How to Turn Your Land into an Airbnb Retreat
Create passive income from your rural Utah property
If you’ve recently purchased land in Utah, you might be considering ways to make it work for you. One increasingly popular option is turning that land into a short-term rental. Whether it’s a cabin, glamping tent, or tiny home, creating an Airbnb retreat on your land can provide steady income while keeping your property flexible for future use.
Step 1: Research Local Regulations
Before building or advertising, check with your county for short-term rental laws, zoning rules, and permitting. Each county in Utah has different rules for rural properties. Some allow off-grid rentals or RV stays, while others require permits for new construction or septic systems.
Contact your county planning department
Check zoning codes for temporary dwellings or short-term stays
Ask about building codes, utility requirements, and access road rules
This step helps avoid fines or issues with future guests. Learn more about zoning for rural land in Utah here.
Step 2: Choose Your Rental Type
Depending on your location and budget, you have options for what type of Airbnb to set up. Consider:
Cabins or tiny homes: Great for winter guests or mountain stays
Canvas tents or yurts: Popular with outdoor travelers and easier to set up
RV or trailer setups: Lower cost and mobile if your land is undeveloped
Each type has its own appeal and maintenance needs. Pick something that works with your terrain and offers a unique guest experience.
Step 3: Build a Guest Experience, Not Just a Structure
What makes guests leave a 5-star review isn’t just the roof over their heads—it’s the experience. Use your land’s features to your advantage:
Offer stargazing, fire pits, or hiking trails
Provide a picnic table, hammock, or off-grid cooking setup
Make check-in easy and instructions clear
Even if your retreat is simple, guests appreciate comfort, cleanliness, and thoughtful touches.
Step 4: Create a Listing That Sells
Once your space is ready, it’s time to build your Airbnb listing. Use keywords like “off-grid Utah cabin” or “desert yurt with mountain views” to attract the right audience. Include:
High-quality photos (especially outdoor views)
Clear amenities list (water source, power setup, restroom type)
Simple rules and guest expectations
Local attractions or things to do nearby
Want help figuring out what features matter to guests? Check out our post on what to do with your Utah land.
Is an Airbnb Retreat Right for You?
Turning your land into an Airbnb retreat can be a profitable and rewarding way to use your property. You don’t need a full house or high-end build to get started. Many of our buyers begin with a weekend-ready setup—adding features as bookings grow.
This type of income also gives you more options in the long term. You can use the land for yourself when it’s not booked, build equity while it pays for itself, and resell later with more value. If you’re interested in buying land for short-term rental use, we offer flexible financing and support at every step.