Hunting, glamping, RV — your wilderness has a yield curve.
Hunting leases provide stable $5-$30/acre annual income with minimal effort. Glamping and RV park operations can dwarf those numbers — $20,000-$100,000+ per developed site per year — at the cost of more active management.
How it works
- 1Hunting lease (easiest)
Hunting clubs or individuals pay $5-$30 per acre per year for exclusive seasonal hunting rights. Multi-year contracts standard. Manage liability with a written lease and umbrella insurance.
- 2Glamping / RV operation (active)
Build 5-30 sites with hookups, charge $50-$300/night via Hipcamp, Tentrr, Harvest Hosts. Capex of $5k-$30k per site; payback 1-3 years in strong markets.
- 3Short-term cabin rental
Build or remodel cabins for Airbnb/VRBO. Higher capex, higher returns. Best near national parks, lakes, or scenic destinations.
- 4Specialty leasing
Fishing access, ATV trails, photography blinds, paintball — niche markets but real demand in the right area.
Deal structures
Most landowners' default. Simple, predictable, low effort.
Partner with a glamping operator who handles ops; you take 20-30% of revenue while keeping ownership.
Build and operate yourself. Most income, most work.
Frequently asked
Real but manageable. State recreational use statutes provide significant protection if no fee is charged; for paid leases, require liability waivers and add yourself as insured on hunters' insurance.
Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin — wherever deer or upland game is abundant and public land is limited.
Free, instant assessment — and matched providers in your state.