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Platform guide
Hosting campers on Hipcamp near Hot Springs
Hipcamp lists tent sites, RV spots, cabins and glamping on private land. Here's what it charges, what its insurance covers, and the local questions to settle before you open a site.
Setting up
- Check zoning and permits firstCall the City of Hot Springs if you're inside city limits, or Garland County if you're outside them. Ask about camping, RV hookups and any permanent structures before you build anything.
- Decide what you'll offerOne property can list several site types, such as tent sites, an RV pad and a cabin. Start with what your land already supports.
- Lay out each siteLevel ground, clear boundaries, and directions a guest can follow after dark. Be clear about water, toilets and whether fires are allowed.
- Create the listingSign up through Hipcamp's host page. Describe road access honestly, including whether a low car or a long trailer can get in.
- Write house rulesQuiet hours, fires, pets, trash, and where guests may and may not walk on your land.
What Hipcamp charges
Hipcamp's help center lists a 15% commission for private landowners (12.5% for parks connected through property management software). There's no fee to list. Check your host dashboard for the rate that applies to you.
Insurance and protection
- Hipcamp's insurance policy covers US hosts for up to $1 million per occurrence ($5 million aggregate) in general liability, for bookings made through Hipcamp.
- Its property protection plan reimburses up to $10,000 for eligible damage a camper causes during a confirmed stay.
- To qualify, Hipcamp says you must never have been convicted of a felony and have had no homeowner's or renter's liability claims in the past three years.
- Hipcamp describes its liability policy as excess coverage over your own homeowner's insurance, so talk to your insurer too.
Hot Springs area notes
City license for cabins
Inside city limits, renting a cabin or similar accommodation for less than 30 days falls under the city's Short-Term Residential Rental Business license. Ask the Finance Department how your setup is classified.
Lodging taxes
Arkansas applies sales tax and the 2% tourism tax to lodging for transient guests, and the state's definition includes tourist camps. Check whether Hipcamp collects these for your listing, and register with the state if it doesn't.
Nearby draws
Hot Springs National Park, Lake Ouachita and the trails around town all bring outdoor visitors. Tell guests how far each is by car.
Common questions
What can I list on Hipcamp?
Tent sites, RV sites, cabins, glamping tents, yurts and other outdoor stays on private land.
How much does Hipcamp charge?
No listing fee. Its help center lists a 15% commission for private landowners. Check your dashboard for your current rate.
Do I need permits?
It depends on where the land is and what you build. Structures may need building permits and RV hookups may raise zoning questions. Ask the city or Garland County before you start.
How much can I earn?
We don't publish earnings estimates. Look at Hipcamp listings near you with similar sites and amenities, and budget for water, waste, maintenance and the commission.
Questions about hosting campers?
Tell us about your land and we'll point you to the right resource.
Questions about short-term rentals in Hot Springs?
Call or text 501.365.1001, or send a note and we will get back to you.