Hipcamp Host Requirements

Hipcamp is a popular online marketplace that allows landowners to earn extra income when they host travelers who love nature and prefer to stay at unique places that offer access to the great outdoors.

So, if you own an off-grid cabin in the mountains or a luxury tree house on your private plot of land that you list on Vrbo or Airbnb, you may also consider renting out your property on Hipcamp. This way, you'll have a chance to reach more travelers who may choose to book your place to connect with nature.

Starting a listing on this platform is completely free, but there are certain hosting standards that all Hipcamp hosts are required to adhere to. To help you better understand what is expected of you as a member of the Hipcamp Host community, we'll discuss the Hipcamp host requirements in this blog post.

Whether you manage one or many vacation rentals, you can't rely on a single platform for all your bookings. To build a sustainable short-term rental business, you should create an online presence on various OTA channels and develop your direct booking website. Managing your listings on multiple channels won't be a problem if you streamline your operations using vacation rental software like Hospitable. Our tool allows self-managers like you to save time with AI automation and put your entire business on autopilot.

Hipcamp Host Requirements

Hipcamp has Host Standards designed to set expectations and guide the host community to ensure that all hosts provide a safe and enjoyable experience for their guests. You are expected to review these standards and follow the Hipcamp host requirements.

Stay compliant with all applicable laws and regulations

As part of the Hipcamp Host Standards, hosts are expected to adhere to all regulations that apply to their hosting activities. This includes welcoming campers to stay on your property, fire safety, waste management, etc. Hosts must also pay all relevant taxes on income earned via Hipcamp.

State, county, or local laws may regulate or even prohibit hosting Hipcampers on your property. Such regulations are typically found within zoning codes, building codes, and county ordinances. Remember that these regulations can vary widely across regions, so you should research to ensure your hosting activity complies with all local laws and regulations.

Ensure safety

Check your local fire restrictions regularly and comply with them. If a fire ban is in effect in your area, don't allow fires on your property. If it is safe and legal to have a campfire, you should consult your local fire department to ensure your fire pit is safe.

Check your property to identify any potential hazards or dangers and take the necessary steps to minimize them. If you can't remove any hazards, you should clearly mark them to minimize potential risks for guests. You also need to provide information about hazards in your area that Hipcampers should be aware of in your listing. For example, you must warn your guests about ticks, wild animals, poison oak, dangerous drop-offs, weather risks, strong currents, flood potential, etc.

Share relevant emergency contact phone numbers with your guests, as well as information about the location of the nearest hospital, and explain evacuation routes in case of an emergency.

Be a good neighbor

Let your neighbors know you host guests, and make it clear that you're open to their feedback. Remember that you may need permission to host if your land is part of a land trust or homeowners association.

Provide off-street parking for guests and tell them about the speed limits. Clearly communicate noise requirements to Hipcampers and make sure they respect established quiet hours in your area to avoid neighbor complaints.

Be a respectful host

As a Hipcamp host, you are expected to provide a positive experience for your guests by responding to booking requests and inquiries within 24 hours and accepting booking requests for available dates. The platform's policy requires that you don't decline or expire more than 20% of your booking requests. If you pass this threshold, Hipcamp's support team may reach out to see what can be done to increase booking acceptances.

Ensure effective communication with your guests before and during their stay to provide them with the necessary information. It also helps your guests feel secure and supported. If your guests have any questions, provide them with clear answers as fast as possible.

Maintain an accurate listing to set the right expectations. Make sure your property's description is up to date, and add high-resolution photos that clearly show where your guests will stay. Provide clear arrival instructions and give Hipcampers detailed directions on how to get to their site once they are on your property. Keep your calendar updated to avoid disappointing your guests with double-bookings that lead to cancellations.

When you're hosting on multiple platforms to extend your reach and increase your occupancy rate, updating your calendars manually can be very time-consuming, and there's always a risk of double-bookings. But with Hospitable's iCal imports, you can seamlessly sync your calendars across various niche websites, including Hipcamp, and avoid scheduling headaches.

Watch this explainer video to see how this Hospitable's functionality works, and check out our support article for more details.

Hipcamp hosts are expected to maintain good ratings. If any of your guests aren't happy with their experience at your property, you should take the time to address their concerns and use this as an opportunity for improvement. Be open to feedback and respond to reviews to build positive relationships with your guests.

Be inclusive. All the members of the Hipcamp community are expected to work to foster a sense of safety and inclusivity regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, political views, religion, national origin, or culture.

Final Thought

If you own a tiny home or a glamping tent located on two or more acres of beautiful, more secluded land, Hipcamp can be a good option as an additional channel to list your property and reach people who love spending time outdoors. Do your best to follow the Hipcamp host requirements and use them to guide your hosting activities to ensure a positive guest experience. Following these best practices will help you achieve success on the platform.