The number of well-established glamping sites being sold is on the rise, according to a 2026 glamping market report.
Canopy & Stars, which published the report, says that the proportion of owners who have left its collection due to site sales has more than doubled — going from 6% in 2024 to 14% in 2025.
Investors looking to enter the outdoor hospitality segment can step into these recognised operations, avoiding the challenges of building a site from scratch, such as permitting, planning and construction.
“This represents an attractive opportunity for institutional investors, who by default are looking for immediate return on their CAPEX,” says Lars Schäfer, Managing Partner at Glamping Advisor.
“But established operators looking to scale their portfolio, and even private promoters that do not want to go through the often-lengthy setup process, can also benefit from the increased number of available outdoor hospitality assets.”
Why are established glamping operators selling now?
Some early glamping pioneers are retiring and selling their well-established sites, according to the company, but there could be several factors pushing the increase in sales.
First, there has been a shift in customer expectations. Many glamping guests are now looking for luxury amenities, such as hot tubs, and digital infrastructure, such as high-speed Wi-Fi and mains charging. Owners who don’t wish to make these capital-intensive upgrades, whether due to concept or cost, may opt to sell instead.
“Selling an established business is common during generational shifts in family-run businesses, especially at larger campsites in need of maintenance and upgrading where the next generation is not willing to assume investments and management commitment,” says Schäfer.
That said, improving an existing site can still require a relatively small investment compared to starting out from scratch, according to the report.
Additionally, glamping has seen a boom over the past two decades, with a post-COVID increase in staycations driving even more rapid growth. What was once a niche segment has become a mature part of the market. Early pioneers could be cashing in their chips as they hand over to the next generation of hospitality innovators.
Old glampsite, new owner: making it your own
For would-be owners, taking on an existing site doesn’t mean taking on an existing vision. Established operations can provide a solid foundation on which to make your mark; sites can be expanded, updated and improved.
For example, new owners can convert seasonal sites to year-round destinations through weatherproofing, insulation, heated structures and unit choice.
They can also build out new revenue streams and attract new customer segments through on-site activities and off-site excursions.
Whether investing in an operation as a going concern or buying a site to make it your own, it’s important to ensure that it’s a fundamentally sound business. Any potential buyers should analyse the location, amenities and income potential of a site to establish an accurate market valuation.
“Unfortunately, often times outdated assets that come to the market are overvalued. Sellers see the attractive sector growth and have a general idea of their site’s development potential — but in order for potentials to materialize for the new owner, a clear concept, smart investments and consistent operational expertise are needed,” says Schäfer
