Pop-Up campsite on your own land

Weekend campers, road-trippers, van-lifers and families who want a quieter alternative to a busy campground.

A nightly fee per site, plus optional extras like firewood, ice or a two-night minimum on weekends. Income is seasonal and depends on your location and views.

• Friendly, reliable host
• Basic photography and online listings
• Practical property upkeep

• Zoning and any county camping or special use permit, which vary a lot by location
• Septic, toilet and water rules; check with your county health department
• General liability insurance; check that your homeowner or farm policy does not exclude paying guests
• State and local lodging or occupancy taxes, and sales tax registration if you sell firewood or supplies
• Fire risk, burn bans and wildfire rules in your area

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your land, how many sites you set up and what basic facilities you add, such as a toilet, fire rings and picnic tables.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many sites you offer, your location and how often they are booked. Treat it as an estimate rather than a forecast.

Check zoning and any county camping or special use permit, septic, toilet and water rules with your county health department, and local lodging or occupancy taxes. Also check that your insurance doesn't exclude paying guests, and local fire risks and burn bans.