If you are running a campground or considering adding outdoor accommodations to your property, the profitability question comes up fast. The short answer is yes, glamping is profitable, and the data behind that answer has gotten more compelling every year. Here is what you should know.
Camping Demand Is High — and Campgrounds Can’t Keep Up
The Dyrt’s 2023 Camping Report estimates there are over 80 million campers in the United States, with more than 7 million camping for the first time in 2022. Demand is not slowing down, but available campsites are struggling to keep pace. Sites are booking up weeks or months in advance, and campgrounds are responding: nearly half raised rates in 2022, over 35 percent added more sites, and 18 percent extended their operating calendar.
This gap between demand and supply creates a direct opportunity. Guests who can’t find availability will pay more for a premium option that is easy to book. Glamping fills that gap.
Glamping Is Growing Faster Than General Camping
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. Glamping accounted for 29 percent of all camping experiences that year, with 31 percent of new campers choosing glamping accommodations. These are not marginal gains — they represent a meaningful shift in what guests want and how they spend.
Covered Wagons Are Among the Most Profitable Structures
Not all glamping structures are created equal. Covered wagon popularity increased 27 percent year over year, the highest growth of any structure type, yet wagons make up only 2.5 percent of all glamping inventory — which means demand is significantly outpacing supply. Sage Outdoors Advisory data shows the average daily rate for covered wagons is $268 per night.
What This Means for Your Campground
The campers coming to your site already have the income to pay for a premium experience. The Dyrt data shows that over 44 percent of campers report household incomes above $100,000. They are not looking for the cheapest option. They are looking for the most memorable one. If you can deliver that, glamping is profitable for your property.
Use our ROI calculator to run your own numbers, or contact us to talk through what a glamping wagon investment could look like for your specific situation.
