How to Start Making Money Off Your Land—Fast!
Back when we bought our property in April 2021, it was actually my mom who first brought up the idea of partnering with Hipcamp. Like many people, I was a little hesitant to jump right in, so we started small by hosting some friends for a test-run camping weekend. This gave us the chance to identify areas that needed improvement before welcoming the public onto our land.
Accessibility was a big issue.
We quickly realized we needed a reliable internal road for campers to reach their sites.
Nic built our first compost toilet outhouse.
With the support of YouTube tutorials and his experience in construction, he created a functional and eco-friendly restroom.
Budget constraints pushed us to get creative.
For fire pits, we bought old steel drums off Facebook Marketplace, and Nic, my partner, cut them in half and drilled holes to create our first DIY fire pits.
In the beginning, we didn’t even have picnic tables.
Those came later, once we started making some income from the campsites.
Fast forward to today, and our business has grown into something we never imagined:
We now generate over $8,000 a year just from camping alone. In 2023 and 2024, our sanctuary was even voted the #1 camping spot in Alberta—an incredible honour so early in our journey
If you have a few acres of land and are looking to make money quickly and easily, Hipcamp could be the perfect opportunity for you. Think of it like Airbnb, but for camping. It’s completely free to sign up, and you can start earning as soon as your listing goes live.
Click here to sign up as a Hipcamp Host and start earning today!
How to Start Hosting on Hipcamp
Getting started is easier than you think. Here’s what you need:
A Clear, Flat Space – It doesn’t have to be fancy! Just clear a small area for a tent and fire pit.
Basic Amenities – A composting toilet (or outhouse) and a picnic table go a long way in making your listing more attractive.
Great Photos – Snap some clear, well-lit pictures of your space.
An Easy Check-in Process – Ensure guests can find your site easily. Providing a simple map or clear directions is key!
Not handy? Don’t worry! There are a lot of affordable options online. Check out these options from Amazon:
Next, sign up as a Hipcamp host. Create your listing with a few good photos, a fun and descriptive name, and details about the amenities you offer. Hipcamp’s platform is incredibly user-friendly, and their customer support is top-notch if you ever need help.
What About Bylaws?
Great question! Every county has different rules, so it’s important to check your area’s regulations. That said, from our experience, most counties allow short-term camping. The worst-case scenario? You have to shut down your campsite temporarily while sorting out paperwork. The best-case scenario? You can keep running your site while working through any legal details. Most municipalities operate on a complaint-based system, so keeping your neighbours happy is key.
Pro Tips for Success
We’ve learned a few things along the way, and here are our best tips for getting started smoothly:
Happy neighbours = happy life. Let them know your plans ahead of time to avoid surprises or complaints.
Make your site accessible. Most campers prefer to drive directly to their campsite, so a clear, drivable path is a must.
Double-check your location details. The last thing you want is guests showing up at the wrong place! We made this mistake early on, and it caused headaches for everyone.
Offer add-ons for extra income. We started selling firewood and quickly expanded to paddleboard rentals, camping gear, and even homemade natural remedies and pottery. Think about what extra value you can provide!
Hosting on Hipcamp has been an amazing way for us to generate extra income while sharing our beautiful land with like-minded nature lovers. If you’re ready to give it a try, click here to sign up as a host. Who knows? This could be the start of financial independence for you and your family, just like it was for us!
A huge shoutout to our friends who took a risk and camped out during our first year, enduring stuck vehicles, dirty boots, and plenty of learning moments along the way. We are so grateful to you all—you know who you are!
Why Hipcamp Works
It’s free to sign up. No upfront costs—just list your site and start accepting bookings.
You control your schedule. Block off dates whenever you need to.
You get paid weekly. Earnings are sent via direct deposit.
$1M in insurance is included. Hipcamp provides liability coverage for every booking.
They handle the marketing. Hipcamp promotes your site through newsletters, social media, and Google search results.
Join Hipcamp today and start turning your land into an income stream!
“Who knows—this could be the first step toward financial freedom for you and your family, just like it was for us! 🎉”
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