How to Get Your First Booking and Start Earning Money as a Hipcamp Host

You’re probably well-aware of how Hipcamp partners with landowners like you (who become Hipcamp Hosts) to connect your property with folks who are looking for places to stay, camp, and enjoy the outdoors. All you need to get started is a flat spot where someone can pitch a tent or park an RV.

If you want to get extra fancy and earn even more money, you can offer a glamping structure such as a yurt, tiny cabin, A-frame for them to stay in.

We couldn’t be more excited to support you along the way, which is why we’ve compiled our top tips for getting your first booking as soon as possible.

Keep scrolling to learn more about each item above. Plus, we’ve got bonus self-marketing tips at the bottom of this page!

STEP 1: Upload 5 good photos

Imagine yourself as the camper visiting your land. What would you want to see if you were booking a campsite for the first time?

Here are the top 3 photos Hipcampers love to see:

• Where the Hipcamper will be sleeping — This is a zoomed-out, horizontal shot of the tent spot, cabin, bed, or whatever it may be
• Landscape — Views, vegetation, flora, animals or wildlife
• People + activities on the land — Petting horses, hiking, swimming, etc.

See our top 4 tips from professional photographers on taking beautiful photos of your land. And see what we mean by “horizontal shot” with the image below.

STEP 2: Let your community know

Post about your Hipcamp listing on Facebook, in local Facebook groups, Instagram, Twitter, and more. Be sure to tag any friends, family, or friends of friends who might be interested in camping on your land.

Ideas and examples for posting on Twitter:

• “Just signed up my [campground/cabin/yurt] on Hipcamp. Come camp with us! [link to your listing]”
• “We have availability for Labor Day at [your campground]. Book on Hipcamp! [link to your listing]”
• “It’s a beautiful time to see fall leaves at [your campground]. Book on Hipcamp! [link to your listing]”

Ideas and examples for posting on Facebook:

• “Hey friends! Happy to announce that I just listed my land on Hipcamp, a company that partners with landowners to create new places to camp. I’m excited for my first campers to come! Send any adventurers my way by tagging them in the comments…[Link to your listing].”
• “Looking for a place to camp this Labor Day? We still have campsites available at [your listing]! Tag anyone who loves to camp 🙂 [link to your listing].”

Post in local forums and Facebook groups.

The more local, the better! Look for camping and hiking groups on Facebook in your region.

STEP 3: Price competitively

Is your price competitive compared to nearby public campgrounds and Hipcamp hosts? We’ve learned that it’s best to start on the affordable side to get your first few bookings in, then if you want, move to a higher price as you get the experience dialed in.

Here are Tips on How to Price Your Hipcamp Listing.

We’ve built a smart pricing tool just for you. Visit the pricing section of your Host Dashboard to see the low and high price ranges for listings like yours in your area.

Bonus tips to get bookings for your campsite

Completed everything on the list above? You’re a hosting rock star!

Here are even more ways to get your first booking:

• Read 6 Ways to Make Your Campsite Instagrammable
• Read How to Price Your Hipcamp Listing
• Read our Top Marketing and Search Engine Optimization tips
• Add a booking button to your website
• Want to install RV hookups on your land? Read our how-to guide.

How to start earning 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 Hipcamp guest.)