GLAMPING BUSINESS OWNERS TELL US WHAT ITS REALLY LIKE | Off-Grid Cabin on Airbnb

I got to sit down and talk about what it is really like running a glamping business with the owners of Camp Ervay. If you are thinking about starting a glamping business with tiny homes, cabins, tents, yurts, or anything similar this is great advice.
It's not all glitz and glam. This is a real business and if you take it seriously you can really take off and it has the potential to change your life.
Camp Ervay is an off-grid cabin on a 5-acre site surrounded by 11,000+ acres of forested state land with access to the Finger Lakes Trail. A truly beautiful and unique setup that they custom built themselves!
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CAMP ERVAY INFO:
Site: www.campervay.com/
Airbnb: www.airbnb.com/rooms/45368282
Instagram: / camp_ervay
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📺 WHAT TO WATCH NEXT 📺
- Every Episode Of The Podcast:
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KEEP IT TINY MEDIA:
The business side of tiny homes, domes, tents, glamping, and everything in between.
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⏰ TIME STAMPS ⏰
0:00 Intro
1:24 Special request | Please help
1:59 How did you choose what off-grid structure to build?
7:49 Why did you choose this piece of land to start your glamping business
14:47 Checking the competition and competitive edge
18:55 Off-grid cabin amenities and tips for beginners (shower, toilet, electricity)
32:20 How to be successful in the winter?
37:13 How should beginners start their Glamping Business?
43:39 Are you leaving money on the table?
45:51 How much did this cabin cost you to build?
52:33 Bad guests from Airbnb and other things learned after launching
1:03:29 Running a business with your spouse and other business logistics
1:10:31 Best advice for beginners starting a glamping business
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*All content on the Keep It Tiny KZbin channel reflects my own opinions and should NOT be taken as legal advice, financial advice, or investment advice. Please seek out the guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Some links in the description may be affiliate links.
(this video is about: keep it tiny,j.esperance,glamping business,glamping ideas,solar power set uo,solar power for beginners,solar power for glamping,goal zero,goal zero review,goal zero review from owners,renogy kit,renogy kit review,goal zero yeti 500x,camp ervay,glamping podcast,glamping for beginners,off-grid solar power,solar panels,tiny house solar power,solar power system,yurt solar power,dome solar power)
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And please be sure to subscribe to my channel!
#glampingbusiness

[@cupsoftea7865]

They sound like they know what they're doing. Keep up these types of interviews where you're talking to folks who are running a real glamping business! I find them very helpful.

[@KeepItTiny]

That's the plan! I have much more to come as long as these videos are helpful and informative for my subscribers.

[@khalaska907]

This is great! I visited the 5 finger lakes over 15 years ago. We stayed in Penn Yan and absolutely loved it! I'm not a morning person. However, to my surprise and my friends' surprise, I was up before everyone. I jogged, did yoga right off the water, and made breakfast for everyone. It was nature calling me. We boated to the wineries. Purchased fresh vegetables from the Amish farms. It's absolutely beautiful! I told my husband that I'd like to have a home there someday. We looked at real estate last year, and it was expensive. Some day, we'll make it happen. Good for the owners! We will have to stay at their STR soon. We are building several structures on our 10.4 in Alaska, but we are starting off with glamping on one area of our property. Great information in this interview!

[@rosgar55]

we need more podcasts like this. informative, interesting, creative content, clear language not talking over everyone’s head. like your getting information from a friend. please keep it up 🎉❤❤❤

[@doyonfamily366]

We just scored 5 acres of raw land for our off grid cabin/glampground project. Minutes to skiing, fishing, swimming, bike trails, and walking distance to town amenities. Can’t wait to get our hands dirty!

[@KeepItTiny]

That is amazing! If you would ever be open to having a chat I would love to feature you on the channel.

[@maximusfuscus]

How is it progressing? I am in the planning. In Canada.

[@juliek8853]

Easily one of the most informative channels on YT. I actually sat through the entire video and wasn't bored at all! Can't wait to see all the timestamps ;)

[@KeepItTiny]

Wow thanks! I try to pack my videos full of real life tips and not jokes or fluff. Glad you are finding my channel informative.

[@wolflokie4167]

So want to soak up ALL this info!!!

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for the comment, I hope this video is helpful for you where you are in your glamping journey!

[@baka7538]

Yes! I love these types of videos and nobody else is making them on this topic. Thanks for posting and please keep it up.

[@KeepItTiny]

I'm glad you like this style of video, I for sure will be posting more soon.

[@veramae4098]

Inherited family farm with beautiful 25 acre red pine woodlot, 75 years old, slowly transitioning to mixed woods. Swale, with spring and tiny stream. Lots of wildlife. I've thought about advertising "raw camping -- no amenities" but I'm terrified of a fire starting.

[@KeepItTiny]

I know what you mean. Letting people onto your land is a big worry and commitment. Most people understand that and respect your land while there but to be honest there are some bad actors we have to watch out for.

[@jessicadentalaid4728]

If you rent thru hipcamp, you can usually (read the fine print??) get insurance included in the reservation. Could be worth the peace of mind?? Also could install fire breaks and early alarm system of some kind (???) bec a family heritage site….yeh that could break your heart.

[@BounceCoffee]

Amazing work mate. I am not so scared now about this

[@alin_keeps_bees]

Thx. Lots of good info! Keep'em coming!

[@eviegraber2028]

Thanks for the info!!

[@carolmendes2011]

I'm binge-watching this channel! Thank you so much!

[@pwettysherrie]

Wow I’ve been watching both of your channels! Love the collaboration

[@susangasporra1176]

This is amazing! Thank you so much.

[@ozaraode]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@teckalicious83]

Super helpful thanks for this awesome video!!

[@albertoaponte8144]

loved this interview.. keep up the great informative content

[@ktsterlin9304]

I need to learn more about compost toilets. We are quite close to buying some land!

[@KeepItTiny]

They are definitely something you should dig into. I am making a note now to make a video all about them. It probably won't get a ton of views but it will be very helpful and thats all that matters.

[@jessicadentalaid4728]

You can learn a ton about compost and other off grid toilets by look8ng at van life videos

[@Vrodri1111]

What a great video! Thanks so much for the interview. There was a ton of really good info. I'll be sure to check out your other content as I research for my own glamping business in Colorado.

[@Healthiago]

Great content. Need this information on the industry.

[@mohawksteel2215]

great input and advice for a business that is possible for most people who have some drive to succeed.

[@overlandtowater]

really interested in starting an off-grid cabin/campground in the Ozarks of Missouri. thanks for this info! Now to talk my better half into it!

[@mikeangelonobrega9698]

Great video. That man just can’t make no eye contact lmao

[@ericfazekas1057]

One of the best glamping videos I have seen. Well done

[@dylanmassa]

Yesss! So useful. Thank you!

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad you found this video helpful! Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@catielove5096]

Valuable insight and suggestions. Thanks!

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck to you!

[@richardkorp7306]

Your Chanel is fantastic! All you videos have been very informative and helpful. Keep up the good work.

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel! It's crazy how there are not many KZbin channels giving this kind of information. That's, why I decided to start, Keep It Tiny!

[@chickenheadnbutt12]

Thank you for sharing! It’s so helpful!

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for the support and leaving a comment! Giving out real advice is the goal and i'm happy we were able to do that!

[@mollyarbor563]

I love this. KZbin, we want quality content full of learning, experts and information!

[@karafreiborg2135]

Thank you for the effort, i have gained so much. I hope you make a million and a million more!

[@louistirendi346]

Wow! Just wow! Every question you have and soo much more, thank you 🙏🏻

[@KeepItTiny]

You are welcome man! I am trying to do more of these long form sit downs with glampsite owners this year.

[@daledavis671]

Always great content! Keep it tiny has been hugely helpful in getting me motivated to get my glamping tent started

[@KeepItTiny]

My number one goal with this channel is to be helpful and provide value to the people who subscribe and watch my videos regularly. I take your time seriously so no fluff over here. I'm glad these videos are worth watching for you! More to come soon!

[@EYNugget]

Thanks!

[@annaberzitskaya9865]

Insighful conversation. Thank you!!

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks! I have to give a big shout out to my hosts from Camp Ervay! Not a lot of people are willing to teach others what they have learned and be so honest!

[@donnamcdonald3709]

Exciting info!

[@KeepItTiny]

I think so too! Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel

[@grantsby]

Great video! Very informative and real.

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@samphares8057]

Very excited for this convo

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel.

[@wildboy747]

this is great

[@Tateez58]

I’m loving this video. It opens up the ideas I had and some I didn’t have 👍🏾

[@KeepItTiny]

Awesome! Thats the goal! to have people watch the videos and feel inspired and creative.

[@ThisIsMeTakingAction]

Setting up an Airstream now. Thanks for this!!!

[@jcardenas48292]

Another amazing video

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for supporting the channel.

[@sarahpyke307]

Thank you for this video! It's exactly what my husband and I needed as we plan!

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad it was helpful! I have new interview style videos coming out every monday for the next few weeks.

[@MrGurujohnny]

Thank you for making this. It would have been nice to see their cabin and the area.

[@KeepItTiny]

This video is shot within their cabin and the tour of the cabin can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6vQZ6msabyHibc

[@PrinceAzureZZZ]

Thank you! 😊

[@KeepItTiny]

You're welcome 😊

[@joejoey9389]

Just wanna say thank you watched a couple of your videos very good content and informational and inspiring. Appreciate it

[@KeepItTiny]

Awesome! I'm glad you liked the videos and found them helpful! Thank you so much for the support.

[@aliciadelagarza4004]

Great information,,I love it

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad it was helpful! Special thank you to my guests too for being so forthcoming with the information.

[@tyhart5962]

Super helpful-thank you! I’m trying to get started and this interview answered a ton of questions.

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad it was helpful man. You got this! Just keep doing your research. Everything is attainable.

[@lauramays5362]

Soooo informative. Thank you!

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad you found the video worth watching! I'm always trying my hardest to be informative and helpful to the people who choose to give me some of their time and watch my videos.

[@JoshuaCarvalho1]

All 3 of you have a mean hat game going on

[@KeepItTiny]

LMAO i never thought of this but i am happy we showed out and let everyone know our hat game is sturdy and not to be messed with.

[@carolyncasia7280]

Good in depth information

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad you think so! Thanks for laving a comment and supporting my channel

[@arthurjurkowitsch9785]

Greta job keep up the great work. Love seeing the younger generation doing this. Love it.

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ltamargo]

Really looking forward to this!

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel! I hope you liked the video and it was worth your time.

[@dwightrivera3281]

Great video!!!!

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for the comment and i'm glad you found the video helpful! I've got a lot more content like this planned.

[@nathanbird6001]

Love this kinda stuff

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for leaving a comment. Glad you like it. Its hard to set up these style of videos but I will try and do more in 2024.

[@JoshuaCarvalho1]

Incredibly rich interview!!! Thank you so much for doing this! Keep bringing the rich content please :)

[@KeepItTiny]

Thank you! I def have more in store and even plan on expanding this side of my youtube channel and going deeper with this type of content.

[@user-ns2ou4dz3i]

Great interview. I learned a great deal. I am a host in Queens, new York. My next move is to build something similar. Keep it up.

[@raymonddpowell62]

Wow, lm so glad I found this page, the information is so valuable, thank you so much for doing this.

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad it was helpful brother! Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel.

[@williamharris7187]

Great video, thanks!

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad you liked it!

[@cabinrentallady903]

Love your cabin. What a great interview with some really good information, also a lot of validation of experiences and ideas, and things learned. I have an on grid cabin and an off grid cabin, started them the same year 7 years ago. Thank you, so nice to hear from folks that totally relate. I started one cabin with the help of my designer brother, the other one, the off grid one 95% all on my own, hiring when I absolutely had to. Thank you! Made my day watching this. Been getting a bit burned out and discouraged with some tough challenges of major repairs.

[@KeepItTiny]

wow it sounds like you have a pretty nice set up! If you ever would be open to chatting about it here on the youtube channel i'd love to host you!

[@Frickerhaha]

Thanks for sharing

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheMadFlea]

This was crazy good information. I'd double like it if I could. I think I'll rewatch this too...

[@KeepItTiny]

People like you are why I made this channel! I can tell that you are serious about learning as much as you can on this topic. You just made my day man!

[@RobertMorris-od8ob]

Thanks

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Great content. I love the "how to" videos with the experts!

[@KeepItTiny]

Trying to do more of them, its hard to find the people, talk them into giving us free info, then coordinate, record, edit, blah blah blah. I will do more, though, i promise! Shout out to my guests in this video though. They are awesome!

[@samanthachristensen5145]

Great detail.

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks! Glad you found the video helpful

[@BuyLandCheapOwnerFinance]

I BEEN IN THE BUSINESS 2 YEARS AND I LOVE IT

[@KeepItTiny]

Thats awesome! What type of structure do you have?

[@maximusfuscus]

What area? Open all year? Thanks

[@BuyLandCheapOwnerFinance]

@@maximusfuscus Roper NC and Yes

[@Shannonontheroad]

Great advice

[@KeepItTiny]

Thank you! I'm glad you found this video useful.

[@cheryledstrom9860]

Great content.

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad you like it! Thanks for commenting and supporting the channel

[@kimsdayout]

Thank you for the informative video

[@KeepItTiny]

My pleasure, glad you found it helpful

[@HeduAI]

This was very informative! Trying to do something similar in North Carolina.

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad it was helpful! You can def do it, i'm not saying it will be easy but it for sure is possible!!!

[@Eloperent]

Love it

[@DeltroyTube]

Interesting so the place doesn’t have a shower? The reviews on Airbnb look great and no one mentions the shower. I’d love to see a picture of it. I’m so happy that this labor of love is doing well for them!

[@KeepItTiny]

Yes they do, they have an outdoor shower. I believe they get water brought in as there is no well

[@Taylors_ridge_glamping_NC]

Great content

[@KeepItTiny]

Thank you! This video is actually my favorite I ever made because it’s so useful.

[@francesb-p2441]

Thanks.

[@KeepItTiny]

You're welcome! Thanks for commenting and supporting the channel.

[@brooke2600]

Good content

[@wicoadventures]

I AM SUBSCRIBING RIGHT NOW. KZbin SHOULD PUT YOU ON THEIR FIRST PAGE🤘✌👍👍

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks man! Glad you liked the video, hopefully one day I can get on the front page of youtube that would be sick!

[@jessaiahzure]

glad I found you!

[@KeepItTiny]

I'm happy to have you as a subscriber. I have a lot of videos like this coming out in the next few weeks. Buckle up for the ride lol

[@ryanmatze]

I used YT to finish my basement. You can get so much value on YT, sometimes just enough to be dangerous ;-)

[@KeepItTiny]

lol very true, YT sometimes will make you feel invincible. More times than not though its so helpful and great in either teaching us, or steering us in the right direction.

[@ryanminton8913]

Pretty cool. I wish we had a visual of their setup from the outside in, maybe a drone shot or something in the intro.

[@KeepItTiny]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6vQZ6msabyHibc

[@ryanminton8913]

Aha!! Perfect. Thank you!!

[@Jamiegallolee]

Just starting my project in Hana Maui!🎪

[@michaelamaestas4950]

I have been hosting , people who travel and camp for the last 6 years in New Mexico

[@KeepItTiny]

Thats awesome! Good for you. Its a great thing to do because you can make some money but also help people get closer to nature.

[@dmitril.1935]

Could you put these on Spotify or apple music? Want to listen when I drive. thanks

[@KeepItTiny]

Hey, I am working on figuring out the best way to do something like this. I just need a little time. I run this whole channel by myself and its hard to keep up with everything.

[@jessicadentalaid4728]

You’re going to be able to hire help soon. Hang in there, I can see your success already!

[@Jason-gz9ok]

Love your vids, young man. I am about to start a camp ground, and all this information is ...golden for me. Great job. P.S Only other thing, that would have enhanced this experience, is if we all could have had a tour of there place. Just a thought.🙂

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for leaving the comment and supporting the channel! Here is a link to a tour of there place: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6vQZ6msabyHibc

[@Jason-gz9ok]

@@KeepItTiny Thanks for the tour. Nice place.

[@alrent2992]

Becoming ecofriendly is a community effort. Motion sensored lighting is an option. Offer certain amount of water per day free. Charge additional if more is used. As an example . Good interview. God bless you all.

[@KeepItTiny]

Thanks for the comment and bless you too

[@jessicadentalaid4728]

I, like other commenter, also thought about being mindful about light pollution, as I listened to this interview. The hosts are mindful and realize they need to educate guests some. If they had more than one “glamp”, being mindful of light pollution for other guests is an important part of the experience. But also being mindful of light pollution for the animals, as there is growing research of how harmful it is to birds etc (which makes me think about effects on humans too lol)

[@julieburkhardt61]

i need to learn to build a composting toilet. have great outdoor shower. need to figure out water for the site.

[@peggyfrost7600]

This was an informative interview well worth watching all the way through. However I was very disappointed that there was no video tour of the property…and the rest of the cabin - even a quick walk through would have enhanced my connection as a viewer. Otherwise I truly enjoyed the interview and gave it a thumbs up.

[@KeepItTiny]

Glad you liked the video. Here is a tour of their cabin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6vQZ6msabyHibc

[@reddysoft]

Great video. We are currently looking for property for a similar business here in Missouri and we are REALLY curious how you manage the use of a wood stove on the property. I know, from experience, that a stove newbie can, and will, smoke the house out if they are not familiar how to start a fire in a stove. Soooo many questions I would love to ask, but that'll have to do. Thanks!

[@hirokomlm131]

I've rented a camping site as a "newbie", and all I can tell you is the owner lived an ATV trip away, and came by to check on us several times in the course of two nights. We would've survived if he didn't come by at all, but I can imagine problems with other people getting lost on the way, vehicle breaking down, injuries, and like you say, smoking out the cabin with a wood stove. All I can say is that the further you are away from your property, the more instruction manuals and signs you will need to leave around.

[@skidmachines8765]

I'm interested in doing this but I'm curious how the septics/gaining approval for building from towns will work. That seems to be the number one hurdle to build multiple units on one piece of property.

[@brittanywilliams845]

I am so excited to have found your channel! I’m planning to watch every single video 🙂 I’m looking to purchase my first land purchase and I’m wondering should I start small or go big. I could buy a smaller piece of land (.5 a acre) where I can place one tent/ cabin or I could buy a several acres and in the future can add more cabins/ tents as I make the income

[@KeepItTiny]

I would recommend waiting and getting more than .5 acres. It is so difficult buying land, then building it up to be perfect that I'm not sure people would really go through the process all over again. I also think half an acre is just too small to do much. I would be looking for 2-5 acres as a good starting spot. Maybe 3 acres is perfect.

[@jessicadentalaid4728]

Hey I have watched probably 5 of your videos or more and now I’m going to be starting from the beginning and watching all them. I’m proud of you (weird to say?? Cuz it’s not really my place to be that, but I AM proud of you growing a business and seeing that you bring value to the world and sharing your knowledge even in the early stages of your life/business. I’ve personally been, and still am, so unsure of if I’m “expert enough” to provide advice, hence proud of others going for it. Plus it’s generous of you to share knowledge. …any way, you go! But also, even tho I’ve watched a few and am watching more, I don’t know your name. So maybe have a real or show biz name more prominent???). I’m commenting here bec this is a burning question I have not seen an answer to yet: how many campsites per acre? How much space per campsite? Which leads to how much land to make a MVP. I’m gonna research more and then hire you as a coach (thank you for making yourself available!) so I know I’ll get an answer then. But just saying that I haven’t seen that content yet. Like: maps, contours, layout, space, measurements, etc. Bec I’m trying to do the financials to make sure how much land I need to buy to break even (worst case scenario) etc. I’m gonna start w camping on raw land and then maybe add glamping, maybe not. Out here in WA state, it can take a year to reserve a campground. They are really hard to come by and people LOVE to camp here. So I’ll start there. I LOVE your “buying land” video btw. Awesome valuable stuff! It helped me a lot.

[@jessicadentalaid4728]

I also really like you encouraging people to start out setting themselves up to be successful, first, even if small at first. Like how you gave advice about buying land near water or not. (Eg: Don’t buy near water for your first venture if you’ve never built off grid, basically. Make it simpler than that at first.) I follow Codie Sanchez (unconventional acquisitions) who is democratizing buying businesses and creating 100,000 business owners who are good community builders. And she stresses that it’s super important to have your first deal make enough money and not suck so that you do it again and/or grow/get bigger. She believes small businesses are the backbone of a decent community and has a “no a**hole” policy lol. So anyway, I like your advice about how to start, versus how to grow bigger. Those are different games at first.

[@marthatgarcia9426]

I love ,love your videos,but I would like for you to show the actual site, maybe you can do videos

[@KeepItTiny]

Here is a tour of their cabin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6vQZ6msabyHibc

[@silentkillagaming_]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@josephlathrop1914]

@Keep It Tiny they could build an Extra cabin and Hire a Homeless Person they help one and get the job done

[@KeepItTiny]

Very true! I know that they will be expanding soon so that is certainly an option for them.

[@mikejocelyn3720]

Can you share what brand of compost toilet they used?

[@lizbarbanell7643]

🎉🎉

[@KeepItTiny]

🏕️✌️

[@niffellbique3744]

Hi yes, i am launching mine this year however the outdoor bathroom is whats holding me back and I am a bit iffy about it.

[@KeepItTiny]

Check these two videos out for my opinion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmbIoHttm9WDm6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5THiZ2Vnqd6p6s

[@BestBetRottweilers]

👍🏾

[@latonyalee7821]

I feel sorry for people that can't leave their electronics and modern amenities behind to immerse themselves in nature for a couple days. It's such a peaceful feeling not knowing what's going on in the world.

[@KeepItTiny]

I recently deleted social media off of my phone and it has honestly changed so much for me. I'm in my early thirties and have my phone attached to my hip almost at all times. NOT ANY MORE! I am trying my hardest to detox off of being so stuck on my electronics.

[@mmcgartland2095]

❤

[@nativefoods8001]

Good information, but it would have been nice to see the site and accomodation to know what they were talking about.

[@KeepItTiny]

Here is the tour I recorded of their glampsite: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6vQZ6msabyHibc

[@wicoadventures]

I LOVE YOU

[@KeepItTiny]

lol thanks for the support! Glad you liked the video man.

[@mariejean-jacques9282]

Any reason why there’s no pics of the cabin in the video. Where are they at or is that’s supposed to be a secret?

[@KeepItTiny]

This video was shot in their cabin - also their website, airbnb link, and instagram can be found in the description of the video 👍