Your Backyard Might Be Worth More Than Your Spare Bedroom
While most people think of Airbnb as renting out a room or apartment, a growing number of hosts are making serious money renting out their yards — for camping, events, photoshoots, and more. And the best part? Way less hassle than hosting guests inside your home.
No dirty sheets. No strangers using your bathroom. No awkward kitchen encounters at 7 AM. Just people enjoying your outdoor space while you collect payment.
The Platforms Making This Possible
- Hipcamp — The biggest platform specifically for outdoor stays. Think "Airbnb for camping." Hosts list tent sites, RV spots, glamping setups, treehouses, and even just open land. Average earnings range from $25-75/night for basic tent sites to $150-300/night for unique setups (yurts, converted vans, etc.).
- Airbnb Experiences — List your yard as a venue for workshops, gatherings, or unique activities.
- Peerspace — Specifically for event and production spaces. If your yard has good aesthetics, production companies and event planners will book it for $50-200/hour.
- Swimply — Got a pool? Rent it by the hour. Hosts report $50-150 per booking.
What Makes a Yard Rentable?
You don't need acres of manicured gardens:
- Privacy. Fenced yards or natural barriers are hugely appealing.
- Flat ground. For tent camping, you need a reasonably flat, clear area.
- Bathroom access. Even a simple outdoor toilet or powder room works.
- Water access. A spigot for drinking water is often enough.
- Interesting features. Fire pit, string lights, a view, proximity to trails or a creek.
- Location. Near parks, beaches, or popular destinations? Huge demand. Suburban yards work for events and photoshoots.
Real Numbers from Yard Hosts
- Basic tent site (rural): $25-50/night x 10-15 bookings/month = $250-750/month
- Glamping setup: $75-150/night x 8-12 bookings/month = $600-1,800/month
- Event/photoshoot venue: $100-200/booking x 4-8 bookings/month = $400-1,600/month
- Pool rental (Swimply): $50-100/booking x 10-20 bookings/month = $500-2,000/month
Why It's Better Than Room Rentals
- Lower maintenance. No deep cleaning between guests. Rake the site, empty the fire pit, done.
- Fewer complaints. Outdoor guests have lower expectations.
- Less liability. Guests aren't inside your home.
- Flexible scheduling. Use your own yard when not booked.
- Minimal startup cost. A fire pit ($50), string lights ($30), and a cleared area is enough to start.
How to Get Started
- Sign up on Hipcamp. Create a listing with great photos shot during golden hour.
- Price low to start. Get your first 5-10 reviews, then raise prices.
- Add amenities gradually. Fire pit, picnic table, outdoor shower, fairy lights — each upgrade justifies a price increase.
- Set clear rules. Quiet hours, max guests, fire safety, parking. Prevents 90% of problems.
- Automate check-in. Detailed message with directions, Wi-Fi, and rules via automated messaging.
The bottom line: If you have outdoor space you're not using — even a decent suburban backyard — someone is willing to pay for it. The barrier to entry is incredibly low, and worst case you spent $80 on a fire pit and lights for your own enjoyment.