How to Build This A-Frame Cabin That Will Pay for Itself

Irresistible A-frame cabins are among Hipcamp’s most-booked and most profitable types of glamping structures. And good news for landowners: Hipcamp’s most talked about A-frame, the Star A-Frame Tiny Cabin at Cedar Bloom, can be yours for $700 to $3,000 and some elbow grease, according to its designer Derek Diedricksen.

With his breezy plan, the tiny home specialist proves that A-frames can be affordable and easy to build. Plus, the cabin will quickly pay for itself and start earning you additional income when you become a Hipcamp Host and list your land for campers to book.

Why A-frame cabins are popular and how they can be profitable

Building one of Diedricksen’s Instagrammable tiny cabins on your land can provide a great way to earn extra income as a Hipcamp Host. People go out of their way to find and book stays in unique structures like this, so building one could make your land a profitable camping and glamping destination.

Hipcamp Host Mea C. has hosted thousands of Hipcampers in her relaxing A-frame tiny cabins—she started with one and now has three! Her property in southern Oregon, known as Cedar Bloom, is one of Hipcamp’s most popular.

What do people love about A-frames?

What is it that all of these paying campers love about Mea’s A-frames? For starters, you can open up the swing wall while you nap to make it feel you’re sleeping outside amid the towering oaks and manzanitas. If you’re inspired by what she’s built, consider hosting Hipcampers. It’s a great way to earn some extra money.

Peek inside one of Diedricksen’s A-frame cabins

In this video, Diedricksen takes viewers on a tour of one incredibly livable version of his A-frame cabin. This one cost $1,200 to build, and he explains the many benefits of this design. Simplified versions of this A-frame can be built for $300 to $700.

Supplies needed to build this DIY A-frame

• $30 framing plans (PDF)
• ~$700 for materials
• ~100 square feet of space
• ~3 weeks building time

What you’ll find in the cabin’s framing plans

• 12 sketch layout sheets with all the lengths and angles you’ll need
• 1 materials list
• 10+ photos showing joinery and assembly

See how this A-frame cabin looks in the wild

If you’re looking for more creative campsite ideas for your land to earn more income, check out The Top 7 Types of Campsites Generating Income on Hipcamp.

How to start earning extra money hosting campers

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 to get an extra $100 when you host your first Hipcamp guest.)