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Start a Hipcamp Location

Transforming Your Wilderness Love Into A Profitable Adventure

By Business.How Team
| Updated
Friends are camping in the night.
Camera Icon Getty Images / Unsplash

HIPCAMP LOCATION

Venture into the great outdoors with a Hipcamp location! In this unique business, you'll be the nature-savvy host offering camping, glamping, or RV experiences. This could be your chance to turn your love for the wilderness into a profitable escapade. Essentially, a Hipcamp location lets you share your slice of Mother Nature with guests, and let them experience a night under the stars, away from the chaos of city life.

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HIPCAMP LOCATION MINI BUSINESS PLAN

This a quick reality check to help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your business concept before you dive in.

Expected Percent Margin:

  • Gross Margin: 60-70%
  • Net Profit Margin: 20-30%

Earnings Expectations:

  1. Daily Earnings: $50 - $300
  2. Weekly Earnings: $350 - $2,100
  3. Monthly Earnings: $1,400- $9,000
  4. Annual Earnings: $16,800 - $108,000

Actions to Hit Those Numbers:

Site Development and Maintenance:
  • Initial Investment: Dependent on current state of the land but expect about $5,000-$20,000 for site preparation, amenities, and utilities installation.
  • Maintenance: Plan for regular maintenance costs such as gardening and repairs.
Marketing and Listing:
  • Listing: Ensure listing on Hipcamp is fully developed with high-quality pictures and an accurate, enticing description.
  • Cross-Listing: Consider cross-listing on other campsite booking platforms.
  • Social Media: Regularly post updates, images, and engaging content related to your Hipcamp site.
Campsite Management:
  • Guest Management: Plan for check-in/check-out processes, guest communication, and problem-solving.
  • Safety Proceedings: Make sure safety precautions are in place and communicated to guests.
  • Cleanliness: Ensure the place is clean and well-maintained at all times.
Cost Control:
  • Insurance: Expect costs for necessary insurances like liability insurance.
  • Tax: Be aware of income tax and other potential local taxes.
Business Operations:
  • Booking Rate: Aim for 50%-60% occupancy rate at an average night price of $30-$50.
  • Add-On Services: Provide extra paid services like firewood, guided tours to increase earnings.

Ensure to monitor revenue and expenditure regularly and adjust the prices, costs, and strategy accordingly. Be aware that actual results can vary based on location, competition, and the overall tourism industry. Remember, personalized advice from a business consultant or financial advisor is always a wise move.


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Grab Your Business Website Name

Before you get caught up in the whirlwind of setting up your business, invest in a domain name. It's a small but significant step that lays the foundation for your brand and makes it easier for customers to find and trust you. Just like you wouldn't build a house without securing the land first, don't build a business without securing your domain name.

"Why? Can't that wait?" Here's why it shouldn't


Step 1: Determine if the Business is a Right Endeavor

Breakdown of Startup Expenses

Before starting a Hipcamp location, it is important to understand the startup costs associated with the business. This includes the cost of land, any necessary permits, and the cost of any equipment needed. Additionally, it is important to consider the cost of advertising and marketing materials, as well as any costs associated with hiring employees. All of these costs should be taken into account when determining if starting a Hipcamp location is the right business endeavor.

Breakdown of Ongoing Expenses

In addition to the startup costs, it is important to consider the ongoing expenses associated with running a Hipcamp location. This includes the cost of maintaining the land, any necessary permits, and the cost of any equipment needed. Additionally, it is important to consider the cost of advertising and marketing materials, as well as any costs associated with hiring employees. All of these costs should be taken into account when determining if starting a Hipcamp location is the right business endeavor.

Examples of Ways to Make Money

Once the startup and ongoing expenses have been taken into account, it is important to consider the ways in which a Hipcamp location can make money. This includes renting out campsites, offering activities such as kayaking or fishing, and selling merchandise such as t-shirts or hats. Additionally, it is important to consider any partnerships that can be formed with local businesses in order to increase revenue. All of these options should be taken into account when determining if starting a Hipcamp location is the right business endeavor.

Step 2: Name the Business

When deciding on a name for your Hipcamp business, it is important to choose something that is memorable and easy to spell. It should also be something that is unique and stands out from the competition. Additionally, it is helpful to make sure the name is not already taken by another business. To do this, you can search for the name on the internet to make sure it is not already taken. You can also check with the local government to make sure the name is not already registered. Once you have chosen a name, you can register it with the local government to make sure it is legally yours.

It is also important to consider the branding of the business when choosing a name. The name should reflect the type of business you are running and the values you want to portray. For example, if you are running a Hipcamp business that focuses on eco-friendly camping, you may want to choose a name that reflects this. Additionally, if you are running a Hipcamp business that focuses on luxury camping, you may want to choose a name that reflects this.

Finally, it is important to consider the domain name of the business when choosing a name. You should make sure that the domain name is available and that it is easy to remember. You can use a domain name generator to help you find a domain name that is available and easy to remember. Once you have chosen a domain name, you can register it with a domain name registrar.

Step 3: Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Research Required Licenses and Permits

Before obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, it is important to research what is required in the area you are looking to start your Hipcamp location. Depending on the state and county, there may be different regulations and requirements. It is important to research the local, state, and federal regulations to ensure that you are in compliance with all of the necessary laws. Additionally, it is important to research the zoning laws in the area to make sure that the location you are looking to open is zoned for the type of business you are looking to open.

Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Permits

Once you have researched the necessary licenses and permits, you can begin the process of obtaining them. Depending on the area, you may need to apply for a business license, a zoning permit, a health permit, and any other permits that may be required. Additionally, you may need to obtain a permit to use the land you are looking to use for your Hipcamp location. It is important to make sure that all of the necessary paperwork is filled out correctly and that all of the necessary fees are paid in order to ensure that your business is in compliance with all of the necessary regulations.

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, and a Hipcamp location is no exception. A business plan should include a description of the business, a market analysis, a description of the products and services, a description of the management team, a financial plan, and a description of the marketing strategy. It should also include a timeline for the business, a list of milestones, and a strategy for achieving them.

Market Analysis

When creating a business plan, it is important to include a market analysis. This should include an analysis of the current market, the potential customers, and the competition. It should also include an analysis of the potential market size, the potential customer base, and the potential revenue. Additionally, it should include an analysis of the potential risks and opportunities, as well as a plan for addressing them.

Financial Plan

The financial plan should include a breakdown of the startup expenses, such as the cost of the land, the cost of the building, the cost of the equipment, and the cost of the marketing. It should also include a breakdown of the ongoing expenses, such as the cost of the staff, the cost of the supplies, and the cost of the utilities. Additionally, it should include a plan for financing the business, such as loans, grants, or investments.

Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy should include a plan for how to reach potential customers, such as through advertising, social media, or word-of-mouth. It should also include a plan for how to retain customers, such as through loyalty programs, discounts, or special offers. Additionally, it should include a plan for how to generate revenue, such as through sponsorships, partnerships, or merchandise sales. Finally, it should include a plan for how to measure the success of the marketing efforts, such as through tracking website visits, sales, or customer feedback.

Step 5: Secure Funding

Sources of Funding

When starting a Hipcamp location, it is important to secure funding for the business. There are a variety of sources of funding available, such as personal savings, bank loans, venture capital, crowdfunding, and angel investors. Personal savings can be a great way to get the business off the ground, but it is important to make sure that the business is financially viable before investing too much of your own money. Bank loans are also an option, but it is important to understand the terms of the loan and make sure that the business can meet the repayment terms. Venture capital is another option, but it is important to understand the terms of the investment and the expectations of the venture capitalist. Crowdfunding is another option, but it is important to have a solid business plan and a good marketing strategy to make sure that the campaign is successful. Finally, angel investors can be a great source of funding, but it is important to understand the terms of the investment and the expectations of the investor.

Tips on Securing Funding

When securing funding for a Hipcamp location, it is important to have a solid business plan and a good understanding of the market. It is also important to understand the terms of any loan or investment, and to make sure that the business can meet the repayment terms. Additionally, it is important to have a good marketing strategy and to be able to demonstrate the potential for the business to be successful. Finally, it is important to be able to demonstrate the potential for the business to make a profit and to have a good understanding of the costs associated with running the business.

Step 6: Find a Location

  1. Start by researching the area you’d like to open your Hipcamp location in. Make sure that the area is a good fit for the type of campers you’d like to attract.
  2. Consider the type of terrain you’d like to offer. Are you looking for a flat, open space or a more rugged, mountainous area?
  3. Think about the amenities you’d like to offer. Do you want to offer a swimming area, a playground, or a fishing pond?
  4. Research the local zoning laws to make sure that you’re allowed to open a Hipcamp location in the area.
  5. Consider the cost of renting or purchasing the land. Make sure that you can afford the cost of the land and that it’s within your budget.
  6. Once you’ve found the perfect location, contact the landowner and negotiate a lease or purchase agreement.

Step 6: Find a Location

Tips on Finding a Location

  1. When looking for a location to open your Hipcamp location, it's important to research the area you’d like to open in. Make sure that the area is a good fit for the type of campers you’d like to attract. Consider the type of terrain you’d like to offer, such as a flat, open space or a more rugged, mountainous area. Additionally, think about the amenities you’d like to offer, such as a swimming area, a playground, or a fishing pond.
  2. It's also important to research the local zoning laws to make sure that you’re allowed to open a Hipcamp location in the area. This will ensure that you are in compliance with all local regulations.
  3. Once you’ve found the perfect location, you'll need to consider the cost of renting or purchasing the land. Make sure that you can afford the cost of the land and that it’s within your budget. You may also want to consider any additional costs associated with the land, such as taxes or insurance.
  4. Finally, contact the landowner and negotiate a lease or purchase agreement. Make sure to read through the agreement carefully and understand all of the terms before signing.

Step 7: Set Up the Business

Setting up a business can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The first step is to determine the legal structure of the business. This will determine the type of taxes you'll need to pay, the amount of paperwork you'll need to complete, and the amount of liability you'll be responsible for. Depending on the type of business you're setting up, you may need to register with the state or federal government. Additionally, you may need to obtain any necessary licenses or permits.

Obtain Necessary Insurance

Once you've determined the legal structure of your business, you'll need to obtain the necessary insurance. This will protect you and your business in the event of any legal issues or accidents. Depending on the type of business you're setting up, you may need to obtain general liability insurance, property insurance, or workers' compensation insurance. Additionally, you may need to obtain any specialized insurance that is required by the state or federal government.

Open a Business Bank Account

Once you've obtained the necessary insurance, you'll need to open a business bank account. This will help you keep track of your business finances and will make it easier to pay taxes and manage your cash flow. Additionally, having a separate business bank account will help you keep your personal finances separate from your business finances.

Establish a Bookkeeping System

Once you've opened a business bank account, you'll need to establish a bookkeeping system. This will help you keep track of your income and expenses and will make it easier to file taxes. Additionally, having a bookkeeping system will help you identify areas where you can save money and make more efficient use of your resources.

Step 8: Market the Business

Once the business is up and running, it is important to market the business to potential customers. The best way to do this is to create a website and social media accounts. This will allow potential customers to find the business and learn more about it. Additionally, it is important to create a blog or newsletter to keep customers informed of any new developments or offerings. Additionally, it is important to create a presence at local events and festivals to get the word out about the business. Finally, it is important to create a referral program to encourage customers to share the business with their friends and family.

Step 9: Monitor and Adjust

Tips on Monitoring and Adjusting

Once the business is up and running, it is important to monitor the business and make adjustments as needed. This includes tracking customer feedback and making changes based on what customers are saying. Additionally, it is important to track the financials of the business and make adjustments to ensure the business is profitable. Finally, it is important to keep up with industry trends and adjust the business accordingly. This may include adding new offerings or services, or changing pricing structures. By monitoring the business and making adjustments as needed, the business can remain successful and profitable.

Step 9: Maintain the Business

  1. Keep up with the latest trends in the camping industry.

It is important to stay up to date with the latest trends in the camping industry. This includes researching new camping equipment, new camping sites, and new activities that can be offered at a Hipcamp location. Keeping up with the latest trends will help to ensure that the Hipcamp location is always offering the best services and experiences to its customers. Additionally, it is important to keep up with the competition and what they are offering, as this will help to ensure that the Hipcamp location is staying competitive.

  1. Monitor customer feedback.

It is important to monitor customer feedback in order to ensure that the Hipcamp location is meeting the needs of its customers. This can be done by regularly checking customer reviews and ratings on social media, as well as by conducting customer surveys. This feedback can be used to make improvements to the Hipcamp location and ensure that customers are satisfied with their experience. Additionally, customer feedback can be used to identify potential areas of improvement and new services that can be offered.

  1. Invest in marketing and advertising.

In order to ensure that the Hipcamp location is successful, it is important to invest in marketing and advertising. This can include creating a website and social media presence, as well as advertising in local publications and on radio and television. Additionally, it is important to reach out to potential customers and let them know about the Hipcamp location and the services that it offers. Investing in marketing and advertising will help to ensure that the Hipcamp location is reaching its target audience and is able to attract new customers.

  1. Develop relationships with local businesses.

Developing relationships with local businesses can be beneficial for the Hipcamp location. This includes forming partnerships with local businesses, such as restaurants and outdoor equipment stores, in order to offer discounts and special offers to customers. Additionally, forming relationships with local businesses can help to increase the visibility of the Hipcamp location and attract more customers.


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