Categories: Guides & hacksHosting

The 5 Most Desirable Campsite Amenities That Campers Will Pay More For

Hipcamp partners with landowners (who become Hipcamp Hosts) to connect their property with folks looking for places to stay and camp outside! All you need to get started is a flat spot where someone can pitch a tent or park a campervan, or a structure (such as a yurt, canvas tent, or tiny cabin) for them to spend the night in. Wondering how you can level-up your property, campground, or campsite to get more bookings and earn more money as a Hipcamp Host?

Combining survey results from over 1,000 Hipcampers, a deep dive into our top-reviewed campgrounds, and feedback we hear daily, Hipcamp has determined the 5 most sought-after campground amenities.

If you’re getting started on your first campsite or thinking about upgrading your current offering, take a look at these top 5 basic campsite amenities requested by campers.

Does your campsite offer these 5 in-demand amenities?

Grilling a feast over the fire at Magic Forest Farm Camp in New York, US // Photo by Hipcamp Sr. Software Engineer Myles Tan

1. Fire rings or grills

It’s important to follow area restrictions and also share your own personal laws of the land with visiting Hipcampers, especially with regards to fire safety. Certain times of year might allow for fires while others may not, and you can make this known by enacting a fire ban on your property.

When fires are safe, you can make things a lot easier for your campers by providing a fire ring and firewood, both of which go a long way in heightening their experience. In our survey, fire rings and grills came in on top with 62% of campers naming fire rings an important camping amenity. If you have multiple campsites, a community fire ring is a smart way to cut down on costs and also bring people together.

Safe, potable drinking water at High Desert Peace and Quiet in Oregon, US // Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Brooke Lambe

2. Drinking water

A Hipcamp stay is often paired with day hikes to explore new trails or at least some time spent cooking camp meals. This means that providing water can be a great help to campers, especially when a campground is in a remote area away from general stores or gas stations where they might be able to pick some up. This came in second, with 59% of campers saying access to drinking water is an important campground amenity.

Access to water can come in many forms: from a tap, hose, spigot, or jug to simply having Hipcampers boil and purify water from a local river or pump. With that said, Hipcamp Hosts are no strangers to drought, and we realize that water isn’t always accessible. Clearly communicating with campers to bring their own water works just as well!

A dreamy outdoor shower scene // Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Tara Slocombe at Burrum River Saddlery School in QLD, Australia

3. Toilets and showers

Similar to water, sanitation stations can be a great relief to campers. Showers or rinsing stations are an amazing plus for campers to clean off after a day outdoors, while toilet access is required for all campsites listed on Hipcamp, whether provided by the Host or the Hipcamper. In our survey, 30% of campers said sanitation areas are an important amenity while camping.

A campground shower can be anything from a shower head attached to a hose in a private spot, to a provided tub campers can fill up. These spaces also offer campers the chance to take a few minutes to be truly alone with nature, listening to leaves rustle and water fall.

As far as toilets go, many options exist! You know your land and local laws best, but the Hipcamp Toilet Policy outlines exactly what is allowed and what isn’t. You can also find some info on composting toilets here, and a guide to building one in under 45 minutes here. Always research your area’s laws and guidelines in advance!

Pet owners appreciate when campgrounds allow dogs. // Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Kate Murray at Namaste Farm in QLD, Australia

4. Pet-friendly campsites

Whether it’s on or off leash, pet-owning campers like to bring their best friend along. In the survey, allowing pets came in fourth with 29% of campers selecting this as an important amenity while camping.

While “pets allowed” is generally synonymous with “dogs allowed,” Hosts can get more specific in their rules to communicate what is and isn’t allowed onsite. We understand that some Hosts have safety reasons for not allowing pets, and that’s totally okay.

Following clear signage to the waterfalls at Clear Creek Ranch in California, US // Photo by Anna Von Clemm
 

5. Signage

You know the ins and outs or your land better than anyone—which part of the road you need to slow down on while making that turn, where the best access to a hiking path is, and where the sweetest berry bushes are. Help your campers out and let them get to know your land as well! This includes signs pointing to where you’d like them to park, pitch their tent, or use the restroom.

This amenity wasn’t a part of our survey, but it comes through time and time again in comments and feedback from campers after their trips. Removing doubt and uncertainty for campers and giving them clear pointers makes for a more enjoyable trip all around!

Fresh fruits and veggies for purchase from the farmstand at Ohana Farms, BC, Canada // Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Rob Wilson

Bonus: Access to local food

This one is more than a basic amenity—it goes above and beyond! This idea shines through in the reviews of some of our highest-rated Hipcamp lands.

Do you have native berries that are safe to eat? Or do you keep egg-laying chickens? Maybe you grow seasonal veggies? Offering these for purchase to campers from the very land they’re staying on creates a deeper respect for the dirt below their feet. Go one step further—if you run a farm, invite campers to help out! As they looking to get outside and reconnect with nature, the chance to see what you do every day can take that even further. Find out more about how to earn additional income through Hipcamp Extras (goods, experiences, and rentals) here.

What do you think? Whether you’re a host or a camper, we’d love to learn what makes a camping experience special for you. Send any questions or ideas on over to hi@hipcamp.com!

How to earn extra money hosting campers on your land

Want to earn extra income to help pay for property taxes, home expenses, and future dream projects? Learn more about becoming a Hipcamp Host. (Use the promo code JOURNAL and get an extra $100 when you host your first camper on your land.)

And if you’re looking for more creative ideas for building structures and campsites to add to your land for extra income, check out The Top 7 Types of Campsites Generating Income on Hipcamp.

Jess is Hipcamp's former Head of Content and Storytelling.

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