Becoming a Hipcamp host can be a great side gig to make some extra cash. If you’re a property owner, this may be your chance to turn all or part of your land into a campground.
While there are some things you must do before you start accepting guests, it’s not a complicated process. Once you sign up, you’ll be welcoming campers to your property in no time.
We’ll provide you with all you need to know to turn your property into the next Hipcamp location.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Hipcamp?
Hipcamp is a network of camping experiences all over the country. Hosts can transform their properties into unique campsites for guests to book. The entire booking process and experience are similar to Airbnb, the popular short-term housing company.
The company began in San Francisco in 2013 by California native Alyssa Ravasio. After hearing that several California state parks were in danger of closing, Ravasio knew she needed to do something. She discovered the complicated process for booking campsites didn’t help the state park’s campgrounds.
Alyssa enrolled in a 12-week coding program and took a course through Femgineer for Lean Product Development. She went on to win a scholarship to launch the beta version of her dream. A year or so later, the company raised $2 million in seed funding through several investors.
Hipcamp makes it easy for users to search for campsites near them or in a specific area. They can use various filters to narrow down their results and check availability. In addition, users can read reviews from previous guests. Sites can be anything from ranches to small family properties or something in between.
Is Hipcamp a Part of Airbnb?
While both Airbnb and Hipcamp are San Francisco companies, they’re separate businesses. Brian Chesky started Airbnb in 2008, and Hipcamp was launched in 2013 by Alyssa Ravasio. As both services offer unique opportunities for short-term stays, they appear very similar. However, no matter which one you prefer, you can find some out-of-this-world housing opportunities on both platforms.
Pro Tip: If you’re an RV owner, find out Is Hipcamp The New AirBnB.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Hipcamp Host?
There are several reasons why it’s a great idea to become a host for this growing platform. Let’s look at some benefits of turning your property into a campground.
Free to Get Started
One significant benefit of becoming a host is that it doesn’t cost a penny to start. All you have to do is create a free listing for your property on their platform.
Their system also makes it incredibly easy to include as many details about the campsite you’re providing. You can be ready to go within a few minutes.
While some side-gig opportunities require a significant upfront investment, that’s not the case with Hipcamp. There are zero upfront costs to list a spot and start accepting guests.
Meet New People
Another benefit of becoming a Hipcamp host is regularly meeting new people. Travelers from all over the country and world can use the platform. As a result, you’ll meet people with interesting stories.
Some hosts enjoy getting to know their guests and learning about their adventures. With so many people embracing remote work and the nomadic lifestyle, you’ll find singles, couples, and families taking advantage of the platform. You never know who’ll be staying with you next.
Make Extra Money
The monetary benefits are one of the biggest reasons many hosts sign up. Depending on your location and the amenities you provide, your campsite may keep you rather busy. Some of the most popular Hipcamp sites generate thousands of dollars each year. Who wouldn’t enjoy that?
Control of the Booking Schedule
Hipcamp allows you to be entirely in control of your booking schedule. You can easily block off time if you’re going out of town for a weekend or a particular season. It’s your property, and you have the right to pick and choose when guests can stay. No company should be telling you when you have to accept bookings. Luckily, Hipcamp leaves it up to you.
24/7 Support
The platform is easy to operate, but you might have a question from time to time. Support is available around the clock if you have questions about booking or your listing. You don’t have to feel like you’re on your own. Their specialists are available to assist you as much as possible to help you be comfortable and successful.
How Do You Get Started as a Hipcamp Host?
The process for getting started as a Hipcamp host is straightforward. It might surprise you how easy it is to get started. Let’s look at the steps involved.
Own Land
The first requirement to becoming a host is to own land. However, it’s important to check the local rules and regulations. Not every area allows landowners to turn their property into a campsite. So take the time to research and get permission or permits if necessary.
You don’t want to get too far in the process only to realize that it’s not possible for you to become a host. This’ll only result in you unnecessarily wasting your time and energy. If you’re anything like us, you don’t have a tremendous amount of either to sacrifice.
Register with Hipcamp and Create Your Listing
The process of registering on the platform takes a few minutes. The necessary forms to become a host are incredibly easy to fill out. You can input the specifics of your campsite, upload some pictures, and submit them for approval. Your profile will be reviewed to ensure it meets their criteria and that you’ve provided accurate information.
Start Hosting Hipcampers
Once your profile gets approved, you can start hosting campers. As we’ve mentioned, you completely control your booking schedule and who stays on your property. When individuals find your campsite, they fill out a request to camp at your spot. However, just because they fill out the form to stay doesn’t mean you have to let them.
You can read reviews left by previous hosts and also check out the potential guest’s profile. If others have left negative reviews for the person, you don’t have to let them stay at your spot. Trust your gut about who you let stay at your campsite.
Get Paid Each Week
Once a guest completes their visit, you’ll get paid. Payments are made weekly, and funds are deposited into your bank account. So if your site stays busy, you can make a rather sizable chunk of change.
However, it’s important to consider your location and what you offer guests. Some of the most successful hosts make thousands of dollars each year. They’re typically near popular tourist destinations like national or state parks
Since you’re in complete control of your campsite, you’re also in charge of how much you charge guests. Hipcamp will take a ten percent cut to help cover the cost of hosting your listing on their platform and providing you with insurance.
Pro Tip: Looking to make some money while on the road? We talked to a professional who trains remote workers and she said these are the 5 Biggest Mistakes She Sees.
Is Being a Hipcamp Host Worth It?
Being a Hipcamp host can be an excellent experience. But, we realize it may not be suitable for everyone. Hosting campers may not be a good idea if you don’t enjoy people and prefer your privacy. In fact, it takes a certain kind of person to allow strangers to stay on their property.
But who knows, maybe you’ll be the next host helping someone make epic memories of their adventures.
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