Teepee Finance for Campsites and Caravan Parks
Teepees (also known as tipis) have become a high-impact, experience-led accommodation option within
the UK glamping market. Asset finance enables campsite and caravan park operators to invest in luxury
teepees and supporting infrastructure while preserving working capital and responding quickly to
market demand.
Introduction
Teepees have evolved far beyond their early use as simple bell tents or festival-style accommodation.
In today’s glamping market, they are positioned as premium, immersive stays that combine rustic charm
with modern comforts. From romantic getaways and family-friendly breaks to event-led and group
experiences, teepees offer flexibility that few other accommodation types can match.
For campsite and caravan park operators, teepees provide a relatively low-impact way to diversify
accommodation, test new markets and create highly marketable experiences. Their modular nature allows
sites to scale capacity for peak periods, events or themed stays without committing to permanent
structures.
While teepees are often perceived as lower-cost units, luxury specification, furnishings, utilities
and guest amenities can quickly add up. Asset finance allows operators to spread these costs while
generating revenue from day one.
The Growth of Teepees in the UK Glamping Market
The UK teepee sector has grown rapidly as part of the wider glamping market, which was valued at
approximately £160–£200 million in 2023–2024. Teepees now sit firmly within the premium end of
experiential accommodation, appealing to guests seeking unique, photogenic and nature-focused stays.
Once associated mainly with festivals or basic camping, teepees are now widely used for high-end
glamping experiences. Many sites offer private bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, luxury beds and even
hot tubs—transforming tented accommodation into a year-round, revenue-generating asset.
Key Growth Drivers and Trends
- Experiential Travel: Guests increasingly prioritise memorable, immersive stays
over conventional hotels. - Instagrammable Design: Teepees photograph well and perform strongly on social
media platforms. - Comfortable Camping: High-quality beds, heating and private facilities broaden
appeal beyond traditional campers. - Sustainability Focus: Teepees suit eco-tourism and low-impact rural locations.
- Staycation Demand: Post-pandemic domestic tourism continues to support demand
for distinctive UK accommodation.
Market Characteristics
- Average sector growth of around 15% per year between 2019 and 2023
- Strong demand from the 18–32 age group
- Popular regions include Cornwall, Wales, Scotland and the Lake District
- High-end operators such as :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1},
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of teepee accommodation
Future Outlook
The UK glamping market is projected to reach approximately £484 million by 2032. Teepees are expected
to remain a strong part of this growth, particularly as operators invest in all-weather features such
as insulation, wood-burning stoves and enhanced furnishings to extend the season.
Types of Teepee Accommodation Used by Campsites
Traditional Teepees
Canvas-based units offering a close-to-nature experience, often paired with shared facilities and
popular for summer and event-led stays.
Luxury Teepees
High-spec teepees with solid flooring, premium furnishings, heating and private washroom facilities,
suitable for higher nightly rates.
Themed and Event Teepees
Teepees designed for weddings, festivals, retreats or family-focused themes, providing flexibility
and strong seasonal demand.
UK Finance Options for Teepee Investment
Asset & Equipment Finance
Asset finance is widely used to fund teepees and associated equipment. It allows campsite operators to
acquire accommodation assets without large upfront payments, spreading costs over time.
Teepee-related assets commonly funded include:
- Manufactured teepees and frames
- Internal furniture, beds and furnishings
- Heating systems and wood-burning stoves
- Flooring, platforms and decking
- Lighting and electrical equipment
Types of Asset Finance Used
- Hire Purchase: Suitable where ownership of teepees is required.
- Finance Lease: Offers flexibility for upgrades or resale.
- Operating Lease: Useful for seasonal or rotating accommodation.
- Business Contract Purchase: Lower monthly repayments with a final balloon payment.
Business Loans
Business loans can support non-asset costs such as groundworks, utilities, landscaping and event
infrastructure.
Refinance Solutions
Existing accommodation units or site assets can sometimes be refinanced to release capital for teepee
expansion.
How Gable Business Finance Supports Teepee Investment
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asset-backed funding for experiential and event-led rural accommodation. We understand the flexibility
and seasonality that define teepee operations.
- Access to specialist asset finance lenders
- Advice on structuring finance for seasonal and event-driven use
- Funding aligned to rural tourism income patterns
- Support for phased or pop-up accommodation strategies
Case Studies: Teepee Finance in Practice
The following examples are anonymised and provided for illustrative purposes only.
Case Study 1: Event-Led Teepee Installation
Business type: Rural events venue
Funding need: Luxury teepees for weddings and retreats
The venue wanted flexible accommodation to increase overnight capacity during events.
Solution: Asset finance for teepees and furnishings
Outcome: Increased event revenue and extended stays.
Case Study 2: Touring Park Seasonal Expansion
Business type: Touring campsite
Funding need: Six luxury teepees
Teepees were introduced to attract younger, experience-focused guests.
Solution: Hire purchase with fixed monthly repayments
Outcome: Strong summer demand and social media visibility.
Case Study 3: Glamping Site Diversification
Business type: Boutique glamping site
Funding need: Themed teepees with private facilities
The operator added themed units to broaden appeal and extend the season.
Solution: Finance lease with flexible end-of-term options
Outcome: Higher booking values and repeat guests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asset Finance for Teepees
Can teepees be funded through asset finance?
Yes. Teepees and associated equipment are commonly funded through asset finance.
Are teepees suitable for year-round use?
With insulation and heating, many teepees can be used beyond the summer season.
What are the benefits of asset finance for teepees?
Lower upfront costs, flexible scaling and preserved working capital.
Are there risks to using asset finance?
Long-term commitment and potential repossession if repayments are not maintained.
Can start-up sites finance teepees?
Many lenders will consider start-ups where assets have strong resale value.
Gable Business Finance
Teepees offer a flexible, high-impact way to deliver experiential accommodation that resonates with
modern travellers. Asset finance makes it possible to scale these offerings without stretching cash
flow.
Gable Business Finance is a specialist in campsite, caravan park and wider rural business finance. We
support rural tourism, agriculture, leisure, food production and land-based enterprises through
tailored funding solutions including asset finance, business loans, commercial property finance and
refinancing.
With deep sector expertise and access to specialist lenders, Gable Business Finance helps rural
businesses capitalise on experiential travel trends and build resilient, future-proof accommodation
portfolios.