Looking to set up a glampground or off-grid wilderness retreat? Here's a look at Airbnb, Hipcamp, and short-term-rental Regulations in the beautiful state of Tennessee.
Tennessee’s misty Smoky Mountains, rolling Cumberland Plateau, and vibrant Music City vibe make it a glamping paradise. Whether you’re eyeing a site near Gatlinburg or the shores of Reelfoot Lake, launching a glamping operation with standout structures like our eco-friendly cabins could mean navigating a mix of state, county, and platform rules. Here’s your in-depth guide to setting up a site that thrives—legally and profitably.
Zoning and Land Use
Tennessee’s zoning is county-driven, with rural areas often glamping-friendly. Agricultural (A-1) or Rural Residential (RR) zones—like those in Sevier or Putnam County—may allow “campgrounds” under local codes; check Sevier County Planning. Near urban hubs like Nashville, you’ll need commercial zoning or a special use permit per Metro Nashville Zoning. Great Smoky Mountains-adjacent sites often welcome tourism uses—confirm with local offices.
Our Fuselage Cabins (pictured below) are modular and low-impact, ideal for rural zones near Chattanooga where minimal disruption is key. Their off-grid capabilities suit Tennessee’s remote ridges, offering solar-ready luxury.
Permits and Building Codes
Permits vary by structure size. Units under 200 square feet—like all of which our structures fall within—might skirt full Tennessee Building Codes in rural areas, needing just a site permit. Larger setups with plumbing or power trigger inspections, especially in fire-prone East Tennessee where ember-resistant materials are wise (see TN Wildfire Regs). Smoky Mountain sites face wind-load rules—our designs handle gusts effortlessly. Apply via Knox County Planning or your local equivalent.
The Tree Tent (pictured below), a suspended pod cabin with a wood stove, sidesteps heavy permitting in forested areas like the Smokies near Pigeon Forge. Its lightweight frame and ripstop polycotton shell meet codes while offering a cozy, photo-ready retreat.
Health and Sanitation
Sanitation’s a must under Tennessee Department of Health rules. Shared facilities—like composting toilets—need county-approved waste plans. On-site water requires testing per TDEC Water Quality. No facilities? Prove access within 500 feet. Eco-friendly counties like Hamilton love greywater systems—pair them with our Wash Pod.
The Outhouse and the Birdhouse (pictured side by side below) are great for West Tennessee near Memphis, where standalone sanitation simplifies compliance. The Outhouse’s off-grid plumbing keeps it sustainable, perfect for eco-tourists—on-grid works too!
Environmental Regulations
Tennessee’s green hills come with rules. Near rivers or wetlands—like the Tennessee River—TDEC enforces setbacks. Forested zones need wildfire prep—firebreaks are key in the Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains National Park adjacency adds scrutiny; check TDEC Permits. Low-impact designs shine here.
Our Airspace (pictured below) elevates above sensitive ground, ideal for Fall Creek Falls’ lush forests. Its sleek design blends luxury with eco-compliance, wowing guests with treetop vibes.
Pictured Below: The Airspace - A futuristic pod blending style and sustainability.
Airbnb and Hipcamp Considerations
Airbnb in Nashville requires a Short-Term Rental Permit, plus $1M liability coverage—display that permit number. Gatlinburg caps rental days unless you’re on-site. Hipcamp thrives on rural land, but zoning must allow “camping”—see Hipcamp Host Standards. Unique stays fetch $100–$300/night, per Glamping Hub.
Pictured Below: The Fuselage Eco-Cabin Interior with a table that converts to a full-size bed with a two-bunk configuration to sleep a total of 4.
The Fuselage Cabin screams luxury for Airbnb in Knoxville’s tourist hub, while the Tree Tent’s quirky charm boosts Hipcamp bookings in rural Grundy County’s plateaus. Both draw influencers and high-end renters.
Pictured Below: The Fuselage—A versatile glamping pod for all-season occupancy.
Local Tips and Next Steps
Counties vary—Blount guards its parks, Davidson boosts tourism. Start with your county planning office (e.g., Hamilton County Planning) and tap Tennessee Tourism for lodging insights. Financing? Explore options via Tree Tents’ financing page if you’d like a fast and easy way to scale your eco-dream more quickly.
Tennessee’s glamping market rewards the bold and sustainable. With Tree Tents’ collection of structures, you’re not just meeting regs—you’re setting the bar.
Pictured Below: The Tree Tent suspended in the forest with a ladder entrance and an outdoor living area for guests.
If we can help with any thoughts or questions, or you’d like to talk about adding our structures to your site, please get in touch!
