How to Start a Camping Retreat Business

Start a Camping Retreat Business by following these 10 steps:

1. Plan your Camping Retreat Business
2. Form your Camping Retreat Business into a Legal Entity
3. Register your Camping Retreat Business for Taxes
4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
5. Set up Accounting for your Camping Retreat Business
6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Camping Retreat Business
7. Get Camping Retreat Business Insurance
8. Define your Camping Retreat Business Brand
9. Create your Camping Retreat Business Website
10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your Camping Retreat Business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

• What will you name your business?
• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?
• How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is very important. Read our detailed guide on how to name your business. We recommend checking if the business name you choose is available as a web domain and securing it early so no one else can take it.

What are the costs involved in opening a Camping Retreat Business?

The costs to start this business will depend entirely on what you already have on hand. If you are the local camping expert, you will likely already have all of the gear you need to get started. At that point, you will only need to worry about your business license, any required state certifications (such as CPR training), and marketing costs. Those who do not have all of the camping gear they need will want to visit their local sporting goods store and stock up on all of the essentials. 

In addition to basic camping gear, you will also need any required supplies for your retreat. These are often recurring costs, so your opening costs should only include what will be required on your first retreat.

What are the ongoing expenses for a Camping Retreat Business?

Ongoing expenses are mostly related to materials. Some examples of these costs are dependent on the retreat type itself. A science retreat for kids or adults will have recurring costs for experiment materials. Yoga retreats will need to keep additional mats, blocks, and straps readily available. Those focused on a business retreat may simply need to have extra camping supplies readily available. 

Who is the target market?

The target market for this business is gender and age-neutral. Of course, each activity offered at a camping retreat will reflect the age of the individuals that should be there. Otherwise, the target market is truly those who are interested in or love camping. Furthermore, these individuals should also have a passion for the type of retreating you are offering. 

How does a Camping Retreat Business make money?

A camping retreat makes money when a booking is completed. This business may opt to have individuals purchase tickets, or the business can require groups of a minimum to maximum number of guests to book all at once. Regardless, the business does not make money until a booking is completed. Depending on payment terms, payment may be required upfront or guests may pay an initial deposit with full payment due by the beginning of the retreat.

How much can you charge customers?

The price you charge for this service can depend on a number of factors. If you do not have your own land and must use a campground, you need to factor in the nightly camping cost into your price. In addition, recurring material costs must also be considered. An average camping retreat costs between $20 to $75 per person per night. 

How much profit can a Camping Retreat Business make?

As with most businesses, the potential profit is dependent on operating costs and expenses. Retreats with few added material costs can expect to profit more than other types of retreats. Business licenses and other certifications must also be considered. These will all vary by state. It is safe to say that a camping retreat business can expect to make a minimum profit of $25 per person per night. 

How can you make your business more profitable?

This type of business can become more profitable by establishing relationships with campgrounds that offer significant discounts for businesses that regularly book stays. In addition, operating your own marketing campaigns can keep advertising costs down. If possible, requiring groups to come prepared with all of their own supplies will keep costs for camping materials down too. 

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your Camping Retreat Business is sued.

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a camping retreat business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

Is this Business Right For You?

A camping retreat business is right for an individual who already has skills in a specific area. Whether it is yoga, meditation, outdoor adventures, pottery, or another form of a relaxing — yet engaging — activity, this business needs an owner who can teach and connect at the same time. In addition, those who are interested in this business should either already own land that can be used for camping or know where they can efficiently organize and book a retreat for groups.  

What happens during a typical day at a Camping Retreat Business?

A typical day for a camping retreat business will be dependent on how involved the owner of the business is in the day-to-day activities. For owners that will be running the business and leading the retreat, their day will be full of adventure from one day to the next. Days when you are not leading the retreat will be filled with lead follow-ups, managing bookings, and doing any financial reporting. 

When it is time for a retreat, your days will be focused on waking up before your customers, leading the activities for the day, and making sure everyone is following all safety guidelines. Regardless of your level of engagement in the various aspects of the business, marketing the retreats and reaching the right target audience should be a daily task for your business.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Camping Retreat Business?

In order to be successful, you will need to understand how to have a good time camping and incorporate manageable activities. As the one offering this service, you will be expected to either assist with setting up camping tents and activities and/or hiring individuals who can assist your guests. In addition, basic survival skills are a must. You cannot guarantee that your guests will actually know what berries not to eat and how to read a compass should they get off the main trail. 

What is the growth potential for a Camping Retreat Business?

The growth potential for a camping retreat business is exponential Depending on the region’s weather, camping retreats may be completed during any season of the year in whatever region your business serves. Furthermore, camping retreat businesses can collaborate with masters in their craft to further expand their reach – this includes yoga teachers, pottery instructors, science teachers for children, and many more.