Not a fad, not a fly-by-night stage. The time is right to get in on the Glamping Craze. This overview will give Entrepreneurs a taste of how easy and fun a glamorous yurt resort can be to own.

Millennials, today’s decision drivers born between the early 1980s and 1990s (according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary), make up the majority of the interest in this way-to-vacation standard. Glamorous + Camping is what Rainier Outdoor is all about! The glamping craze is here to stay.

Psst...Lakedale Resort, located in Washington's San Juan Islands, is an awesome first Glamping experience featuring Rainier Cottages.

I no longer say “Cheese” when having my photo taken. Instead, I shout “GLAMPING!”. I got an entire group of tourists to start this wacky practice when in Colombia last year on a Glamping Expedition. It didn’t matter that English was a second language – they knew the word and they felt the excitement. Nowadays folks want to get away,  shed the rat race, and enjoy outdoor recreation without the hassle of owning all of the stuff. Depending on your style of comfort, Glamping can include quite a bit of accessories and take up lots of storage space. These days people have downsized their vehicles and really don’t want to take the time and energy to pack all that stuff up and haul it deep into unspoiled nature. With the increasing popularity of Glamping, comes business opportunities for ordinary folks. People are buying land and putting our canvas cottages or yurts on the property for short-term rentals. This is becoming the newest Glamping Craze!

Young Entrepreneurs see the potential in being an owner/operator in a business that they enjoy and know something about. Recreation and relaxation are key to a healthy life balance and not everyone can afford a pricey getaway to a foreign land. For instance, one can purchase land, set up a glamping site, and take in financial rewards. A location next to a spectacular view, a high peak, a trail ride, or a water sports activity will boost the interest of potential customers. But some people just want to get away, do little to nothing, and just hike the property with their cameras.

I will skip the cost of the land as it is a widely variable cost depending on location, size, features, etc.

If we focus on a smaller glamping resort with 4 canvas cottages your cost might look like this:

• Price of four 14’ x 16’ Lakedale Canvas Cottages: $22,400 ($5,600 each)
• Approximate cost to build the under-structure/platform: $7,200 for all four (labor not included).
• Approximate cost to outfit with a queen bed, a dresser or truck, and some amenities like linens and towels: $8,800
• For all four approximate total (not including land) $38,400 for the four units ($9,600 each)

Consider the following scenario where you rented each unit for just the two-day period of every weekend for 22 weeks (May – September) at $130/night (2-night minimum). You would pay for the canvas cottages in less than half a year. How about you rent out one or more units 2 x (four nights total) per week? Or raise the price on high-volume weekends like the 4th of July, Memorial, and Labor Day? Your number could look like $45,760 in just 22 weeks, minus the original costs of $38,400. This leaves you with a profit of $7,360 in your first high season! The second year and thereafter is pure profit minus maintenance and housekeeping.

As you grow your business, so does the demand for new glamping options. After that, maybe add a larger unit or a “duplex”. Maybe consider getting a yurt or two and do year-round glamping. More importantly, your options are limitless, and the opportunity is immense! In other words What’s stopping you from sketching out a business plan and getting in on the glamping fever?

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What are the startup costs for a glamping business?

Startup costs can vary widely, ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on factors such as land, the type of glamping structures (yurts, tents, etc.), utilities, and permits.

Is glamping a good investment?

Yes, glamping can be a good investment due to increasing demand for unique outdoor experiences. With proper management, glamping businesses can see high returns.

How much does it cost to set up a glamping site?

The cost of setting up a glamping site typically includes land acquisition, structure purchase (around $5,000–$50,000 per unit), utilities, and furnishings.

What are the main expenses when starting a glamping business?

Major expenses include land, structures (like yurts or canvas tents), utilities, furnishings, marketing, and obtaining necessary permits.

How profitable is a glamping business?

Profitability depends on location, occupancy rates, and pricing, but many glamping businesses can expect profit margins of 40-60%.