Regulations vary widely based on where your land is located, how it’s zoned, and what local development standards look like. Many local governments allow landowners to host a few paying campers without a permit, while others may require a permit or business license.
Thousands of private landowners—from farmers and ranchers to non-profits and conservation organizations—across the globe are welcoming small groups of campers onto their properties with great success. Some local governments have written specific allowances for this new and exciting land use, while others are still catching up. In some areas, local regulations might have been written with hotels, short-term rentals, or large commercial campgrounds in mind, and may not address small-scale camping clearly. The good news is that Hipcamp’s Host advocates, conservation organizations, agritourism and outdoor industry leaders, and more are working together with Hipcamp’s policy team to create clear, accessible, and affordable standards for small-scale camping across the globe.
In our experience, it's uncommon for Hosts to hear from their local government about their listing, but when it does happen, it's almost always prompted by a neighbor complaint. That’s why one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success as a Host is to be a great neighbor. Read our Good Neighbor Guide for tips on how to do that well. In the rare case that a Host does hear from an official, the first step is usually just a conversation about what's needed to keep hosting.
Want to learn more about the rules in your area?
Some Hosts like to look into their local rules before or after they start hosting. If that's you, here are a few places to start:
- Look up your zoning. Most counties and councils have an online map or planning portal that shows how a property is zoned.
- Search your local and/or state planning rules for terms like "camping," "campground," "farm stay," and "agritourism” to see if there are specific standards or permitting requirements applicable to you.
- Learn more about what low-impact camping policies might look like in your area by reviewing our example policy list here.
The fine print
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules vary and change over time. As outlined in our Host Standards, Hosts are expected to follow the laws and regulations that apply to their hosting activities.
Have questions? Reach out to our team at support@hipcamp.com. We're here to help you get started and host with confidence!
Related articles
- How to be a good neighbor when hosting campers
- Examples of policies and regulations specific to low-impact camping and camping-based agritourism
- Is my property right for Hipcamp?
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