Here are some facts we’ve come to learn over the last few years:
- You could spend less than $10,000 (or several million!) to start a glampground. The range is huge!
- Glamping is camping… and camping will never go out of style, and therefore glamping is here to stay.
- Everyone’s glampground business journey is different (and there is no one way to do things!).
And ultimately, it can be very stressful to start and run a hospitality business like a glampground.
But despite this, it can be very fun and fulfilling!
Most importantly, it should be very profitable if you execute correctly… as it has been for us.
Read on to dive into some of the foundational strategies we used to launch Ferncrest as a highly profitable glampground!
Don’t Overspend on Land
The location of your glampground is crucial, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank for prime real estate.
A savvy entrepreneur looks for underutilized land that’s affordable yet within a 30-minute drive of outdoor attractions and no more than 3 hours from a major population center.
This approach not only reduces initial investment but also allows you to allocate more resources towards creating an amazing property. Your goal should be minimal expenditure on land to maximize investment in guest experiences.
How we did it: We found an off-market deal… it was an old campground that was obviously not running at its true potential, meaning we could both get a deal and utilize creative financing. We used seller financing to minimize upfront cash use.
Be Selective with the Structures You Choose
The heart of your glamping site lies in its accommodations.
From budget-friendly bell tents to luxurious mirror houses, the spectrum is wide. However, the key is to find a balance between affordability and the allure that attracts your target market.
At Ferncrest, we only offer 2 types of tents: Dome Tents and Crest Tents.
Our dome tents, which offer a boutique hotel feel at a fraction of the cost of more permanent structures, appeal to a more affluent demographic while keeping initial costs low. They are 10-20% the cost of building a small cabin but bring in the same (if not more) revenue than a cabin would. Our ADR (average daily rate) last year was around $280/night.
Why would you spend more on structures upfront if the revenue you can ultimately bring in is going to be the same?
Focus on structures that not only fit your budget but also enhance your ability to monetize effectively. Don’t overspend on your structures! Focus on the overall experience your guests are looking for.
Remember: Extravagance has its limits in terms of return on investment; aim for the sweet spot where affordability meets desirability.
Utilizing Technology Correctly Is Where Most of Your Profits Come From…
In today’s digital age, technology is not just an option; it’s a necessity.
The right tech stack can streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and significantly reduce labor costs.
From booking systems to guest management software, investing in technology pays dividends by freeing up valuable time and resources. Join us for our webinar tomorrow to learn more about our tech stack!
Moreover, a strong online presence, particularly on social media, can drive direct bookings, eliminating hefty commission fees and increasing profitability.
What Technology Has Done for Us: At Ferncrest, leveraging technology has enabled us to achieve nearly 100% direct bookings, which means we keep all the revenue and don’t have to pay third party sites like airbnb or Expedia for driving us bookings…a testament to the power of digital tools and marketing in boosting occupancy and revenue.
Want more?
Join us tomorrow, Tuesday June 25 for our free live webinar where we will dive deeper into the above strategies as well as sharing much more!
Why Attend “Achieving Your First $100,000 in Glamping: How We Built Ferncrest to Six Figures in One Year – Our Exact Strategies”?
- Deep Dives: We’ll explore each of these strategies in detail, providing actionable insights and real-world examples to guide your decision-making process.
- Expert Advice: Gain access to our first-hand experiences and lessons learned, equipping you with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls.
- Inspiration: Regardless of where you are on your glamping journey, we hope attending this live event will act as a “kick in the pants” and provide the inspiration you need to chase a dream that has the potential to change your life for the better.
Add this event to your calendar now – Secure your seat and unlock the secrets to a successful glamping business.
We’re excited to share our journey and insights with you!
Happy Glamping
Brian & Joanna Linton
