Local camping and outdoor shop

Open a small shop selling camping gear, with friendly advice for local campers and hikers.

Tents, sleeping bags and hiking gear displayed in an outdoor camping shop.
Startup costA$40k to A$150k
Monthly revenueA$15k to A$60k
Time needed40+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small high-street or regional shop stocking tents, sleeping bags, stoves, packs and camp accessories, plus an online listing. Expert advice and hire or repair services can set you apart from big chains.

Your first three steps

  1. Research your area: visit nearby outdoor shops, and check foot traffic and rent for small shops near caravan parks, highways or hiking areas
  2. Open trade accounts with Australian suppliers and plan an opening range and budget around your local type of camping
  3. Draft a simple budget with rent, stock and fit-out, and ask a small business adviser or accountant to check it before signing a lease
Who pays

Local campers, hikers, families, holiday-makers and people preparing for a trip.

How it makes money

Retail margin on products sold in store and online, with extra from accessories, gear hire and repairs. Sales peak before school holidays and long weekends.

Skills that help
  • Strong product knowledge
  • Retail sales and customer service
  • Stock buying and cash flow management
  • Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
  • Lease terms and fit-out costs, so get advice before signing
  • Stock is a big upfront cost and unsold seasonal gear ties up cash
  • Public liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and contents, and workers compensation once you hire staff
  • Register for an ABN and check GST requirements
  • Check council and state rules for signage and shop fit-out
  • Competition from big chains and online sellers, so plan how you will stand out

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: local camping and outdoor shop

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a camping shop?

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, fit-out and opening stock. Stock is a big upfront cost, and unsold seasonal gear can tie up cash, so plan your buying carefully.

What should I check before opening a camping shop?

Check lease terms and fit-out costs, council and state rules for signage and shop fit-out, and your ABN and GST requirements. Also check insurance, including public liability, stock and contents, and workers compensation once you hire staff.

How much can a camping shop earn, and how many hours does it take?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, range and season. Estimates suggest at least around 40 hours a week. Strong product knowledge, retail sales and basic bookkeeping skills help.

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