The short-term rental space has redefined the hospitality industry by empowering individuals to leverage their spare rooms, homes, or unique accommodations. One such niche in the market that is seeing a surge in demand is Airbnb camp sites.

Campsites offer a distinctive blend of adventure and comfort, attracting a new wave of travelers eager to experience the beauty of the great outdoors without entirely sacrificing the convenience of modern amenities.

This guide aims to provide short-term rental hosts with valuable insights and practical tips on tapping into this emerging trend and successfully transforming their camping spaces into sought-after destinations.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Why Consider Camping Spaces?

Camping has always been a popular recreational activity, but with the rise of eco-tourism and a renewed interest in reconnecting with nature, camping spaces are seeing more demand. As a host, offering Airbnb camp sites can prove to be a lucrative endeavor.

Preparing Your Camping Space

Before listing your camping space, ensuring it offers comfort, safety, and a unique experience for your guests is essential.

Here are some tips:

Location

The location of your camping space can be a unique selling point. Whether you have a beachfront property, a secluded forest, or a space with magnificent mountain views, highlight these features in your listing.

Amenities

Even though camping is about ‘roughing it,’ most guests still appreciate some level of comfort. Consider including amenities such as a fire pit, access to clean water, an outdoor shower, or even a simple camping toilet.

Safety

Ensure that the camping area is safe. This includes checking for potential hazards like poisonous plants or animals, ensuring the land is not prone to flooding, and having a safe place for a campfire. Be sure to let guests know if they’re staying in an area known to have bears!

Types of Camping Spaces

Catering to a diverse range of preferences, camping experiences can vary significantly. As a host, it’s worth considering the different types of camping accommodations you could offer.

Glamping

Glamping, a blend of ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping,’ is perfect for guests who want to experience the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Glamping accommodations often include well-furnished tents, yurts, or even treehouses equipped with beds, electricity, and, sometimes, private bathrooms.

RV Camping

If your property can accommodate RVs, this is an excellent option to consider. Offering amenities such as electrical hookups, waste disposal stations, and ample parking areas can make your site attractive to the RV camping community.

Check out this great example of an RV on Airbnb.

Tent Camping

Tent camping is the most traditional form of camping and offers an authentic experience. For these guests, providing a flat, cleared area for tent setup and access to basic amenities like a fire pit and restroom facilities would be sufficient.

Unique Spaces

Lastly, don’t be shy to think outside the box. Unique camping experiences such as sleeping in a converted bus, a teepee, or a rustic cabin can make your listing stand out from the crowd. Remember, the more unique and interesting your space, the more likely it is to attract guests.

Benefits of Airbnb Camp Sites

Airbnb camp sites offer a plethora of benefits, not only for hosts but also for guests seeking unique outdoor experiences.

For Hosts

1. Additional Revenue Stream: Leasing out camping space can become a significant source of extra income, especially if the property is not being used for any other purpose.

2. Low Maintenance Costs: Compared to conventional rentals, camping spaces typically require less maintenance. This translates into lower upkeep costs and potentially higher profit margins.

3. Increased Property Value: By offering a unique guest experience, hosts often see an increase in their property’s value. The popularity and positive reviews associated with the listing can boost its attractiveness and, subsequently, its worth.

4. Flexible Pricing: Hosts have the freedom to adjust prices to reflect demand, seasons, or special events happening nearby, which can maximize their earnings.

For Guests

1. Affordability: Airbnb camp sites typically provide a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional accommodations, making travel more accessible for many.

2. Unique Experience: From treehouses to rustic cabins, camp sites often offer one-of-a-kind experiences that conventional hotels can’t provide.

3. Connection with Nature: Airbnb camping allows guests to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the tranquility of nature, contributing to their general well-being.

4. Flexibility: With a wide variety of camping options available, guests can choose from tent camping, glamping, or RV camping to suit their preferences and comfort levels.

The Future of Camping in the Short-term Rental Industry

Looking ahead, the future of camping in the short-term rental industry appears robust and promising. The growing trend of eco-tourism and a collective yearning for authentic experiences is likely to continue fueling demand for camp sites.

Over the next few years, we can expect to see more unique and luxury camping spaces emerge as hosts strive to differentiate their offerings in a competitive marketplace. Consider accommodations fusing luxury and wilderness, such as glass igloos with panoramic views of the northern lights or treehouses with modern amenities nestled in rainforests.

Moreover, technology will also play a vital role in shaping the future of camping in the short-term rental industry. From smart tents equipped with solar power charging stations to high-speed Wi-Fi for those ‘work from anywhere’ guests, technology will elevate the camping experience without compromising the connection to nature.

Green initiatives are also expected to become more prevalent as the world grapples with the realities of climate change. Hosts will likely invest more in sustainable practices, such as installing renewable energy sources, implementing waste recycling systems, and promoting low-impact outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb camp sites offer a unique blend of nature connection and comfort, presenting a compelling alternative to traditional accommodations. They give opportunities for hosts to diversify their income stream and for guests to enjoy unique, affordable experiences.

As we look toward the future, we can anticipate that technology, sustainability, and a growing desire for authentic experiences will drive the evolution of camping spaces. Hosts and guests alike stand to benefit from this exciting trend in the short-term rental industry. Embracing these changes and opportunities will be vital to capitalizing on the potential of our ever-evolving industry.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!