Got land? This side hustle can net you $50K+ a year

8m Geodesic Dome and Propane Fire Pit

Starting a low-cost side hustle by building a geodesic dome on your land is an exciting way to generate income, especially as the trend of "glamping" (or "glamorous camping") continues to rise. Glamping appeals to people who want to enjoy nature without sacrificing the comfort of modern amenities like beds, heat, and running water. By setting up a cozy dome, you can offer guests a unique, relaxing experience—and earn $50,000 or more annually.

The concept is simple: build a geodesic dome in a private area of your land where people may want to stay either to relax in nature or just get a cozy sleep after a long day of visiting local attractions. Leverage on popular vacation rental platforms like Airbnb or Hipcamp to market your listing. Creating an instagram and TikTok page for your retreat can be an even more effective way to market your site if you are willing to invest time into marketing on social media. These platforms make it easy to find guests, from adventurous couples to families looking for a nature retreat.

Here’s a tiny secret: Geodesic domes have a visually striking appeal, drawing in guests who crave something different from traditional cabin rentals. People often “want to try a night” in a dome as an experience. Get creative to build a great experience they will never forget when they stay.

To get started, you’ll first need to order a dome kit. We sell high-quality, affordable and easy to build domes in all sizes and colors. They’re designed for durability, so your investment can last for years. Once you’ve ordered your dome, it’s essential to create a deck or platform plan that suits your land. A sturdy, level platform not only supports the dome but also adds usable outdoor space for guests to enjoy. You can easily find deck plans to meet your needs on Etsy or other sites. We recommend non-permanent decks that sit on cinder blocks - in some municipalities, this approach can help avoid the need to go through local deck permitting processes.

Furnishing the dome with essentials like a bed, small heater, and possibly a kitchenette can make it truly inviting. Don’t forget to add cozy touches like string lights, comfortable seating, and maybe even a fire pit nearby for a complete glamping experience.

You will need to figure out whether you will add an indoor bathroom or outdoor standalone bathroom unit for your guests. Some owners build a bathroom inside the dome by adding a dividing wall to create an enclosure within the dome. Other people prefer to keep the bathroom separate and leverage our tried and tested outdoor bathroom unit.

By leveraging booking platforms like Airbnb and Hipcamp, your dome can stay booked much of the year, especially if you optimize your listing with great photos and reviews. The glamping trend is here to stay, and a dome rental is a fun, low-cost way to tap into this market and generate impressive income.