What to think about when buying land for glamping

When glamping, many people want to be able to experience all that nature has to offer while still having some of the amenities and comforts of home. This type of camping can be a great business opportunity for those who are looking to start their own business. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect piece of land for a glamping business.

Location

Consider the location. Glamping businesses should be located in areas that are scenic and have easy access to hiking trails, bodies of water, and other outdoor activities.

Some business owners suggest not buying too close to cities. This is because of regulations that this land might come under. More off-grid land has fewer rules preventing unconventional use of land such as glamping.

Also land is more expensive closer to the city and urban areas. If you are planning to build an off-grid facility, then choose land that is farther away from the city due to the reasons listed above.

Near or far

Buying only land (without a dwelling built on it already) is a cheaper option also. It gives you more flexibility. You can implement your own idea and you can choose avenues that might reduce the overall cost of construction of a new dwelling or glamping facility.

For example, setting up a glamping facility on a piece of land that already has a home on it will mean you have to remodel or build up the house. You have to work with what you have or demolish the house and build what you want in its place. In any case, it is altogether more expensive as the cost of the house is baked into the purchase price.

Buying only land gives you more room to bargain.

Having said that, buying too far away also has its issues. If your land is very far away from basic amenities such as grocery shopping, hospitals, petrol pumps, etc., families and older guests might think twice before booking your facility. A good sweet spot is around 2-3.5 hours away from these facilities.

Carry your wishlist with you

Before you set about looking for land, you should ideally have built a set of preferences. Your own wishlist of what you want on your land. Things such as which side of the road your land is on? how many trees sit on your land? is there a pond? is there a river passing through your land? You have to look for this list when you start scouting for land.

There are a few other considerations to consider before you buy land that may not be very obvious. These are a few:

1. Easement or right of way. If your land has an easement restriction – that means either you have to cross someone else’s property to get to your land or someone else has to cross your land to get to theirs – it may not be smooth sailing. A few things go out of your control when you buy land that has easement restrictions.
2. Study adjoining land on all sides. Things such as unfenced land that has animal herds passing through it might be an issue. Look for areas where plants or trees might have been eaten recently or look for animal droppings on the land you plan to purchase. Some zoning might restrict preventing animals’ walkways. You don’t want your guests to encounter animals passing around their glamping tents. It could be risky, especially with kids and/or pets around.
3. Flood zone. Do not purchase land that has a high risk of flooding. This type of land is prone to flooding and is best avoided for glamping for obvious reasons
4. Sometimes even land that may have a river running through it might flood and breach its banks during the rainy season. Consider these factors before you set up the glamping construction near the river bank.
5. Water-bodies on site can be a great attraction for prospective guests. However, they can be very difficult to manage. Cleaning a lake or pond may be crucial to keeping mosquitoes, frogs, and other animals away. Stagnant water usually becomes dirtier really fast.
6. Trees act as windbreakers. Sometimes during heavy rains, there is a risk of trees becoming uprooted. They can pose a risk to dwellers on your site.

Property size

Think about the size of the property. The land should be large enough to accommodate tents, RVs, and other glamping accommodations, as well as common areas such as picnic areas and fire pits.

Too big a piece of land may also not be ideal. Larger the land more maintenance costs are involved. Think mowing costs and property taxes among others.

Neighbors

This covers a couple of previously discussed issues such as easement and adjoining landowners. There may be other aspects to this as well. Good neighbors might communicate just enough to let you know of any issues around your land.

Buying land in a community is kind of applying for membership in that town. You want to be accepted and seen as someone who is part of the group. Best be courteous and generous. Not burning bridges early on can be a great attribute here.

Zoning

Make sure to check zoning regulations. Some areas have restrictions on what types of businesses can be operated in certain areas. Zoning rules may not be easy to understand. It’s best to call up the county clerks and speak to them about what you have planned out and whether zoning rules on the land allow that.

Check for county development proposals – high-tension wires, canals, roads, etc. High-tension wires can be an eye-sore and you might not want to purchase land even near these poles. Township or county development proposals contain these plans. It’s best to be aware of these before paying for land.

Do not skirt rules. Rules are there for a reason. They protect the lives of people who reside on land and those around it.

By doing your research ahead of time, you can make sure that you choose a piece of land that is zoned for glamping businesses.