Startup cost
$25k–$250k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Hipcamp Location
Decision Snapshot
Hipcamp Location
Idea Score
44
Profit margin
3%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Rising
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Hipcamp Location business - Background
Do you own a lot of land that’s perfect for a camping weekend? A Hipcamp location is much like starting an Airbnb service. The difference is, instead of renting out your home to those who wish to use it for a short time, you provide a private campsite that people can book through the Hipcamp website.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Hipcamp Location business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a Hipcamp Location?
If you long to open a Hipcamp business but do not own the land to do so, you will need to make that purchase (buying land in the ideal location for a Hipcamp location may include rural areas, forested areas, and other spaces that allow for RVs or other campsite setups. Aside from this, you do not have to spend a lot of money to get started. There is no hosting experience necessary, and you can set your own rules. You do not have to offer anything aside from the land itself.
What are the ongoing expenses for a Hipcamp Location?
There could be a few key expenses to keep in mind. First, there’s the 10% fee that Hipcamp itself charges you that you’ll pay out of every booking. Additionally there are some maintenance costs associated with the business if you are not going to do the work of cleaning up and maintaining the property yourself. It is also important to check with your local Chamber of Commerce to find out if you need any type of licensing to set up your business in the city. Local restrictions may apply. You may need permits to allow camping on your site.
Who is the target market?
Anyone that wants to spend some time outdoors could be a viable customer for you. That includes day-to-day campers, backpackers from a local trail looking for a place to spend some downtime, and glampers who want a bit more pampering. If you have the space, RV owners and trailer campers may also try to rent your property.
How does a Hipcamp Location make money?
Hipcamp businesses make money when someone books the space you own to use for a set number of days or nights. Landowners earn extra money by hosting those using the Hipcamp site to book overnight stays. It is also important to know that Hipcamp keeps 10% of the money charged to campers.
How much can you charge customers?
One of the nice things about Hipcamp is that there is a lot of flexibility here. Hipcamp business owners set the fees they want to charge to their customers. You’ll need to consider the competition, features, amenities, and the location you are in to set the price for your space. Generally, tent sites charge $10 to $30 per night. If you have an RV site, you may be able to charge $20 to $40 per night. The average price for properties that have a structure on them, such as a yurt, treehouse, or cabin, is $75 per night.
How much profit can a Hipcamp Location make?
There are many, many factors that determine this, including your location, the amount of local tourism, and how well you market your business. There are some hosts making over $100,000 per year hosting campers. However, Hipcamp states that their average active hosts earn around $8,000 a year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Increasing profitability entails offering key features and a more unique service. Adding a cabin, showers, and fire rings, can increase profitability. Additionally, having RV hookups can also increase your business’s value.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a Hipcamp Location?
Those running a Hipcamp business spend most of their time finding people who want to use their location. While it takes some time to set up and get started, once your location is ready for guests, you can post your listing on the site and wait for someone to book it. There is generally not a lot to do every day, but you will have to check on your visitors if they need help and then arrange for or provide clean up services after they leave so the location is ready for the next person. Marketing and social media may also be tasks you need to complete.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Hipcamp Location?
If you love the outdoors and your dream vacation is spending time building a successful campsite, then a Hipcamp business could be a good option for you. You may want to have general knowledge about camping and be able to provide the necessary amenities needed to keep campers happy – such as having access to safe drinking water. Aside from this, if you own the land, you have the necessary skills to build a successful Hipcamp business (and the company provides a good level of guidance for setting up the business.)
What is the growth potential for a Hipcamp Location?
Being creative and offering a better product could increase what you earn as a Hipcamp business owner. Keep in mind that you may be limited by the amount of space you have or the restrictions in your area. Still, those who have access to nearby outdoor attractions and activities can find ways to add value to their products.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a Hipcamp Location?
One of the best tips for those hoping to set up a Hipcamp location is to build a beautiful listing. This is what helps to sell the business – your listing. Use beautiful photos, demonstrate how the campsite can work for people, and provide a list of amenities located nearby to help your listing grow.
How and when to build a team
While you may want to have someone help you clean up after visitors stay, you don’t need a team for a Hipcamp business.
Part 2 - Is a Hipcamp Location business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Hipcamp Location business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Hipcamp Location Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Hipcamp Location business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a Hipcamp Location business?
Starting a Hipcamp Location business typically costs $25,000 to $250,000. It is considered a very high capital-intensity business.
Is a Hipcamp Location business profitable?
A Hipcamp Location business runs roughly a 3% net profit margin, and most owners reach break-even in about 4 to 12 months.
How long does it take to start a Hipcamp Location business?
You can usually launch a Hipcamp Location business in about 12 to 36 weeks, and it is commonly run full time.
What skills do you need to start a Hipcamp Location business?
A Hipcamp Location business is generally a beginner-skill business to start, with rising demand. TRUiC rates it 44 out of 100 on our Idea Score.
Do you need a license to start a Hipcamp Location business?
Most Hipcamp Location businesses register as an LLC or other legal entity and obtain a general business license. Depending on your state and city you may also need industry-specific permits, sales tax registration, and zoning or health approvals, so check your local requirements before you launch.