Running a glamping campsite is very rewarding but is ALOT of work.
Until very recently, we did everything ourselves and, with the season really picking up, we have been burning the candle at both ends.
Every turnover, every sheet, every floor mopping— we did all the cleaning ourselves. We wanted to be very familiar with what is involved and we saw it as saving money, which it did for a while. Also, to be honest, there was something satisfying about making each cabin perfect for the next guest.
But over time, with all the building, yard work as well as the cleaning, we felt like we were missing the bigger picture: growing the business, connecting with guests, and enjoying what we had built.
So we made the decision.
We hired a housekeeper.
And it’s changing everything.
The Breaking Point: When DIY Stops Making Sense
When we first launched our glampsite, guests were more spaced out and tackling all the chores was manageable. A vacuum and mop, surface scrub, a fresh set of linens and restocking. But as we expanded to more campsites and added a shower house, reality hit. Cleaning thoroughly between guests, often on tight time windows, became a stressor that we couldn’t ignore. We were finding ourselves blocking off days, basically turning away guests, to keep from being overwhelmed or from having standards slip.
After a fully booked Fourth of July as well as most of the days that have followed, it was time to take the leap and hire on some help.
What We Were Afraid Of (and What Actually Happened)
Hiring help felt like a big step and we had concerns. Like:
- Cost: Could we afford it?
- Trust: Would someone else care as much as we do? Afterall, we’ve been pouring our souls into this project.
- Quality: Could we maintain our high standards?
- Privacy: Our cabins feel personal. Would it be weird having someone else in our space?
Here’s what actually happened:
- Cost: Yes, it’s an added expense, but it’s also an investment in time and peace of mind. We factored cleaning costs into our pricing slightly and communicated it to guests. We also put out a tip envelope, indicating all tips go to housekeeping.
- Trust: We hired someone local, who we knew and already trusted. We were also able to do a bit of a reference check. People who have done business with her in the past gave two thumbs up. We’re also in agreement that a trial period is a great idea. Things are early on but so far so good.
- Quality: Our housekeeper has been amazing so far and has great attention to detail. She also has a wonderful personality, which is a win for a positive working relationship and guest interactions.
- Privacy: We made a checklist, set clear boundaries, and now it’s becoming part of the routine. It feels like we are all part of the same productive team.
How We Found the Right Person
We actually got very lucky, and ran into a perfect person out of the blue (although it felt like more than a coincidence somehow). We were looking for help. She had experience, was looking for some work with flexibility- and she was local! All felt perfect, and so far all is going great. Aside from luck, here are some ways to find and bring on a new team mate:
- Word of Mouth: Local referrals are gold. Other small businesses—especially Airbnb hosts—are usually happy to recommend cleaners they trust.
- Test Run: We are in this stage now, and it gives everyone latitude to walk away with no hard feelings if things don’t work out.
- Checklist: We created a printable cleaning checklist for each cabin and common areas. That way expectations are clear, and consistency stays high.
- Supplies on Site: We stocked a storage/utility area with all needed cleaning supplies and restocking materials. This saves time and keeps things organized, making it easier for anyone to clean quickly and thoroughly and to get cabins guest ready.
The Long-Term Wins
Hiring a housekeeper is doing more than just save time—it’s shifting our whole approach to running the glampsite.
Here’s how:
1. Better Work-Life Balance
We finally have some of our weekends back. This means family time, actual rest, and a chance to enjoy the land we love.
2. Guest Satisfaction
Professional cleaning means the continued highest standards. Cleanliness continues to be a selling point without the long hours.
3. More Time for Growth
With fewer daily chores, we can focus on marketing, updating the website, refining our booking system, and adding more incredible campsites.
4. Emergency Buffer
It’s no longer just us who can get the cabins guest ready. Our housekeeper has it handled.
Things We’ve Learned
If you’re thinking about hiring a housekeeper for your glampsite, here are a few things we’ ‘ve learned:
- Set Clear Expectations Early: Walk through the cabins together and explain what needs to happen to make the space guest ready.
- Respect Their Time: Housekeepers often juggle multiple clients and other life responsibilities. Be realistic about turnaround windows.
- Provide Good Tools: Don’t skimp on vacuums, mops, or other cleaners. Good supplies mean better results.
- Offer Feedback Kindly: No one improves from silence or criticism. Regular check-ins and encouragement build a great working relationship.
- Pay Fairly: A reliable housekeeper is worth their weight in gold. Don’t nickel and dime—treat them as a vital part of your business.
Should You Do It Too?
If your campsite is growing, and you’re feeling stretched, hiring a housekeeper might be the best decision you can make. It’s not just about cleanliness—it’s about protecting your energy, preserving your sanity, and creating a guest experience that’s consistently great.
Yes, it’s an expense. But it’s also an upgrade—to your time, your quality of life, and your guest reviews.
Whether you bring someone on part-time during peak season, or create a long-term partnership, hiring help means you can focus on what only you can do—shaping the vision and making your glamping site something truly special.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a housekeeper didn’t mean giving up control. It meant choosing what kind of business we want to run—and what kind of life we want to live while running it.
Now, instead of dreading turnovers, we look forward to guest arrivals again. Our vibe stays positive, and our guests pick that up.
If you’re on the fence, our vote is that you lean toward going for it and grow your team. You don’t have to do everything yourself.
Sure it’s an added expense, but sometimes, the best way to take care of your guests and to grow your business is to take care of yourself.
Happy Hosting!
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Photo by Slaapwijsheid.nl on Unsplash
