How to start a campsite business on your land

Starting a campsite is more approachable than most landowners think. You do not need a resort or a big budget. You need somewhere people want to stay, the right permissions, and a simple way to take bookings. This guide walks through the steps in order.

1. Check what you are allowed to do

Rules vary by country and locality, so confirm the specifics for your area before you invest. In the UK, permitted development rights and certificated schemes let many landowners run a small site for a limited number of days a year (often referred to as the 28 day or 60 day rule) or as a certificated location through a club. Elsewhere, check local zoning and any campground or lodging permits. When in doubt, ask your local planning authority.

2. Plan your pitches or units

Decide what you are offering: grass pitches, hardstanding for vans, glamping units like bell tents or pods, or a mix. Think about access, parking, water, and where guests will spend time. Even a handful of well placed pitches can make a real income if the experience is good.

3. Sort the essentials

• Water, waste, and toilet or shower facilities appropriate to your setup.
• Clear access and parking.
• Basic public liability insurance.
• House rules: quiet hours, fires, pets, check in and check out times.

4. Set your prices

Look at comparable sites nearby and price for your experience, not the bottom of the market. Most sites charge more on weekends and in peak season. Decide on a deposit and a cancellation policy up front so every booking follows the same rules.

5. Take bookings the direct way

You can list on a marketplace, but they take a commission on every booking and keep the guest relationship. The alternative is to take bookings direct through your own site. That is exactly what Campdirect does: you answer a few questions, get a booking website with live availability and card payments, and keep 100 percent of every booking.

6. Fill your calendar

Share your booking link everywhere: your social profiles, local tourism listings, and any existing website. If you already have a site, you can embed a booking widget straight onto it. Encourage happy guests to come back direct, since now you own their email and their booking history.