Glamping has become extremely popular in recent years. The global glamping accommodation market reached $12.4 billion in 2024 and, according to analysts, is expected to triple to nearly $40 billion by 2034. Europe, with more than a third of this market, is the leader.
More and more campsites and holiday parks are therefore installing glamping tents; customers are willing to pay more for comfort without losing touch with nature.
If you want to buy a glamping tent for your campsite, holiday park, or private land, there are many things to consider. In this article, you'll discover what to pay attention to.
After reading this article, you'll know exactly:
This article is written by Sander den Os, owner of Sanders Glamping. We have been designing and manufacturing glamping tents in Europe and Africa for over 13 years. In summary: you benefit from advice based on many years of practical experience.
Getting into glamping is primarily a matter of supply and demand. A glamping tent is interesting when you want to offer your customers something different from a simple camping spot or a mobile home. The target audience is broad: families seeking comfort, couples looking for intimacy, and adventurers eager for a unique experience.
With glamping tents, you can charge premium rates. Luxury tents are often rented for between 150 and 300 euros per night, compared to 30 to 70 euros for a classic pitch. With just a few glamping tents, you can diversify your site and attract a new clientele.
When choosing a glamping tent, it is essential to know your customers well. Consider their age, budget, and expectations. Some are looking for a safari tent for two people, others for a family tent with two bedrooms. By offering different types of tents, you cater to this diversity
A glamping tent is usually set up only once and then remains in place, like a mobile home. The fabric is not insulated, so it's the climate that determines your rental season. In cold regions, you can install additional equipment such as wood stoves or central heating. In Southern Europe, air conditioning is often essential.
Our own projects show that almost anything is possible: in Germany, we have installed tents with central heating and wood stoves, while in Southern Europe we have integrated air conditioning.
However, it's important to be aware of seasonal variations: in summer and during holidays, the occupancy rate is around 90 to 100%, whereas it can drop to 30–50% during the cold months. So, adjust your prices and opening periods according to the seasons.
Glamping tents come in various sizes and configurations. Choose the format based on the number of people you wish to accommodate. The table below shows the most common combinations. All models include a standard covered deck of about three meters in depth.
| Capacity | Tent Dimensions | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 3 × 3 m | Compact model for two guests, ideal for couples |
| 4 people | 4 × 4 m | One bedroom and small living space |
| 6 people | 5 × 5 m | More spacious, with two bedrooms and a larger living area |
| 6–8 people | 5 × 7.5 m | Large model with multiple rooms and options like a bathroom |
Besides dimensions, layout also plays a role. A small tent without a kitchen is more economical, but yields less per night. A larger model with a bathroom and kitchen attracts more customers and allows for higher rates.
The location where the tent is set up determines both the construction and the final experience. A good glamping tent should have a solid structure, capable of withstanding wind and rain.
From our experience, it is even possible to build on steep slopes. With an adequate structure, you can make uneven terrain accessible without having to dig. This way, you can exploit locations that would otherwise remain unprofitable.
When choosing the location, consider the following:
Sand, grass, or forest floor each require different foundations. Ensure a stable base and check for water drainage. A slightly sloped ground can even help prevent flooding. For safety, a sturdy structure is essential.
Consider the wind direction and the presence of trees. Some tents withstand storms, but additional protection extends their lifespan.
Clients should be able to easily reach the tent by car or bicycle. When setting up a glamping site, also think about roads, parking, and connections to utilities such as electricity and water.
Ensure that, for example, the septic tank and water pipes are well connected; this avoids a lot of work later on.
The material and construction quality are crucial factors for the lifespan (and therefore the actual cost) of a glamping tent. The tent fabric determines comfort, durability, and safety. It must be windproof, waterproof, and fireproof. But it's not just the fabric: the wood and fittings also deserve your attention. Choose certified wood that is rot-resistant.
Also look at the finish: double stitching, strong zippers, sturdy floors... all these elements influence the tent's resistance to intensive use. A cheap tent made of thin fabric may seem attractive in terms of price, but if it wears out after two seasons, it ultimately costs more.
Also ask for easy-to-maintain solutions: for example, we integrate smart elements into our tents so that cleaning is faster.
The biggest advantage of glamping tents is their flexibility. You can set up the layout and equipment yourself. Consider, for example:
Do you want separate bedrooms in the tent? Our tents can be furnished with real beds, wooden partitions, doors, or wardrobes to separate spaces. Furniture (tables, chairs, wardrobes) increases comfort but can also be added later to spread costs.
A kitchen in the tent is a highly requested option. A glamping tent without a kitchen is suitable if guests mainly eat on-site or are just passing through for the night. With a kitchenette, they gain autonomy, which is ideal for families who wish to cook for themselves. Of course, an integrated kitchen increases the purchase price, but it also allows for a higher nightly rate, as the tent resembles more of a cottage.
Glamping often goes hand in hand with comfort, and a private bathroom is generally part of that. Tents without a bathroom are simpler (guests then use the campground's communal facilities). But if you choose a tent with private shower and toilet, you offer premium accommodation. This requires additional investment in plumbing, connections, and floor construction, but your guests enjoy exclusive comfort.
A private shower and toilet make the tent particularly attractive for families. In France, these tents are considered light outdoor accommodations, but installing integrated facilities often requires municipal authorization or a specific permit.
Depending on your region and season, you may consider installing heating or air conditioning in the tent. In a cold area, you can add a wood stove or even central heating. These climate installations involve additional costs, but they allow you to rent the tent outside the high season. Thus, you can accommodate guests in spring, fall, or even winter, which increases your revenue.
In summary, you can have a completely custom-designed glamping tent. From the basic model to ultra-luxury: each additional option should be seen as an investment
A glamping tent typically comes in separate parts and can be assembled on-site. The question is: will you do it yourself or entrust the assembly to experts? Setting up this type of tent is similar to installing a small wooden chalet.
A wooden or steel base, a framework, tensioning the thick canvas, as well as the installation of the interior, electricity, and possibly sanitary facilities, are required. If you're handy and experienced, you might choose to do (part of) the assembly yourself. This helps reduce costs, as you spend less on labor from the supplier.
However, we strongly recommend entrusting at least the critical elements, like the base and structure, to experienced assemblers. They literally form the foundations of your tent. A solid assembly ensures your tent remains stable and secure for many years, especially on uneven or sloping ground.
Permissions are an important aspect, but often simpler than one might imagine. In France (as in many other countries), glamping tents are considered light outdoor accommodations, thus semi-permanent. The regulations are generally more flexible than for chalets or mobile homes, but a prior declaration or a development permit from the town hall is often required. This is particularly the case if you set up tents equipped with sanitary facilities or large in size, as this involves water and sanitation connections and a long-term installation.
The town hall may also impose conditions regarding landscape impact, traffic, rainwater drainage, or the safety of wood stoves. In some cases, it is also necessary to request a change of land use, for example, when agricultural land needs to be transformed into tourist land.
To avoid problems:
In the end, the essential question is whether the purchase will be profitable. A glamping tent represents a significant investment, but it can also prove to be very lucrative. Let's take an example: imagine you buy a beautiful tent for around €20,000.
How much revenue can this tent generate? Generally, such a tent can bring in at least €100,000 in rental income over its lifetime (assuming several years of rental). Even a smaller tent, worth around €10,000, can recoup its cost in just a few seasons.
Buying a glamping tent is a significant investment. The price depends on exactly what you are looking for and the options you choose.
Buying a glamping tent is a significant investment. The price depends on exactly what you are looking for and the options you choose.
The main elements influencing the price are:
On the revenue side, glamping tents generate a certain turnover per night. Many providers indicate that high-end tents rent for between €150 and €300 per night. With an average occupancy rate of 60 to 80%, the investment can often be amortized within two to four years.
As mentioned above, our own experience confirms these figures. For a tent costing around €20,000, you can achieve at least €100,000 in turnover over its lifetime (approximately ten years), provided you have a good location and an effective marketing strategy. Profitability depends on the rental price, occupancy rate, maintenance costs, and potential additional revenue sources (e.g., breakfast service or excursions). Remember that these figures remain estimates.
By performing this calculation upfront, you get realistic expectations and can plan your project accurately.
Buying a glamping tent is a strategic choice. You meet the growing demand for more comfortable camping while offering customers a unique experience. To choose well, consider the targeted clientele, intended use, size, location, materials, layout, and local regulations.
Opt for quality: a reliable manufacturer and durable materials ensure comfort and safety. Anticipate the necessary steps with the town hall to obtain the required permits. Consider the seasons and adjust your rates accordingly. And above all, perform a financial calculation in advance to know when your investment will be amortized.
Glamping remains a booming market. By investing wisely, you can not only obtain an attractive return but above all offer your customers an unforgettable experience in nature.
Do you still have questions after reading this article, or do you wish to discuss a glamping tent project on your site? Do not hesitate to contact us: we will be delighted to assist you.