Seasonal Farm Campsite with Basic Pitches

Families, couples and groups looking for a quiet rural weekend, plus travelers passing through who want an affordable place to stay.

Nightly or weekly fee per pitch, with optional extras such as firewood, farm eggs or produce, and a charge for additional vehicles or guests.

• Friendly hosting and customer service
• Basic grounds upkeep and cleaning
• Simple bookings and bookkeeping

• Zoning and land-use rules: check with your county whether camping is allowed on agricultural land and whether a permit is needed
• Health department rules for toilets, water supply and wastewater, which vary by county and state
• Farm insurance often excludes paying guests, so check you have the right general liability cover
• Fire safety, burn bans and campfire rules in your area
• Keeping guests safe around animals, ponds, machinery and electric fencing

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of pitches, the toilet and water arrangements and signage. These are estimates, so price your toilets, water supply and fire rings before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many pitches you offer, your rates and how busy the season is. It can start at about 5 hours a week alongside farming.

Check with your county whether camping is allowed on agricultural land and whether a permit is needed. Also check health department rules for toilets, water and wastewater, general liability cover for paying guests, and fire safety and burn ban rules.