How to start a glamping business

Glamping has seen a significant rise in popularity over the last decade, with standard camping no longer satisfying campers who want to enjoy their precious essentials while adventuring. With outdoor exploration on the rise, many campers want to enjoy the outdoors and everything nature has to offer without sacrificing comforts like cosy beds and running water. 

Glamping offers the perfect balance of luxury and adventure, and if you’re looking to get into this industry, the right campsite can turn into a profitable investment. In this blog, we’ll explore how to start a glamping business, the first steps and what equipment is best for you. 

At Boutique Camping, we offer trade supplies and discounts on bulk items, so you can start your business with some super savings!

 

1. Assess the glamping market

Before you dive into your new business venture, you need to research the glamping industry and identify what kind of customers you’d like to attract and the style of glampsite you have in mind. Some of the main glamping demographics include:

• Families seeking comfort and space during outdoor adventures

• Friends and groups looking for fun, luxury accommodation during festivals or events

• Couples wanting to enjoy romantic getaways 

• Adventurers looking to enjoy natural settings without having to sleep rough

When it comes to glamping, the ultimate goal for any glamper is to enjoy the outdoors with comfortable, spacious accommodation and premium amenities that standard camping doesn’t offer. Knowing your audience and which campers you’d like to tailor your business to will help you decide the type of accommodation, amenities and space that are best suited to your goals.

 

2. Choose the perfect location

The most important thing to ensure the success of your glamping business is finding the right location. In order to select the perfect place, here are a few things to consider for your campsite:

Visual appeal

Think scenic landscapes with lots of lush greenery or picturesque backdrops. Some of the UK’s most stunning natural locations, from the Peaks to our British beaches, make for desirable wild glamping sites. Wide open spaces, farmlands and forest sites are all brilliant options that offer striking beauty and visual appeal. 

Accessibility

Many campers are happy to travel across the country to enjoy a breathtaking getaway, but your campsite should be easily accessible by car. Remote locations are not uncommon for campsites, but isolated areas that don’t have accessible roads or relatively close public transport links can deter visitors. 

Attractions and activities

Local attractions can be a brilliant way to draw visitors to your site and enhance appeal. Local hiking trails, parks or historical sites can help bring visitors to a campsite. Hosting a range of activities on site, like yoga, wellness events or installing playgrounds on your site, can also give you a unique selling point that can encourage campers to stay at your site specifically.

Amenities

The true appeal of a glampsite is the amenities and home comforts that transform a camping experience from drab to fab. Even if your site is off-grid, if you want to be considered a luxury site, running water, electricity, and proper waste management are essential. You could choose to create an extra lavish environment with full showers and bathroom amenities on site, or even kitchen areas for whipping up camping meals. The extravagance of your amenities is up to you, but adding toilet facilities, clean running water, and showers is a game-changer for any glamping business. 

Climate and weather conditions

It’s no secret that Britain is home to a lot of wet and windy weather, and where you choose to set up your glamping business can make all the difference. You’ll need to consider if the location you have in mind has conditions suitable for year-round camping or if you’d prefer to operate seasonally when the weather is good. 

3. Acquire land

If you already own a plot of land you have in mind, then this step should be easy, but many businesses choose to purchase new land or lease land or properties specially for setting up glamping sites. If you’re going for seasonal camping, leasing may be a better option, as you can agree with landowners to only pay for summer or peak camping season. 

 

4. Follow safety and compliance procedures

There are several important safety and security regulations to ensure you’re compliant with when setting up a luxury camping site. Fire safety rules need to be carefully followed if fire pits and wood-burning stoves are being used on your land. 

You also need to be aware of land regulations and acquire the right permits to allow visitors to stay on your land. Business licenses and taxes also need to be considered.

 

5. Choose the right glamping accommodation and equipment

Glampsites have a wide range of aesthetics, designs and price points and choosing the right accommodation and set-up is crucial. 

Bell Tents

Bell tents are one of the most popular options for glamping businesses, particularly those that operate on a seasonal schedule. A bell tent is a portable, lower-cost option that offers a brilliant, diverse space without having to build anything permanent on your campsite. When you think of glamping, most people imagine these classic yurt-shaped tents. 

A bell tent is the perfect option for creating spacious, luxurious accommodation. The circular floor space offers ample room for glamping furniture and accessories alongside plenty of space for lounging. 

These tents are easy to set up, with only a single central support pole. They’re also sturdy and once pitched can be left up for campers to enjoy through peak season. Although a bell tent may not be suited to year-round use, the premium canvas material of these tents makes them great for use even in wind and rain. With a wide range of sizes, you can host groups of any number with this versatile accommodation option. 

Multi-door Tents

If you’re planning on hosting large groups, families or themed events, bell tents are still a great option, but upgraded versions can make all the difference for your glamping business. If you’re housing campers for busy events like festivals, streamlined space is essential. Multidoor bell tents allow dedicated entry and exit points, improve airflow and create a more versatile interior space. Tents like this make for the perfect luxury lounging areas or even wedding reception venues.

Other accommodation ideas

• Cabins - These permanent accommodation options are suitable for year-round camping and can be fitted with proper rooms, insulation and amenities like toilets and kitchens.

• Treehouses - A unique option similar to cabins but with an aesthetic twist, these can also be kitted out with stylish furniture.

• Inflatable tents - For campgrounds that have a more self-servicing focus, you can provide easy-to-pitch inflatable tents. This is a great option for campers who want independence without having to bring lots of equipment. 
  
  

Must have amenities 

To make your glampsite a successful luxury hotspot, you need to ensure you have the right amenities to ensure a comfortable and premium experience:

• Proper beds and mattresses

• Electricity - mains or solar powered

• Heating and insulation

• Clean, comfortable toilets and bathing facilities

• Wi-Fi access 

• Fire pits, camping stoves, or dedicated areas for campers to use their own devices

• Outdoor seating

• Interior chairs and sofas

• Dining tables and chairs

• Lighting 

• Drinking water

 

Get your glamping business ready with the right resources

Getting your glamping business off the ground isn’t always easy, but it’s an exciting venture that can turn into a profitable investment when done right. By creating a unique, modern and comfortable campsite, you can meet the demands of campers and ensure your site is desirable.

The best way to bring in visitors is with the right camping gear, and at Boutique Camping, we offer bulk trade offers and discounts for new or existing glamping businesses. Our team are on hand to advise on the best tents and accessories for your aesthetic and glamping needs. Get in touch today, and we’ll be happy to help.