Glamping Business Must-Haves to Attract More Guests

When it comes to glamping property must-haves, I’ve noticed that various industry leaders keep pointing to similar trends. There are certain things folks are looking for when they patron a glamping property which, when implemented correctly, can make your business stand out above the rest.

Let’s take a look at what those features might be and how you can use them to your advantage.

Outdoor experience

First and foremost, let’s remember why folks are drawn to glamping in the first place: to connect to nature. They are looking for a quiet space to unwind and feel grounded. They want to experience the outdoors with all of their senses: the sound of leaves blowing in the wind, the smell wet dirt after a summer rain, the taste of freshly picked tomatoes, the feel of a cooling sunset, and the sight of mother nature in all her glory.  

Maximize what your property has to offer by encouraging patrons to explore every corner of it. Install a rope swing or a hammock. Is there a clearing in the trees that you can use for a star-gazing site? Consider creating a dedicated meditation space or outdoor reading nook. Make it easy for your guests to connect with nature. 

Campfires

A great follow-up to the outdoor experience is the importance of the campfire. For a millennia people have gathered around a fire, fostering connection and community. It’s no surprise that your modern day glamper is still drawn to this universal gathering spot.

Of course, for some businesses campfires are easier said than done, especially if located in a high wildfire risk area. However, I’d still encourage those who fall into this category to start getting creative with it. Can you work with your local fire department to install a low-risk design? Can you create a candle-lit firepit? Think outside the box as you create your fire-lit space.

Onsite activities 

Onsite activities need not be expensive. It doesn’t take much to provide simple lawn games, board games, puzzles, or a map of local hiking trails. And equally important – make sure to advertise these activities online. Folks are way more likely to book a stay if they know there will be activities to do when they arrive.  

Food and beverage

Being able to provide extensive food and beverage service on property allows you to almost double the average daily rate (North American Glamping Report 2O22).  However, even if your offerings aren’t ‘extensive’, a little bit can go a long way. Consider coffee – whether you offer all the works or just instant coffee and tea bags, something will always be better than nothing. The same goes for snacks. Having a granola bar or instant oatmeal waiting in their unit can make all the difference for a weary traveler arriving late at night.

Bathrooms

As you can imagine, the vast majority of guest are looking to have a bathroom on site during their stay. Which also begs the questions: is it really glamping if you have to pee in a bush?  

But on top of that, glampers are willing to pay more for their privacy. In fact, guest will pay over 60% more to ensure they have a private, rather than shared, bathroom (North American Glamping Report 2O22). Of course private bathrooms is a big ask and might not fit well on every glamping property. However, it’s important to note that having well maintained and easily accessible bathrooms can make a huge impact.

Allow for pets

It’s not hard to imagine that folks that want to spend time outside wish to do so with their pets. When searching for glamping sites, 38% of searchers are looking to see if pets are allowed, which happens to be the 4th most used filter in searches (2022 Camping Report). Moreover, we also know that 44% of people camped with their dog in 20212. 

Sure, argument can be made that pets will require deeper unit cleaning and cause greater wear and tear. However, I’ve also heard from several glamping business owners that pets are not the issue when it comes to this; rather folks who have consumed too much alcohol are. And I can believe that!

Group accommodations

Glamping is unique in a way that other hospitality options can’t compete: it’s a great way to host group gatherings. Groups are looking for a space to spread out, mingle, and engage is fun activities. Among leisure travelers, 33% indicate that they would like to glamp with a large group. And when they travel in groups, they place a higher importance on services than cost (North American Glamping Report 2O22). When you look at it from this perspective, it’s a no brainer: try to find ways to attract and accommodate groups, especially by offering units that sleep 3-7 people.

Add a personal touch

A huge attraction to glamping is to get away from the corporate hotel feel and connect to something real and genuine. Folks like to hear a story and be moved. Adding your own personal touch to a venue can leave a lasting mark on your patron’s memory of the visit.

In Ameé Quiriconi’s book Turning Your Rural Property into A Wedding Venue Business, she describes how incorporating her husband’s dirt bike paraphernalia in the groomsman’s suite showed her clients that her venue valued individuality. Folks were drawn to this space, even though they were not dirt bike fans themselves. When you show others your authentic, quirky self, it gives them permission to relax and do the same.   

Add a local touch  

Glampers want to be part of the local community. This is shown by the fact that 45% of glampers spend more in the local community than traditional campers (North American Glamping Report 2O22). So ask yourself: what is your region known for? How can you highlight this and incorporate it into your guest’s stay?

Sources

1. North American Glamping Report 2O22, sponsored by Terramor Outdoor Resorts / KOA, Inc. in partnership with Sage Outdoor Advisory.

2. 2022 Camping Report, by the dyrt.