What Makes a Good Hipcamp Extra?

We’re so excited that you’re interested in adding Extras to your Hipcampers’ experiences! Extras allow Hosts to offer Hipcampers customizable goods, rentals, and experiences for an additional fee at checkout so they can then enjoy them during their stay. Learn how to set one up here.

Because Extras are currently 100% customizable, it’s up to you how creative you get with your offerings. You can set a name, description, price (per unit or guest), and the maximum number of Extras available for a single booking on your property. To help you get started, here’s some guidance, tips, and inspiration for offering high-quality Extras Hipcampers will love.

What qualifies as an Extra?

Experiences

Experiences are defined as guided tours and activities that Hipcampers can’t easily do on their own while on your property. Tours, nature walks, workshops, tastings, and classes qualify as experiences Hipcampers can take part in, while orientation and check-in do not. Hosts are responsible for coordinating experience details and logistics with guests.

Unique examples include:

• Slacklining 101 workshop at Welcome Back Woods
• Nature yoga at Cedar Root
• Alpaca farm sampler at Symphony Fibers
• Wood-fired brick oven experience at Itzawayzback Farm
• Hands-on beekeeping experience at Blackwater Birds and Bees
• Intro to homesteading tour at Havilah Pines Homestead
• Horseback riding at Horse Lovers Paradise
• Pottery workshop at Living the Dream
• Coffee service at Glamping Near Birch Bay
• Historical photography tour at Rancho Ruybalid

Rentals

Hosts can offer a variety of items and equipment for Hipcampers to use independently and then return. Example items that qualify for rental are bicycles, portable toilets, canopies, games, and camp stoves. Hosts are responsible for coordinating rental details and logistics with guests.

Unique examples include:

• Bicycles on Paula S.’s Land
• Private portable toilet at Holcomb Valley Ranch
• 20-pound propane tank at Camp Nauvoo
• Pop-up canopy at Amazing Harrison Serenity Ranch
• Bear canister on Lucas M.’s Land
• Kayaks and paddleboards at Little Blue Horse Camp
• Fishing poles at Savage Streams

Goods

Goods are defined as items Hipcampers can purchase to keep and/or use. Examples include eggs, firewood bundles, bottles of wine, and souvenirs. Each Hipcamper with a booking will be able to purchase up to your set maximum quantity of your offered item. Hosts are responsible for their inventory of goods, so it’s important to ensure you are able to offer the items Hipcampers purchase.

Unique examples include:

• Smores kit at Maple Ridge Farm
• Garden fresh vegetables at Sugarloaf Moringa Farm
• Fresh baked fruit pie at Hidden Acres Orchards
• Wildflower bouquet at Sparkles Farm
• Organic elderberry syrup at Rocky Run Farm
• Wine romance package at Rural Gem in Murphys

Top tips for successful Hipcamp Extras

1. Give your Extra an interesting title

The title is the first thing Hipcampers see—make it clear and enticing! “Guided 3-mile forest loop hike” is a better title than the more vague “Sean’s hike.”

2. Be specific about your offerings

It’s important to provide details about your Extras. Why should Hipcampers be interested in this? What can they expect to see, do, learn, or get? Will they get any hands-on experiences, such as foraging, potting a plant, milking a cow, or tasting vegetables? What makes you uniquely qualified to offer this? If offering an experience, you should provide an itinerary (if applicable) and clearly specify the length of the activity and the method of transportation (walking, vehicle, horseback, etc.).

3. Add photos

Photos are the most helpful way for Hipcampers to know what to expect when booking your Extra.

4. Set reasonable prices

You know the value of your unique Extra the best, but we’ve found that affordable pricing most often leads Hipcampers to add an Extra to their booking. As you perfect and add to your offerings, you can experiment with increasing your prices.

5. Unguided access to existing features on your property does not qualify as an experience

When Hipcampers stay on your land, they expect to use trails and viewpoints without extra charge. If your idea isn’t guided or at least 30 minutes and covering specific topics, it probably doesn’t qualify as an experience.

Things to know about Extras and insurance

Hipcamp insurance doesn’t cover all experiences and rental activities, but you’re still welcome to offer them

You can still offer these experiences and rentals so long as you know that they are not covered by the Hipcamp insurance policy—we recommend also having some alternative insurance in these cases. See our insurance policy here to review what Extras are covered under Hipcamp insurance.

Some guidelines:

• Experiences and rental usage that take place off property are not covered by Hipcamp insurance.
• Hipcamp doesn’t support waivers or the collection of guest signatures.
• The use of non-motorized boats under 26 feet long (such as kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards) are not covered in instances when Hipcampers are charged for the use of the watercraft. Use is covered if offered as a free Extra.
• If selling alcohol, injury and damage related to consumption are not covered by Hipcamp insurance.
• Experiences and rental usage relating to the following are not covered, even if conducted on your property:
  • Weapon use or hunting
  • Operating mobile equipment or machinery (ATVs, tractors)
  • Rock climbing

Ready to offer your own Extras? Add yours here or learn more about becoming a Hipcamp Host here.