Glamping- the good the bad and the ugly

Glamping- the good the bad and the ugly

Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 2 votes

Hi BP!

I have connections to some forested land (about 45 acres, some of which is wet/lowland) in rural, northern Wisconsin that is across the road from a public boat landing on a beautiful, clean lake. The lake has excellent sport fishing, a public campground, a private summer camp, a bar and restaurant with amazing food with lakeside access. 

I’ve been toying with the idea of somehow developing the land into some sort of camp ground, however, I don’t really want to do the tent and camper thing. My vision is to build steel A frame cabins of a single bedroom/tent design (glamping!), full kitchen 2 bedroom cabins, and maybe a full kitchen 3 bedroom cabin. 

There’s a very limited amount of Airbnbs but an abundance of camper/tent campgrounds that are booked to a very high capacity. There also are no BP agents in my area to resource to either. I’m having a hard time determining what could be estimated for rents to determine a way to make this work! Does anyone have any input or suggestions on how I can further research this idea?!

Please and thank you!  

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Member since 2023 · 216 posts · 133 votes
3y

I am intrigued by your idea, I have toyed with similar ideas as well but never thought of the glamping idea was always focused more on RV/tent style camping with good amenities.

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  • Member since 2023 · 216 posts · 133 votes
    3y

    I am intrigued by your idea, I have toyed with similar ideas as well but never thought of the glamping idea was always focused more on RV/tent style camping with good amenities.

  • Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 2 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Chris Merchant:

    I am intrigued by your idea, I have toyed with similar ideas as well but never thought of the glamping idea was always focused more on RV/tent style camping with good amenities.


    We’ve got lots of that and it’s busy, but we also have a posh migration from the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago, etc. during the summer months. I’d like to offer a hybrid experience to locals and out of staters that don’t necessarily want to buy and haul a camper and maybe can’t or don’t want to pursue the more permanent option of buying a cabin.  Both can be expensive options not to mention the headaches that come with them. My vision is to meld the best of both worlds into one option! I’d offer nightly, weekly, monthly, and seasonal rent options. 


  • Member since 2023 · 216 posts · 133 votes
    3y

    @Taylor Michels I like the idea for sure

  • Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Taylor Michels:

    Hi BP!

    I have connections to some forested land (about 45 acres, some of which is wet/lowland) in rural, northern Wisconsin that is across the road from a public boat landing on a beautiful, clean lake. The lake has excellent sport fishing, a public campground, a private summer camp, a bar and restaurant with amazing food with lakeside access. 

    I’ve been toying with the idea of somehow developing the land into some sort of camp ground, however, I don’t really want to do the tent and camper thing. My vision is to build steel A frame cabins of a single bedroom/tent design (glamping!), full kitchen 2 bedroom cabins, and maybe a full kitchen 3 bedroom cabin. 

    There’s a very limited amount of Airbnbs but an abundance of camper/tent campgrounds that are booked to a very high capacity. There also are no BP agents in my area to resource to either. I’m having a hard time determining what could be estimated for rents to determine a way to make this work! Does anyone have any input or suggestions on how I can further research this idea?!

    Please and thank you!  


     I would start with the municipality. There seems to be a trend around Wisconsin lakes to limit airbnb to preserve the "privacy" of the home owners.

    In terms of price I would say your judgement si as good as any of your potential guests. Do some mystery shopping. It will depend a lot on how nice your facilietes are. Think sanitary.

    Demand seems to be huge and it's basically you build it, they will come.

  • Real Estate Broker · Madison, WI · Member since 2015 · 118 posts · 60 votes
    3y

    I agree with just calling the municipality.  It sounds like a rural area, so likely one person handles all the zoning, variances, etc. so can learn a lot with one call.  Some GIS maps will overlay wetlands and floodplain areas, as that will likely impact your buildable areas and a place to start too.  Sounds like a spot that would interest people with boats they are willing to tow and having your cabins would allow them to tow their boat up instead of a camper.  

  • Member since 2023 · 35 posts · 3 votes
    3y

    Hello Taylor, this sounds great. I am working on something similar myself. I found multiple people who are looking to do the same, and we have everything ready for permitting, etc. I would love to have a call with you to share some ideas. I already sent you a message. Let's talk more and see how we can help each other!

  • Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 2 votes
    3y

    Thank you so much for your input, I really appreciate it! 

  • Architect · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2021 · 51 posts · 12 votes
    3y

    @Taylor Michels

    Sounds like a great location. Hopefully it works out for you.
    We're working on a similar project for a client. I'm more than happy to share some info and chat about your project.  

    Kurt

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