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🏕️ Beyond the BnB: The Rise of Recreational STRs
Off-grid stays, glamping, and RV rentals are transforming how travelers experience the great outdoors. These unique accommodations blend comfort with adventure, offering a fresh take on modern hospitality. Keep reading for more. ⬇️
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🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.
🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.
🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.
August 14th, 2025
Good evening STR Report Community!
In today’s issue, you will find:
📱Today’s Article: 🏕️ Beyond the BnB: The Rise of Recreational STRs
📈 Trending Market Highlight: Laredo, Texas and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
✉️ STR News: Airbnb’s New Strategy: ‘Aggressively’ Add Hotels, Steal Their Guests & more
💸 Mortgage Rate Watch
🍁 Unique Airbnb of the Week
🏫 Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book
✅ Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More
📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters
Beyond the BnB: The Rise of Recreational STRs
The short-term rental industry isn’t just about chic city lofts or beachfront condos anymore. In 2025, travelers crave authentic, nature-driven experiences—and they’re willing to pay a premium for them. Enter recreational STRs: a booming category that includes off-grid cabins, glamping tents, RV stays, camper vans, treehouses, and eco-retreats.
This is more than a trend; it’s a movement toward experiential travel and sustainable getaways. If you’re an investor or host looking for the next big opportunity, recreational rentals might be your gold rush.
Why Guests Love It
Connection with Nature: Post-pandemic travelers prioritize mental wellness and outdoor adventures.
Instagram-Worthy Escapes: A-frame cabins, safari tents, and treehouses dominate social media feeds.
Unique Experiences Over Luxury: Guests want memories they can’t find at a standard hotel.
Pro Tip: Properties that combine privacy, natural beauty, and comfort outperform generic accommodations.
The Investment Appeal
Recreational STRs often mean lower land costs and higher ROI compared to urban properties. Many hosts report occupancy rates above 70%, especially in areas near national parks or scenic destinations. Platforms like Hipcamp, Outdoorsy, and Airbnb Categories (Unique Stays) have created massive demand for these listings.
Lucrative Niches to Explore
✅ Glamping Sites: Luxury tents with real beds and curated outdoor spaces.
✅ Off-Grid Cabins: Solar-powered A-frames and tiny homes for digital detox travelers.
✅ RV Rentals: Offer your camper or van for road trip enthusiasts on platforms like Outdoorsy.
✅ Eco-Retreats: Wellness-focused stays with sustainable amenities, yoga decks, and nature trails.
Pro Tip: Look for locations within 1-3 hours of major cities for maximum weekend getaway appeal.
Start-Up Tips for Success
Know Local Rules: Zoning and camping regulations vary—check before buying land.
Invest in Comfort: Think plush bedding, heating/cooling, and reliable bathrooms (guests will pay more for these).
Create Instagram Moments: Fire pits, hammock lounges, and scenic decks are non-negotiable.
Highlight Sustainability: Guests love properties with solar energy, rainwater systems, and eco-friendly materials.
Marketing Strategies
Use nature-driven keywords in your listing: “Secluded A-frame in the Rockies,” “Luxury Safari Tent Under the Stars.”
Post video tours on TikTok and Instagram showcasing the outdoor experience.
Partner with adventure influencers and local tourism boards for exposure.
Recreational STRs combine the best of two worlds: high demand for unique stays and lower investment barriers compared to urban rentals. With the rise of sustainable and experiential travel, this niche is no longer a side hustle—it’s a serious wealth-building opportunity.
Laredo, Texas 🌄
Downloadable Laredo, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report
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Average Daily Rate (ADR): $150.74 per night
Occupancy Rate: 47.87%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $26,078.20 per year
Read our full Laredo, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 🏞️
Downloadable Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Market Report
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Average Daily Rate (ADR): $329.15 per night
Occupancy Rate: 50.07%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $60,069.23 per year
Read our full Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
📬 See our collection of 70+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports
🛌 Airbnb’s New Strategy: ‘Aggressively’ Add Hotels, Steal Their Guests
Airbnb has long sought to add hotels into its inventory mix, but the dilemma has been how to do so and not become just another online travel agency like Booking.com or Expedia.
🐬 The Vacation Home Reinvented: Inside Evermore Orlando Resort
Flipping the script on vacation rentals in one of the world’s most visited destinations, Evermore combines hotel-level service with the flexibility of a private home. As group travel evolves, it’s setting a new standard for residential hospitality focused on connection, consistency, and the “alphabooker.”
💸 Airbnb Needs to Win Over Policymakers – the Cost Is Adding Up
Airbnb portrays itself as a growth story. It will take a lot more lobbying spend in the future to clear a path for that expansion.
💸Mortgage Rate Watch – August 14th, 2025
Current Mortgage Rates (as of August 13, 2025):
30‑Year Fixed: 6.53 % (−0.05 %)
15‑Year Fixed: 5.90 % (−0.02 %)
30‑Year Jumbo: 6.67 % (−0.03 %)
30‑Year FHA: 6.11 % (−0.03 %)
30‑Year VA: 6.12 % (−0.03 %)
7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.12 % (−0.03 %)
Market Overview: Mortgage rates have dipped notably, with the 30-year fixed rate hitting its lowest levels in months, buoying refinancing momentum. According to weekly data, the 30-year average fell to 6.67%—a low not seen since early April—sparking a 23% surge in refinance applications, especially among borrowers with larger loan balances. Meanwhile, the ARM rate dropped to approximately 5.8%, fueling demand even further.
Rate Trends & Forecast:
Short-Term: Expect rates to remain in a narrow band, with minor fluctuations based on incoming economic reports and Federal Reserve signals.
Long-Term: If labor data continues softening or inflation shows signs of easing, further modest declines are possible. However, significant drops would likely depend on stronger signs of economic slowdown or a Fed rate cut.
For real-time mortgage rate updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.
Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs? 🍁
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Indian River, MI, Veaux Pines is a charming A-frame lakeside escape offering cozy comfort, stunning water views, and direct lake access for an unforgettable northern Michigan getaway. This two-bedroom, one-bath retreat features a master suite with a private balcony, a welcoming living area with a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen for home-cooked meals. Outside, you can relax on the patio, gather around the firepit, or take to the water with provided kayaks and paddleboards (seasonal), all while surrounded by serene woodland and the gentle rhythm of lakeside life. Perfect for both peaceful retreats and outdoor adventures, this pet-friendly haven invites you to unwind, explore, and savor nature’s beauty year-round.
Subscriber Perks:
📖🏡💰 Go Live Playbook
The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.
Community Perks with The STR Report
🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.
🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.
🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.
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