Beautifully designed glamping domes are made for glamping in style and comfort. Glamping domes do provide a great experience glamping in nature locations throughout the United States.
With durable frames, weatherproof fabric, and clear panels to allow sunshine or starry skies in, these domes are delightful accommodations. Most of the lodgings have double beds, heating or air-conditioning.
With private bathrooms thrown in, they are much more like warm and inviting cabins than your typical tent. Glamping domes are very popular at resorts and private campgrounds in California, Colorado and Texas.
Each of these domes provides convenient access to hiking trails and beautiful scenic views. For those who want outdoor fun without roughing it, glamping domes offer a mix of ease and the chance to stay close to nature.
The following sections provide additional information and advice.
Upfront Installation Costs
The initial expenditure begins with the dome. For a full glamping dome—frame, cover and accessories—costs range between $3,000 and $30,000. The frame typically retails for about $1,000. The majority of buyers select complete kits to avoid the hassle of setting up equipment.
From a sheer upfront installation cost perspective, when compared to the cost to build a tiny home, domes can be much more expensive. For example, on a 1,500-square-foot building, a geodesic dome would cost approximately $15,000 extra compared to a traditional house. Pricing for domes varies based on size and additional options, but average between $11,000 to $22,200 per unit.
Site prep and infrastructure add a second set of costs. Clearing land, leveling ground, adding septic system, water lines, electric lines runs anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000 depending on area. In a state like California, for instance, remote sites might increase these figures further because of more rugged terrain or longer utility runs.
Interior finishing costs vary significantly, from $60,000 up to $160,000 depending on how luxurious or spartan you’d like your dome to be. Building permits just add another line item to that list. These costs, which are affected by local regulations and inspection fees, can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
While some states or counties expedite permits, many require additional time and layers of bureaucracy. Potential financing options for property owners include personal loans, small business loans, or even specialized “green” loans targeted at energy-efficient builds.
Some dome suppliers provide payment plans or arrangements with local banks. Getting into the glamping dome business involves a lot of upfront installation costs. Depending on the scale and finish of your project, you’ll want to have $201,000—$727,600 on hand.
Maintenance and Repairs
Maintaining a glamping dome takes regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Maintenance requirements for geodesic domes include regular washing, rapid repairs of any leaks, and careful inspections of all operational features. Vinyl weatherproof covers protect the dome from sun and rain.
With routine cleaning and inspections, their soil-resistant coats to their surfaces can last a decade or more. Typically, suppliers provide 18-month warranty covers, 24 months on steel frames, and 180 days on small parts. Taking off the cover for a deep cleaning or a replacement frequently takes an army.
Because of the weight, the cover can become a community effort, particularly for domes wider than 20 feet. Unlike wood cabins or tents, domes hold up much better to wind, rain, and sun. The galvanized steel frame is rust resistant and highly durable against harsh elements.
They’re easier to maintain than timber-beamed historic structures or canvas camp tents. Domes perform optimally with a seasonal inspection. In the spring, it’s a good idea to remove any debris from the structure and check zippers, windows, vents, etc.
Direct summer sun and heat can warp or stress vinyl, meaning the effects of shade and air circulation should be carefully considered. Fall storms can loosen down fasteners or seals, and these should all be checked and snugged up tight before winter arrives. During cold months, snow has to be removed immediately to protect the frame.
Dome annual inspections are usually only a few hundred dollars. Emergency repairs, such as replacing a torn cover or a bent pole on a shelter, are much more costly and vary by size and location. Ordering parts from the original manufacturer helps maintain a consistent look and feel, reducing the cost of future repairs.
Dome maintenance preventative care has been proven to extend the lifespan of a dome and provide a consistent, sheltered environment for visitors.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the most prominent reasons glamping domes continue to make waves. Compared with other ecological dwellings like tiny homes, domes save energy year-round. Science indicates that geodesic domes require an average of 50% less heating energy compared to standard box-shaped structures.
This decrease is due in large part to the shape of the dome. It allows air and heat to flow with little resistance, providing consistent temperatures throughout your home. When you combine that with 12 inches of super-thick insulation, you need to run your heaters and air conditioners a lot less. This is important for people glamping in environments with extreme diurnal temperature variation (very hot days, very cold nights).
Materials matter, as well. Building a dome often calls for about 30% less material than putting up a standard home of the same size. It means that more energy is saved simply in the producing and transporting of building materials.
Many of these domes come with a unique “thermal envelope.” That’s because they do an excellent job of sealing in heat and keeping out the cold. It holds up when the weather turns crazy.
Domes streamline the adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies such as solar panels. Their aerodynamic design allows them to capture the sun’s rays, ideal for areas that receive high levels of sun exposure.
During the cooler months, the domes can be positioned to absorb additional sunlight, which converts into heat. When it’s hot, solar screens help prevent excess heating. Ventilation can be pretty elementary, as well. Open a window or turn on a window fan, and fresh air comes in quick.
Portable rocket stoves burning small wood chips have revolutionized both cooking and heating. They are up to 35% more fuel efficient than traditional stoves and reduce smoke emissions by up to 80%.
Space and Land Use
As with any glamping domes, space and land use are governed by their own set of rules. Unlike tiny home villages, which can appear relatively uniform, domes usually disrupt the grid-like plan with wide, curvilinear interiors. This dome shape provides a spacious experience as opposed to the boxed in, angular walls of traditional tiny homes.
Inside, you get a lot extra floor space right up against the walls. This design gives you the flexibility to configure beds, lounges, or work spaces without dead corners.
Advantages of dome shapes for usable space include:
- High, vaulted ceilings provide an added feeling of spaciousness and allow for lots of natural light.
- No sharp corners equal more efficient use of every inch on the interior.
- Strong structure holds up well in snow and wind.
- Open layouts are conducive to sleeping, sitting, or larger gatherings including community events.
The importance of the land footprint is a huge aspect for both domes and tiny homes. Since domes cluster well, they may require a smaller piece of land, but zoning regulations can alter what’s permissible.
In the US and Canada, virtually all land outside of rural areas is divided into zones by municipalities or counties. These areas determine the types of development permitted—whether that’s glamping, camping or other uses. Zoning regulations can be zealous, and they change significantly from community to community.
Some zoning classifications, such as Open Space, may not allow you to build anything, ever. Consult with municipal officials before deciding on an initial site for your domes. Consulting with a land use consultant can give you great perspective.
An added benefit of glamping locations is the opportunity to leverage land to create intuitive experiences beyond simply sleeping. A fire pit, yoga space, or area for small gatherings is often built just outside the domes.
This combination of uses allows visitors to feel that they experience so much more with each visit.
Permitting and Zoning
When considering installing glamping domes, navigating permits and zoning should be step one. It’s different all across the U.S. Some counties return it with ease, while others extend it into a prolonged ordeal. The best place to start is by calling or visiting your local city or county clerk’s office.
They contain important information on zoning districts and the land use activities permitted therein. Even a rural site might need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) just to have overnight guests. A commercial zone might regulate it entirely differently. Many jurisdictions impose multi-thousand-dollar building permit fees just to establish a glamping location.
In other states you can encounter vastly lower costs or even zero fees! Zoning ordinances determine the playing field. Local governments divide land into zones, such as residential, agricultural, or commercial. Every zone has a pre-defined list of eligible uses.
So glamping domes might be a perfect match…or not at all, depending on the zoning rules where the land is located. The intended use of your dome plays a role, too. For example, a dome utilized for short-term stays may be subject to different regulations than a dome used for storage.
One unexpected benefit of geodesic domes is that they usually don’t require an individual foundation. This can often provide owners the flexibility needed to avoid additional costly permits or to comply with less stringent regulations.
Property owners and developers are discouraged by the burdens of ambiguous regulations or moving goal posts. It is often useful to access GIS mapping services, available through most of the larger counties, to determine current zoning and land use.
Contacting city or county staff early can help remove confusion and get the project back on track.
Scalability
Scalability refers to the ability to increase or decrease your business in size without negatively impacting quality or guest experience. In the case of glamping domes, this is hugely important, particularly juxtaposed against tiny home developments.
Domes also take advantage of modular designs and prefabricated panels. This simplicity provides the flexibility to add or remove units quickly as rising or declining demand dictates. Domes are much quicker to put up and they involve less heavy-duty construction and site development than tiny homes.
They require fewer public utilities and less land clearing. This allows for owners to begin with a smaller initial investment and then expand with subsequent domes as their business is able to scale.
There are a few factors that determine the scalability of glamping dome sites. The configuration of the land, availability of electricity and water, and jurisdictional regulations play a big role.
The most important factors are weather and climate. With high-quality insulation panels, you can use these domes year-round in most regions, allowing you to continue growing even during harsher conditions. Market demand is a huge driver as well.
With travelers increasingly seeking out one-of-a-kind accommodations, guests appreciated the comfort of a dome but wanted to feel like they were camping. This makes it problematic to require a specific number of units to be included.
Here are some ways to grow a dome site over time:
- Start with a few domes to test demand.
- Use modular domes so you can add more later.
- Configure municipal infrastructure and corridors to accommodate long-term development.
- Watch booking trends to know when to expand.
- Provide spaces that are conducive to both intimate couples and large gatherings.
Resale Value
When you start to compare resale value between glamping domes and tiny homes, the distinction becomes stark. Constructed with high-quality materials and diligently maintained, domes can last upwards of 10-20 years—or lifetime! All that longevity goes a long way to making their resale value consistent, particularly if the dome has received consistent care throughout the years.
Even basic domes range in cost, starting at about $3,000. As you choose larger and more custom builds, the price quickly increases up to $30,000. The resale value per square foot ranges greatly from $15/sf to $200/sf. This is a key thing to keep in mind if you plan to sell down the road.
Market travel trends in alternative lodging, like domes, indicate consistent growth as travelers seek experiences beyond traditional hotels. A growing interest in eco-tourism has raised the bar on the demand for unique, forward-looking structures that harmonize with nature and are lighter on the land.
Domes flaunt their eco-friendly appeal, particularly when set against dramatic mountain or woodland backdrops. As a result, they tend to hold their value and even increase in value over time. Standard-sized domes, between 5-8 meters in diameter, zoom off the shelf. Their small size means they’re a great fit for most sites and budgets.
Just like chicken coops, the location of a dome can greatly affect its resale value. In general though, domes do best when located near busy city parks or major tourist attractions. They do even better if they have great insulation, solar panels, or cozy wood stoves.
Thoughtful floor plans and low-maintenance materials enhance livability and reduce costs. These attributes together make a dome more attractive to potential buyers.
Tax and Grant Opportunities
Glamping domes provide multiple opportunities beyond an interesting place for guests to spend the night. For property owners, they provide pathways to economic benefits, including tax incentives and grants. Many glamping projects find themselves located within Opportunity Zones—areas of the country selected by governors for federal investment.
If a glamping dome is located in one of these zones, owners can receive tax incentives from the federal government. You can defer and potentially lower taxes on your profits through your business. This access can be a huge accelerant to you in the early days.
Additionally, there are grant programs that support green and sustainable tourism. The California State Parks Create a Park Grant Program offers cities and counties funding for new parks. That funding goes a long way for them to work on new parks or renovations to current parks.
If an owners’ glamping dome checks the boxes of these programs’ goals, they can apply for grants. These programs highlight the benefits of using green power and incorporating low-impact building practices. These grants can fund a sizable portion of the cost to construct or rehabilitate a facility, reducing the business’s liability risk.
Funding solutions are not limited to grants or new taxes. Here are some ways glamping dome owners can get support:
- State and local grants for outdoor recreation and/or park development projects
- Crowdfunding through platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe
- Investments from private people or venture capital firms
- Business loans from banks or credit unions
- Bootstrapping with personal savings
Tax breaks improve cash flow by reducing annual tax liability. With the right grants and outside funds, your start-up costs can be vastly diminished. For small operations, these expenses can be in the range of $50,000 to $100,000, and larger projects can cost significantly more.
Providing these options go a long way to making glamping dome businesses more accessible and feasible for the masses.
Guest Revenue Potential
Glamping domes are a particularly powerful revenue choice when positioned alongside traditional hotels or cabins. With chic aesthetics and luxurious amenities, they attract guests wanting a fresh experience. Accommodations that focus on luxury camping typically achieve average occupancy rates of 60% to 70%. This is quite high, given the small size and niche nature of the market.
84 percent of guests are willing to spend more for the wow factor – such as dome windows with panoramic views or spa-like bathrooms. This allows owners to charge more per night, particularly when domes are located near popular tourist destinations or outdoor recreational opportunities. Travelers increasingly want unique accommodations over standardized hotel rooms.
Lucky for you, the glamping industry continues to grow. This new demand comes with a lucrative ROI because travelers are increasingly seeking comfort and adventure in the same journey.
Enrich guest revenue. Unique, unique, different, different—the key factors that drive guest revenue are unique design, robust amenities, personalized experiences. Unique amenities—like private hot tubs, outdoor fire pits, or guided hikes—tack on a premium and help your dome pop.
Guests for whom these little extras really matter are usually willing to spend more than the average daily rate. That’s why smart sites are careful to build repeat business. When visitors leave with an exceptional experience, they come back or tell others. This creates a loyal following and reliable revenue.
This is why having a flexible pricing plan is important to ensure domes stay as full as possible. After analyzing their booking history, owners increase or decrease rates based on anticipated booking patterns during off-peak and peak seasons.
During peak travelling seasons, such as summer or holidays, creating bundled stays with local tours or food experiences is a great way to increase revenue. During slower months, special deals or themed weekends ensure their occupancy remains high.
Conclusion
Instead, glamping domes make an ideal choice for people looking to combine luxury accommodations with a unique outdoor experience. While initial expenditures may seem high, minimal maintenance, energy efficiency, and reduced footprints contribute to long-term savings. Zoning red tape in the U.S. Introduces pesky red tape, though the majority of owners report that the long-term payoff prevails. With guests paying top dollar for their cozy, private stays, revenue remains robust even during the shoulder seasons. Most owners pass the savings received from grants or tax breaks directly on to customers. For those looking at a new venture or a new location to host guests, glamping domes tick so many boxes. Have questions or wish to hear tales from actual owners? Contact us today or download our new smart guides for insider advice and local regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the upfront installation costs for glamping domes in the United States?
What are the upfront installation costs for glamping domes in the United States. This covers the dome structure, platform, and some basic utilities.
How much maintenance do glamping domes require?
How much maintenance do glamping domes require? Dome covers fastened on frames can last 10–15 years depending on maintenance. Additionally, many routine maintenance tasks are straightforward and inexpensive.
Are glamping domes energy-efficient?
Are glamping domes energy-efficient. Their unique design allows them to maintain a temperate climate, reducing heating and cooling expenses. Insulating walls and ceilings, installing energy-efficient windows and doors, and air sealing add to energy savings.
Do I need special permits for glamping domes?
Just about every major city and county in the U.S. Requires special permits for glamping domes. Zoning regulations are different everywhere, so be sure to consult your local planning department before moving forward with any installations.
How much land do I need for a glamping dome?
An individual glamping dome typically requires a minimum of 400–600 sq. More room is required to afford guests privacy, provide parking and install necessary amenities.
Can I scale my glamping dome business easily?
Can I easily scale my glamping dome business. With the proper land and local regulations permitting, you can add additional domes to keep up with demand.
What is the average guest revenue potential for glamping domes?
As mentioned previously, glamping domes in popular U.S. Destinations can generate a nightly guest revenue potential of $150–$350. Occupancy rate and additional amenities play a big part in determining total revenue. High-quality glamping setups in unique, private locations command the highest potential earnings.
