customers who want to create more permanent glamping accommodations will be more interested in shopping with our business.

Competitive Advantage

Oregon Glamping Company will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Management : Oregon Glamping Company’s management team has years of business and marketing experience that allows the company to market to and serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than competitors.
• Customer service : Oregon Glamping Company exhibits a strong dedication to perfect customer service every step of the way. From the first time a customer visits our site to the day their order arrives, they will receive the friendliest and most helpful service that can be found in the hospitality industry.
• Quality : We guarantee that we sell the best quality glamping products in the industry.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Oregon Glamping Company will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Offering high-quality and luxury glamping gear and supplies
• Providing excellent customer service
• Fast shipping and a smooth online ordering experience

Promotions Strategy

The marketing strategies for Oregon Glamping Company are as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The company will have several social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. These accounts will showcase pictures of the products and gear we sell. The company will use targeted marketing to appeal to our target demographics.

SEO Website Marketing

Oregon Glamping Company will invest funds into maintaining a strong SEO presence on search engines like Google and Bing. When a person types in “local glamping companies” or “Oregon glamping companies”, Oregon Glamping Company will appear in the top three choices.

Advertisement

Advertisements in print publications like newspapers, magazines, etc., are an excellent way for businesses to connect with their audience. Oregon Glamping Company will advertise its products in popular magazines and journals.

Ongoing Customer Communications

Oregon Glamping Company will publish a monthly email newsletter to tell customers about promotions, events, and discounts.

The pricing of Oregon Glamping Company will reflect the premium quality of our glamping equipment but still be on par with our competitors’ prices.

Operations Plan

Oregon Glamping Company will utilize the following operations plan. Operation Functions:

• Tyler will be the Owner of Oregon Glamping Company and will run the general operations of the company.
• He will spend the next year hiring the following employees to help him run the business:
• An Administrative Assistant who can answer phones and work on general administrative tasks.
• An Accountant who will manage all client invoicing, billing, and payables.
• A Marketing Assistant who will run all the marketing and promotions campaigns.
• Several associates who will fulfill orders and ship them out.

Milestones:

Oregon Glamping Company will have the following milestones complete in the next six months:

• 5/1/202X – Finalize lease agreement for office space
• 6/1/202X – Office build out
• 7/1/202X – Hire and train essential staff
• 8/1/202X – Begin marketing campaign
• 9/1/202X – Launch Oregon Glamping Company
• 10/1/202X – Reach break even

Oregon Glamping is founded by Tyler Grant. Tyler has been an avid camper and glamper his entire life. As such, he is an expert in all things camping, including what accessories and supplies are needed to make it a luxury camping experience. His knowledge and expertise as a camper will provide the company direction as to what supplies should be sold and which demographics should be targeted.

Tyler also has considerable experience as a senior manager for a Fortune 500 company. Though he has never run his own business, Tyler’s experience as a senior manager has given him an in-depth knowledge of the operations and the management sides of running a profitable business. He will hire several staff to help him run the aspects of the business he is unfamiliar with.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Oregon Glamping will come from the sales we earn from selling glamping supplies and gear.

The cost drivers for Oregon Glamping will include the overhead costs, salaries, cost of supplies, and marketing expenses.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve a profitable glamping business and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of monthly customers: 15
• Annual lease: $100,000
• Average order value: $10,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, glamping business plan faqs, what is a glamping business plan.

A glamping business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your arcade business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Glamping business plan using our Glamping Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Glamping Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of glamping businesses , some examples include: Tents, Yurts and Domes, Treehouse, Tepees, Camper Van, and Eco-pods.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Glamping Business Plan?

Glamping businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Glamping Business?

Starting a glamping business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Glamping Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed glamping business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your glamping business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your glamping business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Glamping Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your glamping business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your glamping business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Glamping Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your glamping business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your glamping business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Click Here For The Glamping Business Academy »

How to start a glamping business in 2024: independent advice.

If you are wondering how to start a glamping business and the income you might be able to achieve, then you must begin by understanding the industry and the lifestyle that it offers. If this has you hooked then the key to getting it right is to seek out all the information you can. In this article, we have given you everything you need, including access to a glamping business course that will help you develop your campground business plan and make your journey even easier.

It’s safe to say we’re a BIG fan of glamping and smoothing the edges of roughing it (that’s our tagline!)… and we’re not the only ones. This leisure activity is attracting a new market into the camping and tourism industry, full of people who like the idea of camping but hate the idea of roughing it. And all the evidence shows it’s set to increase in years to come .

It seems you’ve noticed this too and are keen to join the unique vacation rental and staycation party in the hospitality industry. So to help you with your information gathering about how to set up a glamping site (also known as a more exciting version of starting a camping business), we have covered everything you need to know about this growing trend and why it has become so popular.

We even interview an existing luxury camping operator and share this at the end. This is essential reading for those thinking of starting a glamping business.

In fact, we could teach this stuff!

Actually… ahem… we already do, and with 5000+ Happy customers |2000+ businesses launched |18+ countries served worldwide, we have a lot of experience under our belt when it comes to setting up a glamping business!

So if after delving into the below you want to find out more about how to set up and successfully promote a glamping business or unique vacation rental, check out the Inspired Courses Glamping Business Start-Up Guide or click the link in the main menu for start-up advice.

This independent guide has been curated by Sarah Riley , one of the longest-serving expert advisers in the unique holiday rental, glamping, and experiential vacation industry. She helps new owners develop their luxury camping site business plans and launch their services in what has become one of the most exciting new ventures for nature lovers and those wanting to leave their 9 to 5 office jobs.

How To Start A Glamping Business

Brief summary:.

Here’s a summary of the glamping business start-up phases, which I deal with in detail afterwards:

• Know the glamping business models and options available to you
• Understand the advantages and costs of each
• Focus on land feasibility considerations before setting up a site
• Seek advice for obtaining permissions in your country
• Do your sums to understand the income you can expect to generate – especially cash flow projections (we’ve included more about glamping business income in this article.
• Complete a business plan template and use real examples and a checklist to help
• Know the maintenance considerations you need to make
• Focus on what makes what you offer so unique and promote, promote, promote!

Detailed Steps:

1. know the glamping business models and options available.

This is all about getting the business model and abode right in the research stage. This is as much about understanding your lifestyle needs as a business owner and what will be loved by your customers. It is not always… go-big-or-go-home. Sometimes it’s… stay-small-and-stay-sane. The key is to choose something that suits your location, budget, and potential customers, but also that suits you. So when you begin wondering how to start a camping business and how much it might cost to set up, start by asking yourself what you want to result from your venture in terms of work/life balance and lifestyle.

2. Understand The Advantages And Costs Of Each

Believe it or not, each mode of glamping or business model comes with its advantages, disadvantages, season length (and therefore turnover), set-up costs, and maintenance fees. For example, starting a glamping pod business will have a very different return on investment and associated maintenance costs, compared to a lotus belle tent business. Therefore getting this right within your cash flow forecasts and set-up budget is essential to understand your business profitability and return on investment ROI. Also, it is worth considering the resale value of what you buy whenever you want to start your exit plan (see the Glamping business for sale section below).

3. Focus On Land Feasibility Considerations Before Setting Up A Site

This is as much about views and vistas as it is about what tourism naturally exists in your area already. It is also about what will co-exist effortlessly with the natural topography of the land. But it can also be as simple as understanding how your guests will interact with the land, its flora and fauna, and the local area and what it has on offer for them.

4. Seek Advice For Obtaining Permissions In Your Country

Every country is different and that means that the permissions needed to set up a business on your land are also different. This includes health and safety regulations and potential concerns about gaining permission for your new holiday rentals.

One of the biggest issues reported by new business owners in the networking group is how long it takes to achieve planning permission. Although many planning departments suggest it will take a minimum of 6 months, it often takes 1-2 years. Knowing the potential pitfalls for your site will help you get through this faster.

A popular camping business idea is to find campgrounds for sale by the owner nearby and convert them into a glamping business. If it’s already designated as a camping business the zoning and permits are already in place making your campsite business plan and higher revenue glamping service easier. So if you are planning to buy land, a campsite, a campground or a glamping business, check out this article with The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses.

5. Do Your Sums To Understand The Income You Can Expect To Generate

This is about what happens after the setup phase of your business. Putting together robust cash-flow spreadsheets of at least 3 years, to include your costs such as staffing, office costs, land rental fees or costs, infrastructure costs, booking agent fees and so on will give you a much-needed reality check about the ongoing profitability of your business and the finance you will have available to grow and further develop your site.

6. Complete A Business Plan Template And Use Real Examples To Help

This is essential work for any owner at the beginning of their business development. The process of finding out everything you will need to spend and any income you can make with your site, which is unique, is extremely helpful when making decisions. It is also compulsory when seeking funding or investment in your business dreams. So if you are wondering how much it costs to start a glamping site, the potential income you can gain and how long it will take you to make it profitable, start with a robust business plan.

7. Know The Maintenance Considerations You Need To Make

Not all modes of glamping come with the same maintenance. The same can be said for your land and buildings. There is no one-size-fits-all here. You have to know the maintenance considerations for your business and factor them into your decision-making for future years.

8. Focus on what makes what you offer so unique and promote, promote, promote!

As this industry becomes more competitive you must understand how you can get your business to stand out from the crowd. Also known as the ‘Wow’ factor this is when you can use your uniqueness and essential promotional techniques to ensure the success of your new project when it launches and grows.

Remember, there is only one of you so this is a great place to start when setting your offer apart from everyone else. Listen to the podcast episode where Sarah Riley discusses what to do in the face of extra competition and an economic slowdown .

As a final note to the need for a unique approach, remember to consider what your guests want and how you can encourage them to return year after year to stay with you. Often this is as much about the service you provide as the variety of options you give them, so they can try something different each time they come back.

Are glamping pods a good investment?

While we dive deep into the topic of tents in our glamping tent wiki and what you need to think about before you purchase one to avoid wasting thousands of dollars/euros/pounds, we haven’t touched on the topic of glamping pods.

While there are many to choose from the question remains, are glamping pods a good investment, or have these designs had their day?

The activity of glamping first started to get popular in 2010 and for many years glamping pods have been part of that trend. However, as glamping has evolved, so too have the expectations of the glamper. As millennials, Gen Y, and Gen Z start to overtake Gen X and boomers as the majority of the population that enjoys this activity, they bring with them a need to do things differently.

Millennials, for example, are poised to be the biggest spenders , as they move into their prime earning and spending years, so they are dominating conversations around product strategy and marketing.

When looking at this industry, research shows us that 70% of millennials will spend a little extra to eat at the hip restaurants in town, which shows that it’s the experience for them that matters. However, the same research also shows that they’re unable to afford regular vacations because they struggle to save.

As millennials consider social responsibility and environmental friendliness when deciding upon their purchases, with this added to the fact they like an experience but struggle to save for them, it is reasonable to assume that affordable unique experiences that are kind to the environment could be very attractive to millennials.

So putting this into the context of some typical styles of glamping pods, which are very popular and therefore not so unique may seem less attractive to them. So our advice would be not to follow the herd and instead seek out less typical styles of glamping pods. We believe that providing a unique experience is the best way to ensure that glamping pods are a good investment if you consider them for your project

How much does a glamping pod cost?

There are many different glamping pod designs and many come with completely different price tags. So the question asking ‘how much does a glamping pod cost?’ is not an easy one to answer. The best approach is to look at the land you have available, the pod options that exist, the permissions you have to build a pod, and the style of business you would like to run. These will all have a significant impact on the price you pay. You will also need to consider the infrastructure and utilities too. If you want to run a glamping pod business that is environmentally sensitive to the area and has off-grid capabilities then this will be significantly cheaper than footings and pipes connecting the structure to the utilities. As you can see there are a lot of factors to consider but starting with your pod design and business aspirations is a great start.

Bonus Unique Holiday Rental Start-Up Help, Advice, And Ideas

• Glamping Worldwide: How it has moved from a trend to a significant industry and business model – Read the article here
• Why this year is the perfect time to start a glamping business – Read the article here
• The 6 signs you’re heading towards glamping business success… or not! – read the article here
• How farmers and landowners are using glamping to successfully manage income fluctuations – read the article here
• How to get more bookings for your unique rental accommodation – read the article here
• New and very exciting pod homes and portable shelter designs that are starting to show up in the world of glamping – read the article here
• The ultimate secret to a unique holiday rental and glamping business success, and something few are talking about – read the article here
• How to get planning permission for your glamping site or even if you need planning permission at all? This is especially helpful to understand if you need planning for your yurts, wooden pods, safari tents, treehouses, bell tents, shepherd huts, cabins, and wagons, or whatever business model you intend to develop – read the article and listen to the podcast here – which also gives more information about the 28-day camping rule and campsite license in the UK.

Luxury Camping And Glamping Site Set-Up Advice:

For more in-depth glamping and luxury camping business set-up advice, step-by-step guides, business planning templates, financial projections, and specific industry information for 2021, take a look at the expert’s Ultimate Glamping Business Start-Up Guide with Inspired Courses. This is an affordable way to start a successful glamping business quickly while avoiding the expensive pitfalls.

To keep in touch with industry news, build new business relationships, and seek more advice, you can  join the  Facebook Glamping Business Community run by Sarah Riley, which is full of thousands of glamping business owners and dreamers working hard to make their ideas a reality in 2021. In fact, it is the largest community available for you to get your questions answered.

And finally, get your hands on some fabulous free resources that have been designed to support new business owners in this industry, including:

• 6 accelerators that lead to glamping business and holiday rental success, and
• 5 mistakes hospitality owners often make, which halt their future growth.

The Glamping Business And Unique Holiday Rental Podcast

We are also meeting and interviewing some very knowledgeable individuals who are already deeply involved in the glamping business market, allowing us to learn from them and share their knowledge.

Find out more through inspirational episodes of the Podcast – The Business of Glamping And Unique Holiday Rentals.

Thinking Of Starting A New Hospitality Business Or Unique Holiday Rental? Worried About The Economy or Increasing Competition?

Then this is what you need to know.

We are often asked questions by readers and listeners of the podcast, and one such question was something that’s been on a lot of our minds recently.

How do we face the challenges of increasing competition or an economic downturn?

Firstly, if you’re concerned, take a look at this report , which highlights that “the global glamping market size was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2019 to 2025.” Interesting huh?

Also, we discussed this question in episode #18 of the podcast – Glamping And Unique Holiday Rentals In An Economic Downturn Or With Increasing Competition which you can also listen to on Spotify and iTunes .

Click the links to multi-task your research stage and listen in the car or while you’re working (perfect!).

How Do You Find Glamping Business For Sale

Occasionally an opportunity arises that allows you to take advantage of what someone else has already set up and run for some time.

This helps remove the stress of achieving the relevant permissions for your site, but it also means that a good chunk of the capital profits achieved from a start-from-scratch site is enjoyed by the person you are buying the business from.

However, if you are looking to buy a ready-made package, and want to discover how you can buy a glamping business for sale, here’s a quick list of what you need to find out before you consider taking the plunge.

Checklist Of Information You Need

• Annual revenue and net profit after costs since the business was set up.
• If any branding assets and websites or booking systems are included.
• If previous customer booking details are included.
• If it will be freehold or leasehold.
• What capital assets are included?
• If there are any outstanding debtors.
• If it will deliver the lifestyle you want. This is important.
• Finally, consider if you have an exit strategy and a way of building value on your investment.

Ways to find glamping businesses for sale include

• Searching the Internet
• Contacting your local estate agent, land agent, or realtor
• Visiting online auction companies
• Contacting owners directly to explore if they are interested in selling

For more tips, read this article with Inspired Courses .

Case Study: Glamping Business Start-Up Interview

Finally, we spoke to Jakie Jewell from Classic Glamping about how someone could go about starting a glamping business if they had access to a plot of land and wanted to develop a unique campground business plan.

We talk about the permissions you need to set up a glamping site and the basic knowledge and systems required to run it. We also touch on how much it costs to start a glamping site and the likely return you will get for it.

For a more in-depth understanding of the set-up costs, you will need, likely annual maintenance costs, and potential income for a holiday abode, take a look at The Ultimate Glamping Start Up Guide here, which provides a cash flow example, business plan templates, and costs associated with setting up the main types of structures. This is essential for getting a firm grasp of your budgeting and return on investment of your site from the start.

Glamping Business Expert Interview

Tell us a bit about classic glamping..

Classic Glamping is the younger sibling of Classic Cottages, the holiday cottage specialists in the West Country with almost 40 years of experience in the industry. Back in 1976, Tony and Clare Tregoning started the business with no idea where it would end up. Their founding ambition was to change the way holiday cottages were perceived by guests, as basic boxes with nasty furniture and a tin pot saucepan. In short, they wanted to make self-catering more of a pleasure. They worked with the owners of the cottages to turn them into homes. So you could arrive after a long drive, to flowers and homemade cake on the table, a fire all ready to light, and everything in a kitchen to enjoy a full roast dinner. This set a new standard for the industry and created a sea of change in holiday accommodation. We are going about glamping in a similar way with 3 very important guarantees to our guests that no other agent can boast:

• You get your own bathroom – a hot shower in every one of our glamping accommodations.
• You get your own private toilet – not the compost type, one that flushes.
• You get the service of a company that tries harder and you are covered by our standards across the board.

How much land do you believe should be allocated to providing a glamping area for one safari tent and its inhabitants?

Ideally at least half an acre, however, the more area available the better. Classic Glamping is all about providing outstanding glamping accommodation in great locations with space, freedom, and privacy to enjoy the countryside – a totally different experience from your average campsite. Ideally, the location should provide some form of unique attraction; it may be a working farm, centred in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have easy access to the coast or simply be adjacent to a copse or woodland.

With this in mind what would you recommend is the largest and smallest overall area for a glamping site?

This really depends on the location. For example, if you had a plot of land with sea views and a short distance to a beach, you could comfortably market three safari tents on a one-acre plot due to the advantage of the coastal location. If you had a plot of land situated inland, four to five tents on a five-acre plot would maximise your potential income without over-accommodating the site and without sacrificing the overall experience we are selling.

What is the process for applying for and gaining planning permission to have a site on land?

Planning permission is required but it should be a much lighter touch than for a permanent structure. A number of planning departments/councils have a stated aim of assisting in the development of tourism and many are supportive of farm diversification which can help with the process.

Does it matter what type of planning consent already exists on the land, e.g. already equine or pasture consents exist?

In that circumstance, the land would require a change of use as part of the application.

What planning pitfalls or problems have you experienced so far with this process?

Encouragingly we have not experienced any problems with the planning side. Two of the sites we market are in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and both these applications went through without any hitches. However, the pre-planning work was covered extensively. One of the sites also sits on a Site of Scientific Special Interest which was a little nail-biting and costly but thankfully nothing was found during an archaeological dig so all was well!

Do you have any top tips to help a landowner gain permission for such a site and possibly avoid the above problems?

My advice would be to employ a planning consultant that knows something about the subject of glamping and that has a proven record of permissions granted in your area. A planning consultant has the tools to be able to immediately identify if there may be an issue with the land and ensure that the application runs smoothly. The downside is that they can be costly but I do think it is money well spent in the long run.

What key skills do you think someone should have if they are thinking of starting a glamping business, and particularly how would someone know if they are cut out for the job?

I think the most important experience is some form of background in the hospitality industry particularly in providing holiday accommodation. It can be quite a demanding job, particularly during the summer months, but very rewarding at the same time.

What level of investment is needed if they wanted to set up the kind of glamping area you recommend and what would this buy?

Having done extensive research in the market we have concluded that the accommodation that maximises the return on investment is the large safari tent, accommodating six persons (plus a baby in a cot). The safari tent is set on a raised wooden platform with an extended deck and flysheet at the front. At the rear, there is an extended covered area housing a shower and WC unit, a fridge, and a mains power socket. The interior consists of two partitioned bedrooms configured as a double and a twin, and further sleeping accommodation in the form of a double den bed. The main living space comprises of a kitchen area with a sink and wood-fired range, a dining area with a table and chairs, and a comfy seating area adjacent to the range. The unit is connected to mains water and electricity and is serviced by a septic tank.

What returns can an investor expect to receive for their investment?

Obviously, this varies depending on location and facilities but, marketed through Classic Glamping, you are looking at between £10,000 to £15,000 net profit (after deduction of our fees) per safari tent. However, we recommend doing detailed cash flow projections to make sure you are fully prepared.

For a more in-depth look at the financial returns an investor can expect, the costs of different glamping models, together with the advantages and disadvantages of investing in each one, take a look at the Glamping Business Start-up Guide which can be found here .

What else would you like to mention to anyone who wants to know how to start a glamping business, to get them excited about the idea?

The West Country is a renowned holiday destination but holiday accommodation in the most viable locations is becoming limited and indeed expensive to purchase. Luxury holiday accommodation is becoming ever increasingly popular and glamping captures this ‘luxury’ market but also provides a very different and very real West Country holiday experience. We predict that there is going to be rapid growth in this sector and we feel that providing the right glamping accommodation is a very viable proposition for any landowner.

Do you have any advice on the type of office systems someone setting up a glamping site might need, including; storage, maintenance, signage, email, stationery, bookkeeping and accounts, public liability coverage, reservations and administration?

If you use an agent, like ourselves, to market your glamping accommodation there is very little administration and no requirement for marketing or taking bookings and payments as we take care of all of that. You would need public liability insurance and indeed insurance for the accommodation itself and we work with a company in the West Country that specialises in this. You would need to think about storage of all your soft furnishings during the winter months as, depending on the location, we tend to advise closing the safari tents down between mid-November to the end of February. Therefore you would need to remove and dry store mattresses, linen, and anything that could deteriorate being left ‘outdoors’ during these months.

We hope this epic post has helped you understand how to start a glamping business or unique holiday rental and all the factors involved.

For more glamping business news and alerts, you can sign up for the Inspired Courses business network or join the Glamping Business Start Up & Grow Club .

Big thanks to Sarah Riley who contributed to this post.

For more Glamping Business interviews and inside industry information, take a look at The Ultimate Glamping Business Guide with Inspired Courses .

An affordable way to start a successful business while avoiding all of the expensive pitfalls. Perfect!

Picture Credits: Classic Glamping, Barefoot Glamping and Paul Ryan-Goff

Inspired Camping

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How to Write a Glamping Business Plan + Free Template

In this fast-paced world where schedules are tight, people are searching for more ways to relax. This is when the concept of the glamping business emerged rapidly. So, if you are going to start a glamping business, then this is a profitable venture.

However, starting a business and making it successful are different things and require different approaches and strategies. To make your glamping business successful, you will need a proper business plan as a roadmap.

A glamping business plan does not act only as a roadmap but also helps in getting funding. But do you know how to write one? Fret not, here is our glamping business plan template to help you in writing yours.

Before going to the steps directly, let us understand the meaning of glamping a business plan first.

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• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

What is a Glamping Business Plan?

A glamping business plan is a detailed document that includes strategies for starting and running a glamping business along with a financial plan.

It serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs, guiding them through various aspects of establishing and managing a successful glamping business.

The plan includes sections covering market analysis, target audience demographics, competitive landscape, marketing strategies, operational process, financial projections, and risk management.

By detailing these key components, a glamping business plan helps entrepreneurs clarify their vision, identify potential challenges, and develop strategies for achieving their goals.

Why is Glamping Business Plan Important?

Any individual can not reach a destination without proper directions, so a business plan is also like those directions needed for any business to reach success.

Apart from that, a glamping business plan helps in many things like:

Giving Guidance

A glamping business plan provides a strategic roadmap that outlines your goals, objectives, and the strategies needed to achieve them.

To Get Funding

An actionable business plan makes your glamping business more attractive and suitable for potential investors and partners. As it helps them in understanding the market and returns on investment in a better way.

Risk Mitigation

By conducting market research and identifying potential challenges upfront, a business plan helps you forecast and reduce the risks, resulting in increased chances of success.

Providing Operational Efficiency

The plan details everything about daily operational tasks like staffing, resource allocation, and scheduling so that your glamping business runs smoothly and efficiently.

Financial Planning

A business plan includes financial projections, helping you calculate startup costs, forecast revenue, and manage cash flow effectively, ensuring the financial health of your glamping business.

Helps in Measuring Progress

With clearly defined goals and digits, a business plan acts as a benchmark for measuring progress and adjusting strategies to get back to success.

Apart from all these, a business plan also helps in delegating the work, knowing the other steps of business, and much more. Now, let’s further proceed to the sections of the glamping business plan.

How to Write a Glamping Business Plan?

Writing a business plan is a necessary step for any business. You start the plan with an executive summary that sums up your entire plan and then move forward with a business description where you give details about your business.

After that, provide the details about the industry, market trends of the glamping business, financial summary, facilities your glamping business will provide, and everything about your business.

Your business plan will need organized sections to pique the interest of investors or your audience.

But do you know which section comes where? Don’t stress too much about it, as we have prepared a simple outline here for glamping businesses only. So, let’s move ahead.

Glamping Business Plan Outline

Here is the detailed business plan outline and template for a glamping business plan:

1. Executive Summary

Crafting an effective executive summary is necessary as it might be the only section your investors or partners will read before deciding on something.

An executive summary is the overview of the entire business plan, which is why entrepreneurs or business owners prefer to write it at the last.

It will include a business overview, mission statement, target audience, market analysis, financial overview, etc.

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2. Company Overview

Start this section by briefly introducing your glamping business along with its name, legal structure, vision, and mission.

Highlight your business history, emphasizing key milestones, and showcasing unique features.

As a glamping business, this section would consist of your business location, the structure of your team, and the type of legal entity. You can also include the achievements of the business.

3. Industry and Market Analysis

As the section’s name says it all, it is about analyzing the industry and market you will work in. First, you need to study the industry and then provide the insights here.

You should know the industry trends, industry size, your competitors, and the local market. Discuss regulatory factors, barriers to entry, and customer behavior, supporting insights with relevant data.

Conclude with the future of industry and business.

4. Competitor Analysis

To know the position of your business, it is necessary to go through all the competitors and analyze them. Begin by listing your direct and indirect competitors.

Then conduct a SWOT analysis to identify your USPs and know the market positioning of your glamping business. Regularly update your competitive analysis to remain trendy and on top of other competitors.

5. Product and Service Offerings

This section delivers all the details about the products and services you will provide to your customers.

As for a glamping business, this section might include services like luxury accommodations, outdoor activities, dining options, adventure experiences, entertainment, educational workshops, or special workshops.

You can even include any retail or merchandise your glamping business is providing.

6. Management Team

In this section of the glamping business plan, outline the key individuals responsible for running all the business operations.

Highlight their relevant experience, expertise, and roles in the organization. Also, introduce who is the CEO of the glamping business, along with the key members.

By showing the experience and strength of the team in this section, investors will be more interested in your business.

7. Marketing Plan

Here, in this section, you have to mention how will you attract and retain customers for your glamping business.

Start with mentioning the target market and then strategies to reach them effectively through various ways. You can use strategies like digital marketing, social media advertising & campaigns, or collaborating with travel influencers.

With the help of proper implementation of marketing strategies, you can maximize your reach and drive sales to your business.

8. Operations Plan

Start by detailing how you’ll manage bookings, check-ins, and check-outs. Outline how you’ll keep accommodations clean and comfy. Figure out who’ll be on your team and what they’ll do, like helping guests and managing maintenance.

Think about things like trash disposal, getting supplies, and keeping the area safe.

With a well-thought-out operations plan, you’ll be all set to give your guests a fantastic experience while keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

9. Financial Plan

Start the financial plan by estimating the startup costs of your glamping business including accommodations, amenities, marketing, salaries, and everything.

After that, make financial forecasts and prepare profit & loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and other necessary financial statements.

Additionally, consider your financial needs and challenges. And if you are going to investors, then ask for the amount you need for your business in this section.

Download Sample Glamping Business Plan

Looking to create your entire glamping business plan but not sure where to start? Worry not, here is our glamping business plan PDF to kick-start your business plan writing.

This template is tailored explicitly for the glamping business. Use it as an example and edit it according to your business needs. It will definitely business plan writing for you as speedy as possible.

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Start Preparing Your Business Plan with Upmetrics

In conclusion, a business plan is important for any business. It supports you in sorting everything out about your finances, daily operations, and hiring plans.

Thus, wait no more and start writing your business plan with Upmetrics AI Assistant , which will help you in each step of business plan writing.

It will also help you calculate financial forecasts, make your business plan look attractive with the help of graphs & charts, and guide you at each step of business plan writing.

So, wishing you all the best for your business plan writing journey!

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Frequently asked questions, how to get funding for your glamping business.

There are various ways through which a glamping business can receive funds, some of them are:

• Personal savings of the owner
• Funding from investors
• Crowdfunding
• Government grants

What is the easiest way to write your glamping business plan?

To write a business plan, a lot of research and information is needed. One of the easy ways is to go through various glamping business plan examples & templates and then alter the plan according to your business. If you don’t want to go through this fuss, business plan software will always be the most reliable way for you to start writing your glamping business plan.

What key components should a glamping business plan include?

A comprehensive glamping business plan should include the following key components:

• Executive Summary
• Business Description
• Market Analysis
• Marketing Strategy
• Operations Plan
• Financial Plan

Can a good glamping business plan help me secure funding?

Yes, a well-written business plan increases your chances of getting funding for your business. A great business plan showcases your vision, goals, and strategies for success, instilling confidence in potential investors.

What research should my glamping business plan contain?

Your glamping business plan should contain thorough research across various aspects of the industry and market. Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Market analysis
• Competitor analysis
• Location research
• Customer research
• Financial research
• Legal and regulatory research
• Sustainability research
• Industry trends and innovations

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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How to write your glamping business plan (with free template).

After a brief hiatus, the borders of New Zealand and Australia are open to everyone. The world’s travelers are looking at two of the most desirable nations to travel to once again. Things have changed though, the wants and needs of travelers are different now and the experiences and facilities they desire have shifted. 

Table of Contents

• Glamping Industry Overview
• Building Your First Glamping Business Plan
• Executive Summary
• Market Research
• Competitor Analysis
• Positioning Your Offer
• Marketing and Awareness
• Financial Planning 
• People & Operations Plan
• Funding Plans
• Free Business Plan Template

An evolving opportunity:

The drastic change in visitor data was confirmed in 2021 by Airbnb themselves  who are  craving unique listings and experiences to disconnect away from city centres. Pre-pandemic this was the complete opposite.

This is where glamping listings, retreats and resorts are winning globally as well as across Australia and New Zealand. Even traditional hotel and rental operators, where they can, are looking to add more glamping-like experiences on their own properties - be it full on overnight stays or rustic wood-fired hot tubs . 

The glamping advantage:

For entrepreneurs looking to get into the vacation market, a traditional build is becoming next to impossible. Many builds are being delayed upwards of six months at a time for simple things we took for granted, like drywall being readily available. Delays like this can put a business underwater before it gets off the ground. 

Glamping years ago may have been seen as a flashy trend but for multiple reasons now it’s become embedded into the high end short-term rental offerings:

• Consumer for ‘off-grid-like’ experiences with low/no contact with others
• Higher than baseline occupancy rates and cost per night compared to traditional offerings
• Extremely high Return on Investment (ROI) for owners
• Ability to quickly and easily expand and grow with demand, even with current supply chain issues. 

The market across Australasia and throughout the South Pacific is still in its early stages. The time is now for anyone with the right piece of land and the drive to build a steady source of new income by building a luxury glamping site and delivering remarkable guest experiences for both local and international travelers.  

But, you’ll need the right plan.

So, to make it easy, we’ve put together this detailed article along with the bare bones Business Plan headings and notes you can download for free. Whether you’re bootstrapping this yourself or are looking for others to invest into your glamping empire - you need a plan!

Let’s get after it…

When is the best time to enter the glamping industry?

The best time was yesterday, the second best time is today, and following along in third place will be tomorrow. 

The reality is New Zealand and Australia are finite markets and as one of the leading suppliers of glamping and off-grid experiences we’re only seeing this trend increase. What is key is to be quick to lay down the foundation of your glamping property and become a leader in the region. 

That being said though, the market is still in its infancy and there’s a lot of room for multiple glamping sites in every corner of the country, but the sooner you have yours live the better.   

Glamping Industry Overview 

The global glamping market size is already valued at USD $2.35 billion (NZD $3.6B / AUD $3.3B) and is expected to increase with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9% (CAGR).

Australasia and the South Pacific are poised to outpace this growth as the region is a couple of years behind that of Europe and North America.   

There are many factors that are attributing to this projected growth:

• Increasing awareness of glamping and off-grid-like accommodation
• Desire for stays out of major city centres
• Increased ability to work while traveling (‘staycations’ & ‘workations’)
• Older high disposable income travelers choosing to travel domestically
• Family and pet friendly accommodations

Is glamping a profitable business?

Of major high end offerings, glamping businesses have some of the best ROI for anyone getting started in the short-term rental space. 

The cost of setup obviously isn’t just the cost of a Geodesic Dome as there are other material costs associated with its construction and interior. Adding all of these up and comparing them to virtually any other type of listing the ROI will always outperform.

Many of our customers report returning 100% or more of their setup costs within their first season of operation (with some even doing so in a matter of a couple of months!).

The most important thing is identifying what price point you are planning to have your glamping listing and build a realistic budget for the build.

• Glamping resorts who charge $800 a night will have a wildly different budget to someone aiming to return $100 a night.
• Both of these businesses can be immensely profitable over time, but they cater to different audiences who will have different expectations on everything — inside and out — of your glamping property. 

The good news is you can change your glamping offer over time, or if you have a large property, even test out more than one option simultaneously. 

Many listings also start small by partnering with local businesses to offer luxury as an add-on. A great example of this would be offering a fully catered stay, but this is fulfilled by a local catering company rather than you stressing out in the kitchen every weekend!

As one of our founders Will always says: “Dream big, but start small and smart!” 

Building your first glamping business plan

A glamping business plan is not a unique and mysterious document, it’s just a business plan focused on glamping. Once you realise this, and understand the core areas to flesh out, its creation becomes a much simpler task. 

“Who is this for?”

This first question you want to ask yourself is who are you writing this for and what’s my goal with them reading this plan? 

Some examples could be:

• Just for myself (or me and my partner or family)
• For a property owner whose land I want to use
• For the bank to secure a loan
• For an potential investor or investors

Keep this person or these people in mind with every section you craft and word you write. 

Like any regular business plan, here are your key sections to include in this glamping business plan:

1. Executive Summary

A business plan is a series of sections in a fairly specific order and they can be fairly extensive. The idea of an Executive Summary is to let any person picking up your business plan get an idea of you and your business. 

This is your company’s equivalent to a personal statement on someone’s resume. An Executive Summary is likely to decide how intently someone reads the rest of your plan (if at all). 

The goal is to be concise, show them you and your business are poised for success and that you’re going to be a reliable partner or associate and that the business is poised for success.

There’s a formula to it’s creation and it goes along these lines:

• Who : introduce the business and its people: what have you done to show you’ll be successful with this business (& if you’re new to this industry, what do you bring into it).
• Why : outline your rationale on the business: emotively explain what motivated you to embark on this business and what you’re aiming to achieve. 
• What : explain the problems you’re solving or the opportunity gap you’re filling and for whom (i.e. your target market).
• What else : summarise the extensive market research you’ve done and how it’s drawn you to the conclusion of starting a business. Look to include market size metrics at regional, national and international levels both within the glamping industry and just the wider tourism industry in general - wherever possible. 

2. Market Research

Start by outlining the industry itself luxury glamping industry and the various levels. For example macroeconomic trends of global glamping is helpful but it doesn’t necessarily prove that it woks 

Therefore you may want to look into the more micro-trends of glamping and tourism in your area as this will help build confidence with partners, particularly if you’re asking for their investment in money, land, or time.

It doesn’t have to be too hard, for example you could:

Put a list together of all glamping or off-grid properties available on Airbnb , Bookabach and VRBO in your area

• Review their amenities and offerings
• Outline their pricing (peak, shoulder, off-season)
• If possible, estimate their occupancy rate by reviewing their listings over a period of time

To make some of this data collection and analysis easier there are online marketing intelligence platforms like AirDNA and Transparent that you can pay for.

3. Competitor Analysis

Now, start looking at what’s going on around you both in the glamping space as well as just regular short-term rental options. 

What that means is you want to take a look at the more micro-trends of glamping and tourism in your area as this will help build confidence with partners, particularly if you’re asking for their investment in money, land, or time.

  Put a list together of all glamping or off-grid properties available on Glamping Hub, Canopy Escapes, Airbnb, Bookabach and VRBO in your area

• Review their amenities and offerings (they don’t have to be identical but at least similar)

From this data you should be able to uncover lots of things. Here are a few examples:

• How many glamping type of rentals are within 100km of our location?
• What are some of their strengths and weaknesses (proximity to infrastructure, views, privacy, hot tubs , saunas , cold plunge ?
• Estimated occupancy and charge rates
• Research their social media profiles and websites — who are they targeting and is that the same or different to you?
• What’s my business's competitive advantage?

This type of research shows you’re being pragmatic and practical in the business you’re building and the likelihood of its success. 

4. Positioning Your Offer

Specifically outline the glamping business you're intending to execute on. 

This means very concisely outlining what your glamping site(s) have to offer which the competitors don’t. Technically this is called identifying your unique sales proposition (USP) over your competitors and substitutes.   

If you’re looking to win over investors, advisors or landowners then try to outline USP(s) you’ll be able to defend if the competition heats up.

For Example:

“My Geodesic Dome Resort is the only one within [insert distance, proximity to tourist attractions, etc.]” ... is not a USP you can continue to defend easily

Whereas, “My Geodesic Dome Resorts all come paired with a wood-fired hot tub or sauna and we aim to continue to add additional amenities over time” … positions your USP at a desired level of luxury with the desire to build on it in the future.

5. Marketing and Awareness

Next it’s time to begin to determine where and how people are going to not only learn about you, but importantly, how they make bookings. 

The two most common ways people book glamping accommodation is:

• Via popular rental platforms like: websites with large amounts of users such as AirBnb, Bookabach, VRBO and Glamping Hub is always a great way to begin your glamping business as it can bring people from all over the world directly to your offering
• Through your own website: as your business grows you may want to consider hosting bookings directly on your own site. This gives you a higher profit margin and allows you to flexibly communicate with your potential customers. (note: this takes time and resource to build and manage)

Having a social media presence with regular content is critical in this day and age. We recommend at minimum being present on one platform but to seriously consider more than one of Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Pinterest. 

6. Financial Planning 

This section is where you very simply and clearly explain:

• What it’s going to cost to setupHow much money your glamping business will require at the outset
• How much it’s going to cost to run and maintain
• When you believe you will make a full return on this investment 
• How much do you believe this business will make beyond returning initial capital 

In order to outline this you need to have an accurate idea of all of the setup and ongoing costs to your business. 

Some setup costs include:

• Raw materials for foundation, deck and interior
• Costs to furnish interior and exterior
• Additional amenities, power, water, etc.
• Geodesic Dome purchase
• All labour costs

Next, outline all the fixed or variable costs you might have for the business to operate:

• Staff or salaries (if any)
• Any freelance or contract workers (e.g. cleaner)
• Taxes, fees, permits to operate
• General guest amenities and cleaning supplies 
• Regular business needs such as computers, internet, subscriptions etc.

If this is your first time either building or running a business like this we strongly suggest seeking professional help where you haven’t had the experience. This will likely save you money in the long run and minimizes the risks of missing important elements of this new business.

7. Outline your people and operations plan

Ideas are free, it’s the people and the plan you execute on that is of most value. 

In this section very pragmatically outline:

• Their roles and responsibilities
• Plans for growth
• Intended guest experiences
• General health and safety policies (particularly important in remote locations)

8. Funding Plans

If you’re self-funding your venture then this funding plan will look very similar to financial planning above. The main thing here is identifying that you personally have the cash flow to not only fund the construction of the project but also being able to handle those ongoing costs as the business ramps up. 

If you are looking elsewhere for funding or resource, the most common ways people raise money externally are:

• Banks : via a loan, line of credit or pulling capital out of your current mortgage (if on the same property)
• Partnerships : this could be partnering with a landowner and splitting the costs to build and revenues once success through to a friend or family member with complementary skill sets. 
• Investors : if you’re building a bigger business and have the network, sometimes getting a large amount of funding by having someone or people invest into your business with cash to own a portion of your business by issuing them shares. 

Glamping business plan template

To help you cut corners here a little bit we’ve boiled down this information into a Document to use as a template to plug and play. We do recommending making changes to some of the sections or areas as you see fit for your business. Turn it into your very own glamping masterplan!

Download your template here!

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Home » Travel & Tourism

A Sample Glamping Business Plan Template

A glamping business is a business that provides facilities for campers who need glamorous accommodations. Glamping offers accommodation and facilities that are more luxurious compared to ‘bare-bones’ camping, to give travelers the best of both worlds.

Glamping is outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing. Statistics have it that the Global Glamping Market was valued at USD 2.77 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 8.041 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 12.80% during the forecast period of 2022-2029.

Steps on How to Write a Glamping Business Plan

Executive summary.

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. is a standard glamping park facility that will be located in Fenwick Island, Delaware; in a recreational-loving city. Our glamping facility is located on 196 acres bordering a national park and seamlessly blends into its dramatic surroundings.

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will ensure that all our amenities and facilities meet international standards. We have CRM software that will enable us to manage a one-on-one relationship with our customers no matter how large they may grow. Zach Baseman is the founder and CEO of Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc.

Company Profile

A. our products and services.

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will establish an ideal glamping facility that will allow you to enjoy the closeness to nature that camping affords, without the uncomfortable aspects.

b. Nature of the Business

Our glamping park facility will operate as a club where patrons can pick up a membership and pay their subscription monthly, quarterly, or annually. We will also open our business to one-off customers, especially tourists and visitors.

c. The Industry

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will operate in the campground industry.

d. Mission Statement

Our mission is to establish a world-class glamping park whose facility will not only attract individual campers but also attract world-class campers and organizations to host their events in our facility.

e. Vision Statement

Our vision is to become the ‘go to’ glamping facility in Fenwick Island, Delaware, and its environs when it comes to world-class glamping.

f. Our Tagline (Slogan)

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. – Luxury, Safety, and Camping!

g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). The reason why we are forming an LLC is to protect our assets by limiting the liability to the resources of the business itself. The LLC will protect our CEOs’ personal assets from claims against the business, including lawsuits.

h. Our Organizational Structure

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Glamping Park facility Manager
• Accountant/Cashier
• Marketing and Sales Officer
• Attendants (5)
• Customer Care Executive/Front Desk Officer
• Security Officers

i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members

• Zach Baseman (Owner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer) 56 Percent Shares
• Henry Johnson (Board Member) 14 Percent Shares
• Akin Williams (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Felix Biden (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Vera Augustus (Board Member and Sectary) 10 Percent Shares.

SWOT Analysis

A. strength.

• Ideal Location for glamping park facility
• Highly Experienced and Qualified Employees and Management
• Well-equipped and luxurious glamping facility
• Highly Secured and Clean Facility

b. Weakness

• Budget limitations
• Inability to properly manage off-peak seasons such as bad winter
• A new business that will be competing with well-established glamping facilities and government-owned camping facilities
• Inability to retain our highly experienced and qualified employees longer than we want

c. Opportunities

• Fenwick Island, Delaware is a thriving market for glamping park facilities.
• Good support structure for glamping facilities from the government and nonprofit organizations.

i. How Big is the Industry?

The campground industry that glamping park facility is a part of is pretty big. It is worth well over $2.77 billion in the United States.

ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?

The campground industry is growing and as a matter of fact, the global glamping market size is anticipated to reach USD 5.94 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 10.9 percent over the forecast period.

iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry

The campground industry is changing, and players in the industry are improvising. No doubt, technology, climate change, and social media will change the landscape of the industry going forward. With revenue heavily linked to the millennial generation, and of course, the inclusion of additional amenities such as electric vehicle charging ports, hot tubs, saunas, power showers, massage parlors, activities, and more, things are really looking up.

iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

No, there are niche ideas when it comes to the glamping park facility business; it is a niche idea in the campground industry.

v. Can You Sell a Franchise of your Business in the Future?

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. has plans to sell franchises in the nearest future and we will target the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

• Competition from other camping facilities.
• Community resistance
• Government regulations
• Liability problems
• Unfriendly weather (bad winter)
• Continuously changing consumer demands

i. Who are the Major Competitors?

• The Resort at Paws Up (Greenough, Montana)
• Safari West (Santa Rosa, California)
• Ventana Big Sur (Big Sur, California)
• Sinya at Lone Man Creek (Wimberley, Texas)
• Under Canvas Tucson at Tanque Verde Ranch (Tucson, Arizona)
• Lucky Arrow Retreat (Dripping Springs, Texas)
• Under Canvas Grand Canyon (Arizona)
• Little Raccoon Key (Georgia)
• Beverly Wilshire (Beverly Hills, California)
• Under Canvas Zion (Utah)
• Camp Comfort
• Moose Meadow Lodge
• Fireside Resort
• Conestoga Ranch (Garden City, Utah)
• Cody Wyoming Trout Ranch
• Mendocino Grove
• Westgate River Ranch
• Terra Glamping
• Firelight Camps
• Asheville Glamping.

ii. Is There a Franchise for Glamping Park Facility Business? 

• OneGlamping: From $125,500
• Timberline Glamping: $67,000
• The Wigwam Holidays: £7500 – £67,000.

iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting Glamping Park Facility Business?

Yes, and as a matter of fact, every location is different and that entails that the permissions required will also vary. This may include health and safety regulations and potential concerns about the environment. Each state or county may review the site using a different set of criteria.

These may include the type of accommodation, your location, road accessibility, traffic flow, topography, the economy size of the site, impact on infrastructure, etc. Many zoning regulations could stop you from building your glamping business on some plots of land.

If you’re leveraging the expertise of a realtor or real estate site, ensure you’re filtering out zoning options that wouldn’t let a glamping site be built. Approach your local authority or council to find out the things to do. Also, contact your local authority and apply for the planning permissions you need to start.

Marketing Plan

A. who is your target audience.

i. Age Range

Our target market age range covers people that are 18 years and above.

ii. Level of Educational

We don’t have basic educational qualifications for those we are targeting; everyone is welcome to use our glamping facility.

iii. Income Level

Anyone who can afford our membership fee or service charge can make use of our glamping facility.

iv. Ethnicity

There is no restriction when it comes to the ethnicity of the people we will receive in our glamping facility.

v. Language

There is no restriction when it comes to the language spoken by the people we are looking forward to welcoming to our glamping park facility.

vi. Geographical Location

Anybody from any geographical location will be welcomed in our glamping facility.

vii. Lifestyle

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will not restrict any patron of our glamping facility based on their lifestyle, culture, or race.

b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies

• Host Themed Events That Catch Attention.
• Tap Into Text Marketing.
• Use FOMO to Run Photo Promotions.
• Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
• Turn Your Social Media Channels into a Resource
• Develop Your Business Directory Profiles
• Build Relationships with Other Businesses in Your Area

i. Traditional Marketing Strategies

• Marketing through Direct Mail.
• Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
• Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
• OOH, Marketing – Public Transits like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street Furniture, and Cabs.
• Including direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), print advertising (magazines, newspapers, coupon books, billboards), referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing), radio, and television.

ii. Digital Marketing Strategies

• Social Media Marketing Platforms.
• Influencer Marketing.
• Email Marketing.
• Content Marketing.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
• Pay-per-click (PPC).
• Affiliate Marketing
• Mobile Marketing.

iii. Social Media Marketing Plan

• Start using chatbots.
• Create a personalized experience for our customers.
• Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
• Create a community for our audience.
• Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
• Use brand advocates.
• Create profiles on the relevant social media channels.
• Run cross-channel campaigns.

c. Pricing Strategy

When working out our pricing strategy, Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will make sure it covers premium, skimming, economy or value and penetration, All our pricing strategies will reflect;

• Cost-Based Pricing
• Value-Based Pricing
• Competition-Based Pricing.

Sales and Distribution Plan

A. sales channels.

Our channel sales strategy will involve using partners and third parties—such as referral partners, affiliate partners, managed service providers, marketplaces, or value-added resellers—to market our glamping facility.

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will also leverage the 4 Ps of marketing which are place, price, product, and promotion. By carefully integrating all these marketing strategies into a marketing mix, so we can have a visible, in-demand service that is competitively priced and promoted to our customers.

b. Inventory Strategy

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will operate an inventory strategy that is based on a day-to-day methodology for ordering, maintaining, and processing items in our warehouse. We will develop our strategy with the same thoroughness and attention to detail as we would if we were creating an overall strategy for the business.

c. Payment Options for Customers

Here are the payment options that Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will make available to its clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer

d. Return Policy, Incentives, and Guarantees

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will operate a no refund policy hence we will not provide compensation for purchased products or services (membership fees inclusive) that customers paid for in our glamping facility.

e. Customer Support Strategy

Our customer support strategy will involve seeking customer feedback. This will help us to continue to improve our facility and also provide excellent customer service to all our patrons. Regularly, we will work towards strengthening our Customer Service Team and also Leverage Multi-Channel Servicing as part of our customer support strategy.

Operational Plan

We plan to expand our revenue by 50 percent in the second year and the plan will include a marketing, sales, and operations component.

The operations component of the plan would include organizing regular campers’ competitions at the local and state levels, providing lodging and electric vehicle charging amenities, and attracting recreational vehicle owners and campers. These strategies will enable the firm to boost our service offerings and support revenue growth.

a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Glamping Park Facility Business?

• The facility is open for the day
• Administrative work is done concurrently
• The facility is cleaned and gotten ready to welcome patrons
• Campers come in and accommodation is allotted to them based on the amount paid
• Campers are provided with the amenities and things they need to make their camping experience comfortable
• Maintenance of the facility is carried out
• The facility is administratively closed for the day.

b. Production Process

There is no production process when it comes to the glamping park business.

c. Service Procedure

When a glamping facility is opened and everything is in place, they will either choose to welcome patrons based on membership or open their doors to people in the city where the glamping park facility is domiciled.

d. The Supply Chain

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will rely on trusted agents to supply some of the foodstuff, toiletries, and related supplies they need and we have been able to establish business relationships with wholesale supplies of all these merchandises.

e. Sources of Income

• Sale of food and drinks
• Offering special services like hot tubs, saunas, power showers, massage parlors, and more
• Membership fee.

Financial Plan

A. amount needed to start your glamping park facility business.

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. would need an estimate of $250,000 to successfully set up our glamping park facility in the United States of America. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all the staff for the first month of operation.

b. What are the Costs Involved?

• Business Registration Fees – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $7,300.
• Marketing, Branding and Promotions – $5,000.
• Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
• Insurance – $5,400.
• Rent/Lease – $150,000.
• Other start-up expenses like commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($2,800).
• Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $45,000
• Start-up inventory – $25,000
• Counter area equipment (countertop, sink, ice machine, etc.) – $9,500
• Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $4,750
• Furnishing and Equipping (Glamping tents) – $50,000
• Website: $800
• Opening party: $3,000
• Miscellaneous: $2,000

c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will it Cost?

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will build a new facility for our glamping park and it will cost us $200,000 (acquiring land, purchasing and installing tents, furnishing, and equipping the glamping park facility inclusive).

d. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Glamping Park Business?

• Cost of stocking up supplies such as toiletries, food ingredients, drinks, and water
• Cost of regular surveillance
• Utility bills (gas, internet, phone bills, signage and sewage et al)
• Maintenance of facility
• Salaries of employees

e. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner) – $55,000 per year
• Glamping Park Facility Manager – $38,000 per year
• Accountant/Cashier – $34,0000
• Marketing and Sales Officer – $32,000 per year
• Attendants (5) – $30,000 per year
• Customer Care Executive/Front Desk Officer – $23,396 per year
• Cleaners – $22,000 per year
• Security Officers – $21,150 per year.

f. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Glamping Park Facility?

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
• Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

Financial Projection

A. how much should you charge for your product/service.

Aside from our membership fee, Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will charge patrons based on the industry standards in the United States, and they are expected to pay between $400 to $1,000 for a cabin tent. Depending on what they are looking for in terms of amenities, this price range is very reasonable when compared to other options.

b. Sales Forecast?

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $550,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $750,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $1.2 million

c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. is projecting to make;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): (50% of revenue generated)
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): (55% of revenue generated)
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): (65% of revenue generated)

d. Profit Margin of a Glamping Park Facility Business Product/Service

The profit margin of a glamping facility is not fixed. It could range from 25 percent to 35 percent depending on some unique factors.

Growth Plan

A. how we intend to grow and expand by opening more retail outlets/offices or selling a franchise.

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. will grow our glamping facility by first opening other outlets in key cities in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and Australia within the first five years of establishing the business and then will start selling franchise from the sixth year.

b. Where We Intend to Expand to and Why?

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. plans to expand to:

• Santa Rosa, California
• Mountain Home, Idaho
• Custer, South Dakota
• Paso Robles, California
• Grand Island, New York
• Canyonville, Oregon
• Cedar City, Utah
• Long Beach, Washington
• Dandridge, Tennessee
• Theodore, Alabama
• Roswell, New Mexico

Internationally, we plan to expand to South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Green Heaven® Glamping Park Company, Inc. plans to exit the business via family succession. We have placed structures and processes in place that will help us achieve our plan of successfully transferring the business from one family member to another and from one generation to another without hitches.

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How to Write a Glamping Business Plan (With Downloadable Template)

Created by  Calum     Published on  09 August 2022

Ah, the glamping business plan. Required for some planning applications and all funding pitches, a good business plan is essential for many when starting a glamping business in the UK . The issue is, it's hard to get right, particularly if you've never run a glamping business before.

Fear not, we're here to help. Having set up two sites of our own and 20+ more for our clients, we know what goes into a good business plan for a glamping site.

So, sit back, take some notes and let's get this show on the road.

Note: For time-strapped readers, you can download our glamping business plan checklist PDF, which covers the essentials.

Why Write a Business Plan for a Glamping Site?

There are three primary reasons to write a glamping business plan:

• To clarify your ideas and ensure it’s a worthwhile project
• To submit as part of a planning application
• To submit as part of a funding application

It’s particularly important that you know whether it’s for a planning application, a funding application, or both, before you start the writing process. This is because planning applications and funding applications require you to focus on different things.

A plan written as part of a planning application will be read by your local council’s planning department. Of course, they want to make sure your proposal will be a viable business, but their main priority is ensuring that your glamping business will benefit the local community. As a result, great emphasis should be placed on the need for tourist accommodation in the area; the additional tourism that your site will bring to the area and the minimal impact your site will have on the environment.

A business plan written as part of a funding application, however, should focus more on the financial side of things. You need to justify your nightly rate, occupancy rate, costs, revenues, profits and return on investment. Those reading your application will need to know they’ll be getting their money back and then some.

How to Write a Glamping Business Plan - What to Include

Before we start.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, you should know that we can save you a load of time and effort when writing your glamping business plan. 

We've already written one for you. 

Our downloadable glamping business plan template already has 2,500 words written for you. It isn't one of those vague "glamping business plan" PDFs you'll find advertised online, as ours were written with only glamping sites in mind. We didn't write a generalised template and adapt it to glamping - we wrote it specifically for glamping.

The best bit? It's just £497 + VAT. 500 quid to save you hours of time and allow you to produce a world-class business plan for your glamping site.

You can get a taste of how good our template is at the end of this blog, where we show you an excerpt. Click here to skip to that bit.

Sections to Include In a Glamping Business Plan

The Concept of Glamping

Remember, glamping is still a relatively new concept. Banks, investors and planning committees alike may not know exactly what it is. You should explicitly define what glamping is and how your site fits within the definition to avoid any confusion.

The UK Glamping Market

Once you’ve explained the concept, you need to convey just how popular has become in recent years. Use as many statistics as you can find. Show how more and more people are looking for glamping trips every day by using Google Trends (see below).

The above chart shows how many people are searching on Google for “glamping with hot tubs” over time - note the fact that popularity is still way above pre-pandemic levels.

Again, the person reading your plan may not be aware of how popular glamping is in the UK. It’s your job to educate them.

The Local Glamping Market

While national glamping trends are important for convincing people that your project is a good idea, it’s far more important to dig deep into your local glamping scene. How many glamping sites are in the area? What’s the average nightly rate? Is there a gap in the market for what you’re proposing?

Your plan for five glamping pods with hot tubs might sound great on paper, but it will look less impressive if there are three other sites in the area offering the same thing. You need to show investors/planners that you’ve done your research and that your proposal remains strong.

You should also be looking at your local area to see how it can support your claim that your glamping business is viable. What local attractions will bring people to the area? What activities are available for your guests to partake in during the day?

Your Business Concept

This is your chance to pitch your project in the best possible light. Explain what your site will consist of; the target market you’re trying to attract; the atmosphere you’re trying to create. Include details about how the site will work in harmony with the local area to create a community asset as well as a financial one.

You need to make the reader as excited about your project as you are. If there’s a particular section you should spend extra time on to make sure you get it right, it’s this one. 

Owners and Employees

The first thing you need to do in this section is sell yourself. List any experience you have that will demonstrate you’re capable of starting and operating a successful glamping business. Direct hospitality experience is great, but any kind of experience in business or logistics will help. If you have no relevant experience, emphasise your love for hospitality and how this will lend itself to a successful glamping business.

If you’ll need staff to work on your site, this is where you list the roles and, if you know who you’re hiring, what makes the employee suited to the position.

Competitor Analysis

Remember when you discussed the local glamping market earlier on in your glamping business plan? Well, your competitor analysis should be that section on steroids.

Analyse at least five competitors in depth. Identify what glamping units they have on site, their unique selling points and their nightly rate. Explain what will differentiate your offering from theirs.

One of the most important elements of the competitor analysis is establishing an average nightly rate for the area. You can use this as a base rate to go off when choosing your own nightly rate. If your site is better than the other sites in the area (as it should be), then you can charge a higher rate than average. To find out how to do this properly, see our golden rule for setting a glamping nightly rate .

Establishing your pricing is a crucial element of the glamping business plan, as it provides the foundation for your financial projections. As a result, it’s vital you justify your nightly rate. A thorough competitor analysis will do this for you.

Marketing Plan

Starting a glamping business in the UK isn’t a case of “Build it and they will come”. You need an effective marketing strategy to reach your ideal customer. This will get more and more important in times to come, as more people realise the profitability of glamping and decide to enter the market. Seasoned investors understand this, so it’s important to show them that you recognise the importance of marketing.

First, you should identify your target market. This can be couples, families, millennials, etc. A lot of this is dictated by the site you want to create. For example, if your site consists of 20 glamping pods then you’re probably going to want to target families. In contrast, if you just want to build one shepherd hut, then a romantic couples’ getaway may be your preferred choice.

Once you’ve chosen your target market, it’s a case of convincing the reader that you know how to reach them with your marketing. Explain how you plan to use social media, and how this links to your target market (e.g. if you’re targeting millennials, include stats on how millennials love Instagram). Detail any plans you have to increase your social media following, such as running competitions and implementing paid ads. The better you portray your social media savviness, the more convincing your argument will be.

Financial Projections

If you’re pitching for investment, then everything you’ve written so far leads up to this. Investors will care about your concept, competitor analysis and marketing plan, but it will all be for nothing if you can’t convince them how profitable your glamping idea will be.

For this, you’re going to need to dust off your Excel skills and run some numbers. Detail your glamping setup costs, ongoing costs, revenues, profits and return on investment. This isn’t a two-minute job.

Luckily, Glampitect can save you time. If you want to experiment yourself, you can purchase our glamping business plan template pdf, which comes with a financial projections calculator. Just input your numbers, and the calculator will churn out the figures your investors will care about.

Or, if you want the experts to produce all of your financial projections, we can do it all for you with a bespoke glamping business plan. To arrange this, simply get in touch or book a consultation with one of our team.

This is the section where you briefly summarise your plan again and how it will be viable. Don’t introduce anything new here. Keep it nice and simple, and leave no room for doubts in your investors’/planners’ minds that your glamping business will be successful.

An Excerpt From Glampitect's Glamping Business Plan Template

Here's a snippet of what you can expect if you purchase Glampitect's business plan template:

For just £497 + VAT, the decision to use a glamping business plan template written by the glamping experts is a no-brainer.

Starting a Glamping Business In the UK in 2024? - Everything You Need To Know

Glampitect academy 2023: how to start a glamping business.

Keith Williams

8 Tips for Making a Good Start with a Glamping Business Even Better

A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Successful Glamping Business

Running a glamping business is rising in popularity among investors and entrepreneurs. As a matter of fact, according to Tents Xpert, the glamping market in the United States is expected to reach a revenue of about $1 billion by 2024. And, there’s no sign of slowing down.

According to Grand View Research, the glamping industry is projected to surpass $5.4 billion by 2028. Though, another report expects it to reach just shy of $4 billion by 2027.

Whichever number you like to believe, it is clear that the global glamping market size is huge and you’ll need a comprehensive glamping business plan in order to make this venture a success.

This impressive growth in the glamping industry is fuelled by travelers’ desire to stay in unique accommodations like a bell tent or glamping pods, while still having access to amenities and services that are not necessarily provided by a traditional camping business. Glamping guests are looking for that traditional luxury feeling but with the unique

Considering this, starting a glamping business as an alternative to traditional vacation rental homes can be an excellent small business opportunity to explore in the next couple of years.

What is Glamping?

In short, a glamping business is where glamorous accommodations meet traditional camping. Glamping offers accommodations and facilities that are more luxurious compared to ‘bare-bones’ camping, to give travelers the best of both worlds. Successful glamping accommodations mix the feeling of the wonderful outdoors with the amenities of a five-star hotel.

Previously, glamping and luxury camping were seen as a subdivision of traditional camping. Though, nowadays, it is regarded as a type of vacation rental in its own right.

What Are The Different Types of Glamping?

If you thought that glamping is only limited to tents and caravans, you would be very much mistaken. From treehouses to tiny houses, various types of accommodation are regarded as glamping structures too. The following are some of the most common examples:

In short, a yurt is one of the most popular glamping structures. It’s basically a round glamping tent that is made from fabric/animal skin and wooden beams. Originally from Mongolia, it has become a popular feature at festivals for those looking for luxury camping.

Not only is it very accessible, but you can also jazz it up by including amenities like air conditioning — something that your guests will welcome when they’re out and about in the countryside.

2. Tipis (and tents)

A tipi is a traditional, triangular Native American tent. Nowadays, it is made from wooden beams and cotton fabric that are fastened with rope and has become a common sight at campsites.

While it is similar to a yurt, a tipi is simpler and might not offer as much interior space for amenities.

3. Caravans

A caravan is a mobile home that can be towed around by a vehicle, similar to a trailer . It is equipped with the essentials needed for living and provides slightly more space and protection than a traditional tent. It is arguably its versatility that lies behind its popularity over the past couple of decades.

As it is more spacious than some of the other types of accommodation, it is relatively easy to add amenities to boost its appeal.

4. Treehouses

Treehouses are no longer just meant as a hideout for the neighborhood boys. Today, it is also a popular type of glamping. Nature lovers appreciate its sustainable architecture (it is mostly made from wood) and also enjoy how it gives them the chance to explore nature more intimately.

It is also an attractive option for hosts as it offers a long list of options and is quite versatile, similar to caravans.

5. Tiny houses

Tiny houses are currently all the rage. In short, they use limited space and resources making them extremely eco-friendly.

A tiny house is typically situated on a big plot of land and might even be built using ecological materials.

6. Train carriages

If you can get your hands on an old train carriage, it can offer great accommodation to glampers. Though, bear in mind that you won’t be able to use it as is. Before it can be turned into an attractive vacation rental, you will need to remodel and adapt it.

7. Bubble domes

Bubble domes are basically transparent pods. It is a great option if your location is known for its mesmerizing sunrise, sunset, or starry sky.

Are Glamping Businesses Profitable as a Vacation Rental Business?

Needless to say, the goal of starting any business is to make a profit. For this to happen, revenue needs to outweigh the costs. Even though there are significant upfront costs involved as you will need to build your accommodation from scratch or modify an existing structure, a glamping business can still be lucrative.

How much does it cost to start a glamping business?

You will need a minimum of around $3,000 to $4,000 to start a glamping business. As mentioned, the most expensive cost will be the glamping tents. That being said, depending on the type of tent you have in mind, you could end up spending $10,000+ just on the tent alone.

Also, if you are not a property owner already, and can’t use your own backyard, you will need to buy or rent land where you can pitch your glamping tent. Ideally, this should be a picturesque, remote area that is still easy to reach. Not only can a remote area work out more affordable, but it is also usually preferred by glampers.

In addition to the tent and land, you will also have the following ongoing expenses:

• Property taxes
• Maintenance costs
• Electricity
• Furnishings
• Business Insurance

How much do glamping businesses make?

You can make between $40,000 and $250,000 per annum in revenue in the first year that you start a glamping business. The investment range is, on average, $10,050 to $27,600. The profit potential is between $32,000 and $200,000 per annum.

Since you do not need to buy another tent (your biggest expense) and furnishings again in the following year, you can look forward to higher annual revenue and gross income after you’re up and running. This is really when your glamping business makes money.

What Are the Advantages of Owning A Glamping Business?

While it might be trending currently, glamping businesses can offer many benefits. So, as a business owner, you can look forward to a positive ROI for years to come.

Lower startup costs

Compared to buying a holiday rental house, glamping tent costs and average furnishing costs are significantly less. It also costs less to maintain your tent and operate a glamping business.

Also, with regard to purchasing land, the best locations for a glamping business are typically in remote areas. These destinations are also less expensive than a popular coastal town or urban area where you will typically find other types of vacation rentals. Of course, this depends on how much land you intend to purchase.

Higher profits

Since the startup and maintenance costs are less, you can expect higher profits. What’s more, you can also expect to see your ROI sooner.

Eco-friendly and celebrates nature

Sustainability is becoming more and more important to consumers and travelers nowadays. Glamping accommodation is typically more eco-friendly than other types of accommodation as organic material and solar panels are often used.

Popular with nature-loving travelers

Since a glamping tent is more often than not situated in remote areas, it is very popular among nature lovers. So, you already have a niche market that you can target.

A getaway from the hustle and bustle of big cities

The unique selling proposition of a glamping tent is that they allow travelers to get away from the busy big cities without having to give up all their own lifestyle needs and creature comforts for the trip.

What’s more, this niche is also willing to pay more for the chance to get back to nature while still having access to amenities.

Manageable start-up process

To start a luxury camping business in the vacation rental industry, you don’t need to clear as much red tape as you might think. The likes of bell tents, glamping pods, and yurts do not need planning permission to build, and you certainly will not need to hire a planning consultant.

Managing a successful business in the hospitality industry is tricky at the best of times, but get yourself a business plan template (that you can get online) and you’ll be ready to start a glamping business in no time!

How Do I Start My Own Glamping Business?

To be successful, you need a proper strategy in place so that you do not miss anything. Here are all the key steps to starting your own glamping business.

1. Conduct Market Research

When starting any type of business , it is key that you first complete market research into the type of tent and the glamping site you wish to locate your business. To have a clear idea of what your glamping business will look like, you will have to research and decide on the following:

Your glamping business model

There are several glamping business models. These include franchises, corporations, sole proprietorships, and limited liability companies (LLC).

If you opt for the franchise business model, you will run your glamping business under an existing brand. You will have to use the business model of the franchisor and will need to pay startup fees and ongoing commission too, which could affect how much profit you take home.

In return, you will usually receive support, marketing material, a business website, and a booking system. All things considered, if you have the capital, it can be an easier way to enter the tourism industry.

Corporation

A corporation is a legal entity that shareholders own and a board of directors runs. If you want to work with investors, this can be an attractive model. Another benefit is that it offers limited liability protection.

Sole proprietorship

Unlike a corporation, a sole proprietorship is not legally separated from its owner. This means that as a sole proprietor, you will be responsible for all the risk and debt. On the flip side, you won’t have to share the business profit with others.

Limited liability company (LLC)

An LLC is a business structure that is common in the United States. In short, it provides the personal liability protection enjoyed by a corporation with a sole proprietorship’s pass-through taxation.

Your desired glamping location

There are also different location options available for glamping, like the highlands, forests, grasslands, or small coastal towns. When choosing a location, you will need to consider factors such as:

• Glamping regulations
• Restrictions in the area
• Cost to own or rent the land in that area

2. Set Out A Solid Business Plan

Just like any other type of business, you will also need to write a glamping business plan for your glamping business. In this document, you will list the goals that you want to achieve and describe the practices and frameworks that you will follow.

It might be “extra” work, but it offers many benefits. Not only is it a useful resource that you can consult to ensure that you are still on course to reach your goals, but it will also help you to identify possible risks.

The main parts that your vacation rental business plan will include are:

• Business goals
• Executive summary
• Value propositions
• Business model
• Operations plan
• Financial plan
• Target market
• Competitor analysis
• Marketing strategy

Download Free Business Plan Template

3. Secure Financing for Your Glamping Business

From using your capital savings to applying for business loans, there are different types of financing that vacation rental owners can explore.

Once you have secured financing for your new hospitality business venture, you will also need to set up a business bank account, apply for a business credit card, and register for tax.

4. Find Your Glamping Site and Apply for Land Permissions

When deciding on a glamping site in your chosen location , you will need to pay attention to a number of factors. These include:

• The popularity of the area
• If it fits in with your glamping business plan
• Nearby amenities and attractions
• Accessibility of the glamping site
• Security of the glamping site

When considering potential glamping sites, you will also need to give thought to how regulations, like zoning restrictions, safety regulations, and required permits, will impact your holiday rental.

For example, the type of unit, sanitary facilities, waste systems, and electrical installations will impact if you will be granted a license. Also, if you plan on erecting more than one unit, the spacing between the different units and access roads can be a deal-breaker.

After you have done your homework, you can contact your local authority to get planning permission (this can take as long as six months, if not more, so plan ahead). Only after you have planning permission will you be able to apply for a license.

Even though you won’t be erecting a permanent fixture, you still need to get the required licenses or permits. Skip this step and you get fined or, worse, your small business can get shut down.

5. Research and Purchase Your Glamping Tent

The type of tent that you decide on needs to match their business plan. Since the goal is to offer a more luxurious experience than traditional tent camping, whichever tent type you decide on can’t be too small.

Be warned, some glamping tents can set new business owners back tens of thousands of dollars. So, remember what is allocated for the tent alone in your budget.

What are the essential features that it should offer? Identifying these will help you to avoid overspending when you buy tents.

You don’t want to replace the tent too often, though. This can eat away at your profit margin. To avoid buying an unreliable brand, take the time to compare the advantages and disadvantages offered by different manufacturers.

6. Plan Ahead with Your Facilities

In addition to planning your glamping business around the main features of your chosen tent type, you should also consider the onsite facilities offered by the site. How will you add shower and toilet facilities? What about a tent stove? These are essential for the true glamping experience.

7. Kit Out Your Tent with Key Amenities and Tasteful Decor

After you have sorted out your glamping tent, and location, and you have a better idea of the facilities that you will offer, it is time to turn your attention to how you will decorate your luxury tents.

To ensure a memorable guest experience, most glamping businesses aim to strike a balance between comfort, style, and charm when filling their tents.

Whether you’re going for the shabby chic style or country-western decor is more to your taste, the following checklist is useful to ensure that nothing gets forgotten and that the final result is a tent with its own unique character that will appeal to your potential customers.

Focus on the essentials first

The essentials that your glamping setup should offer are:

• A comfortable bed
• Bedside tables
• Bedside lamps
• A table/desk
• Wardrobe (remember to include hangers)

Add extras to wow your guests

To impress your glamping guests and set your tent apart from the competition, there are also certain luxury extras that you can offer. These include:

• Decorations (like colorful bunting and fairy lights)
• A campfire kit with marshmallows, recipe ideas, etc.
• Outdoor camping blanket
• Board games
• Patio heater
• Laundry room
• Handpresso coffee machine
• Folding wooden picnic table
• Picnic basket
• Outdoor pizza oven
• Mystical fire powder

8. Start Promoting Your Glamping Business and Drawing in Bookings

Just like you need to market any other type of business, you will also need to craft a marketing plan before you can start a glamping business. Even the most unique destinations and setups won’t attract guests if you do not have a plan for how you will get the word out.

For marketing ideas, be sure to check out our blog post 13 Vacation Rental Advertising Ideas for an Unbeatable Marketing Strategy . Whichever marketing strategies you decide to implement, the following steps are essential:

Create an enticing listing

The key elements of a good listing are a catchy title, high-quality photos, and an enticing description to draw in potential customers. To help you make the most of your listing, you can check out our checklist for how to optimize your listings and don’t forget to think through a good pricing strategy for your listings too.

List your accommodation on OTAs

It is recommended that new glamping businesses list on multiple OTAs. These platforms get loads of traffic which will help you to reach a much wider audience right from the start. For glamping accommodation, you can check out the following websites:

• Glamping Hub

Keep all your tasks and calendars organized

It can be difficult to keep track of listings across many listing sites. It can also feel overwhelming managing guest communication and other regular tasks like cleaning, invoicing, tracking payments, etc.

For this reason, it is best also to invest in a vacation rental software solution. You can, for example, check out iGMS which can help you to manage the following routine tasks with the help of automation:

• Managing multiple accounts and listings on the major vacation rental platforms
• Organizing your messages and email into a unified inbox and using automated templates and triggered messaging to improve guest communication
• Automating the process of guest reviews
• Create your own direct booking website with the iGMS Website Builder
• Receiving payouts and creating invoices by connecting your Stripe account to iGMS
• Sharing daily cleaning schedules with your team and auto-assigning tasks.

Build an online presence

On top of listing on OTAs, another worthwhile idea that you can explore is to start your own website for direct bookings. This way, travelers can find you via search engines. What makes this an attractive avenue to explore is that you will pay service fees to OTAs less often.

Building a following on social media is also crucial. All in all, there are several well-known platforms that you can use to increase your exposure free of charge. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest can all be incorporated into your marketing campaigns. And, if you are trying to attract a younger crowd, you can even use TikTok.

9. Prepare for Your First Guests

Delivering a great glamping experience is the foundation for good reviews and repeat bookings. To make the most of your amenities and extra luxury items, you also have some important tasks that include the following:

Give a warm welcome

A welcome book and welcome basket are great ways to welcome your guests, especially if you can’t be there in person to meet them. To add that personal touch, you can also write a welcome letter that you include in your welcome book .

Highlight activities to do in the area

Travelers who book a glamping site generally enjoy spending time outdoors. To help them make the most of their stay, it is best practice to highlight popular activities and attractions that the area offers.

Maintain great communication

When it comes to communicating with your guests, professionalism, and promptness are key. Your tone of voice and response rate will be two of the factors that will help your guests decide if they want to visit your luxury campsite again.

If you can’t answer a specific question, the next best course of action is to direct them to another resource that can help them.

Encourage guests to leave positive reviews

Positive reviews will help a new business owner to gain popularity and trust. If there are ample five-star reviews that interested travelers can read, they will feel much more reassured that you are the real deal and that the photos are not too good to be true.

For this reason, make it standard practice always to review your guests and ask them politely to return the favor.

The Best Ways to Ensure a Thriving and Successful Glamping Business

When it comes to starting a glamping business, there is not just one road to success. Choosing the right glamping site can be hugely critical, as well as the type of tents. There are plenty of options – bell tents, yurts, safari tents and so on.

As a glamping business owner your location and amenities will play a critical role, some extra touches can make all the difference. Here are some ideas that you can try out:

1. Offer something unique or fit into a niche

To help you set your listing apart from similar ones, it can be a good idea to offer an unusual amenity or interesting activity. You can, for example, include:

• Horse riding
• Guided hikes

2. Form partnerships and business relationships with fellow glamping business owners and local businesses

Instead of merely listing activities and attractions in your welcome book, you can take it one step further and start local partnerships with cultural sites and other businesses like kayak rentals, vineyards, etc. to organize special discounts for your guests. It is a win-win for all parties involved. Your guests will get a special offer, while the provider will get more customers.

What’s in it for you? Happy guests. Plus, the provider might also refer your accommodation to their customers.

3. Keep improving the guest experience

Being consistent with communication and the standard of service you provide will ensure that you always provide the best possible guest experience. This means that you need to take guest feedback seriously and stay informed about the glamping market to stay ahead of the latest trends.

4. Automate as many tasks as possible

As you have probably discovered by now, starting and managing a glamping business calls for a lot of work. After your guests have checked in, you must still be available for queries that might arise during their stay. Then, after your guests have checked out and the reviews have been written, you need to do it all over again.

To help you grow and scale your glamping business, it makes sense to automate as many tasks as possible. iGMS can, for instance, automate guest communication and reviews. Even if you use it only for this purpose, you will already free up loads of time that you can dedicate to other important tasks.

There are more tasks that iGMS can assist property managers and owners. For example:

• Synchronizing reservations across multiple platforms to eliminate the risk of double bookings
• Organizing messages into a single feed with a unified inbox
• Improving communication with automated templates and triggered messaging
• Creating and coordinating cleaning tasks with live tracking to completion

As a glamping host, you may not get everything right the first time, but you can continue to refine and improve your business and guest experience. Eventually, you will find your rhythm and your business will start to thrive.

From safari tents to bell tents, there are many differently sized tents. So, you are bound to find one for the ultimate cool camping experience.

About the Author Callan Riddles is the Content and Social Media Specialist at  iGMS . Callan has a passion for finding new ways to help vacation rental businesses thrive. In her free time, she loves to travel, read, and experience all the new things that life has to offer.

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How to write a business plan for a glamping site?

Writing a business plan for a glamping site can be an intimidating task, especially for those just starting.

This in-depth guide is designed to help entrepreneurs like you understand how to create a comprehensive business plan so that you can approach the exercise with method and confidence.

We'll cover: why writing a glamping site business plan is so important - both when starting up, and when running and growing the business - what information you need to include in your plan, how it should be structured, and what tools you can use to get the job done efficiently.

Let's get started!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a glamping site?

What information is needed to create a business plan for a glamping site.

• What goes in the financial forecast for a glamping site?
• What goes in the written part of a glamping site business plan?
• What tool can I use to write my glamping site business plan?

Being clear on the scope and goals of the document will make it easier to understand its structure and content. So before diving into the actual content of the plan, let's have a quick look at the main reasons why you would want to write a glamping site business plan in the first place.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

Small businesses rarely experience a constant and predictable environment. Economic cycles go up and down, while the business landscape is mutating constantly with new regulations, technologies, competitors, and consumer behaviours emerging when we least expect it.

In this dynamic context, it's essential to have a clear roadmap for your glamping site. Otherwise, you are navigating in the dark which is dangerous given that - as a business owner - your capital is at risk.

That's why crafting a well-thought-out business plan is crucial to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your venture.

To create an effective business plan, you'll need to take a step-by-step approach. First, you'll have to assess your current position (if you're already in business), and then identify where you'd like your glamping site to be in the next three to five years.

Once you have a clear destination for your glamping site, you'll focus on three key areas:

• Resources: you'll determine the human, equipment, and capital resources needed to reach your goals successfully.
• Speed: you'll establish the optimal pace at which your business needs to grow if it is to meet its objectives within the desired timeframe.
• Risks: you'll identify and address potential risks you might encounter along the way.

By going through this process regularly, you'll be able to make informed decisions about resource allocation, paving the way for the long-term success of your business.

To get visibility on future cash flows

If your small glamping site runs out of cash: it's game over. That's why we often say "cash is king", and it's crucial to have a clear view of your glamping site's future cash flows.

So, how can you achieve this? It's simple - you need to have an up-to-date financial forecast.

The good news is that your glamping site business plan already includes a financial forecast (which we'll discuss further in this guide). Your task is to ensure it stays current.

To accomplish this, it's essential to regularly compare your actual financial performance with what was planned in your financial forecast. Based on your business's current trajectory, you can make adjustments to the forecast.

By diligently monitoring your glamping site's financial health, you'll be able to spot potential financial issues, like unexpected cash shortfalls, early on and take corrective actions. Moreover, this practice will enable you to recognize and capitalize on growth opportunities, such as excess cash flow enabling you to expand to new locations.

To secure financing

Crafting a comprehensive business plan for your glamping site, whether you're starting up or already established, is paramount when you're seeking financing from banks or investors.

Given how fragile small businesses are, financiers will want to ensure that you have a clear roadmap in place as well as command and control of your future cash flows before entertaining the idea of funding you.

For banks, the information in your business plan will be used to assess your borrowing capacity - which is defined as the maximum amount of debt your business can afford alongside your ability to repay the loan. This evaluation helps them decide whether to extend credit to your business and under what terms (interest rate, duration, repayment options, collateral, etc.).

Similarly, investors will thoroughly review your plan to determine if their investment can yield an attractive return. They'll be looking for evidence that your glamping site has the potential for healthy growth, profitability, and consistent cash flow generation over time.

Now that you understand the importance of creating a business plan for your glamping site, let's delve into the necessary information needed to craft an effective plan.

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Writing a glamping site business plan requires research so that you can project sales, investments and cost accurately in your financial forecast.

In this section, we cover three key pieces of information you should gather before drafting your business plan!

Carrying out market research for a glamping site

Before you begin writing your business plan for a glamping site, conducting market research is a critical step in ensuring precise and realistic financial projections.

Market research grants you valuable insights into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies, and other crucial factors that can impact the success of your business.

In the course of this research, you may stumble upon trends that could impact your glamping site.

You may find that millennials are increasingly drawn to glamping experiences, so it could be worth focusing your marketing efforts on this particular demographic. Additionally, you may discover that there is a growing demand for eco-friendly glamping sites, so it could be beneficial to explore ways to make your site more sustainable.

Such market trends play a pivotal role in revenue forecasting, as they provide essential data regarding potential customers' spending habits and preferences.

By integrating these findings into your financial projections, you can provide investors with more accurate information, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about investing in your glamping site.

Developing the sales and marketing plan for a glamping site

As you embark on creating your glamping site business plan, it is crucial to budget sales and marketing expenses beforehand.

A well-defined sales and marketing plan should include precise projections of the actions required to acquire and retain customers. It will also outline the necessary workforce to execute these initiatives and the budget required for promotions, advertising, and other marketing efforts.

This approach ensures that the appropriate amount of resources is allocated to these activities, aligning with the sales and growth objectives outlined in your business plan.

The staffing and capital expenditure requirements of a glamping site

Whether you are starting or expanding a glamping site, it is important to have a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) in order to ensure the success of the business.

Both the recruitment and investment plans need to be coherent with the timing and level of growth planned in your forecast, and require appropriate funding.

Staffing costs might include wages for a full-time manager to oversee the site and a part-time cleaner to keep the site tidy and safe. Equipment costs might include tents, furniture, cooking and eating utensils, and a generator to provide power to the site.

In order to create a realistic financial forecast, you will also need to consider the other operating expenses associated with running the business on a day-to-day basis (insurance, bookkeeping, etc.). 

Once you have all the necessary information to create a business plan for your glamping site, it is time to start creating your financial forecast.

What goes into your glamping site's financial forecast?

The financial forecast of your glamping site will enable you to assess the profitability potential of your business in the coming years and how much capital is required to fund the actions planned in the business plan.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a glamping site are:

• The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
• The projected balance sheet ,
• The cash flow forecast ,
• And the sources and uses table .

Let's take a closer look at each of these.

The projected P&L statement

The projected P&L statement for a glamping site shows how much revenue and profits your business is expected to generate in the future.

Ideally, your glamping site's P&L statement should show:

• Healthy growth - above inflation level
• Improving or stable profit margins
• Positive net profit

Expectations will vary based on the stage of your business. A startup will be expected to grow faster than an established glamping site. And similarly, an established company should showcase a higher level of profitability than a new venture.

The projected balance sheet of your glamping site

Your glamping site's forecasted balance sheet enables the reader of your plan to assess your financial structure, working capital, and investment policy.

It is composed of three types of elements: assets, liabilities and equity:

• Assets: represent what the business owns and uses to produce cash flows. It includes resources such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
• Liabilities: represent funds advanced to the business by lenders and other creditors. It includes items such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers), taxes due and loans.
• Equity: is the combination of what has been invested by the business owners and the cumulative profits and losses generated by the business to date (which are called retained earnings). Equity is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

Your glamping site's balance sheet will usually be analyzed in conjunction with the other financial statements included in your forecast.

Two key points of focus will be:

• Your glamping site's liquidity: does your business have sufficient cash and short-term assets to pay what it owes over the next 12 months?
• And its solvency: does your business have the capacity to repay its debt over the medium-term?

The cash flow forecast

A projected cash flow statement for a glamping site is used to show how much cash the business is generating or consuming.

The cash flow forecast is usually organized by nature to show three key metrics:

• The operating cash flow: do the core business activities generate or consume cash?
• The investing cash flow: how much is the business investing in long-term assets (this is usually compared to the level of fixed assets on the balance sheet to assess whether the business is regularly maintaining and renewing its equipment)?
• The financing cash flow: is the business raising new financing or repaying financiers (debt repayment, dividends)?

As we discussed earlier, cash is king and keeping an eye on future cash flows an imperative for running a successful business. Therefore, you can expect the reader of your glamping site business plan to pay close attention to your cash flow forecast.

Also, note that it is customary to provide both yearly and monthly cash flow forecasts in a business plan - so that the reader can analyze seasonal variation and ensure the glamping site is appropriately funded.

The initial financing plan

The sources and uses table or initial financing plan is a key component of your business plan when starting a glamping site.

It shows where the capital needed to set up the business will come from (sources) and how it will be spent (uses).

This table helps size the investment required to set up the glamping site, and understand how risks will be distributed between the business owners, and the financiers.

The sources and uses table also highlights what the starting cash position will be. This is key for startups as the business needs to have sufficient funding to sustain operations until the break-even point is reached.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what will go into the financial forecast of your glamping site business plan, let's have a look at the written part of the plan.

Need inspiration for your business plan?

The Business Plan Shop has dozens of business plan templates that you can use to get a clear idea of what a complete business plan looks like.

The written part of a glamping site business plan

The written part of a glamping site business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

• The executive summary
• The presentation of the company
• The products and services
• The market analysis
• The strategy
• The operations
• The financial plan

Throughout these sections, you will seek to provide the reader with the details and context needed for them to form a view on whether or not your business plan is achievable and your forecast a realistic possibility.

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

In your glamping site's business plan, the first section is the executive summary — a captivating overview of your plan that aims to pique the reader's interest and leave them eager to learn more about your business.

When crafting the executive summary, start with an introduction to your business, including its name, concept, location, how long it has been running, and what sets it apart. Briefly mention the products and services you plan to offer and your target customer profile.

Following that, provide an overview of the addressable market for your glamping site, current trends, and potential growth opportunities.

Next, include a summary of key financial figures like projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Finally, in the "ask" section, detail any funding requirements you may have.

2. The presentation of the company

The second section in your glamping site's business plan should focus on the structure and ownership, location, and management team of the company.

The structure and ownership part provides an overview of the legal structure of the business, who the owners are and how much each has invested and owns. If you are seeking financing it is important that the reader gets a clear picture of which legal entity is receiving the funds, and who controls the business.

The location part should give an overview of the premises from which the company is operating, and why that location is of particular interest (catchment area, accessibility, amenities nearby, etc.).

When describing the location of your glamping site, you could emphasize its close proximity to major attractions and nearby outdoor recreational opportunities. It may be located near a large body of water, such as a lake or river, which could be appealing to a wide variety of potential customers. Additionally, the area could be close to a major city or metropolitan area, providing easy access to a larger pool of potential customers. The climate in the area could be mild enough to allow for year-round camping operations, making it a desirable location for investment. The area could also offer a wide variety of activities and attractions that could attract more customers.

Finally, you should introduce the management team. Explain each member's role, background, and experience.

It is also important to emphasize any past successes that the members of the management team have achieved, and how long they've been working together, as this will help potential lenders or investors understand why they should trust in their leadership.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of the offerings that your company provides to its customers. 

For example, your glamping site might offer amenities such as a fully-stocked kitchen, a community fire pit, and a variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Customers would be able to enjoy the tranquility of nature while still having access to the comforts of home. Additionally, your glamping site could offer activities such as yoga or meditation classes, stargazing, and guided tours to help guests explore the local environment. All of these services and products would be designed to provide a truly unique and immersive experience for customers.

When drafting this section, you should be precise about the categories of products or services you sell, the types of customers you are targeting and how customers can buy them.

4. The market analysis

When presenting your market analysis in your glamping site business plan, you should detail the customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and any regulations that may apply.

The goal of this section is to help the reader understand how big and attractive your market is, and demonstrate that you have a solid understanding of the industry.

You should start with the demographics and segmentation subsection, which gives an overview of the addressable market for your glamping site, the main trends in the marketplace, and introduces the different customer segments and their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

The target market section should follow and zoom on the customer segments your glamping site is targeting, and explain how your products and services meet the specific needs of these customers.

For example, your target market might include millennials who enjoy the outdoors but prefer a more comfortable experience. This segment might appreciate the opportunity to experience nature without giving up their modern comforts. They would be interested in the unique and luxurious aspects of glamping, such as luxury tents, modern amenities, and unique activities.

Then comes the competition subsection, where you should introduce your main competitors and explain what differentiates you from them.

Finally, you should finish your market analysis by giving an overview of the main regulations applicable to your glamping site.

5. The strategy section

When writing the strategy section of a business plan for your glamping site, it is essential to include information about your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

The competitive edge subsection should explain what sets your company apart from its competitors. This part is especially key if you are writing the business plan of a startup, as you have to make a name for yourself in the marketplace against established players.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you intend to remain profitable while still offering competitive prices to your customers.

The sales & marketing plan should outline how you intend to reach out and acquire new customers, as well as retain existing ones with loyalty programs or special offers. 

The milestones subsection should outline what your company has achieved to date, and its main objectives for the years to come - along with dates so that everyone involved has clear expectations of when progress can be expected.

The risks and mitigants subsection should list the main risks that jeopardize the execution of your plan and explain what measures you have taken to minimize these. This is essential in order for investors or lenders to feel secure in investing in your venture.

Your glamping site may face the risk of inclement weather. If there is a storm or a cold snap, customers may be deterred from booking a stay. It could also be risky to open a glamping site in an area that is prone to natural disasters, such as wildfires or hurricanes. If your area experiences any of these events, it could cause considerable damage to your site and disrupt your business operations.

6. The operations section

The operations of your glamping site must be presented in detail in your business plan.

The first thing you should cover in this section is your staffing team, the main roles, and the overall recruitment plan to support the growth expected in your business plan. You should also outline the qualifications and experience necessary to fulfil each role, and how you intend to recruit (using job boards, referrals, or headhunters).

You should then state the operating hours of your glamping site - so that the reader can check the adequacy of your staffing levels - and any plans for varying opening times during peak season. Additionally, the plan should include details on how you will handle customer queries outside of normal operating hours.

The next part of this section should focus on the key assets and IP required to operate your business. If you depend on any licenses or trademarks, physical structures (equipment or property) or lease agreements, these should all go in there.

You may have key assets such as tents and other camping equipment that could be rented out to guests. Intellectual property could include the website you have created to attract customers or the branding you have developed for the glamping site. You might also have trademarks or logos that you have developed to help distinguish your glamping site from other sites.

Finally, you should include a list of suppliers that you plan to work with and a breakdown of their services and main commercial terms (price, payment terms, contract duration, etc.). Investors are always keen to know if there is a particular reason why you have chosen to work with a specific supplier (higher-quality products or past relationships for example).

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will include the financial forecast we discussed earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of what goes into a glamping site business plan, let's look at some of the tools you can use to create yours efficiently.

What tool should I use to write my glamping site's business plan?

There are two main ways of creating your glamping site business plan:

• Using specialized business planning software,
• Hiring a business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your glamping site's business plan

Using online business planning software is the most efficient and modern way to write a glamping site business plan.

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
• You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
• You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

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The Business Plan Shop does the maths for you. Simply enter your revenues, costs and investments. Click save and our online tool builds a three-way forecast for you instantly.

Hiring a business plan writer to write your glamping site's business plan

Outsourcing your glamping site business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are experienced in writing business plans and adept at creating financial forecasts without errors. Furthermore, hiring a consultant can save you time and allow you to focus on the day-to-day operations of your business.

However, hiring business plan writers is expensive as you are paying for the software used by the consultant, plus their time, and their profit margin of course.

From experience, you need to budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a complete business plan, more if you need to make changes after the initial version (which happens frequently after the initial meetings with lenders or investors).

You also need to be careful when seeking investment. Investors want their money to be used to grow the business, not spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services (and other consulting services such as legal services) needs to be negligible relative to the amount raised.

The other drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself: you just get the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business plan software - which makes it difficult to maintain the document up to date without hiring the consultant on a retainer.

For these reasons, outsourcing the glamping site business plan to a business plan writer should be considered carefully, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of hiring outside help.

Ultimately, it may be the right decision for some businesses, while others may find it beneficial to write their business plan using online software.

Why not create your glamping site's business plan using Word or Excel?

Using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write a glamping site business plan is a terrible idea.

For starters, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is very technical and requires both a strong grasp of accounting principles and solid skills in financial modelling.

As a result, it is unlikely anyone will trust your numbers unless - like us at The Business Plan Shop - you hold a degree in finance and accounting and have significant financial modelling experience in your past.

The second reason is that it is inefficient. Building forecasts on spreadsheets was the only option in the 1990s and early 2000s, nowadays technology has advanced and software can do it much faster and much more accurately.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Also, using software makes it easy to compare actuals vs. forecasts and maintain our forecasts up to date to maintain visibility on future cash flows - as we discussed earlier in this guide - whereas this is a pain to do with a spreadsheet.

That's for the forecast, but what about the written part of my glamping site business plan?

This part is less error-prone, but here also software brings tremendous gains in productivity:

• Word processors don't include instructions and examples for each part of your business plan
• Word processors don't update your numbers automatically when they change in your forecast
• Word processors don't handle the formatting for you

Overall, while Word or Excel may be viable options for creating a glamping site business plan for some entrepreneurs, it is by far not the best or most efficient solution.

• A business plan has 2 complementary parts: a financial forecast showcasing the expected growth, profits and cash flows of the business; and a written part which provides the context needed to judge if the forecast is realistic and relevant.
• Having an up-to-date business plan is the only way to keep visibility on your glamping site's future cash flows.
• Using business plan software is the modern way of writing and maintaining business plans.

We hope that this practical guide gave you insights on how to write the business plan for your glamping site. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our team if you still have questions.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• In-depth business plan structure
• Key steps to write a business plan?
• Free business plan template

Know someone who owns or wants to start a glamping site? Share this article with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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Guide to Starting a Successful Glamping Business

Have you ever considered glamping as your next business venture? Glamping provides guests the opportunity to stay in unique accommodations surrounded by nature, while still enjoying access to the amenities and services you’d find in a typical vacation rental. While there are plenty of options for glamping structures from tents to caravans, yurt glamping provides a beautiful base for customization with the luxurious amenities glamping guests are looking for like AC, fireplaces, electricity, and more.

We’ll discuss the initial costs, potential profits, and maintenance associated with starting your own glamping business.

What is Glamping Anyway?

As the opposite of traditional camping where participants set up their own tent, sleep on the ground and change up their everyday hygiene routine, glamping stands for “glamorous camping”, an outdoor experience of complete luxury. This departure from traditional camping is in line with current trends showing that vacationers want to explore nature while benefiting from the comforts of home. The glamping craze is an advantageous opportunity for commercial property owners as glamping has a higher return on investment than other vacation rentals, is fully customizable, and has low ongoing maintenance costs.

Are Glamping Businesses Profitable?

More than an exciting trend in the vacation rental space, glamping has proven to be a lucrative business opportunity. The current global glamping market is currently valued at $2.74 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $5.94 billion by 2030, thanks to the growing demand for staycations, immersive experiences, and eco-tourism by Millennials and Gen X. 

Glamping boasts lower startup costs compared to other vacation rentals and can become profitable in as little as six months. Typically, the first year of your business will be more expensive because of the one-time, up-front costs of the yurt and decor, while the second year and beyond will see higher profits.

Startup Costs Involved in a Glamping Business:

• Upfront yurt cost
• Renting or purchasing land (if not already a property owner)
• Property taxes
• Business insurance
• Maintenance costs
• Electricity
• Furnishings 

Additionally, glamping has low ongoing maintenance costs compared to other rental businesses, resulting in a high return on investment. Much of the ongoing expenses associated with running a glamping business are basic upkeep costs and utilities. Luckily, our yurts are sturdy and high-quality, lasting for decades if well-maintained.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs:

• Basic utilities (electric, gas, plumbing, water)
• Insurance, permit, and licensing costs
• Cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and repair services (usually included in a fee)

The Key Steps to Starting Your Own Glamping Business

Before kicking off your glamping business, it’s important to conduct proper research and put together a business plan. Based on your desired location, be sure to evaluate the local glamping regulations or restrictions, the cost to rent or own property, competitors in your area, and even the weather. You’ll need to complete market research and decide if a franchise, corporation, sole proprietorship, or LLC is most appropriate for your business. 

One of the most exciting parts of glamping is the amount of customization available to create unique experiences for your guests. Many of our previous customers make their business stand out by decorating their rentals in theme to give their guests a photogenic environment.

Your Glamping Business Plan:

• Assess your business goals: what does success look like to you?
• Write your executive summary and value propositions.
• Formulate your business model, operations plan, and financial plan.
• Evaluate your target market.
• Conduct competitor analysis.
• Develop your marketing strategy.

Yurt Glamping: The Ultimate in Comfort and Style

Next it’s time to choose your lodging type. This is where yurts really stand out . Round, fluid lines help yurts blend with nature, while the roof design creates a feeling of spaciousness, thanks to the abundance of natural light during the day and views of the starry sky at night. Yurts are also fully customizable, allowing you to add amenities like wood-burning stoves, camp kitchens, or tiled bathrooms, depending on your desired offerings and aesthetic. 

Pacific Yurts complement sustainable philosophies as its post-and-beam supported platform minimally impacts the earth and the portability and ease of installation in remote locations provide a connection to nature without sacrificing comfort, security, and protection from the elements. Yurts are beloved by investors in ecotourism as they align with the sustainable lifestyle that customers want while creating a profitable infrastructure.

Amenity Ideas to Keep Your Guests Coming Back

It’s time to spread the word about your glamping business and keep your guests coming back year after year. No matter which amenities you choose to offer, don’t overlook the power of unique and photogenic touches — these will be the details that get shared on social media and raved about in reviews. Another way to provide excellent customer service for your guests is to know what they’re looking for and add a buffer in the budget for miscellaneous guest requests so you can really wow them with that board game they mentioned.

On-Site Recommendations

• Sitting area with shade 
• Books, magazines, and games
• Yard games like cornhole or Jenga

Recommendations for Nearby Food and Drink

• Places to work remotely 
• Breweries and wineries 
• Popular local restaurants

Recommendations for Activities

• Hike and bike trails
• Local landmarks

Get Started on Your Glamping Business Today!

Glamping is an exciting opportunity for any entrepreneur looking to break into the ecotourism market. To learn more about Pacific Yurts and find answers to your yurt questions visit our customer support page . Contact Pacific Yurts to get started on making your glamping business dreams a reality.

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How to Start a Glamping Business

Best Practices & Insider Tips for Glamping Professionals

The ‘glamping’ trend is exploding worldwide. Capitalizing on the growing popularity of providing unique outdoor experiences is an easy way for any CanvasCamp owner to earn some extra cash. Whether you are looking to offset your mortgage payment, start your own glamping business, or just fill up the tank for your next adventure, we’ve got some tips to help get you started.

What is Glamping

Glamping industry growth, key considerations before starting.

• Building Your First Glampsite

Glampinomics

• Define & Refine the Guest Experience

Get a Free Consultation

...or just some expert advice on how to start your own glamping business

Camping - Just Easier

Glamping - mash up of “glamour” and “camping” - is a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping. It’s a real word, so widely used and recognized it was adopted into all major English language dictionaries by 2017.

Glamping is also a buzzword that is applied to a wide range of accommodations styles.

Camping is getting out into nature for an overnight stay. Meeting the very basic human needs of food, water, and shelter requires a lot of work and gear, even in ideal weather conditions. Glamping is a simply a means of making camping more approachable, accessible, and comfortable.

The rapid rise in popularity of glamping experiences has made it a valuable marketing keyword that has been co-opted by a wide range of lodging that have absolutely no relationship to camping – including cabins, cottages, tiny homes, and even hotels.  The rush to capitalize on the growing market demand for glamping has diluted the search term. It’s become a catch-all phrase to appeal to people looking for an overnight stay in the general vicinity of open space or water.

The majority of people searching for a glamping experience are looking for some type of camping experience- including tree houses, Airstreams, covered wagons, and (most notably) tents and tent variations like tipis and yurts. According to Airbnb, there was a 10 fold increase in searches for tent stays in the summer months of 2018 over the summer months of 2020.

This article focuses on starting a real glamping business – which usually starts with and should always include tents!

The US Glamping Industry has been rapidly growing and was forecasted to reach $1 billion by 2024 with a compound annual growth rate around 12%. The advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated that growth.

A mix of cultural, generational, and economic changes and trends have set the table for the explosive growth in the camping and glamping sectors.

• Valuing experiences over things.
• Increased outdoor recreation participation overall.
• Desire for unique stays, new experiences, and adventure.
• Staycationers and locavores are rising, looking for experiences within 100 miles of home.
• More frequent local travel, less frequent plane trips.
• Access via the sharing economy (think HipCamp or Airbnb).
• Heightened priority on health and wellness driving popularity of ‘nature therapy’ – aka being outside.
• Avoidance of crowded areas – not only for social distancing! Travel culture is shifting away from tourism and towards exploration .
• Camping and glamping is viewed as more economical and repeatable activity than a vacation.
• Sustainable and conservation motivated travel aka ‘eco-tourism’ rising.
• Urban and suburban populations seeking an escape to nature.
• Families are placing a priority on getting their kids outside and using camping to do it. Half of all glampers have children.
• Working remotely is enabling people to travel more often, and stay longer.
• Outdoor recreation is diversifying. POC’s make up half of first time campers. Hispanic/Latinx represent the fastest growing glamping demographic.
• Boomers aging out of DIY camping are embracing glamping.
• Gen Xers are seeking nature over screen time, and more inclined bringing their kids camping.
• Millennials love of nature and experience lead them to spend twice as much as any other age group on outdoor recreation and travel. Half of all glampers are Millennials.
• 90% of Gen Z campers (kids and teens) report they intend to camp as adults.

In 2020, nearly half of all campers were first timers or resumed camping after several years. Travelers that have camped or glamped before, are significantly (2-4 times) more likely to do it again. Campers are more likely to glamp, glampers are more likely to keep on glamping, kids and teens exposed to habit are likely to keep it for life. New growth in participation, increased frequency of current participants, and an extremely high retention rate makes glamping and camping the most significant investment opportunities in both the travel and outdoor recreation industry. The market was hot before, now it’s even hotter – and expected to stay that way for many years to come.

Do you have space? Can you find some?

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.

Many people don’t have to look further than their own backyard for a space suitable to host glamping guests.

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.

Not part of the landed class? Don’t be afraid to approach landowners with a proposal to share in the revenue generated from a tent camping experience on their property. Leverage tools like OnX Hunt Maps to figure out who owns land you are interested in. Seek out land for sale that has been listed for a long time with no takers. Approach your county, state, or federal land managers to explore options for a public-private partnership.

Consider being mobile. The demand for custom tailored glamping experiences greatly exceeds the number of people willing to do the work to create them. Glamping events are a largely underserved market. The flexibility to move tents around to cater to groups, retreats, and weddings, is a great way to win new business. Pack up and hit the road to provide glamping options at other venues, festivals, or events. Or you can simply rent out a DIY glamping package to folks without the gear. Leveraging mobility to diversify your revenue stream will keep you busy and keep your investment earning.

Do it for love, or money, or both. The glamping business can be rewarding both financially and emotionally. Consider what you’re looking to achieve and how glamping might benefit you. Renting out a tent can be an easy way to make a little extra money and meet new people. Building a glamping empire will require a more significant investment, with the ultimate reward of working for yourself in the outdoor recreation industry. Whatever your aspirations, getting started with offering one or two tents is a great way to test the market and get a feel for your affinity for the commercial side of glamping.

Cost to Entry

Starting a small business might seem daunting, but getting into the glamping game doesn’t require much capital investment or time.

Starting from scratch, you can expect to spend approximately $2,000 on a quality tent and essential furnishings. Adding extra amenities and luxury items – like alfresco hot tubs and wood stoves – will drive up your cost per unit, but will also increase the price you can command per night as well as attract and retain more customers.

Building your own website, gearing up to accept payments, and doing your own marketing can be expensive and time consuming. Listing your tent on a platform that is both set up for tents, and has a large audience relevant to your experience, is usually free, fast, and easy. HipCamp or Airbnb is a great place to start, and they provide liability insurance to their hosts.

Making More Than Money

Making a profit on 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 dollars. 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!

Building your First Glampsite

Start today, scale tomorrow.

Even if your end goal is establishing a 100 unit glamping mecca, get started right away with one. This first tent is going to teach you what you need to know to grow. Your ‘show tent’ will be how you test your product, market, and environment.

Start with Tents

High Demand - Low Capital Investment. 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! Prove your model with a flexible product.

Choose the Right Glamping Tent

Do Your Research. Compare sizes and styles to choose the best tent to bring your vision to life. Buy tents that perform well in your specific environment. As a business owner you will want a product that is durable, easy to use, and repairable. Customers look for comfort, style, and features that make it easy to crack a window in the summer or light up a tent stove in the fall. Get your hands on the product and test it yourself. You can always add different sizes and styles to expand your offering, but you want to maintain enough uniformity to provide a consistent experience for return customers and referrals.

Compare Sibley Bell Tents

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!

Create your First Listing

Pick a platform to create your first listing. We recommend HipCamp or Airbnb to get started because it’s easy, free, and is a gateway to the largest audience. Spend a good deal of time reading over the listings of the most popular and successful tents on the platform and model yours accordingly. Be sure to include LOTS of really great pictures. Your first impression will be a single thumbnail image and the most important one, so make sure it’s excellent.

Soft Opening

Invite some friends over and do a practice run. Have them read your listing on HipCamp or Airbnb first and do an exit interview to get some honest feedback on how well you described your experience, and how well the experience measures up. Setting the appropriate expectations and surpassing them is the key to a five star rating.

Make it Measurable

Do the Math. Budgeting and forecasting is not just for business folk, it’s simple math and good conservative estimates. Costs less revenue tells you how much you can expect to make over time. Know before you start how many nights you need to book at your minimum price to break even on your investment.

Know Your Market

Get the lay of the land - and where you're at. Research what the going rate is for overnight glamping in your area. HipCamp , Airbnb, Glamping.com, and GlampingHub are great places to start. Choose a price point that fits the level of finish, service, and location for the season. Start low and work your way up as you get the hang of catering to guests and improving your experience. Set your customers' expectations properly and you'll always be able to exceed it. Earn your stars, don't over promise them.

Plan on making money and know what you want to do with it. If you are turning away business because you’re booked, that’s usually a good indicator that you can use some additional capacity. If you want to keep your operation small and workload light, invest in those luxury amenities to increase your price point. Even if you're taking money out of your business to put in your pocket, make sure you set some aside for the maintenance, repairs, and replacements necessary to keep the operation running.

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.

Maximize Capacity

A dormant tent represents an opportunity for additional revenue. Summer holidays and weekends are the low hanging fruit. Tapping into the mid-week market can double or triple your return on investment. Extending your season through early spring and late fall with wood stoves, or catering to hunters in need of a basecamp, can generate additional capital to expand capacity during peak season. Connect your guests with nearby activities and events to extend their stays. Keep in touch with your guest after they leave, follow them on social media and invite them back to stay again and tell them to bring a friend.

Define & Refine your Guest Experience

Memories over Amenities

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 doesn't have to be Bougie

Luxury is cool, snobbery is not. Don’t get hung up on the concept of fancy if that’s not your wheelhouse. Glamps are diverse with varying levels of elegance and modernity. However, “Glamping” doesn’t speak to everyone. Tents are rugged, technical, and can be marketed toward a broad range of people that are looking for a more primitive experience. You do not need red carpets and white gloves to be successful. However, if ultra-premium is your niche, get after it!

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 antlers and deer skin, don’t describe it as a whimsical garden retreat for vegans. Be consistent, genuine, and transparent. All parties involved will be happier for it.

Get the Word Out!

Renting is the new owning. Collaborative consumption, the economic model of providing access to a good or service without sole ownership through renting or sharing, is changing the game for individuals and entrepreneurs alike. Camping without the hassle and commitment of purchasing, transporting, setting up, taking down, and storing your own gear is opening up the outdoors to people who would have not otherwise considered it. There is a platform for renting just about anything you can think of; luxury canvas tents included! HipCamp , Airbnb, Glamping.com, and Glampinghub.com are excellent ways to market and rent your tents.

A particularly crafty glamp site operator was struggling with bird poop on her tent. She started posting pictures of some of the birds in the area to birding groups on Facebook and ended up with a cult following of avian enthusiasts booking in to her glamp site and recommending the experience to their friends. She picked up some feeders and second hand bird identification books on Amazon and captured the hearts, minds, and return business of a diverse group of bird watchers that had never considered glamping before.

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.

Get Expert Advice

Learn from the experiences of others.

Reach out to companies and individuals that have experience in the glamping business. CanvasCamp has worked with hundreds of new and expanding glamping businesses and offers free consultation services. Although the industry is growing - it's still in the early stages and most major players are receptive to talking with like-minded glamping entrepreneurs. Conferences like the The Glamping Show USA are a great place to network, learn, and get inspired. Stay at a few glamping sites and gain some first hand knowledge of the customer perspective.

Inspired?! Talk with the Experts on How To Start A Glamping Business

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Glamping Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Joy Nwokoro

Home » Business ideas » Hospitality, Travel & Tourism » Campground

A glamping business refers to an enterprise that provides luxury or glamorous camping experiences for individuals or groups who want to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

The term “glamping” is a combination of “glamorous” and “camping,” and it aims to offer an elevated camping experience that goes beyond traditional tents and basic amenities. The target audience for glamping businesses includes travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences in nature while enjoying modern comforts.

Glamping is particularly popular among individuals who want to reconnect with nature, celebrate special occasions, or simply unwind in a serene and picturesque setting without compromising on luxury.

Steps on How to Write a Glamping Business Plan

Executive summary.

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. is a premier glamping business located in Short Hills, New Jersey, offering a unique and luxurious outdoor experience for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking comfort and adventure.

Our company aims to provide an exceptional glamping experience, blending the tranquility of nature with the indulgence of upscale amenities. Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. aims to revolutionize the glamping experience in Short Hills, New Jersey, by offering unparalleled luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable adventures.

With a strong vision, unique offerings, and a strategic marketing approach, we are poised for success in this rapidly growing market.

Company Profile

A. our products and services.

Luxury Accommodations: Our glamping site has a selection of beautifully appointed tents, yurts, and treehouses, each equipped with plush bedding, stylish interiors, and private outdoor spaces.

Modern Amenities: Guests can enjoy private bathrooms with hot showers, running water, and eco-friendly toiletries, ensuring a luxurious stay in the midst of nature.

Gourmet Dining: We offer a culinary delight with gourmet meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients and catered to individual preferences.

Recreational Activities: Dovely Dove® Glamping organizes guided hiking tours, wildlife experiences, and adventure activities to provide guests with a memorable outdoor adventure.

b. Nature of the Business

The nature of the glamping business is a combination of hospitality, outdoor recreation, and luxury travel.

c. The Industry

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will operate in the broader hospitality and travel industry. More specifically, it falls under the niche category of “alternative accommodations” within the hospitality sector.

d. Mission Statement

At Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc., our mission is to provide a one-of-a-kind glamping experience that harmoniously blends the serenity of nature with the luxury of upscale accommodations. We strive to create a haven where guests can unwind, rejuvenate, and forge cherished memories, all while immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural world.

e. Vision Statement

Our vision at Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. is to be recognized as the premier glamping destination in Short Hills, New Jersey, and beyond. We aim to set new industry standards by offering a diverse selection of unique and elegantly designed accommodations that evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment.

f. Our Tagline (Slogan)

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. – “ Where Nature Embraces Luxury”

g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company, LLC.

h. Our Organizational Structure

• Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
• Facility Manager
• Accountant (Cashier)
• Marketing and Sales Officer
• Support Staff
• Customer Care Executive

i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members

• Dennis Robinson (Owner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer) 51 Percent Shares
• Prince Philips (Board Member) 19 Percent Shares
• Emma Barnabas (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Richie Smith (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Kate Milton (Board Member and Secretary) 10 Percent Shares.

SWOT Analysis

A. strength.

• Dovely Dove® Glamping offers a diverse range of luxurious and stylish accommodations, setting it apart from traditional camping and other hospitality options.
• Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Short Hills, New Jersey, the glamping site benefits from its proximity to nature and access to a high-end demographic.
• The company prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service, tailoring experiences to meet individual preferences, and ensuring a memorable stay for guests.
• Dovely Dove® Glamping emphasizes sustainability and responsible tourism, appealing to eco-conscious travelers and aligning with the growing trend towards eco-tourism.
• With a range of guided outdoor adventures and activities, the business provides guests with a well-rounded glamping experience and opportunities for exploration and fun.

b. Weakness

• Glamping accommodations may have limited capacity compared to larger hotels or resorts, potentially leading to restricted availability during peak seasons.
• Glamping experiences are weather-dependent, and adverse weather conditions could impact guest satisfaction and overall revenue.
• The luxury nature of glamping accommodations might result in higher pricing, potentially limiting the target market to affluent travelers.

c. Opportunities

• The glamping industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for unique and immersive travel experiences among a wide range of travelers.
• Collaborating with local tour operators, event planners, and travel agencies can enhance brand visibility and attract a broader clientele.
• Introducing seasonal packages or themed experiences can attract new customers and encourage repeat visits throughout the year.

i. How Big is the Industry?

The glamping industry is not a big industry, but it is a significant subset of the broader hospitality and travel industry.

ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?

The glamping industry was experiencing significant growth and gaining popularity worldwide. It was was estimated to be worth several billion dollars globally, and it was projected to continue expanding. The increasing interest in experiential and nature-based travel, along with the rise in eco-tourism and sustainable travel trends, contributed to the industry’s growth.

iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry?

The emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious travel is likely to continue as travelers become more environmentally aware. Glamping businesses are expected to implement eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, and supporting local communities.

Glamping sites may incorporate wellness-focused activities, such as yoga, meditation, spa services, and nature walks, to cater to travelers seeking relaxation and holistic experiences.

While glamping aims to provide a disconnect from urban life, technology integration may focus on enhancing guest experiences through smart amenities, mobile apps for bookings and on-site activities, and sustainable technology solutions.

Continued innovation in glamping structures and designs, such as floating tents, underwater accommodations, and augmented reality experiences, may emerge to attract travelers seeking novelty and exclusivity. Efforts may be made to ensure that glamping experiences are more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, making outdoor experiences available to a broader audience.

iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

No, there are no niche ideas when it comes to the glamping line of business.

v. Can You Sell a Franchise of Your Business in the Future?

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. has plans to sell franchises in the near future and we will target major cities with growing working-class demography in the United States of America.

• Dovely Dove® Glamping faces competition from other glamping businesses, as well as traditional hotels and resorts offering similar luxury and outdoor experiences.
• Economic downturns or uncertainties may lead to reduced travel and discretionary spending, potentially affecting the business’s revenue.
• Natural disasters or environmental changes in the area could disrupt operations and impact the guest experience.

i. Who are the Major Competitors?

• Under Canvas
• Collective Retreats
• The Resort at Paws Up
• Glamping Hub
• Terra Glamping
• Ventana Big Sur
• Firelight Camps
• The Ranch at Rock Creek
• Moab Under Canvas
• Treebones Resort
• Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
• Sandy Pines Campground
• Dunton River Camp
• Savage River Lodge
• Nightfall Camp
• Bull Hill Guest Ranch
• Mendocino Grove.

ii. Is There a Franchise for Glamping Business? 

No, there are no franchise opportunities for the glamping business.

iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting the Glamping Business ?

Glamping businesses in the United States are subject to various policies, regulations, and zoning laws that could vary significantly depending on the state, county, or municipality where the business operates.

Many jurisdictions have specific zoning regulations that dictate where and how glamping businesses can operate. Zoning laws may restrict the types of accommodations allowed in certain areas, dictate building codes, and establish minimum distance requirements from certain features like water bodies or residential areas.

Glamping sites situated in ecologically sensitive areas may need to adhere to environmental regulations to protect the local ecosystem and wildlife. Compliance with waste management, water usage, and energy conservation practices may be required.

Glamping businesses providing food services must comply with health and sanitation standards set by relevant authorities. Some locations may have specific regulations or incentives for businesses that promote sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Marketing Plan

A. who is your target audience.

i. Age Range

The primary age range of the target audience is likely to be between 25 and 55 years old. This demographic includes young professionals, couples, families, and mature travelers seeking memorable experiences.

ii. Level of Education

The target audience is likely to have a diverse educational background, ranging from high school graduates to individuals with advanced degrees.

iii. Income Level

The income level of the target audience at Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. is likely to be predominantly middle to high-income.

iv. Ethnicity: Dovely Dove® Glamping aims to cater to a diverse clientele, welcoming guests of all ethnic backgrounds and cultures.

v. Language

The primary language for communication and services at Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. is English. However, multilingual staff may be available to cater to international guests.

vi. Geographical Location

The primary geographical location is Short Hills, New Jersey, and its surrounding areas, attracting both local and domestic travelers. The business may also appeal to travelers from other parts of the United States and international visitors seeking a luxury glamping experience.

vii. Lifestyle

The target audience embraces a lifestyle characterized by a desire for unique experiences, an appreciation for nature, and a preference for luxury and upscale amenities. They are likely to be adventurous, environmentally conscious, and willing to invest in exclusive travel experiences.

b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies

• Host Themed Events That Catch the Attention of Potential Clients.
• Tap Into Text Marketing.
• Use FOMO to Run Photo Promotions.
• Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
• Turn Your Social Media Channels into a Resource
• Develop Your Business Directory Profiles
• Build Relationships with the travel and tours industry, hotel and hospitality industry, and related organizations in our Area

i. Traditional Marketing Strategies

• Marketing through Direct Mail.
• Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
• Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
• OOH Marketing – Public Transit like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street shows, and Cabs.
• Leverage direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), tradeshows, print advertising (magazines, newspapers, coupon books, billboards), referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing), radio, and television.

ii. Digital Marketing Strategies

• Social Media Marketing Platforms.
• Influencer Marketing.
• Email Marketing.
• Content Marketing.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
• Affiliate Marketing
• Mobile Marketing.

iii. Social Media Marketing Plan

• Start using chatbots.
• Create a personalized experience for each of our clients.
• Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
• Create a community for our freelance marketers and influencers.
• Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
• Use brand advocates.
• Create profiles on relevant social media channels.
• Run cross-channel campaigns.

c. Pricing Strategy

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will adopt the following pricing strategies:

• Cost-Plus Pricing
• Value-Based Pricing
• Competitive Pricing
• Dynamic Pricing
• Bundle Pricing

Sales and Distribution Plan

A. sales channels.

Our channel sales strategy will involve using partners and third parties—such as referral partners, affiliate partners, freelance marketers, and social media influencers to help refer clients to us.

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will also leverage the 4 Ps of marketing which is the place, price, product, and promotion. By carefully integrating all these marketing strategies into a marketing mix, we can have a visible, in-demand service.

b. Inventory Strategy

The fact that we will need supplies per time means that Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will operate an inventory strategy that is based on a day-to-day methodology for ordering, maintaining, and processing items in our warehouse. We will develop our strategy with the same thoroughness and attention to detail as we would if we were creating an overall strategy for the business.

c. Payment Options for Customers

• Bank Transfers
• Credit or Debit Card
• Electronic Payment Systems such as PayPal or Venmo.

d. Return Policy, Incentives, and Guarantees

Return Policy: At Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc., we understand that plans can change, and we aim to provide flexibility to our guests. Our return policy is designed to ensure guest satisfaction while also considering the operational needs of our business.

• Guests may cancel their reservations up to a specified number of days before their scheduled arrival date to receive a full or partial refund, depending on the notice period provided.
• A reasonable cancellation fee may be applicable for cancellations made within a certain timeframe to cover administrative and processing costs.
• In the event of unforeseen circumstances or events beyond the control of either the guest or Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. (such as natural disasters, extreme weather, or government-imposed restrictions), we will work with guests to reschedule their stay or offer a full refund.

Incentives:

• We offer a loyalty rewards program where guests earn points for each stay, which can be redeemed for future discounts, complimentary upgrades, or exclusive experiences.
• Guests who book their glamping experience in advance are eligible for special early booking discounts, encouraging them to plan ahead.
• We incentivize our guests to refer friends and family to Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. by offering referral rewards, such as discounts or free upgrades, for successful referrals.

Guarantees:

• We guarantee the highest standards of cleanliness, comfort, and luxury in all our glamping accommodations.
• The safety and security of our guests are paramount. We maintain compliance with safety regulations and implement measures to ensure a secure and worry-free experience.
• As part of our commitment to sustainability, we guarantee that our operations adhere to eco-friendly practices and minimize the environmental impact of our glamping site.

e. Customer Support Strategy

Our customer support strategy will involve ensuring that clients can contact our office through multiple communication channels, such as email, phone, and social media. We will also make sure that all contact information is clearly displayed on the business’s website and promotional materials.

We will foster a culture of putting clients first, where staff are trained to listen actively and empathize with clients’ needs. We will encourage staff to go the extra mile to ensure clients feel valued and supported. We will implement a CRM system to manage client data, track appointments, and follow-up activities.

Operational Plan

• Our operational plan will involve offering a diverse range of luxury glamping accommodations, including stylish tents, yurts, treehouses, and modern cabins, each designed for comfort and relaxation.
• Ensure accommodations are well-maintained, clean, and equipped with upscale amenities, providing a seamless blend of nature and luxury.
• Create private outdoor spaces for each accommodation, allowing guests to connect with nature in their own tranquil setting.
• Implement an efficient reservation system, allowing guests to book accommodations and activities seamlessly through various channels, including the website and mobile apps.

a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Glamping Business?

During a typical day at a glamping business, several activities and tasks take place to ensure guests have a memorable and seamless experience. Throughout the day, staff members at the glamping business work diligently to ensure the smooth operation of the site, attending to guest needs, and providing exceptional service.

b. Production Process

There is no production process when it comes to a business.

c. Service Procedure

The service procedure at Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. is carefully designed to provide guests with an exceptional and seamless glamping experience. Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. aims to provide a seamless and personalized service procedure, where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying luxury accommodations and attentive hospitality.

d. The Supply Chain

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. sources materials and products from various suppliers and local producers. This includes glamping accommodations, furniture, amenities, and other necessities. Logistics companies handle the transportation of materials and products from suppliers to the glamping site. This includes both raw materials and finished goods.

The construction and installation team is responsible for assembling glamping accommodations, such as tents, yurts, treehouses, and cabins.

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. collaborates with local food and beverage providers to offer gourmet meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Suppliers may include local farms, bakeries, and specialty food producers. Overall, Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. relies on a network of suppliers, service providers, and partners to deliver an exceptional glamping experience.

The supply chain ensures that the glamping site is well-equipped, the staff is well-supported, and guests receive the best of nature, luxury, and hospitality throughout their stay.

e. Sources of Income

The primary source of income for Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. is the revenue generated from renting out luxury glamping accommodations, such as tents, yurts, treehouses, and cabins. The on-site dining area or restaurant offers gourmet meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Income is generated from the sales of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and potentially packed meals for guests’ activities. Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will also offer guests a range of guided outdoor activities, such as hiking, wildlife tours, and adventure sports. Income is generated from activity fees paid by guests who participate in these experiences.

Financial Plan

A. amount needed to start our glamping business.

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. would need an estimate of $750,000 to successfully set up our glamping business in the United States of America. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all our staff for the first month of operation.

b. What are the costs involved?

• Business Registration Fees – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $7,300.
• Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – $2,000.
• Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
• Insurance – $1,400.
• Rent/Lease – $350,000.
• Other start-up expenses include commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($2,800).
• Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $70,000
• start-up inventory – $20,000
• Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $4,750
• Equipment and maintenance – $250,000
• Website: $600
• Opening party: $3,000
• Miscellaneous: $20,000

c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will not initially build a new facility for our glamping business; we intend to start with a long-term lease and after 5 years, we will start the process of acquiring our own facility.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Glamping Business?

• Rent or lease payments
• Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and other utilities needed to operate the facility
• Equipment maintenance
• Staff salaries.
• Marketing and advertising
• Expenses for housekeeping services to clean and prepare accommodations for new guests.
• The cost of sourcing food ingredients, preparing meals, and providing dining services for guests.
• Taxes and permits
• Credit card processing fees

f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner) – $65,000 per year
• Facility Manager – $48,000 per year
• Administrative Officer (Cashier) – $35,000 per year
• Marketing and Sales Officer – $35,000 per year
• Support Staff – $45,000 per year
• Customer Care Executive – $28,396 per year

g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Glamping Center Business?

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
• Pitching our business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
• Source for soft loans from our family members and friends.

Financial Projection

A. how much should you charge for your product/service.

Budget-Friendly Glamping: Prices for budget-friendly glamping accommodations can start as low as $50 to $150 per night. These may include basic tents or rustic cabins with shared facilities and fewer amenities.

Mid-Range Glamping: Mid-range glamping accommodations typically range from $150 to $300 per night.

Luxury Glamping: Luxury glamping experiences can range from $300 to well over $1,000 per night.

b. Sales Forecast?

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $460,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $700,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $1 million

c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): (20% of revenue generated)
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): (25% of revenue generated)
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): (30% of revenue generated)

d. Profit Margin of a Glamping Product/Service

The ideal profit margin we hope to make at Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will be between 20 and 30 percent on service charges.

Growth Plan

A. how do you intend to grow and expand by opening more retail outlets/offices or selling a franchise.

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. will grow our glamping business by first opening other facilities in key cities in the United States of America within the first five years of establishing the organization and then will start selling franchises from the tenth year.

b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?

Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. plans to expand to;

• Boston, Massachusetts
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• San Francisco, California
• Miami, Florida
• Houston, Texas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Portland, Oregon
• Los Angeles, California
• Chicago, Illinois
• New York City, New York.

The reason we intend to expand to these locations is the fact that these cities have a thriving market for glamping and related activities.

The founder of Dovely Dove® Glamping, Inc. plans to exit the business via family succession. We have positioned structures and processes in place that will help us achieve our plan of successfully transferring the business from one family member to another and from one generation to another without difficulties.

The company has successfully developed a detailed transition plan to smoothly hand over responsibilities to the new successor. This includes transferring ownership, training key personnel, and communicating with employees, customers, and suppliers about the change.

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Glamping Business Plan Template

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Created by:

ABC Glamping Experience Group

Company Name: ABC Glamping Experience Phone: (123) 1234567 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.abcglampingexp.com Address: 4353 Smithfield Avenue, Lubbock, TX, 79401

To offer glamorous, luxurious, and first rated experience in camping.

To become the first and top glamping company in the country.

To spread ideas about the company and gain more clients. To expand the company from 5 employees to 100. To build and expand multiple branches of the company. To become the number 1 company in the glamping industry. To get more investors.

ABC Glamping Experience Group (123) 1234567 - [email protected] 4353 Smithfield Avenue, Lubbock, TX, 79401

POSITION: CEO

She is the founder of this company and she started it back in 2015. She is highly-organized and a good leader.

POSITION: PRESIDENT

He is a co-founder of this company. He is responsible for making sure that the company goes in the right direction.

POSITION: PROJECT MANAGER

As a project manager, it is his responsibility to make sure that the projects are well-organized and monitored closely to improve the workflow of the company.

Glamping comes from the word "glamorous" and "camping" which means that the style of camping is similar to a hotel or inn compared to the classical one.

The glamping industry is expected to boom before 2030. This trend is advancing, boosting, growing, and accelerating.

This niche will surely be profitable on the following years which is why this is a good business industry to invest to.

The target audience of this company is the family, workers, and groups that would like to have an amazing camping experience.

The company created a website and social media accounts in order to start campaigning about the products and services provided by this company.

We also hired some SEO specialist, Social Media Marketer, and Digital Marketers for this specific campaign.

This permit is given by the local government that allows us to conduct business in the city.

This is a proof that the company is paying taxes and following the laws.

This license was given by the business association allowing us to conduct business in the country.

ABC Glamping Experience Group is a company that provides a wonderful camping experience for the customers. As you can see in the financial analysis section, it shows the projected revenue from the year 2020 to the year 2022. The total expenses are significantly lower which means a higher net profit for the company.

In this business plan, it shows the projected employee salaries, benefits, rent, equipment, and utilities needed in order to run the company smoothly. If you carefully check the table, the data shows that the glamping industry will continue to boom which means that there is a higher chance that the provided data in this business plan could increase significantly high than expected.

This business plan also shows the goals and objectives of the company together with the mission and vision. We will continue to hire more people and expand our business. We also continue to get more investors to join and invest in the company.

A Glamping Business Plan Template is a document containing case studies, strategies, and future plans of the company. A great business plan should discuss a problem and how to resolve it by creating specific goals, plans, and objectives.

This Glamping Business Plan Template contains a cover page, company overview page, team or staff page, frequently asked questions page, financial analysis section, and a conclusion page. This template also shows the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the company. This template explains the projected costs, revenue, profits, loss, and expenses of the company monthly, quarterly, and yearly. The data is displayed in a table format so that it is easy to read and to analyze. This template is also using Calculation widget and conditional logic in order to get the total revenue and expenses. You can fully customize this PDF by changing the image cover, logo, pictures of the staff, font format, layout and many more by using the PDF Editor.

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About Simple Business Plan Templates

Plans, strategies, roadmaps – Businesses rely on these things to gain perspective on what’s about to happen. Milestones laid down in strategic and careful planning for growth and expansion, visions of where the company’s headed 10 years from now, goals that should meet timelines, all these require a smart, prudent and calculated planning.

Whether you’re a startup, an SMB, or close to a Fortune 500, a solid business plan is crucial. And of course, writing business plans is a huge task. But, what if you needed something that requires input from others though? Say, an online form or a PDF template where responses from your colleagues and managers matter? Well, here’s a collection of PDF templates for business planning.

These are beautifully designed templates, specifically tailored for businesses and companies who don’t know where to start. The hard part was already done and that’s designing the template. These will serve as boilerplates for whatever milestone your business needs. You won’t need to worry on building something from scratch, you just need to focus on the content. Some of these templates will contain or collect executive summaries, opportunities, expectations, execution, financial plans, forecasts, the whole nine yards.

Business plan templates help give a clear vision of what lies ahead. They help you get things organized, planned out, and help you check off items from your to-do list more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) what are the seven parts of a business plan.

• Executive summary. This is an overview of your business plan. The executive summary should include your company’s offerings, mission, goals, and projections. Think of it as the elevator pitch for your business plan. If you can’t get investors interested here, it’s unlikely they’ll want to keep reading.
• Company description and history. Describe your business’s legal structure and history in addition to what you do. If you just started this business, you may replace company history with your leadership team’s experience. The purpose of this section is to explain the company structure and build confidence in the people running the company.
• Products and services. Talk about what your company offers, whether that’s products, services, or a combination of the two. Describe your products and services in detail. Explain what makes your offering unique, what your profit margins are, what kind of demand you’re seeing for it, etc.
• Market and competitor research. Investors want to know if there’s demand for your offering. Describe the target market and how your product or service benefits potential customers. Include projections of where the industry is headed over the next few years. Additionally, detail your competitors and how saturated the market is.
• Sales and marketing strategy. This part of the business plan explains how you’ll promote your product. Outline elements such as your ideal customer profile (ICP) as well as your marketing channels, budget, and methods.
• Operations and logistics. Explain how you’ll source materials if you sell products as well as the technology you need to deliver such products and services. Also, provide details about your team, like how many people you’ll need and how you’ll manage employees.
• Financial plan and projections. It’s crucial to prove that your business will be financially viable. For this, you’ll need revenue and expense projections. Many investors want to see sample account statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections.

2) How do you write a business plan?

Your business plan should be a realistic roadmap that helps you build a successful company. When writing it, take a balanced approach so that you’re not blind to the potential pitfalls and risks. You’ll draft each of the seven sections previously discussed.

Tackling these sections can be overwhelming, so some people like to start with a one-page business plan that includes short paragraphs for each element. Another way to give yourself a head start is by working from a business plan template. Once you have a good start, you can expand each section to make a compelling case for your business.

3) Can I write a business plan myself?

Yes, you can. However, depending on your writing experience and goals, you may want outside help. If the business plan is for internal use with the purpose of improving business functions, you’ll likely be OK tackling it alone. But if you’re trying to secure funding from a bank or investors, a professional business plan writer can give you a leg up.

Even if you decide to do it yourself, have a trusted friend or business mentor review your plan and provide feedback. An objective point of view will help you refine your work.

4) What are the four types of business plans?

• One-page or mini business plan. The one-page option is a great way to improve the focus of your business plan and highlight the essential elements. It can be an effective way to workshop your company’s plan or quickly give others a rundown of your entire business.
• Traditional business plan. The traditional business plan is more in-depth than its one-page counterpart and will be more thorough in each section (often, plans exceed 40 pages). For example, it may contain detailed financials, branding samples, and competitive research documents.
• Business model canvas (BMC). The business model canvas is a more visual representation of your business architecture. It includes sections for infrastructure, offering, customers, finances, etc. Many businesses find the BMC appealing since it can be summarized in a single page.
• Strategic business plan. The strategic business plan can have different purposes, like proving feasibility, discussing planning operations, or projecting growth. It will outline the company’s goals, its strategy for reaching them, and the company structure. The main difference between this and the traditional plan is its focus on specific strategic initiatives.

5) What are the common mistakes in business plans?

• Poor writing. Sloppy writing may suggest that you’re not serious about your business or you lack the needed professionalism.
• Unrealistic expectations. While you should be optimistic about your business, if your financial projections reflect your hopes more than reality, people may hesitate to back your business.
• Lack of supporting documentation. People reviewing your business plan want to see how you back up your claims. You can include research docs, sample financials, and estimates to make your case.
• Failing to define the target audience. For a successful marketing plan, you need to define your target audience. Investors and financial institutions need to see if you’re confident about who you’re selling to.
• Unbalanced. It’s important to lay out the risks and potential upsides. This analysis shows investors that you’re considering the whole picture regarding your business.

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The 29 best glamping resorts in the u.s..

Get off the grid in glamour and comfort.

The Best Glamping Resorts in the U.S.

Courtesy of Mendocino Grove

Glamping resorts offer both adventure and luxury.

If you're enticed by the idea of camping but don't want to deal with the inevitable grunt work that comes with it, glamping (or glamorous camping) is the perfect compromise. Read on to discover the most unique glamping resorts in California, Florida, Tennessee and other destinations across the U.S.

The Resort at Paws Up: Greenough, Montana

Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up

There's glamping, and then there's glamping at The Resort at Paws Up . One of the pioneers of modern-day glamping, The Resort at Paws Up offers six exclusive glamping camps (with prices to match), each one offering a different experience. Solo travelers and couples will love the two-story Tree Haus at the resort's adults-only retreat, called the green o. North Bank Camp – with three-bedroom, two-bathroom tents – is ideal for large families. You can book an individual tent or, if traveling with extended family and/or friends, even an entire camp. Guests can even bring along a furry friend, as this resort is dog-friendly.

Glamping guests enjoy a dedicated camping butler and, because this is an all-inclusive resort , three gourmet meals with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages daily. Select activities such as mountain biking and snow tubing are covered in nightly rates. For additional fees you can also take advantage of the many unique guided activities and excursions you don't find at most resorts, from snowmobiling to hot air balloon rides. On-site transportation and shuttle service to and from Missoula Montana Airport, about 35 miles away, are also included in your stay.

While the lodging and amenities make Paws Up one of the best glamping resorts in the U.S., it's the staff members who have earned this resort rave reviews from previous guests. The Resort at Paws Up offers glamping mid-May through mid-October, while the green o is available for stays year-round.

Address: 40060 Paws Up Road, Greenough, MT 59823

Terramor Outdoor Resort: Bar Harbor, Maine

Courtesy of Terramor Outdoor Resort

As KOA's first foray into glamping, Terramor Outdoor Resort offers luxury tent accommodations near Acadia National Park in Maine. All tents feature electricity, Wi-Fi, portable heaters and coolers plus other convenient amenities, though the types vary in capacity from two up to five guests and whether they have a bathroom. This family-friendly resort features an abundance of amenities that travelers love, including a pool and hot tub, lawn games, live entertainment, evening campfires, stargazing lectures, and an on-site restaurant and bar where guests can enjoy craft cocktails and regionally sourced beers. Pets are also welcome at Terramor, especially in the on-site dog park.

Terramor is a designated stop for the Island Explorer, a free shuttle service that transports visitors to Acadia National Park, downtown Bar Harbor and other areas of interest on Mount Desert Island. The Island Explorer operates seasonally, from mid-June to mid-October.

Address: 1453 Maine state Route 102, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Backland: Williams, Arizona

Courtesy of Backland

Opened in 2022, Backland is a remote resort with four glamping options: Backland Suite, Grand Suite, Sky Suite and Grand Sky Suite. The latter two feature a view of the stars from a 16-foot skylight over the bed, but all four are fitted with panoramic windows for breathtaking views of the Arizona wilderness. These luxury tents accommodate up to either four or six guests, plus no more than two pets. Each features king-sized beds, a full en suite bathroom with a shower, luxury linens, electricity, automatic climate control, an outdoor patio, a coffee maker, a minifridge, housekeeping services and some toiletries.

Backland purposefully doesn't offer Wi-Fi in the tents – only at reception – as guests are encouraged to unplug during their stay. Instead of doomscrolling on social media, you can enjoy bird-watching, stargazing and roasting s'mores over a campfire. There's also a tented spa, a restaurant and a pond with a beach. Glampers at this resort say they appreciate the cozy accommodations and peaceful atmosphere.

Backland is located less than 15 miles from downtown Williams, Arizona, close to some of the best places to visit in Arizona , including Flagstaff (about 40 miles away), Grand Canyon National Park (less than 60 miles) and Sedona , which is a roughly 60-mile drive from the resort.

Address: 6929 E. Rosilda Springs Road, Williams, AZ 86046

Klarhet: Lutsen, Minnesota

Courtesy of Klarhet

Klarhet, which means "clarity" in Swedish, aims to bring just that to its glamping guests. The intimate property is located on the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by a regenerative food forest, where an assortment of edible plants and animals attempts to mimic natural ecosystems – and where guests are invited to take a tour.

Klarhet offers just four domes – Raidho, Dagaz, Laguz and Berkanan – which all bring the outdoors inside with stellar views of the night sky and lush greenery. Each dome is equipped with king- and queen-sized beds; sustainably sourced cotton bedding; a large fan; a toilet; a custom rainfall shower; Public Goods bath amenities; Turkish bath linens, bathrobes and slippers; and a yoga mat. Amenities at Klarhet include a communal fire pit, board games and snowshoes to use in the local state parks, where you can also hike. Recent guests praise everything about Klarhet, from the accommodations to the staff.

Address: 233 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN 55612

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo: River Ranch, Florida

Courtesy of Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

The Sunshine State is synonymous with theme parks and beaches , so you might be surprised to learn you can also go glamping in Florida.

At Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo near Kissimmee, you can spend the night in a variety of luxury glamping accommodations, each with a private bathroom and kitchenette: Choose one of the climate-controlled luxury tents or the Luxe Conestoga Wagon, which has space for up to six guests. Regular glamping tents with separate bathroom facilities are also available. Guests of all the glamping accommodations enjoy perks such as coffee and pastry deliveries each morning and access to a personal concierge; if you opt for one of the three luxury glamping options, another special amenity is a golf cart for roaming the property.

Not only is Westgate River Ranch considered a glamping resort, but it's also the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of this property's activities and amenities: airboat and swamp buggy rides, horseback riding, an archery range, a petting farm, a weekly rodeo, an on-site steakhouse and more. Resort activities, including VIP tickets to the rodeo, are covered in rates for glamping guests staying in one of the two luxe accommodations, making the experience nearly all-inclusive. Previous visitors agree this relaxed resort is a fun alternative to the nearby theme parks in Orlando .

Address: 3200 River Ranch Blvd., River Ranch, FL 33867

Bodhi Farms: Bozeman, Montana

Courtesy of Bodhi Farms

Nestled beside the Gallatin Mountains, Bodhi Farms allows travelers to sustainably and authentically experience the beauty of Montana through immersive activities and amenities. The warmer months boast creekside yoga and spa services, farming projects such as gardening and caring for livestock, a wood-fired sauna, nightly campfires, and fly fishing both on- and off-site. Farm-to-table dining at the field kitchen restaurant – situated on an open-air patio during the summer – includes the opportunity to try the Cowboy Brunch. Complimentary breakfast is available to guests of the hotel's nine glamping tents, another highlight of this eco-resort .

Available for stays from May to October, each cone-shaped tent features either one king bed or two twin beds, plus plush pet beds for up two dogs. The accommodations are also equipped with a private porch, two lounge chairs, a hammock, plenty of natural light, and heaters and fans upon request. Luxurious bathrooms are shared yet still feel private, and Bodhi Farms provides eco-friendly toiletries and complimentary bathrobes.

Just south of Bozeman, Montana, Bodhi Farms' location makes a convenient base to visit some of the state's top attractions , including Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone National Park , one of the top-rated national parks in the U.S.

Address: 13624 S. Cottonwood Road, Bozeman, MT 59718

Camp Long Creek: Ridgedale, Missouri

Courtesy of Camp Long Creek

Named for its location on Table Rock Lake at Big Cedar Lodge (created by the founder of Bass Pro Shops), Camp Long Creek offers glamping near Branson, Missouri . Its glamping units bring wood floors and chandeliers into a canvas tent, with each offering an outdoor bathtub, a fire pit, a table and chairs, a small fridge and coffee maker, and sleeping accommodations for two. These tents are scattered around the property, so views range from the lake to the forest. All units are dog-friendly and feature a private bathroom.

When you're not white-knuckling the roller coasters at Silver Dollar City (considered one of the best amusement parks in the U.S. ) or uncovering history at the Titanic Museum Attraction, take time to enjoy the resort's activities such as golfing, hiking, or boating and fishing on the lake. Other amenities include pools and hot tubs, a fitness center, and a canteen with grab-and-go bites and beverages. Previous guests rave about the setting and conveniences of glamping at this resort.

Address: 1358 Long Creek Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Alila Ventana Big Sur: Big Sur, California

Courtesy of Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort

There are few destinations in California that offer luxury in a place where you would otherwise have to rough it. In Big Sur , a region that is only accessible via one road and doesn't always offer electricity, travelers will find a limited selection of five-star accommodations – among them Alila Ventana Big Sur .

The resort offers safari-style tents in a 20-acre redwood canyon, all equipped with plush beds, electric lamps, instant hot and cold potable water with sinks, and power outlets with USB ports. Glampers can also make use of amenities for enjoying the outdoors, such as Adirondack chairs, wood-burning fire pits and picnic tables. Restrooms and showers are available at a shared, well-maintained bathhouse.

Glamping guests can purchase the Spa Alila Day Pass, which includes one 50-minute massage or facial, one poolside entree and one nonalcoholic beverage, plus full access to the meadow pool, infinity hot tub and sauna. You also have the option to enjoy fine dining at The Sur House on-site. Some parts of the Alila Ventana Big Sur grounds are reserved for resort guests only, so glampers will not have access to certain facilities.

Address: 48123 California state Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Treebones Resort: Big Sur, California

Courtesy of Kodiak Greenwood

If you want to glamp in Big Sur, you might also consider Treebones Resort, which offers yurts with king beds and modern furnishings, as well as accommodations you're not likely to find elsewhere. The Autonomous Camp Collection's twin units, which can best be described as a full apartment fit into a tent, take glamping to the next level; this solar-powered, upscale option is complete with a bedroom, en suite bathroom, lounge area and outdoor deck. For a more rustic but no less unique stay, the Human Nest campsite is exactly what it sounds like – meaning you'll need to bring your own bedding and tent for protection from the elements when you sleep on the futon pad inside this wood art.

Something else Treebones Resort has that you don't find at most glamping resorts? Sushi. The Wild Coast Sushi Bar features an omakase dining experience in which patrons sit face to face with the chef, who uses their reactions to craft the 14-course tasting menu. Previous guests say it's an absolute must when staying here. You can also dine at The Lodge Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner.

Other on-site amenities include a massage studio and yoga. The rugged coastline views at Treebones Resort rival many in the area, and glampers may also choose to explore the beauty of Big Sur through guided excursions.

Address: 71895 California state Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Under Canvas: Multiple Locations

Bailey Made | Courtesy of Under Canvas

First-time glampers should consider Under Canvas, which offers a dozen glamping locations nationwide – including its newest outpost in Paradise Valley, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park.

Guests in the safari-style tents enjoy king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves, West Elm patio furnishings, and en suite bathrooms with organic bath products and hot running water. On-site cafe-style dining (including locally sourced ingredients) is available in addition to complimentary camp programming that spans yoga, guided hikes, live acoustic music, fireside chats and s'mores.

Other amenities vary by location. At Under Canvas West Yellowstone, there's a coffee bar and an event space just for kids, while at the Grand Canyon site, guests can sip cocktails at an outdoor bar. Under Canvas operates seasonally, with dates varying for each site.

ULUM Moab: Moab, Utah

Courtesy of Bailey Made

An elevated experience by Under Canvas, ULUM Moab – which opened in 2023 – caters to travelers in search of the ultimate luxury-meets-camping experience. As such, all Suite Tents feature a plush king bed with Parachute linens; a living area with a queen bed and chairs; an en suite bathroom with a rain shower, Aesop toiletries and Turkish cotton bathrobes; and a private deck. All accommodations are pet-friendly.

ULUM Moab also offers on-site dining, three dipping pools, a yoga deck, sound bath meditation and more – making it the perfect home base for explorations in the nearby city of Moab as well as Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Reviews of the new resort are all positive, with many mentioning the location and staff among their favorite highlights.

Address: 147 Looking Glass Road, Moab, Utah 84503

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort: Townsend, Tennessee

Courtesy of Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Aside from Under Canvas' Great Smoky Mountains location, there are several individually owned resorts and rentals with glamping in Tennessee . Among the best options is Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, which in addition to its modernized cabins and tiny homes offers glamping tents.

These glamping accommodations come in three forms: the Luxury Glamping Lodge, Luxury Glamping Tents and Primitive Glamping Tents. All are equipped with plush bedding, heating and air conditioning, and a fire pit with a grill grate. The luxury options come with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, while the "primitive" experience means you'll have to venture over to the bathhouses.

An exhaustive list of resort amenities includes a lounge with coffee, games and books; a zero-entry swimming pool, splash pad and hot tub; outdoor spa services; a dog park (yes, the resort is pet-friendly); a playground; a community garden; sports courts; and food truck service. Don't forget to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park , just minutes from the resort. Recent guests say Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is especially fun for families and groups.

Address: 118 Stables Drive, Townsend, TN 37882

Asheville Glamping: Asheville, North Carolina

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Asheville Glamping stands out for the variety of accommodation options it offers across three sites near Asheville, North Carolina . In addition to traditional glamping tents, travelers can rent a treehouse or choose from a variety of domes, including options with indoor slides and space for up to eight guests – perfect for families.

Amenities vary by accommodation category. If you select the Safari Tent (which sleeps up to five guests with an additional cot), you'll enjoy a queen-sized bed and a futon; an outdoor propane grill, fire pit and picnic table; air conditioning; and a shared bathhouse with toilets and showers. Pets are welcome at Asheville Glamping, and you'll find plenty of local outdoor adventures to enjoy with your furry family members.

Read: The Top Hikes in Asheville, North Carolina

El Cosmico: Marfa, Texas

Nick Simonite | Courtesy of El Cosmico

If you're looking for a dog-friendly glampground with whimsy, consider the stylish El Cosmico in the small desert city of Marfa, Texas. One of the best glamping resorts in Texas , El Cosmico offers a variety of unique accommodations including solar-powered Jupe Tents, designed by a team from SpaceX and Tesla. In the future, it will offer the world's first 3D-printed hotel accommodations.

Travelers also have the option to stay in a vintage trailer, yurt or the Cosmic Kasita, a limited-edition bunkhouse. With the exception of some of the trailers and the Cosmic Kasita, most accommodations don't have private indoor bathrooms, so you'll use a communal bathhouse. El Cosmico also offers a communal outdoor kitchen and dining area, bike rentals, a provisions store, a hammock grove, an outdoor stage, and wood-fired Dutch hot tubs.

Address: 802 S. Highland Ave., Marfa, TX 79843

Collective Retreats: Multiple Locations

Courtesy of Collective Retreats

Did you know you can go glamping in New York City ? Collective Retreats, which has a location on Governors Island, also operates two other glamping resorts – in Texas Hill Country and near Vail, Colorado – with several others in the works.

Accommodations in every location are pretty cushy, with luxurious linens, panoramic views, electricity and upscale toiletries. Some tent types, such as the Outlook Shelter exclusive to the Governors Island resort in New York, feature an en suite bathroom, while others require you to use a shared bathhouse.

Collective Retreats offers an array of activities across its locations, whether you want to get a massage in New York, go wine tasting in Texas Hill Country or ride a horse in Colorado. You can also enjoy the on-site dining experiences, with globally inspired cuisine.

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Dunton River Camp: Dolores, Colorado

Courtesy of Dunton River Camp

Situated on 500 acres in the Colorado Rockies, this former cattle ranch is surrounded by verdant meadows and forests radiating a sense of adventure. Dunton River Camp is not only stunning but also intimate: It has just eight safari tents on-site. Each tent, sitting on a 640-square-foot wooden platform, comes equipped with luxe amenities including a king-sized bed, a gas stove, complimentary Wi-Fi access, two mountain bikes, a private bathroom with a 6-foot soaker tub and shower, and a towel warmer.

Guests can choose between glamping sites with views of the Dolores River or the mountains. Nightly rates, based on two guests, include all meals and beverages (including nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks at the resort's lounge, Barbara's Bar), making this an all-inclusive resort.

Keep in mind that Dunton River Camp is only open in summer, from June to October. You can find Dunton River Camp in southwestern Colorado , about 190 miles south of Grand Junction.

Address: 50014 Road 38, Dolores, CO 81323

Capitol Reef Resort: Torrey, Utah

Courtesy of Capitol Reef Resort

Capitol Reef Resort is among several places in the U.S. where glamping takes the form of a Conestoga wagon. The resort's Conestoga wagons can sleep up to six guests thanks to two twin bunk beds accompanying the king bed. They feature lighting, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and beautiful rustic furnishings. Additionally, guests have access to detached private bathrooms located a short distance away.

The resort also gives lodgers the option to stay in conical glamping tents, which sleep two adults and come with much of the same amenities as the wagons – plus flat-screen TVs. Both glamping options are available seasonally, typically from late May through September.

Capitol Reef Resort also offers on-site dining and an outdoor pool and hot tub with views of Utah's red rock cliffs. Previous guests say it's a convenient place to stay if you plan to explore Capitol Reef National Park, one of the lesser-known treasures in Utah .

Address: 2600 Utah state Route 24, Torrey, UT 84775

Sinya on Lone Man Creek: Wimberley, Texas

Courtesy of Sinya on Lone Man Creek

Experience the beauty – and the award-winning wineries – of Texas Hill Country at Sinya on Lone Man Creek, a property inspired by a trip to Tanzania and named after a baby elephant in Kenya. This glamping retreat is situated atop a ridge, making you feel as if you're in a treehouse overlooking the beautiful surrounding greenery and Lone Man Creek. The creek's name aptly sets the scene for this exclusive experience, since the property consists of only one tent – but it can accommodate two guests, so there's no need to be truly "lone" if you don't wish to be.

This singular tent is decked out in beautiful country-style furnishings and outfitted with a king-sized bed (not to mention goose-down pillows), a Nespresso coffee maker, a sofa, a kitchenette and a bathroom, which features a claw-foot tub, bathrobes and Turkish towels. Venture outside and you'll find the resort has five furnished outdoor spaces for lounging, including a deck with a hot tub and shower. Recent guests, many of whom visited with a romantic partner, appreciate the seclusion of this glamping resort.

Address: 428 Deer Lake Estates, Wimberley, TX 78676

Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in Texas

The Ranch at Rock Creek: Philipsburg, Montana

Courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek

This five-star dude ranch in western Montana, frequently lauded for providing one-of-a-kind travel experiences, also specializes in glamping. Like the rest of its property and offerings, The Ranch at Rock Creek takes its glamping to the next level.

Glamping accommodations start at nearly 800 square feet and are part-tent, part-cabin. With 10 such dwellings in four different styles – some of which are open year-round – options for amenities vary. Inside these "canvas cabins," you'll typically find spacious bedrooms, additional living areas, gas stoves, attached bathrooms, and outdoor spaces such as porches or decks. Guests can also sleep in a Conestoga wagon with a king bed and twin bunks.

What's more, glamping accommodations qualify for the resort's all-inclusive rate, which covers farm-to-table meals, drinks, transportation on the ranch and airport transfers, as well as resort activities like horseback riding and archery. Peak season at this property spans late May to early September, but the property is open year-round. The Ranch at Rock Creek exceeds expectations, according to previous guests.

Address: 79 Carriage House Lane, Philipsburg, MT 59858

Borealis Basecamp: Fairbanks, Alaska

Courtesy of Borealis Basecamp

If you've ever dreamed of sleeping beneath the northern lights in Alaska , it's time to plan a stay at Borealis Basecamp. Located less than 30 miles north of Fairbanks , Borealis Basecamp unfurls across 100 acres and offers igloos and cubes in lieu of tents, further elevating the one-of-a-kind experience.

These igloos feature cozy beds, Wi-Fi access, private bathrooms with showers and hairdryers, free toiletries, and skylights so guests can fall asleep admiring the aurora borealis when visible. The cube accommodations feature most of the same amenities, but instead of skylights, guests enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows and "treehouse" beds with viewing windows just for kids, plus an en suite bathroom. Not surprisingly, recent guests say staying at Borealis Basecamp was one of the most unique experiences they've ever had.

Address: 2640 Himalaya Road, Fairbanks, AK 99712

Little Raccoon Key: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Courtesy of Little Raccoon Key

Little Raccoon Key – a small, uninhabited island accessible by a short boat ride from Georgia 's Jekyll Island – stands out from most other glamping destinations in the U.S. for one reason: There's just one campsite available. Not only will you have the entire reef island to yourself, but you'll be pampered by staff from start to finish. In addition to your private-island accommodations and the short boat tour there that often passes dolphins, you can request chef-prepared meals, pre-arrival grocery delivery and a lesson on oyster reefs around the island at no extra cost.

Your campsite features most necessities, such as a luxury canvas tent, a memory foam mattress, a gas grill, a stove, a kettle, other cooking supplies, and an outdoor shower and toilet. You can also take advantage of the Adirondack chairs, board games and books. While Little Raccoon Key provides a cooler for ice, it's recommended to bring your own so you can store several days' worth of food, since there's no refrigerator. You also won't find running water or air conditioning at this solar-powered island camp, but you'll be provided with a battery-powered fan. Note that Little Raccoon Key requires a two-night minimum stay.

Address: 1 Harbor Road, Suite No. 1, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

Firelight Camps: Ithaca, New York

Sean Stalteri | Courtesy of Firelight Camps

Experience the natural beauty of upstate New York with a stay at Firelight Camps. This glamping site enjoys a scenic location in a wooded area that's not only minutes away from local state parks including Buttermilk Falls but also less than 4 miles south of Ithaca's popular Collegetown neighborhood, making this particular destination easier to reach than most.

Canvas drapes the natural wood beams of the tents, which come with either one king bed or two queens. Tents also feature hardwood floors, a private tented balcony complete with rocking chairs, lanterns with USB ports, and a writers desk and chair. Upgraded tents come with electricity, though it's important to note that none have private bathrooms; instead, there's a shared bathhouse with eco-friendly products.

Guests can also expect to enjoy artisanal spirits at the on-site bar as well as delicious (and complimentary) breakfast each morning, thanks to co-founder Emma Frisch, who was a top finalist on season 10 of "Food Network Star" and has her own cookbook. Previous guests praise the resort staff's hospitality.

Address: 1150 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850

Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in New York State

Sandy Pines Campground: Kennebunkport, Maine

Douglas Merriam | Courtesy of Sandy Pines Campground

Kennebunkport is known for its beaches and quaint downtown area, which often leaves the nearby green spaces overlooked by visitors. But Sandy Pines Campground offers travelers the chance to experience these underrated landscapes in Kennebunkport without sacrificing proximity to the water. Guests can choose from a variety of unique accommodation options, including Airstreams, Conestoga wagons, cottages, huts and traditional glamping tents.

The tents for couples are decorated to the nines – some with chandeliers – and outfitted with a king-sized bed, a seating area, a private deck, a mini-fridge, lighting, air conditioning and a small heater, and bath amenities. The family tent options have similar features but come with either a daybed in the main tent or a separate smaller tent with twin beds.

Guests can take advantage of glampground amenities such as bathhouses, a saltwater pool, the General Store and Snack Bar, laundry facilities, bike and water sports equipment rentals, and lots of activities for kids. Speaking of younger guests, previous visitors say Sandy Pines Campground is especially ideal for families.

Address: 277 Mills Road, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

Mendocino Grove: Mendocino, California

Find a serene glamping experience in one of California's most breathtaking small towns . Mendocino Grove sits within a forest bluff adjacent to the town, affording spectacular views of the camp's towering trees and the coast.

Most glamping tents sleep two guests, but some sleep up to four or six. You'll also find some options that are dog-friendly. Beds vary in size and come with down comforters and wool blankets; the adult beds also feature heated mattress pads. All tents come equipped with fire pits, picnic tables and limited electricity for powering lamps (which have USB ports) as well as other approved devices including CPAP machines. Private decks with leather butterfly chairs complete the glamping accommodations.

Other on-site amenities include two shared bathhouses with organic products (plus a dog wash), hammocks, a bocce ball court and yoga. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa at The Meadow Commons, which also offers Wi-Fi and lends out books and games.

Address: 9601 California state Route 1, Mendocino, CA 95460

Huttopia: Multiple Locations

Courtesy of Huttopia

What started as a small campsite in the French Alps in 1999 has since expanded to more than 60 locations across three continents, including five U.S. sites in California, upstate New York, southern Maine and New Hampshire's White Mountains. Huttopia's goal is to provide travelers with comforts that go above traditional camping but aren't so comfortable that you'll stay in your tent rather than explore the beautiful surroundings of its properties.

All tents and cabins offer plush beds and electricity, while some have private bathrooms, kitchenettes or kitchens, and decks. Shared bathhouses are available to guests who don't have private toilets and showers. The company's newest U.S. location, Huttopia Wine Country, opened in 2023 in partnership with Northern California's Six Sigma Ranch and Winery. Overlooking the region's rolling vineyard hills, it features a swimming pool as well as French camping cuisine – from espresso to crepes to brick-oven pizza – at its on-site Café-Bistro.

AutoCamp: Multiple Locations

Matt Kisiday | Courtesy of AutoCamp

If your idea of glamping is spending the night in an RV – but you don't have the budget or patience to buy one – it's time to explore AutoCamp. This glamping resort company specializes in Airstream accommodations, with six locations (and counting) ranging from national parks to beaches. Airstream amenities vary slightly by location, but you can expect plush beds (including dog beds upon request), spa-inspired bathrooms, heating and air conditioning, basic cookware, and fire pits with grills.

Families love the BaseCamp Mini Suites – an Airstream with an adjacent tent for kids – available seasonally at select resorts; another unique lodging option at some sites is the BaseCamp Suite, which is part-Airstream, part-tent. All locations offer traditional standalone glamping tents as well as accessible accommodation options.

Like the accommodations, some of the on-site programming varies by resort. For instance, AutoCamp Yosemite and AutoCamp Zion (the newest property) have pools, while the Cape Cod location has a playground. But all of AutoCamp's outposts are dog-friendly and offer complimentary cruiser bikes (first come, first served), Wi-Fi and coffee; they also promise on-site stores for provisions, including wine and beer, and an experience you won't soon forget.

Lakedale: San Juan Island, Washington

Courtesy of Lakedale

Off the coast of Washington state, Lakedale offers year-round glamping on San Juan Island, a picturesque place that can only be accessed by ferry or floatplane. Here, year-round glamping accommodations consist of yurts. Each comes with a king bed, full-sized sleeper sofa, an en suite bathroom, a wet bar, a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a skylight, seating indoors and outside, and private decks with hot tubs.

In the summer months, travelers also have the option to glamp in a canvas cabin or cottage, ideal for families with space for up to six guests. Complimentary on-site activities at Lakedale include lawn games, bike rentals and water sports on the resort's three spring-water lakes.

Address: 4313 Roche Harbor Road, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250

Read: The Best Weekend Getaways From Seattle

The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls: Logan, Ohio

Courtesy of The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Surrounded by the lush forests of Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is one of the most romantic getaways in Ohio . Choose from fully equipped cabins and cottages (some of which are pet-friendly) as well as yurts and geodomes. Each insulated yurt has a king bed or two twin beds, a full bathroom, a kitchenette that includes a gas log stove and microwave, a wood deck, and rocking chairs. The geodomes, outfitted with one king bed, have similar amenities to the yurts, plus a dining table and sofa.

All guests have access to a full-service spa and a restaurant, lauded by guests for its food (which includes complimentary breakfast); both are located in 1840s-style log cabins. Of course, you'll also find outdoor activities galore, from hiking to stargazing at nearby John Glenn Astronomy Park, named for the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth.

Address: 21190 Ohio state Route 374, Logan, OH 43138

The Vintages Trailer Resort: Dayton, Oregon

Courtesy of The Vintages Trailer Resort

The Vintages Trailer Resort offers 36 trailers in a variety of styles, nine of which welcome dogs and all of which make the perfect home base for those exploring Oregon's Willamette Valley, otherwise known as Oregon wine country. Trailer styles and designs vary, but all offer comfortable beds, bathrooms – or at the very least toilets – air conditioning and heating, and kitchenettes or outdoor grills. Separate shower facilities are also available. Pro tip: Book the 1956 Spartan Royal Mansion trailer in the warmer months to stargaze from an open-air soaker tub.

The on-site amenities at The Vintages Trailer Resort are almost as good as the trailers themselves – think: a seasonal swimming pool, fire pits, a general store and complimentary cruiser bikes for enjoying Dayton, the gateway to several local vineyards. Even better is the staff, whom previous guests praise in their glowing reviews of the resort.

Address: 16205 SE Kreder Road, Dayton, OR 97114

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Treehouse Hotels in the World
• The Top Mountain Resorts in the U.S.
• Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler
• Vacation Packing List
• The Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans

The Best Wellness Retreats in the U.S.

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Glamping With the Stars

Would cloudy weather ruin a visit to the first-ever resort to receive certification from DarkSky International? A stargazer in Utah holds on to her optimism.

Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, a glamping resort in Utah, is the first resort to be certified by the nonprofit authority on light pollution, DarkSky International. Credit... John Burcham for The New York Times

Supported by

By Colleen Creamer

• May 1, 2024

As I exited Harry Reid International Airport on a bright March afternoon, my hand flew up to protect my eyes, which had grown accustomed to the dull light of a long, gray Tennessee winter. I’d headed west for the sun, but even more so for the night sky, so I was hoping for clear weather ahead. I climbed aboard a shuttle bus that would take me two hours east to Utah, where I planned to spend a starry night at Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase .

The glamping resort, one of 12 Under Canvas sites, is anchored on a canyon rim plateau in southern Utah and is the first resort in the world to be certified by the nonprofit authority on light pollution, DarkSky International . My aim was to beat the heat and the crowds — but what I really wanted was to be an early adopter of certified starry resorts.

The DarkSky Approved Lodging program is another step forward in the nonprofit’s history of advocacy for the reduction of light pollution. Broadly, the requirements for certification include being situated in an “exceptionally” dark location; having approved means of reducing the impact of light at night; and providing educational materials about night sky conservation to guests.

Under Canvas, said James Brigagliano, the program’s manager for DarkSky, was a good fit for the project because the company’s sites are in dark locations, and they already follow eco-friendly practices. Since the Lake Powell site was certified in August, other Under Canvas locations in the National Park Service’s Grand Circle Western parks area have also been approved.

Hoping for good weather

In St. George, Utah, I rented a car and headed southeast, the Pine Valley Mountains hovering to the north. The second half of the two-hour drive was on Route 89, which runs from Mexico to Canada. My roughly 60-mile section was marked by sienna-hued mesas and buttes, and cornflower-blue skies.

By 3:30 p.m., I was bouncing along a red dirt road until Under Canvas’s cream-colored tents came into view. There are 50 in all, scattered across 220 acres, all of them with views of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , a massive geological formation that occupies about 1.87 million acres of public lands, from desert to coniferous forest.

As I got out of my car, I looked up at the sky warily. Clouds were gathering.

In the dirt lot, there were vehicles from Western states and a few from the Northeast. Like me, these travelers had come early — one day after the resort opened for the season — to take advantage of the cool weather and outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, rappelling in nearby Elephant Canyon and private tours of the Grand Staircase. There is also boating and fishing on Lake Powell, though the water level there has been much impacted by drought .

Many, like myself, came mainly for the night sky in Utah, which has large swaths of land with minimal artificial light and a dry climate that translates into less water vapor, which can blur the stars.

But would the weather cooperate?

Reaching for the stars

Under Canvas is certainly not the first hospitality company to tout its access to the night sky. Over the last 20 years or so, hotels in bucolic settings, along with permanent glamping sites, have been working stargazing into their guest offerings. There’s the observatory at Primland Resort in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and the astronomy dinner at Soneva Jani in the Maldives. Elqui Domos in northern Chile has geodesic domes and cabins that open to the sky.

With stargazing in mind, Under Canvas began working with DarkSky in 2021 to arrive at a lighting design plan.

“Getting the certification from DarkSky was altruistic in terms of intention,” said May Lilley, the chief marketing officer at Under Canvas. “It’s a part of our mission to make sure our guests leave with a little bit of a different philosophy, whether that means they just turn the lights off when they leave a room.”

DarkSky’s hope, said Mr. Brigagliano, is that the new certification program will become the de facto standard for all lodging in locations dark enough to pass the organization’s protocol.

Attention to the night sky could not happen sooner. A study published in Science magazine in 2023 revealed that the sky glow from cities and towns increased 10 percent each year from 2011 to 2022, underscoring the startling results from a 2016 study that showed that 99 percent of those living in highly populated areas around the world can no longer see most stars, if any.

The category for lodging complements DarkSky’s existing certification program for International Dark Sky Places , of which there are more than 200, including Zion and Yellowstone national parks; the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in Australia ; the Namibrand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia; and even urban places, like Parc du Mont-Bellevue in the city of Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Response to news of the program was fairly immediate, said Mr. Brigagliano. “So far, nearly 100 resorts, retreat centers, ranches and other lodging properties from the United States, Canada, Britain, Thailand, Australia, India, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the Cook Islands have contacted us regarding the program. We are getting interest from a variety of businesses, from nonprofits to luxury, high-end properties.”

Where are the stars?

Inside the common area — a large tent that acts as a front desk, restaurant, snack bar and hang out — a couple from San Francisco with a dachshund had just finished registering. The woman who registered me took me by A.T.V. to my safari-style tent.

All the tents are within a soft yell of each other and all have decks, en-suite bathrooms with showers, and four vertical walls that provide more room than traditional pyramid-shaped tents. Inside mine was a king-size bed, two leather chairs and a wood-burning stove. My choice, the Stargazer (I paid $432, including taxes and fees), also has a sky-viewing window that arcs above the bed.

I stepped out on the deck. The valley was dark below dense clouds. Back inside, I could hear the patter of rain on canvas. I ditched my plan to walk to the on-site slot canyon — slot canyons can flood — and slid under the viewing window, which was dotted with raindrops. The prospects of a starry night seemed remote.

I zipped up my parka, wishing I had brought better shoes for hiking in the rain, and walked down to the main common area. The roasted trout ($25) looked tempting, but the cafeteria was uncomfortably cold. I pulled out a protein bar from my backpack and took a seat under one of the sheltered gathering areas, noticing how the rain transforms Utah’s striated Navajo sandstone into deeper hues of coral and ecru. The wide valley between myself and Grand Staircase might have been two miles or 20, the scale was so unfathomable. A couple from Idaho in oilskin jackets and hiking boots, who looked as though they could ice-pick up Mount Everest, joined me. Unlike me, they were better prepared for inclement weather, which hadn’t stopped them from hiking nearby canyons.

By 8 p.m. the rain had become a misty drizzle. Hoping for the best, I set my alarm for 3:30 a.m., around the time the outer regions of the Milky Way appear in the Northern Hemisphere (given the right conditions).

When the alarm went off, I opened my eyes to stars shining through the still-damp window. I got dressed, grabbed a battery-powered lantern and stepped out into the night. Above me, in all directions, the sky was at last unblocked; I could not have been more surprised.

I made my way down the dirt path, which was lit by small solar ground lights, to get closer to the canyon rim. Smoke from the stoves in several tents drifted up and disappeared. A jack rabbit crossed my path. I sat down on a patch of dry scrub. This was the Colorado Plateau, one of the darkest sections of the United States, and even with a remaining cloud or two, thousands of stars shone through the darkness. Was that the veil of an aloof Milky Way above me? With a clear view to the west, I was almost certain I could see Venus. Using my stargazer app, SkyView, I managed to find the constellations Orion and Leo.

I lay back and stayed there until the stars faded in the predawn sky and the morning light began its spectacular migration across the wide valley.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Hotelie’s Brown Butter Startup Wins Hospitality Business Plan Competition

Jonah gershon’s brown butter in a stick may soon be coming to a grocery store near you..

Spekld founder Jonah Gershon ’24 delivering his winning presentation at the Hospitality Business Plan Competition, April 20 (photo by Patrick Shanahan)

Jonah Gershon ’24, who launched a startup to produce brown butter, received the $50,000 first-place prize for his business—spekld—in the 14th Annual Cornell Hospitality Business Plan Competition on April 20 in Statler Auditorium.

Gershon, senior in the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration , said he was still trying to process the news that he had been awarded the top prize after the winners were announced. “I sometimes tell myself that I’m just a butter company and there are students out there making software and working on climate change,” he said. “But after presenting, I knew that I did the best I could.”

The hospitality competition was the second Gershon has won at Cornell in the past five months. Last November, he received first place in Cornell’s Hospitality Pitch Deck Competition , garnering $3,000 for his startup. Both competitions, open to all Cornell students, are hosted by the Nolan’s School’s Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship .

While the fall competition focuses on a student team’s skills in pitching a startup, this semester’s contest required teams to develop business plans for their hospitality concept. More than 30 teams representing students across campus submitted proposals last October , and the field was narrowed down to five finalists for the last round of the competition.

A panel of three judges selected spekld as the winner because they said it showed the most promise of becoming a marketable product. The refrigerated brown butter, which will save bakers the 20 minutes it takes to melt butter on the stove to create the desired color and taste, will sell for $8 for half a pound, Gershon said.

“Everyone, no matter their cooking skills, shares this problem,” said Tyler Carrico, a judge and a partner with Thayer Ventures. “That is the start of the sound business concept. The tough part is producing it, but we hope this is a small step in the right direction to help him figure that out.”

Brown butter, a delicacy now available only in shelf-stable jars, also taps into growing consumer interest in cooking and buying specialty food products, said Diana Dobin, a judge who is CEO and chief sustainability officer with Valley Forge Fabrics. “We all know and recognize from our own lives that there’s a huge market in cooking, getting excited about baking, and using wonderful ingredients,” she said.

Gershon, who is from West Hartford, CT, came up with the idea of producing the first-ever brown butter in a stick while competing in the Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge” in April 2022. He had been recruited by the network to participate based on the photos of his baked goods on his Instagram account . Gershon made a batch of Mexican hot-chocolate-flavored sugar cookies using brown butter, which he had to produce from scratch, in the cookie challenge. “I don’t think that was the reason I lost the competition, but I think it was part of it,” he said. “It took 20 minutes out of your hour and a half to do the competition.”

He began developing his startup while taking a Nolan School course, Communications for Entrepreneurs, in the fall of 2022. After winning the Pitch Deck Competition last November, he started pilot production runs of spekld at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, operated by Cornell in Geneva.

With the prize money from the business plan competition, Gershon hopes to find a manufacturing facility to produce spekld so he can sell it in grocery stores. He plans to offer spekld at the Ithaca Farmers Market this year, at Wegmans and GreenStar in Ithaca in the fall, and at Whole Foods, Zabar’s, and Eataly in New York City in 2025.

“I would like to work on this full-time,” he said. “I’d love to see how our next production run goes and then look at what are the next steps in scaling it.”

The Hospitality Business Plan Competition’s second-place prize of $15,000 went to AREA Event Services, a startup that builds event technology software to provide business insights to event owners and managers. Team members included Hadley Jetmore ’25 (Nolan School), Calvin Lee ’24 (College of Engineering), and Emma Warden ’25 (College of Arts and Sciences).

The third-place prize of $10,000 was awarded to GreenAcres Processing , a company building an industrial hemp supply chain of fiber and hurd for use in manufactured goods. Team members included cofounders Hailee Greene and Danielle Falcon, both MBA ’24, students in the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, and Alex Wright ’27(Nolan School).

Honorable mentions were given to Beacon, which offers an accessible luxury glamping experience to guests with disabilities, and to CareerVice, which develops content on recruitment opportunities for young professionals.

Judges for the Hospitality Business Plan Competition finalists were Meli James ’00, cofounder, Mana Up, and president, Hawaii Venture Capital Association; Diana Dobin, CEO and chief sustainability officer, Valley Forge Fabrics; and Tyler Carrico, Partner, Thayer Ventures.

Linda Canina , academic director of the Pillsbury Institute and Georges C. and Marian St. Laurent Professor in Applied Business Management, said that the caliber of the presentations in this year’s business plan competition was impressive. “It’s evidence that our student teams have raised the bar once again, showcasing a remarkable improvement in their ability to articulate their ideas with clarity and conviction,” she said.

Related stories:

Brown butter rises to the top at Pitch Deck Competition

Hotelie Aims to Bring Brown Butter to a Dairy Case Near You

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Destroyed by cyclones, impacted by climate change and neglected by foreign owners – these abandoned island resorts are now an eyesore

A pool lined with green sludge, rotting roofs and termite infested buildings – this derelict island resort has become a sad tourist attraction for all the wrong reasons, and it's not an isolated case.

At least half a dozen resorts along the Queensland coast have fallen to a similar fate.

In the heart of tropical Far North Queensland, the picturesque Double Island was once a thriving hub for holiday-makers including former Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

The island resort, 30 minutes north of Cairns, even built a gym for actor Keanu Reeves, so frequent were his stays.

But the resort has long been in a state of disrepair, with rotting roofs punctured by falling coconuts and green sludge lining the bottom of the once sparkling pool.

Brad Madgwick offers guided kayaking tours to the island, and recently incorporated the island's decay into his regular marine-life spotting adventures.

"We've always walked the shorelines looking for wildlife, but in the last few years, we have been given permission to go through the resort," Mr Madgwick said.

"The coconuts have taken a toll and the termites are having a good feed, it's sad really because it used to be a very glamorous resort back in the day."

The derelict state of the resort — safari-style tents covered in mould are dotted throughout — is shaping up to be one of the biggest legal battles ever held over an island in Australia.

The Queensland Government's Department of Resources will attempt to strip Hong Kong based billionaire Benny Wu of the island's lease in the Land Court in Cairns within weeks.

Mr Wu's Fortune Island Holding's is accused of non-compliance for failing to bring the facilities up to scratch and open the island to the public.

The day can't come soon enough for some local Palm Cove business owners, although opinions vary about what should happen with the island, if the state government is successful in its proceedings.

"When it was taken over in 2012, it was a thriving business," said local businessman Tony Richards, who would like to see a resort rebuilt.

"Nothing has been done to it since then. It's a complete bulldoze job."

The ABC has contacted Mr Wu for comment.

Paradise lost

Across the Great Barrier Reef, cyclones and neglect have left half a dozen island resorts shuttered and abandoned, with ruined infrastructure and damaged environments.

Brampton Island Resort, off Mackay, was a jewel in Queensland's tourism crown until it was bought by United Petroleum in 2010 for $5.9 million, its ocean side pool now filled with sand.

Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays, once famed for being the first Club Med in Australia, has sat in ruins since it was pummelled by Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

The Singaporean company, Well Start, has since bought the island and pledged to restore it.

Resorts on South Molle and Hook Island have also been closed for years.

The 1980s party paradise, Great Keppel (Woppa) Island off the central Queensland coast, has been laying in ruin for 15 years, with the Queensland government recently announcing a $30 million master plan including provisions for an eco-resort , new sewage system and conservation areas. 

Meanwhile, the beleaguered Dunk Island resort off the coast of Far North Queensland, was also destroyed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

There are plans to open "glamping" style accommodation on the island within months, following billionaire Annie Cannon-Brook's purchase in 2022.

Professor Daniel Gschwind, from Griffith University's Institute for Tourism, said abandoned and closed resorts not only had an impact on the Great Barrier Reef's reputation, but Australia's broader tourism brand.

"Globally, the Great Barrier Reef is recognised as an outstanding asset, it's World Heritage listed, which in itself draws a lot of attention," Professor Gshwind said.

"The way Australia manages that asset and presents the asset to visitors is absolutely, critically important for our global reputation."

He said island resorts helped to bring in billions of tourism dollars each year and there needed to be an "expectation that lease holders fulfil their obligations".

However, he said the high cost of maintaining as well as accessing the resorts by plane or barge was impacting on owners to turn a profit, as well as skyrocketing insurance premiums.

"So there are great obstacles to overcome, but the benefit and the value of those islands as a tourism destination really can't be overstated."

Parliamentary inquiry into Queensland islands

Queensland's Transport and Resources Committee held a parliamentary inquiry examining the economic and regulatory frameworks for Queensland's island resorts, tabling a report just over a year ago.

Eighteen recommendations were made to the state government, including cancelling the leases of developers who let the resorts fall to rack and ruin.

Several of the submissions raised concerns about foreign ownership, as well as the impact of climate change, including intense cyclones, on resort infrastructure.

Professor Tim Harcourt, chief economist at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney said buying up tropical islands could be seen by some international companies as an attractive proposition.

"They've got to get their money out and they're going to put it somewhere, and buying land is the easiest thing to do," Professor Harcourt said.

He also noted the longevity and success stories of the Hamilton and Hayman Island resorts in the Whitsundays.

The Andrew Forrest-owned Lizard Island, off Cooktown in Far North Queensland has been rebuilt twice due to successive cyclones, and is enjoying strong occupancy numbers.

Orpheus Island and Pelorus Island north of Townsville have also undergone extensive renovations.

Back on Double Island, Mr Madgwick said he would like to see the island returned to its natural splendour.

"I would love to see the island turned into a national park, with a communal kitchen, maybe a caretaker on the island, and to open it up to camping," Mr Madgwick said.

"It's a beautiful island and it should belong to the people."

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Former party paradise great keppel island a step closer to new 'glory' with plans for eco-resort and glamping.

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