Outdoor Hospitality Glossary

Standard RV electrical service providing 3,600 watts of power (30 amps × 120 volts), sufficient for most RVs and travel trailers with basic electrical needs.

High-capacity RV electrical service providing 12,000 watts of power (50 amps × 240 volts, or two 50-amp × 120-volt circuits), required for large RVs with multiple air conditioners and extensive electrical needs.

A triangular-shaped glamping structure with steeply angled sides that meet at the top, forming the letter 'A', providing a cozy interior with efficient use of space.

The average revenue earned per occupied accommodation unit per day, calculated by dividing total room revenue by the number of rooms sold.

A brand of iconic streamlined, silver aluminum travel trailers known for their distinctive rounded shape, often refurbished and used as stationary glamping accommodations.

Features, facilities, and services provided by outdoor hospitality properties to enhance guest experience, including pools, clubhouses, activities, recreational facilities, and convenience services.

A professional assessment of a property's value conducted by a certified appraiser, used for financing, sales, insurance, and investment decisions in the outdoor hospitality industry.

The average listing price shown on websites and marketplaces for accommodation units, representing the advertised rate before any discounts or bookings.

An RV or camping site that requires drivers to reverse their vehicle into the parking space, typically more compact than pull-through sites and often offered at lower rates.

A circular canvas tent supported by a single central pole, with a design resembling a bell, providing a spacious interior and popular for its simplicity and charm in glamping.

A financial analysis that determines the point at which total revenue equals total expenses, indicating when a property or project becomes profitable.

A small house, typically made of wood, situated in a natural setting, ranging from rustic to luxurious and providing solid, weather-resistant glamping accommodations.

An outdoor facility providing spaces for tent camping and sometimes RVs, typically with basic amenities like restrooms, water, and fire pits.

A tent made from heavy-duty canvas material, known for durability and breathability, used in glamping to provide traditional camping experiences with modern comfort.

The rate of return on a real estate investment based on expected income, calculated by dividing net operating income by property value.

The net amount of cash and cash equivalents moving into and out of a property, representing the actual cash generated or consumed during a specific period after all expenses and debt service.

The annual return on the actual cash invested in a property, calculated by dividing annual pre-tax cash flow by total cash invested.

Similar properties that have recently sold, used as benchmarks to determine a property's market value in the sales comparison approach.

An assessment of competing properties and businesses in the market to understand competitive positioning, pricing, and market share.

The cost to build structures, facilities, and improvements on a property, including materials, labor, and contractor fees, but excluding land, infrastructure, and soft costs.

A glamping accommodation created from repurposed shipping containers, converted into comfortable living spaces with modern amenities, offering a sustainable and modern architectural aesthetic.

A property valuation method that estimates value based on the cost to replace or reproduce the property, minus depreciation, plus land value.

A replica of traditional Conestoga wagons used during American westward expansion, adapted as stationary glamping accommodations with modern amenities, offering a nostalgic and unique lodging experience.

A valuation method that estimates property value by discounting projected future cash flows to their present value.

A financial ratio that measures a property's ability to cover its debt payments, calculated by dividing NOI by annual debt service.

The total cost to develop a property from raw land to operational outdoor hospitality facility, including land acquisition, site development, construction, infrastructure, permits, and soft costs.

A geodesic dome structure composed of a network of triangles, providing a spherical glamping accommodation known for durability, panoramic views, and modern aesthetic appeal.

A comprehensive investigation and analysis of a property before purchase, including legal, financial, environmental, and physical assessments to identify risks and validate investment decisions.

A facility at RV parks and campgrounds where RVers can empty their black water (sewage) and gray water (wastewater) holding tanks, typically featuring a sewer connection and water for rinsing.

A legal right to use another person's property for a specific purpose, such as access roads, utility lines, or shared driveways, which can affect outdoor hospitality property development and operations.

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization - a measure of operating profitability that excludes financing and accounting decisions.

The legal right to develop a property for a specific use, obtained through zoning approvals, permits, and regulatory processes that authorize development activities.

A comprehensive analysis that evaluates the viability, market potential, and financial prospects of a proposed outdoor hospitality project, such as a glamping resort, RV park, or campground.

Movable furniture, fixtures, and equipment used in outdoor hospitality operations, including beds, linens, appliances, furniture, and operational equipment that are not permanently attached to structures.

A cabin structure built on a floating platform or pontoon system, positioned on lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water, providing a unique water-based glamping experience with modern amenities.

An RV or camping site that provides connections for water, sewer, and electrical service, allowing for complete self-contained operation.

A portmanteau of 'glamorous' and 'camping,' glamping refers to luxury outdoor accommodations that combine the experience of camping with the comfort and amenities of a hotel.

A small, insulated, permanent or semi-permanent glamping accommodation structure, typically featuring a compact design with modern amenities, designed for year-round use in various climates.

A commercial outdoor accommodation destination featuring standalone glamping units with bedding and linens, ranging from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury, typically located in scenic natural settings.

The total income generated by a property from all revenue sources before deducting any expenses, including room revenue, amenities, and other income streams.

One-time fees charged by local governments to developers to offset the cost of public infrastructure and services required to support new development, such as roads, schools, and utilities.

A property valuation method that determines value based on the property's income-generating potential, typically using NOI and cap rate.

An inflatable, transparent tent structure made from clear PVC or similar material, providing 360-degree views of the surrounding environment, popular for stargazing and immersive nature experiences.

The fundamental facilities and systems required for outdoor hospitality operations, including utilities (water, sewer, electrical), roads, drainage, and communication systems.

The annualized rate of return that makes the net present value of all cash flows from an investment equal to zero.

A financial ratio that expresses the amount of a loan as a percentage of the property's appraised value or purchase price, used by lenders to assess risk and determine loan terms.

A comprehensive evaluation of market conditions, demand, competition, and trends that informs business decisions for outdoor hospitality projects.

A modern architectural glamping structure featuring mirrored exterior walls that reflect the surrounding environment, allowing the cabin to blend seamlessly into its natural setting while providing contemporary luxury accommodations.

The income generated from a property after subtracting operating expenses but before deducting debt service, taxes, and capital expenditures.

The percentage of available accommodation units that are occupied during a specific period, calculated by dividing occupied units by total available units.

The ongoing costs required to operate a property, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, management, and other day-to-day expenses.

A profitability ratio that measures the percentage of revenue remaining after operating expenses, calculated by dividing operating income by revenue.

The industry segment encompassing accommodations and experiences in outdoor settings, including glamping resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, and outdoor resorts.

The length of time required for an investment to recover its initial cost through cash flows or profits, expressed in years or months.

The process of obtaining official government approvals and permits required to develop, construct, and operate outdoor hospitality properties, including building permits, environmental permits, and operational licenses.

A staged approach to property development where construction occurs in multiple phases over time, allowing for gradual expansion, reduced initial capital requirements, and risk management.

A form of camping that involves minimal facilities and amenities, typically offering only basic necessities like a cleared campsite, fire ring, and sometimes a pit toilet, providing an authentic back-to-nature outdoor experience.

Financial projections or statements that show expected future performance based on assumptions and estimates, rather than historical data.

The day-to-day operations, maintenance, and oversight of outdoor hospitality properties, including guest services, maintenance, marketing, and administrative functions.

An RV or camping site designed to allow vehicles to enter from one direction and exit from the opposite direction without backing up, providing convenient access for larger RVs and trailers.

The strategic practice of optimizing pricing, inventory, and distribution to maximize revenue and profitability for outdoor hospitality properties through data-driven pricing decisions and demand forecasting.

Forecasted income estimates for a property based on occupancy rates, average daily rates, and other revenue sources over a specific time period.

A key hospitality metric calculated by multiplying average daily rate (ADR) by occupancy rate, representing revenue per available accommodation unit.

A performance measure that calculates the percentage return on an investment relative to its cost.

A level surface, typically made of concrete, asphalt, or gravel, where an RV is parked at a campsite, providing stability and protection from mud and uneven ground.

A facility providing spaces for recreational vehicles with basic to full amenities including electrical, water, and sewer hookups.

A high-end RV park offering premium amenities, services, and facilities for recreational vehicle travelers, typically with full hookups and resort-style features.

A large, rectangular canvas tent with straight vertical walls and a peaked roof, often built on a raised platform, originally used in African safaris and now popular for spacious, luxurious glamping accommodations.

The variation in demand, occupancy, and revenue for outdoor hospitality properties based on seasonal factors like weather, holidays, and tourism patterns.

A traditional British mobile structure originally used by shepherds, featuring a curved roof, wooden construction, and compact interior, now adapted for glamping with modern amenities while maintaining rustic charm.

Electrical power connection provided at RV sites, allowing RVs to connect to the electrical grid instead of relying solely on batteries or generators, typically available in 30-amp or 50-amp configurations.

The process of preparing raw land for development, including clearing, grading, infrastructure installation, and site preparation required to make land suitable for outdoor hospitality operations.

A compact, stand-alone house typically measuring no more than 400 square feet, designed for efficient living and increasingly popular as glamping accommodations offering full amenities in a small footprint.

A conical tent traditionally used by Native American tribes, constructed with a framework of wooden poles covered by canvas, adapted for modern glamping accommodations offering a culturally rich and unique experience.

A structure built among the branches or around the trunk of a tree, elevated above the ground, providing a unique and immersive glamping experience with elevated views and connection to nature.

A restored travel trailer from the mid-20th century (typically 1980s or earlier), featuring retro design elements and often refurbished with modern amenities for nostalgic glamping accommodations.

A rectangular canvas tent with vertical walls and a peaked roof, similar to safari tents but typically smaller and more traditional, often used for hunting camps and rustic glamping experiences.

A circular tent with a wooden lattice frame and fabric covering, traditionally used by nomadic peoples in Central Asia, adapted for modern glamping with amenities and built on platforms for comfortable, spacious accommodations.

Local government regulations that control how land can be used, including what types of buildings and activities are permitted in specific areas, critical for outdoor hospitality development projects.