Enter the world of tiny properties for vacation renting. From yurts to prefab pods, these small-scale stays can generate big-time profits if planned right. Whether you have a spare acre of land, a backyard that’s begging for something fun, or you’re ready to invest in land near a tourist hot spot, here’s a breakdown of the best small structures you can build to attract short-term renters.

1. Yurts (aka Mongolian Tents): Cozy Circles of Profit

Yurts have gone from nomadic shelter to Instagrammable vacation spots. These circular canvas tents are easy to set up, surprisingly spacious inside, and have a rustic charm that glamping fans love.

Why people love them:

• Earthy, peaceful vibe
• Often come with wood stoves and skylights
• Perfect for off-grid or semi-off-grid getaways

Pro tip: Add insulation and a solid base to make your yurt a year-round rental.

2. A-Frames: Classic Looks with Modern Magic

A-frames are those cute, triangle-shaped cabins that scream cozy retreat. With their steeply sloped roofs and photogenic aesthetic, they’re especially popular in mountain or forest settings.

Why people love them:

• Architecturally striking
• Great for snowy destinations
• Feels bigger than it looks thanks to vaulted ceilings

Pro tip: Go for glass walls on one side to create that “wow” moment.

3. Container Homes: Industrial, Chic, and Eco-Friendly

Shipping container homes are made from recycled cargo containers and can be turned into sleek, modern rentals. They’re durable, weather-resistant, and modular, which means you can start small and scale up.

Why people love them:

• Modern, minimalist aesthetic
• Eco-conscious vibe
• Often cheaper to build than traditional homes

Pro tip: Insulation is key—metal gets hot in summer and freezing in winter.

4. Conventional Tiny Homes: Small Footprint, Big Charm

These are your classic tiny houses on wheels or foundations, often built to resemble mini cottages or cabins. They’re well-loved for maximizing space and comfort without going overboard.

Why people love them:

• Feels like a “real” house
• Has everything in one place (kitchen, bathroom, loft, etc.)
• Great for long weekends or even week-long stays

Pro tip: Prioritize clever storage and open layouts.

5. Prefabricated Pods: Plug-and-Play Vacation Spots

Pods are modern, pre-made structures that can be delivered and installed on your site in a matter of days. They often come with built-in plumbing, electrical, and minimalist furnishings.

Why people love them:

• Minimalist, futuristic appeal
• Fast setup
• Can be used for remote “workcation” retreats

Pro tip: Look for pod manufacturers that specialize in off-grid features if you’re on land without hookups.

6. Prefabricated Modular Homes: Bigger Investment, Bigger Return

Think of these as larger siblings to pods. Modular homes are built in sections off-site and assembled like LEGOs on your property. They’re ideal for those who want a more permanent or higher-end rental.

Why people love them:

• More space and comfort
• Feels more like a boutique stay
• Can attract higher-paying guests

Pro tip: Consider adding luxury finishes to stand out in the premium vacation rental market.

7. Glamping Tents: Nature Meets Comfort

Luxury safari-style tents have exploded in popularity. They offer a tented experience, but with real beds, furniture, and sometimes even clawfoot tubs under the stars.

Why people love them:

• The romance of camping, minus the discomfort
• Instagrammable settings
• Often located in serene, private spots

Pro tip: Offer add-ons like fire pits, hammocks, or breakfast baskets.

8. RVs: Road-Ready and Guest-Ready

An RV or retro camper parked on your land can be turned into a nostalgic, cozy rental. They’re especially appealing to those who want the RV experience without driving one.

Why people love them:

• Quirky and fun
• Often more affordable than building from scratch
• Mobility means you can reposition if needed

Pro tip: Decorate with a theme—vintage, boho, surf shack, etc.—for extra appeal.

9. Neo-Glamping Homes: Where Innovation Meets Nature

Neo-glamping homes blend smart design with natural surroundings—think dome houses, eco-pods, or mirrored cubes in the forest. These are high-concept stays for design-savvy travelers.

Why people love them:

• Totally unique experience
• Often eco-friendly and off-grid
• Great for special occasions or romantic getaways

Pro tip: Lean into the experience. Provide robes, aromatherapy, stargazing kits—anything to make it memorable.

Final Thoughts: Should You Start Small to Profit Big?

Absolutely. The charm of small vacation rentals lies in their uniqueness, not their size. Start with one unit, test the market, gather feedback, and scale from there. Whether it’s a single yurt or a fleet of luxury glamping tents, the right setup on the right land can be a cash-flowing dream.

And best of all? You can escape there yourself anytime you want.

The post Tiny Escapes, Big Profits: Small Vacation Rentals That Win appeared first on Small Home Space.

Glamping tents are usually much larger than traditional camping tents, and they often come equipped with furniture and amenities such as electricity and running water. This allows campers to enjoy all the comforts of home while still being surrounded by nature.

In addition, glamping tents are often located in scenic areas, providing stunning views and a sense of privacy. This combination of luxury and isolation makes glamping tents a popular choice for those looking for a unique and relaxing vacation.

Are glamping tents weatherproof?

Glamping tents are extremely weather-proof. They are made of high-quality, waterproof materials that can withstand strong winds and heavy rains. The seams are all double-stitched and reinforced to prevent leaking.

The windows and doors are covered with mesh to keep insects out and allow for ventilation. The tents also have a built-in rain fly that provides extra protection from the elements. Overall, glamping tents are designed to be very durable and weather-resistant.

Land for setting up tents

When it comes to glamping, choosing the right land is key. Here are a few factors to consider:

The land should be Level: You don’t want your glamping tent toppling over because the ground is uneven. Uneven land might change the tent’s center of balance. A storm might be able to tip such a tent over easily.

The land should be Soft: You’ll be spending a lot of time on the ground, so make sure it’s soft enough to be comfortable. Avoid grassy areas with lots of rocks. Too soft is obviously not ideal enough. You don’t want to tent over a bog.

The land should have good drainage: You don’t want your glamping tent flooding in a rainstorm. Look for high ground or an area with a sloped gradient away from your glamping tent. A piece of land that retains moisture can be extremely problematic. Tent tethers can also move if the soil drainage is not great.

The land should have access to fresh water: Choose an area near a river, lake, or stream. If there is no natural water source nearby, make sure you have enough water to last the duration of your stay.

The land should have access to electricity: If you plan on using any electrical devices in your glamping tent, make sure there is a power source nearby. A generator can work in a pinch, but it’s not ideal.

Electricity might not be readily available at your camping site. However, you will need electricity via unconventional means to keep the lights on or even provide heating and cooling services on the site.

The land should have access to food and drink: Unless you plan on surviving off of nature’s bounty, make sure there are stores and restaurants nearby where you can restock supplies.

Surviving nature’s produce might not be a bad idea. Some permaculture farms provide overnight stays in tents. The farm can be a good source of food and nutrition in exchange for voluntary help to the farm.

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