Introduction
Glamping—glamorous camping—has grown from a niche trend to a mainstream category. But should every campground add yurts and safari tents? Here's how to evaluate the opportunity.
What is Glamping?
Types of Glamping Units
- Safari tents / canvas tents
- Yurts
- Tiny homes / cabins
- Treehouses
- Airstreams / vintage trailers
- Domes and A-frames
What Guests Expect
- Comfortable beds (real mattresses)
- Climate control (heat/AC)
- Private bathroom access
- Unique aesthetic
- Instagram-worthy design
The Business Case
Pros
- Higher nightly rates ($150-400+ vs. $50)
- Attracts non-traditional campers
- Year-round booking potential
- Strong social media marketing
- Differentiation from competitors
Cons
- Significant upfront investment ($20K-100K+ per unit)
- Higher maintenance and cleaning
- Different operational requirements
- May need permits/zoning approval
- Not all markets support demand
Questions to Ask
Market Fit
- Is there glamping demand in your area?
- What do competitors offer?
- What would you charge?
Operational Fit
- Do you have suitable locations?
- Can you handle housekeeping?
- Do you want different guest expectations?
Financial Fit
- Can you fund the investment?
- What's the projected ROI?
- How long to break even?
Starting Small
If uncertain, test before committing:
- Add one unit first
- Partner with glamping rental company
- Try a trial period
Key Takeaways
- Glamping can command premium rates
- Not every campground should add it
- Market research is essential
- Start small to test demand
Keepr supports any accommodation type, from tent sites to luxury glamping. Manage your property at campreserv.com