If you’ve ever dreamed of building a cozy outdoor escape where guests can sleep under the stars without roughing it, setting up a glamping site in Arkansas might be your calling. With its scenic rivers, lush forests, and mountain views, Arkansas is a hidden gem for glamping entrepreneurs looking to blend nature with comfort.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through each step of how to start a glamping site. From zoning rules to construction plans, we’ll help you turn your idea into a real retreat. You’ll also get expert tips and learn how Tree Tents USA can support your eco-conscious journey.
Why Arkansas Is a Hotspot for Glamping?
Arkansas is gaining attention from nature-loving travelers. It’s packed with outdoor attractions like the Ozark Mountains, Buffalo National River, and scenic state parks.
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism reported $3.4 billion in outdoor recreation revenue in 2024, with glamping on the rise (Arkansas Tourism). The land here is also more affordable than in many nearby states—great news if you’re just starting out.
Visitors want a glamping site that offers comfort, beauty, and memorable experiences, like a cozy bed, a quiet place to sip coffee, and a deep connection with nature.
Setting Up a Glamping Site in Arkansas
Setting up a glamping site in Arkansas requires careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to create a thriving camp ground.
Step 1: Choose the Perfect Location
Your location shapes the guest experience. Arkansas has plenty of beautiful options:
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Pick land near Hot Springs National Park, Buffalo National River, or the Ozark National Forest for stunning, Instagram-worthy views.
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Stay within 2–3 hours of cities like Little Rock or Fayetteville. A 2024 KOA report says 65% of campers prefer places close to cities for weekend trips (KOA Camping Report).
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A small glamping site needs just 1–3 acres for 3–8 units. Bigger projects may need 5–10 acres. Browse rural land on LandWatch.com.
Expert Tip: Hire a land surveyor to check your property’s drainage, soil quality, and tree health—especially if you’re planning elevated glamping pods like those from Tree Tents USA, which blend seamlessly with Arkansas’s forests.
Step 2: Zoning and Land Use in Arkansas
Zoning laws are different in each Arkansas county. Do your homework early:
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Most glamping setups are allowed in areas zoned as recreational or agricultural, especially in rural places like Madison or Newton County. Contact your county’s planning office (e.g., Benton County Planning).
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Some counties near popular tourist spots, like Washington County near Beaver Lake, encourage glamping to grow local tourism.
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If your land is near rivers or parks, check with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to stay compliant with environmental regulations (ADEQ.gov).
A zoning consultant who knows Arkansas’s rural rules can help you avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Step 3: Secure the Right Permits
You’ll need permits before welcoming guests to your glamping site in Arkansas:
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A building permit for cabins or permanent structures like glamping pods. Temporary glamping tents may be exempt—check with your county’s building department.
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A business license from your local county or city, usually costing $50–$150 per year.
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A health permit from the Arkansas Department of Health if you’re adding shared bathrooms or kitchens.
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Fire approval for fire pits, wood stoves, or space heaters, especially in dry areas like northwest Arkansas.
Start applying for permits early—some can take 30–60 days depending on the county. Tree Tents USA’s low-impact glamping pods are designed to simplify approvals due to their eco-friendly construction.
Step 4: Plan and Build Your Glamping Site
Now comes the fun part: building a space guests will love.
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Choose from glamping tents, pods, or tiny cabins. Tree Tents USA offers eco-friendly options like the Tree Tent or Birdhouse Tiny Cabin, built with 100% recyclable materials to blend into Arkansas’s natural landscape.
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Add extras like outdoor showers, hot tubs, fire pits, or stargazing decks. A 2024 Glamping Hub survey found that 75% of guests want unique features, not just basic shelter.
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Use solar panels, rainwater systems, and composting toilets to keep your camp ground green and self-sufficient.
Create a theme—like a River Retreat with kayaking packages or a Mountain Hideaway with hammocks and local Arkansas art—to make your glamping site stand out.
Step 5: Set Up Infrastructure and Utilities
Even rustic glamping sites need basic infrastructure:
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Water: Use rainwater tanks or portable systems for off-grid sites. For grid hookups, coordinate with providers like Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative.
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Toilets and Showers: Composting toilets are popular for off-grid glamping and meet ADEQ wastewater rules (ADEQ.gov).
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Electricity: Solar panels work well in Arkansas’s sunny climate. For grid power, contact Entergy Arkansas or a regional co-op.
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Road Access: Ensure gravel roads or dirt trails are stable for vehicles, especially in hilly spots like the Ozarks.
A contractor who’s worked on rural Arkansas land can install cost-effective infrastructure, like gravel roads instead of paved ones, to save money.
Budgeting and ROI Planning
Starting a glamping site in Arkansas means planning your finances carefully:
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Initial Investments: Expect $10,000-$50,000 for a small site (3-5 units), covering land prep, structures, and utilities. Prefab glamping pods from Tree Tents USA can lower setup costs.
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Recurring Costs: Budget $2,000-$5,000 yearly for maintenance, marketing, and insurance.
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ROI: With nightly rates of $100-$200 and 60% occupancy, a 5-unit site could generate $20,000-$40,000 annually. Use our online ROI calculator for projections.
Start with 2-3 units to test the market, scaling up with modular designs from Tree Tents USA as demand grows.
Don’t Forget Local Attractions
Guests book glamping sites based on nearby activities. Highlight these Arkansas gems:
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Float or canoe the Buffalo National River—partner with local outfitters for guest packages.
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Soak in Hot Springs National Park, perfect for spa-themed retreats.
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Hike the Ozark Highlands Trail for stunning views and stargazing.
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Explore Petit Jean State Park’s waterfalls or dig for gems at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
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Promote local campgrounds, farmers markets, or festivals to add small-town charm.
Create guest itineraries with local partners, like outfitters or restaurants, to encourage longer stays and boost revenue.
Helpful Tips and Resources
These resources can help your glamping site thrive:
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Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC.org) for funding and business advice.
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Arkansas Tourism Development Office (Arkansas.com) for grants and marketing support.
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USDA Rural Development Arkansas for infrastructure grants.
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Leave No Trace (LNT.org) for sustainability best practices.
Attend the 2025 Glamping Show Americas to network with suppliers like Tree Tents USA and learn industry trends.
Let’s Build Something Special
Setting up a glamping site in Arkansas is a rewarding way to connect people with nature in the Natural State. With affordable land, scenic beauty, and growing tourism, your glamping site can shine.
From choosing a location to navigating zoning, securing permits, and building eco-friendly glamping pods, this guide covers the essentials.
Add unique amenities, partner with local attractions, and market smartly to attract guests. Tree Tents USA offers sustainable, low-impact designs to make your camp ground stand out.
Ready to start? Reach out to Tree Tents USA for a free consultation. Let’s build your dream glamping retreat in Arkansas!
