Rent out your tent as accommodation.

Make it clear what will be available on arrival

Start by describing the specific accommodation on offer. Is the tent already pitched and fully kitted out? Do guests sleep in a bed, on mattresses or on bedding provided? Are bed linen and towels included? A photo showing blankets and pillows may raise expectations, which you can clarify with a short sentence. The name of the accommodation alone says little about the actual level of comfort.

Also explain what area is included in the listing. A single tent on private land is different from a site with several tents and shared facilities. State the intended number of guests and show the sleeping areas as they would be used. Luggage and shoes should be taken into account in this description; they do not simply disappear from the room, even during a short stay.

The setting shapes the whole stay

Is your tent pitched on a platform, in a meadow or on another prepared surface? Show the access route and describe whether there is a threshold or steps. Especially after rain, the path may feel different to how it looks in a sunny photo. Guests would like to know whether they can leave their dry shoes at the entrance and where damp clothes can be hung up.

Take honest photographs of the area around the tent. Other accommodation options, a farm track or a communal seating area may form part of the offer. Mention any privacy screens provided and avoid making a blanket promise of seclusion. Fabric screens provide a different level of privacy to solid walls. Voices, wind and animals may be part of the surroundings and should be clearly mentioned in your description.

The weather is a practical planning consideration

Only offer the periods for which you have prepared your accommodation and its location. Describe shade, ventilation options and any actual heat sources available. A tent can feel very different at different times of the day. Terms such as ‘glamping’ or ‘comfort tent’ do not provide reliable indications of temperatures. It is more helpful to provide a description of the facilities and the clothing that has proved suitable for your location.

Also consider how you will deal with unsuitable weather conditions, and agree clear arrangements with guests on how to handle such situations. This includes having a contact person who can be reached. Do not make blanket assurances about wind resistance or safety that are not evident from the name or appearance of the tent. Information regarding the location and use should correspond to your actual equipment and the local conditions.

Show the way to the toilet, shower and water supply

For tent accommodation, the location of the toilet and shower facilities is particularly important. State whether guests have their own bathroom or share facilities with others. Describe the distance in a clear and understandable way and show the route. Anyone who needs to get up at night will want to know whether there is lighting and whether the route leads over gravel, grass, steps or a paved surface.

Explain where drinking water can be obtained and whether the tent has its own washing area. If you offer a special toilet facility, include clear instructions on how to use it. Clear photos of the actual facilities are more telling than general descriptions of comfort. Also check for storage spaces, hooks and facilities for drying towels: it’s the little things that make a simple stay pleasant and well-organised.

• Show set-up sleeping areas and the bed linen provided.
• Specify sanitary facilities and actual walking distances.
• Explain drinking water, lighting and the electricity supply.
• Please let us know what personal equipment is required before arrival.

What guests bring with them shouldn’t be a guessing game

Describe whether there is a fridge, crockery or a usable cooking area, and where these are located. A barbecue visible in a photo is not clear evidence that it is available for use. Explain the intended use and any restrictions applicable to your location. Do not promise cooking facilities inside the tent if these are only available in an outdoor area. Any nearby amenities outside the property should also be clearly identified as such.

When it comes to electricity and lighting, specific details help: Is there a light by the bed, sockets in the tent, or just a shared charging point? Where can guests store food and personal belongings? Write a brief packing guide tailored to your listing. It should clearly explain any missing facilities without overloading the stay with a long list of precautionary recommendations.

Show the tent even beyond its finest moments

A photo taken in warm evening light can effectively convey the atmosphere. Supplement this with daytime shots where the floor, spacing and furnishings are clearly visible. Take photos of the interior showing the designated sleeping areas and ensure the entrance opening is visible in context. This helps guests understand where to leave their shoes and how they can move around the tent with their luggage.

Decorations should not promise more than the experience on offer. A prepared picnic, a fire pit or an outdoor bath should only be included in the description if their use is actually part of your offer. Clearly label shared areas. The term ‘close to nature’ describes a location, but is not proof of sustainability, tranquillity or particular accessibility.

Walk through a complete stay yourself

Spend a night in the set-up tent yourself before renting it out. Check the lighting on arrival, the route to the toilet facilities at night and the first things you need to do in the morning. Ask someone else to read through your instructions too. Where they have questions, you can improve the description. A realistic assessment of rain, darkness and the options for storing wet items outside the sleeping area is particularly valuable.

Before listing your property, you should clarify what types of overnight accommodation are permitted at your location, taking into account the nature of the plot and the specific setup. A portable tent does not automatically mean that any use is permitted everywhere. Once these issues have been clarified, you can list your tent accommodation free of charge in the hosts’ section at BookNoFees and showcase its character with up-to-date photos and clear details.