The Complete Guide to Glamping Unit Types

by Sage Outdoor Advisoryin Industry Insightson Posted on

Understanding Cost, Comfort, and ROI in Outdoor Hospitality

At Sage Outdoor Advisory, we’ve helped launch, evaluate, and grow hundreds of glamping resorts across North America. One of the most common questions we hear from new developers and seasoned operators alike is: “What glamping unit types should I choose?”.

The right choice depends on factors like your location, budget, target guest, and long-term vision, but the first step is understanding the strengths, costs, and setup needs of each unit type.

A scenic glamping geodesic dome nestled amidst lush greenery, featuring a spacious wooden deck, outdoor seating, fire pit area, and modern amenities, providing a luxurious camping experience. This image reflects the kind of unique glamping concepts assessed through Feasibility Studies conducted by Sage Outdoor Advisory, experts in the outdoor hospitality industry.
Two guests enjoying a relaxing evening on the front porch of a cozy wooden glamping pod nestled in a wooded setting, accompanied by their dog. Sage Outdoor Advisory regularly performs Feasibility Studies for charming, compact glamping structures to ensure successful guest experiences and investment returns.
A circle of illuminated covered wagons forms a communal glamping space around a glowing campfire, set against dramatic red rock formations at dusk. Sage Outdoor Advisory analyzes culturally themed units like these in Feasibility Studies to guide experience-driven glamping development in iconic U.S. landscapes.
A shiny pink-and-silver vintage trailer sits beside a vineyard under a stretched canvas shade, with a boardwalk, cactus planter, outdoor chairs, and striped loungers completing the cozy glamping setup. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes retro-inspired trailers in Feasibility Studies to assess visual branding, guest experience, and integration with agritourism destinations.
A sleek, modern landscape hotel unit with floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering panoramic views of the red rock desert, complete with an outdoor spiral staircase and moody lighting. Sage Outdoor Advisory evaluates innovative lodging models like this in Feasibility Studies for high-end glamping and boutique hotel developments in iconic destinations.
A pair of modern A-frame cabins with large triangular glass windows are nestled into a lush green hillside surrounded by dense forest, creating an immersive glamping experience. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes architecturally distinct units like these in Feasibility Studies to evaluate aesthetic appeal and terrain suitability in wooded environments.

Airstream

A polished silver Airstream trailer with a warmly lit interior sits in a peaceful canyon setting, surrounded by trees and hills, with outdoor lounge chairs, a picnic table, and a fire pit completing the glamping scene. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes high-end trailer experiences like this in Feasibility Studies to assess mobility, design appeal, and land use efficiency.
Autocamp – Utah
A line of gleaming Airstream trailers stretches along a forested path under a pastel dusk sky, creating a modern campground atmosphere nestled among tall pines. Sage Outdoor Advisory evaluates scalable, branded trailer-based glamping models like Autocamp in Feasibility Studies to guide regional expansion and guest capacity planning.
Autocamp – Yosemite

Airstreams are iconic aluminum trailers known for their retro appeal and high-end interiors. Often upgraded with HVAC systems and plumbing, they are a top choice for guests looking for nostalgia paired with modern comfort. Their mobile foundation can ease permitting and placement in some jurisdictions.

  • Revenue Potential: High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 3–4 years
  • Nightly Rate: $$$
  • Season: Year-round
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Typically includes private bathroom
  • Durability & Maintenance: High
  • Utility Requirements: Moderate
  • Guest Capacity: 2–3
  • Eco-Friendliness: Moderate

Cabin

Modern two-story wood cabins perched on stilts along a rugged desert hillside, surrounded by juniper trees and dramatic canyon scenery. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes elevated glamping units like these in Feasibility Studies to assess terrain adaptability and panoramic view potential in mountainous regions.
East Zion Resort – Utah
Modern desert-facing villas with minimalist architecture and panoramic glass walls glow in the warm light of sunset, set against a rocky terrain and expansive sky. Sage Outdoor Advisory evaluates high-design glamping accommodations like these in Feasibility Studies to measure visual impact, luxury pricing potential, and guest experience in remote settings.
Sage Cliffe Resort – Washington

Cabins range from minimalist off-grid shelters to luxury accommodations with kitchens and spa-style bathrooms. Their hard-sided construction offers strong durability and guest comfortability, and they are often a preferred choice in colder climates or regions with permitting challenges around tents or trailers.

  • Revenue Potential: Very High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 3–5+ years
  • Nightly Rate: $$–$$$$
  • Season: Year-round
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Typically includes private bathroom
  • Durability & Maintenance: High
  • Utility Requirements: High
  • Guest Capacity: 2–6
  • Eco-Friendliness: Moderate

Dome

Luxurious geodesic glamping dome set against a lush green backdrop, featuring a spacious outdoor living area with lounge seating and a fire pit, offering stunning views from its clifftop location. Sage Outdoor Advisory conducts detailed Feasibility Studies on upscale glamping destinations like this to guide strategic investment and development decisions.
Bolt Farm Treehouse – Whitwell, TN
Beautifully designed transparent geodesic dome glamping structure perched atop an expansive wooden deck overlooking a serene, wooded landscape at sunset. Sage Outdoor Advisory's Feasibility Studies expertly evaluate the potential and viability of distinctive glamping properties such as this, ensuring successful ventures in outdoor hospitality.
Loving Heart Retreats – Texas

Geodesic domes are visually unique and structurally strong. Their curved design makes them energy-efficient and highly weather-resistant. Domes are popular in eco-conscious developments and lend themselves well to both minimalist and luxury interiors.

  • Revenue Potential: High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 3–4 years
  • Nightly Rate: $$$
  • Season: Year-round
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Typically includes private bathroom
  • Durability & Maintenance: Moderate
  • Utility Requirements: High
  • Guest Capacity: 2–4
  • Eco-Friendliness: High

Pod

Two guests enjoying a relaxing evening on the front porch of a cozy wooden glamping pod nestled in a wooded setting, accompanied by their dog. Sage Outdoor Advisory regularly performs Feasibility Studies for charming, compact glamping structures to ensure successful guest experiences and investment returns.
Cherry Hill Park – Maryland
Cherry Hill Park – Maryland

Glamping pods are compact, cabin-like structures with a streamlined, arched design that maximizes space while minimizing environmental impact. Typically built with wood or composite materials, pods are easy to install, energy-efficient, and well-suited for both short-term stays and year-round use. Their versatility allows for basic or upscale interiors, making them ideal for campgrounds, parks, and small-footprint glamping developments.

  • Revenue Potential: Moderate to High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 2–3 years
  • Nightly Rate: $$
  • Season: Year-round (with insulation)
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Typically uses shared facilities
  • Durability & Maintenance: High
  • Utility Requirements: Moderate
  • Guest Capacity: 2
  • Eco-Friendliness: Moderate to High

Safari Tent

Interior view from a luxurious canvas glamping tent, showcasing comfortable furnishings and breathtaking views of iconic desert formations through the open tent flaps. Sage Outdoor Advisory utilizes thorough Feasibility Studies to assess and optimize glamping developments in visually striking locations like this.
ULUM – Utah
Premium glamping tent elevated on a sturdy wooden platform, featuring expansive windows and doors, set against a stunning backdrop of dramatic cliffs and rocky desert terrain. Sage Outdoor Advisory's detailed Feasibility Studies help investors confidently pursue distinctive, upscale glamping projects.
Open Sky Zion – Utah

Safari tents are upscale canvas tents often built on wooden platforms with room dividers, porches, and even bathrooms. They are durable and highly customizable, making them ideal for operators seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities.

  • Revenue Potential: High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 2–3 years
  • Nightly Rate: $$-$$$$
  • Season: 3-season (Year-round with upgrades)
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Often includes private bathroom
  • Durability & Maintenance: Moderate
  • Utility Requirements: Moderate
  • Guest Capacity: 2–6
  • Eco-Friendliness: Moderate

Tiny Home

A collection of sleek, modern tiny homes and cabins with black exteriors and private decks overlooking a tranquil pond, arranged in a clean, minimalist layout. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes contemporary units like these in Feasibility Studies to evaluate revenue potential and site planning in glamping resort developments.
Red Run Resort – Pennsylvania
Interior of a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired tiny home with natural wood finishes, large windows, and modern furnishings that blend luxury with forest views. Sage Outdoor Advisory analyzes high-design tiny home models like this in Feasibility Studies to help developers create boutique, high-ADR glamping experiences.
Lumen – New Hampshire

Tiny homes are small (<400 SF) but fully outfitted with kitchens, bathrooms, and efficient layouts. Often built to RV or park model codes, they appeal to guests looking for a compact yet luxurious retreat. Their hard-sided design makes them ideal for year-round use.

  • Revenue Potential: Very High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 3–5 years
  • Nightly Rate: $$$$
  • Season: Year-round
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Always includes private bathroom
  • Durability & Maintenance: High
  • Utility Requirements: High
  • Guest Capacity: 2–4
  • Eco-Friendliness: Moderate

Tipi

A vibrant row of traditional tipis with painted patterns and canvas coverings set against a mountain backdrop, connected by a winding paved path and surrounded by manicured grass. Sage Outdoor Advisory incorporates themed lodging like tipis into Feasibility Studies to assess guest appeal and cultural relevance in glamping resorts.
Yellowstone Tipis – Montana
A cluster of softly illuminated tipis glows under a starry night sky, set against the backdrop of forested hills and deep wilderness at Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel in Montana. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes culturally inspired glamping concepts like these in Feasibility Studies to assess experience-driven demand and site integration for boutique outdoor stays.
Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel – Montana

Tipis offer an immersive nature experience and a deep connection to indigenous cultural designs. Their conical shape provides excellent airflow in summer, though they are less suitable for colder months without upgrades.

  • Revenue Potential: Low–Moderate
  • Average ROI Timeline: 1–2 years
  • Nightly Rate: $ – $$
  • Season: 3-season
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Typically uses shared facilities
  • Durability & Maintenance: Low
  • Utility Requirements: Low
  • Guest Capacity: 2-3
  • Eco-Friendliness: High

Treehouse

A rustic treehouse with weathered wood siding, arched windows, and wraparound porches sits elevated between towering trees, supported by sturdy trunks and a wooden staircase. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes whimsical lodging like this in Feasibility Studies to evaluate treehouse glamping viability and guest experience in forested destinations.
Treehouse Utopia – Texas
A multi-story treehouse built around a massive tree trunk features floor-to-ceiling windows and intricate wooden railings, perched above a lush forest floor and serene pond. Sage Outdoor Advisory analyzes elaborate, nature-integrated treehouses like this in Feasibility Studies to assess premium guest draw and land-use potential in eco-tourism projects.
Treehouse Point – Washington

Treehouses are a guest favorite and offer unmatched novelty. Building into the canopy creates a one-of-a-kind stay and high Instagram appeal, though engineering and permitting can be complex.

  • Revenue Potential: High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 4–6 years
  • Nightly Rate: $$$ – $$$$
  • Season: 3-season (Year-round with insulation)
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Typically includes private bathroom
  • Durability & Maintenance: Moderate
  • Utility Requirements: High
  • Guest Capacity: 2–4
  • Eco-Friendliness: Moderate

Vintage Trailer

A polished silver vintage trailer sits on a raised wooden platform surrounded by twinkle lights, red lounge chairs, a hammock, and a cozy fire pit nestled among trees. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes retro trailer concepts like this in Feasibility Studies to assess nostalgic design appeal and return on investment in glamping properties.
The Range – Texas
A stylish pink-and-chrome vintage trailer sits beside a vineyard under a stretched canopy, with cozy outdoor seating, a deck, and striped sun loungers enhancing the aesthetic. Sage Outdoor Advisory evaluates themed glamping experiences like this in Feasibility Studies to support wine country tourism and unique lodging appeal.
Alta Colina – California

Vintage trailers combine nostalgic design with all the comforts of a modern stay. Restored models are highly photogenic and appeal to design-conscious travelers looking for something fun and different.

  • Revenue Potential: High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 2–3 years
  • Nightly Rate: $$$
  • Season: Year-round
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Typically includes private bathroom
  • Durability & Maintenance: Moderate
  • Utility Requirements: Moderate
  • Guest Capacity: 2-3
  • Eco-Friendliness: Moderate

Wagon

A circle of illuminated covered wagons forms a communal glamping space around a glowing campfire, set against dramatic red rock formations at dusk. Sage Outdoor Advisory analyzes culturally themed units like these in Feasibility Studies to guide experience-driven glamping development in iconic U.S. landscapes.
Capitol Reef Resort – Utah
Interior of a luxury covered wagon glamping unit featuring a king bed and two sets of bunk beds with rustic wood frames, adorned with Southwestern textiles and plush toys. Sage Outdoor Advisory includes multi-bed layouts like this in Feasibility Studies to evaluate family accommodations and group retreat potential.
Capitol Reef Resort – Utah

Covered wagons are gaining traction at Western-themed and family-friendly properties. They offer a novelty factor while still providing strong guest comfort with insulation, HVAC, and family sleeping arrangements.

  • Revenue Potential: Moderate–High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 3–4 years
  • Nightly Rate: $$$
  • Season: 3-season (Year-round with upgrades)
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Typically uses shared facilities
  • Durability & Maintenance: Moderate
  • Utility Requirements: Moderate
  • Guest Capacity: 2–4
  • Eco-Friendliness: Moderate

Landscape Hotel

A row of minimalist wood-clad landscape hotel cabins elevated on stilts, surrounded by tall grass and dense forest in the Catskills. Sage Outdoor Advisory incorporates architecturally driven lodging like this into Feasibility Studies to assess premium guest experience and aesthetic-driven market appeal.
Piaule – Catskill Mountains, New York
A sleek, modern landscape hotel unit with floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering panoramic views of the red rock desert, complete with an outdoor spiral staircase and moody lighting. Sage Outdoor Advisory evaluates innovative lodging models like this in Feasibility Studies for high-end glamping and boutique hotel developments in iconic destinations.
Ambiente – Sedona, AZ

Though not a typical glamping unit, landscape hotel suites are worth noting for their design-forward approach. These freestanding, architecturally crafted units emphasize privacy, panoramic views, and harmony with nature, often using natural materials and floor-to-ceiling windows. Best suited for high-end eco-resorts, they offer luxury lodging where design and guest experience take priority over mobility or simplicity.

  • Revenue Potential: Very High
  • Average ROI Timeline: 5+ years
  • Nightly Rate: $$$$
  • Season: Year-round
  • Bathroom Compatibility: Always includes private bathroom
  • Durability & Maintenance: High
  • Utility Requirements: High
  • Guest Capacity: 2–6
  • Eco-Friendliness: High (varies by design and materials)

Final Thoughts

Each glamping unit type offers unique advantages and trade-offs. From ROI timelines to guest capacity, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The most successful projects balance aesthetics, function, budget, and market demand.

Want help choosing the best units for your location and goals? Our Feasibility Studies use proprietary market data to evaluate performance potential and reduce development risk. Schedule free consultation here.