Like Airbnb, Hipcamp offers another way for land and homeowners to earn money and for campers to save money. Hipcamp users tend to want to stay away from urban areas and embrace unique and unusual camping locations. In addition, Hipcamp hosts usually have a piece of land or home they don’t mind renting out.
Hipcamp has extended camping and host options around the country with a database of public and private campsites, small dwellings, great views and access to the country’s national and state parks. When searching for a camp location, Hipcamp allows you to filter your search by area, price, group size, amenities, activities and features.
A few of the many available options on the Hipcamp website made this top five list. This is primarily because of their unique architecture, advantageous locations and simple designs while still offering basic campground amenities.
Hipcamp was founded by Alyssa Ravasio while she was on a search for the perfect campsite near Big Sur. Her frustration at learning that her chosen spot had excellent surfing conditions (and she was sans surfboard) urged her to create a database that included not only campsites, but nearby activities.
Earth Castle Retreat
The Earth Castle Retreat is located in the Sierra foothills in Grass Valley, California. This simple yurt not only allows for a simple shelter, but the owners also provide yoga mats and a hammock for guests. Perched on the edge of a beautiful property, the Retreat is private and quiet.
Shasta View Treehouse
This Hipcamp camp is also located in California. Not only does the Shasta View Treehouse have views of Mount Shasta, but the property includes a communal space with a fire ring and a nearby creek with a hammock hanging above it. The Treehouse is simple and includes an inflatable mattress and a deck for cooking and views.
Hood Stock Cabin
The Hood Stock Cabin is located near Hood River, Oregon and contains one small room with a bed and a twin sleeper sofa and access to a shared bathroom.
Chewy the Vanagon
Chewy is a 1986 Tintop VW Vanagon parked on some private property in Austin, Texas. The interior of the van has been tricked out with rustic wood and café lights. The interior of the van has a stove and sink and just outside is a fire ring.
Hilltop Cabin at Raven Ridge
You don’t need to rough it in this 320 square foot cabin near Asheville, North Carolina. The Hilltop Cabin is located on a 20 acre permaculture farm and includes a loft bedroom, tiny kitchen with a wood burning stove, dining area, and a nearby outhouse.