When PlainsCraft launched in 2018, glamping was already gaining momentum. Then a global pandemic changed everything. Travelers swapped international trips for outdoor getaways, and glamping stepped in to meet that demand. Today, the glamping market has never been stronger, and the window to invest in glamping before the space gets saturated is closing. Here are three data-backed reasons to make your move now.
1. The Glamping Market Is Growing Fast
A 2025 report by Grand View Research projects glamping will grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 12.9 percent through 2033. That growth is being driven by travelers who want the outdoors without sacrificing comfort, and who are actively searching for lodging that is unlike anything they’ve stayed in before.
At the same time, KOA’s 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report found that more than 52 million North American households camped in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic participation levels and generating a $66 billion economic impact.
2. Glamping Is Bringing in an Entirely New Camper
Glamping is also becoming a gateway into outdoor hospitality. KOA reports that glamping accounted for 29% of all camping experiences in 2025, and 31% of new campers chose glamping accommodations. That means glamping is not simply converting tent campers to a higher price point; it is helping bring new guests into the category. These guests are not traditional campers. They are looking for comfort, ease, and an experience they can share online. And they are willing to spend more for it.
Glamping does not just convert existing campers to a higher price point. It brings in non-campers who would never pitch a tent, which significantly expands your potential audience. If you invest in glamping now, you are positioning yourself at the front of a wave that is still building.
3. Unique Structures Command a Premium
Covered wagons, in particular, are in high demand. Data shows covered wagon popularity increased 27 percent, the highest of any glamping structure type, yet wagons make up only 2.5% of available glamping inventory. Sage Outdoors Advisory data shows the average daily rate for covered wagons is $268 per night.
Most guests searching for glamping are searching by location. They’re typing “glamping near Big Sur” or “glamping in the Smoky Mountains.” That means the unique accommodations you offer, once they show up in search results or on booking platforms, have real power to convert. The structure itself becomes the marketing.
Why PlainsCraft Is the Right Partner
PlainsCraft wagons are built from the ground up for outdoor hospitality use, not repurposed or adapted from something else. They are low-maintenance, easy to set up, and designed to deliver the premium experience your guests expect. We recommend starting with at least two wagons to create a campfire gathering point, but even a single wagon can begin generating revenue quickly.
Ready to invest in glamping? Contact us and let’s build something together.
