Best Glamping Structures for Business & Maximum ROI

Stepping into the glamping industry isn’t just about creating a beautiful guest experience — it’s about building a profitable, long-lasting business asset. For entrepreneurs, landowners, and resort operators, the structure you choose will determine whether your site thrives for a decade or becomes a constant drain on time and money.

At The Out Factory, we know firsthand that glamping is more than hospitality. It’s a real estate investment. The right structure should work as hard for your business as you do — blending guest appeal, durability, and scalability with a clear path to ROI.

That’s why this guide moves beyond aesthetics to evaluate the most popular glamping structures through a systematic, business-focused lens.

Our Ranking Methodology: The Business Performance Scorecard

To take the guesswork out of structure selection, we’ve developed a Business Performance Scorecard — a framework built around eight critical factors. Each glamping structure is rated from 1 (Poor) to 5 (Excellent) per category, with a maximum total score of 40. The results give entrepreneurs a transparent view of each structure’s business potential.

The 8 Key Factors:

• Initial Investment: Upfront cost of the kit + foundation. Lower cost = faster scaling potential.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: The perceived value and “wow” factor that lets you charge premium rates.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: How well the structure withstands weather and guest use over time.
  
• Operational Maintenance: Ongoing time and cost for cleaning and upkeep (higher score = lower effort).
  
• Speed to Market: How quickly you can set it up and start generating revenue.
  
• Guest ‘Wow’ Factor: The structure’s visual and experiential appeal — Instagrammability counts.
  
• Scalability: How easy and cost-effective it is to expand with multiple units.
  
• Versatility & Layout Flexibility: The adaptability of interiors to suit couples, families, or amenities like bathrooms.
  

This is where data and real-world experience meet — because a glamping business needs more than charm to thrive.

A Critical Factor Beyond the Scores: Permitting & Local Laws

One of the biggest variables in glamping is permitting, and it’s entirely location-dependent. What’s easy in one jurisdiction might be a headache in another. While we don’t score this category, here’s what our experience tells us:

• Easiest: Temporary setups like Bell Tents often fall under event permits.
  
• Simpler: Fabric-based structures such as Yurts, Domes, and Safari Tents can sometimes be classified as “temporary” or “accessory” structures, making approvals more straightforward.
  
• More Complex: Solid, permanent builds like Cabins, Shipping Containers, and Treehouses are usually treated like conventional construction and require full building permits.
  

Pro Tip: Always consult your local building department before purchasing. At The Out Factory, we ship yurts worldwide and supply the standard engineering documents you’ll need to make the permitting process smoother.

The Final Scores: Glamping Structure Business Rankings

Here’s how the leading glamping structures stack up using our Business Performance Scorecard:

In-Depth Analysis of Glamping Structures as Investments

1. Yurt

The Yurt tops our list for a reason — it strikes the ideal balance between guest experience, scalability, and profitability.Its blend of ancient history and modern comfort creates a powerful guest experience that is both unique and universally appealing.

For a business, the round, single-span design isn't just beautiful; it's a massive practical advantage, offering a completely open floor plan that can be easily and cost-effectively configured to suit any need, from a luxury couple's suite to a multi-bed family unit.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 4/5 – Delivers a premium guest experience without the heavy cost of permanent builds.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 4/5 – Strong guest appeal that supports higher pricing.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 4/5 – Built for year-round use; commercial yurts can last 10–15+ years.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 3/5 – Routine canvas care, but simple overall.
  
• Speed to Market: 4/5 – Can be installed in just days on a pre-built platform.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 5/5 – The skylight and circular form create unforgettable stays.
  
• Scalability: 5/5 – Affordable and fast to replicate, perfect for growth.
  
• Versatility: 5/5 – Open floor plan adapts easily to suites, family units, or luxury amenities.
  

Business Verdict: Yurts are the clear winner for entrepreneurs serious about ROI. Their combination of affordability, scalability, and guest magic makes them the most strategic investment for a long-term business.

The ROI Edge with The Out Factory Yurts

At The Out Factory, we’ve helped resorts worldwide turn yurts into profitable, scalable assets. Our yurts combine premium inclusions — from four-season insulation to customizable layouts — with affordability and durability, creating the perfect balance of guest appeal and value for money.

This means faster payback, higher nightly rates, and reliable ROI. If you’re planning a glamping business, our team is ready to design yurts that deliver both unforgettable experiences and strong financial returns.

👉 Let’s build yurts that work as hard for your business as you do.

To see real-world proof of the success our partners are achieving, we also encourage you to explore our ROI page, which showcases the impressive nightly rates being commanded by The Out Factory yurts at various glamping destinations.

👉 Check our Yurts ROI here.

2. Geodesic Dome

The Dome is the showstopper of glamping. Its panoramic window is more than a design feature — it’s a marketing magnet. Guests pay for the views and the futuristic vibe, which translates into premium nightly rates.

However, this feature comes with trade-offs. The higher upfront cost and the need for constant window cleaning add to the operational load. Furthermore, while the interior is spacious, dividing the space or adding a bathroom can be more complex and expensive due to the unique geometry of the frame.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 3/5 – Higher upfront than yurts.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 5/5 – Panoramic views justify premium pricing.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 4/5 – Incredibly strong in harsh climates.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 3/5 – Large windows require constant upkeep.
  
• Speed to Market: 4/5 – Quick assembly, similar to yurts.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 5/5 – Iconic, photogenic, and unforgettable.
  
• Scalability: 4/5 – Scalable but requires more capital per unit.
  
• Versatility: 3/5 – Angled frame complicates interior partitions.
  

Business Verdict: A smart option for destinations with breathtaking views. Domes drive bookings through their visual impact but require careful cost management.

3. Safari Tent

The Safari Tent is the industry’s workhorse. With its rectangular layout, it feels familiar to guests and practical for operators. Furnishing and partitioning are easy, and setup is lightning-fast.

The main drawback is a slightly lower durability score, as the large, boxy canvas surfaces are more susceptible to wear and may not last as long as a tensioned yurt.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 4/5 – Affordable and space-efficient.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 3/5 – Strong, but typically lower than yurts and domes.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 3/5 – Shorter lifespan due to large canvas exposure.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 4/5 – Easy cleaning and straightforward upkeep.
  
• Speed to Market: 5/5 – One of the fastest to deploy.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 3/5 – Evokes adventure, especially for families.
  
• Scalability: 5/5 – Excellent for operators adding multiple units quickly.
  
• Versatility: 4/5 – Rectangular space allows easy room divisions.
  

Business Verdict: Ideal for scaling family-friendly sites quickly. Safari tents balance affordability and appeal, making them a solid mid-tier investment.

4. Shipping Container

The Shipping Container appeals to design-forward businesses that want a bold architectural statement. Its durability is unmatched, and maintenance is virtually zero.

However, these benefits are offset by significant downsides: a very high initial investment (covering the container, transport, crane hire, and extensive retrofitting) and an extremely slow speed to market. Each unit is a custom construction project, making it very difficult and expensive to scale.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 2/5 – Expensive due to modifications, transport, and setup.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 4/5 – Strong appeal to design-conscious travelers.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 5/5 – Industrial steel ensures longevity.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 5/5 – Minimal upkeep required.
  
• Speed to Market: 2/5 – Each unit is a custom project, slowing deployment.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 4/5 – Industrial chic creates standout marketing visuals.
  
• Scalability: 2/5 – Expansion is slow and costly.
  
• Versatility: 3/5 – Narrow design limits interior options.
  

Business Verdict: Perfect as a boutique centerpiece or “hero unit.” Not scalable for large sites, but unbeatable for long-term durability and style.

5. Tipi (Teepee)

The Tipi is a fast, low-cost way to add capacity.  Its low initial investment and high scalability make it attractive for businesses needing to add capacity quickly, such as festivals or large, back-to-basics retreats.

However, its business potential is severely limited by its primitive nature. It's difficult to insulate for four-season use, nearly impossible to integrate a modern bathroom, and the open smoke flaps can be a liability in heavy rain. This results in a lower nightly rate and a shorter booking season.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 5/5 – Among the most affordable options.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 2/5 – Guests see it as rustic and basic.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 2/5 – Not suited for year-round exposure.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 3/5 – Requires regular care.
  
• Speed to Market: 5/5 – Can be set up in no time.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 3/5 – Strong cultural and historic resonance.
  
• Scalability: 5/5 – Extremely easy to multiply.
  
• Versatility: 1/5 – Limited ability to add amenities.
  

Business Verdict: Fantastic for festivals and large seasonal retreats. Not a premium or long-term option, but a quick solution for capacity expansion.

6. Glamping Cabin

The Glamping Cabin is the closest to traditional real estate, offering unmatched durability and a familiar sense of security for guests. For operators, this translates into low maintenance and a long-term asset.

However, the trade-off is significant. Cabins come with the high cost, slow timeline, and regulatory complexity of conventional construction. They are difficult to scale and offer a less unique "wow" factor compared to more exotic structures, which can limit their marketing appeal and nightly rate potential.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 2/5 – Significant upfront expense.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 3/5 – Comfortable, but not perceived as “unique.”
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 5/5 – Built like a home; designed to last decades.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 5/5 – Minimal upkeep.
  
• Speed to Market: 2/5 – Lengthy build process, often months.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 3/5 – A-frames attract attention, but overall appeal is modest.
  
• Scalability: 3/5 – Possible, but slow and capital-heavy.
  
• Versatility: 3/5 – Fixed layouts limit adaptation.
  

Business Verdict: A smart option for those prioritizing durability and low maintenance. It’s a real estate asset as much as a glamping structure — stable, but less distinctive for marketing.

7. Shepherd’s Hut

The Shepherd's Hut is a darling of the UK glamping market that has gained global appeal. Its main business advantage is its all-in-one nature; it arrives as a complete, fully-outfitted unit, often on wheels, which can sometimes simplify planning permission.

However, the structure's small, rigid footprint is a major constraint. It severely limits guest capacity (almost exclusively for couples) and offers zero layout flexibility, making it a very niche asset that is difficult to adapt to changing market demands.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 2/5 – High price per square foot.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 3/5 – Quaint, but small size caps earning power.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 5/5 – Built from solid wood and steel.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 5/5 – Extremely low maintenance.
  
• Speed to Market: 3/5 – Delivered ready-to-go, though often with long lead times.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 3/5 – Romantic and charming.
  
• Scalability: 2/5 – Limited due to cost and capacity.
  
• Versatility: 1/5 – Layout is fixed.
  

Business Verdict: Perfect as a unique couples’ retreat within a larger site. Not scalable for primary business models, but an excellent niche addition.

8. Bell Tent

The Bell Tent is unbeatable for pop-ups, weddings, and festivals. Its business case is built almost entirely on its extremely low cost and rapid deployment.

However, they are not a viable asset for a permanent, year-round glamping business. Their minimal durability, lack of insulation, and inability to accommodate amenities like bathrooms mean they generate the lowest nightly rates and have the shortest lifespan of any structure on this list.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 5/5 – The lowest entry point.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 2/5 – Limited pricing power.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 1/5 – Typically lasts only a few seasons.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 3/5 – Frequent cleaning required.
  
• Speed to Market: 5/5 – Set up in under an hour.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 2/5 – Familiar and less impressive than premium structures.
  
• Scalability: 5/5 – Villages can be built quickly and affordably.
  
• Versatility: 1/5 – No options for internal layout or amenities.
  

Business Verdict: Best for events or testing the market at minimal risk. Not a sustainable solution for premium, permanent glamping businesses.

9. Treehouse

The Treehouse is the ultimate “wow” factor in glamping. It’s a destination in itself, capable of commanding luxury hotel-level rates. A single, well-designed treehouse can put a location on the map.

However, from a scalable business perspective, it scores poorly. Each treehouse is a unique, complex, and extremely expensive architectural project that is tied to specific, mature trees. The construction process is slow and requires specialist builders, making it nearly impossible to scale into a multi-unit business model.

Scorecard:

• Initial Investment: 1/5 – Extremely expensive, often bespoke.
  
• Nightly Rate Potential: 5/5 – Guests will pay top dollar.
  
• Durability & Lifespan: 4/5 – Strong builds, but exposed to the elements.
  
• Operational Maintenance: 3/5 – Requires checks on both structure and trees.
  
• Speed to Market: 1/5 – Lengthy, complex builds.
  
• Guest 'Wow' Factor: 5/5 – Unparalleled appeal and marketing power.
  
• Scalability: 1/5 – Each is one-of-a-kind.
  
• Versatility: 2/5 – Layout dictated by the tree.
  

Business Verdict: Ideal as a signature “hero unit” to boost visibility and marketing. Best when part of a larger resort, not as a scalable business model.

Making the Smartest Investment

Every glamping structure has a niche, but for entrepreneurs focused on scalability, profitability, and long-term success, three consistently rise to the top: Yurts, Geodesic Domes, and Safari Tents.

Among them, the Yurt stands out as the most balanced choice. It offers exceptional guest appeal, open-plan flexibility, year-round durability, and an investment level that provides the clearest path to rapid ROI.

At The Out Factory, we’ve seen firsthand how the right structure transforms a business. Our yurts are engineered with sustainability, craftsmanship, and durability at their core — designed to deliver extraordinary guest experiences while helping your business thrive.

Ready to map out your profitability journey? Let’s build your glamping business together — with structures that combine innovation, resilience, and out-of-the-ordinary luxury.

📊 View Our Pricing Page  | 🏡 Explore Our Yurt Specifications  |  🔨 See Our Yurt Installations

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