Tiny houses, treehouses, and luxury yurts aren't just Instagram fodder—they're reshaping the vacation rental landscape. We look at the data behind the boom in unique vacation rentals, revealing market trends, top-performing property types, and prime investment locations.

Why Unique Vacation Rentals Are a Smart Investment

Unique vacation rentals include accommodations like treehouses, tiny houses, and other unconventional structures.

The number of unique stay listings has grown by 123% from 2020 to 2024, outpacing traditional vacation rentals.

Texas and the Mountain West lead in unique rental listings, with proximity to national parks being a key factor in their popularity.

Remember that treehouse you dreamed of as a kid? It turns out that those whimsical fantasies have become a goldmine for short-term rental (STR) investors. 

Childhood dreams become dreams come true for ambitious STR entrepreneurs who see the lucrative potential in tapping into our inner child with unique vacation rentals. Travelers are increasingly on the lookout for one-of-a-kind experiences and are ready to pay top dollar for them. For hosts and investors looking to edge out the competition, this demand for unique stays opens up exciting new avenues for growth.

What type of distinctive accommodations are performing best? How can you tap into this trend? We've crunched the numbers to uncover the secrets behind unique vacation rentals.

Gain insights into the revenue and occupancy trends in your market.

AirDNA breaks out property types by 4 different categories, which are based on Airbnb’s property types. The three primary categories are homes and villas, apartment/condo/loft, and traditional B&B’s. Everything else is considered a unique stay. 

Unique vacation rentals encompass a wide range of extraordinary accommodations that deviate from traditional stays. These can include tiny houses, treehouses, RVs, yurts, and even houseboats. All unique stay types loosely fit the bill for ‘pre-arranged camping’ (not nearly as glamorous as it sounds, but some of the properties sure are!).

What sets unique rentals apart is their ability to offer guests a novel and immersive experience that standard vacation homes simply can’t match.

Unlike conventional vacation rentals, unique stays are designed to provide an experience rather than just a place to sleep. They cater to travelers seeking adventure and a story to share.

In an episode of the STR Data Lab podcast, Ben Wolff, co-founder of Onera, a high-end treehouse retreat, had this to say about unique vacation rentals:

"Experiential travel and unique stays are all about creating lasting memories and authentic connections. The modern traveler wants something that feels authentic and shareable, and they're willing to pay for that unique experience."

Investing in unique vacation rentals offers high returns due to their distinctiveness, their growing demand, and their relatively low start-up costs.

The market for unique stays has taken off in recent years. In May 2020, there were 25,102 unique stay listings. By May 2024, this number had more than doubled to 55,875 listings. That's an increase of 123%!  Compared to the overall increase in vacation rentals, Airbnb unique stays have seen a remarkable rise.

 "I think there's so much room in this space and so little product that caters to the modern traveler. The more properties that pop up and are done well, the bigger the category gets,” said Ben Wolff. “This creates a higher potential for returns as these properties stand out in a crowded market, appealing to niche segments like eco-conscious and adventure travelers.”

According to Airbnb, from 2019 to 2021, nights booked at unique properties increased globally by nearly 50 percent. In 2021 alone, these distinctive listings earned hosts nearly $1 billion.

As an added perk, many unique stays require a lower initial investment and are cheaper to maintain between guests due to their smaller square footage. The barrier to entry for establishing a camper or yurt, for instance, is drastically lower than it is for a traditional single family home.

The total number of vacation rentals has grown, but the share of unique stays has increased more. Unique stays have gone from 2.22% to 3.31% of all listings on Airbnb. 

Are you surprised that unique stays account for such a modest share of total listings? It’s tempting to think that unique stays are a saturated investment market because of how much visibility Airbnb gives them. You’ve probably noticed that Airbnb Categories is a prominent search filter on their landing page. Prior to the launch of Icons, which now dominate the properties featured on the front page, it was not uncommon to see unique stays showcased there. 

It’s clear that travelers are looking for special, one-of-a-kind places to stay and that Airbnb is eager to promote distinctive properties.

Plan your STR strategy based on real booking activity and trends—plus, see how things change year over year.

Unique vacation rentals come in various forms, each offering a distinct experience for travelers. According to AirDNA data from the last 12 months, the following unique stay types are the most popular, in descending order:

Note that these 10 categories make up 85% of all unique stay listings. The remaining 15% is made up of another 22 unique stay types. Some of the property types that aren’t represented in the top 10 list include shipping containers, lighthouses, windmills, tipis, and castles, to name a few. Each of these stay types account for less than 1.8% of the total listings in this category, respectively.

Campers, RVs, and pre-arranged camping setups hold the largest share of the unique rental market at 21.9%. This category has experienced significant growth, with a 164% increase in listings since 2020. 

Tiny houses account for 19.6% of unique rentals and have seen an impressive 180% growth since 2020. Their compact and efficient design, often coupled with eco-friendly features, makes them attractive to modern travelers looking for sustainable and stylish accommodations.

Farm stays and barns make up 16.7% of unique rentals and have grown by a more modest 74% since 2020. These properties provide guests with a rustic and authentic experience, often allowing them to interact with farm life and enjoy serene countryside settings.

Other popular unusual vacation rentals include treehouses, yurts, nature lodges, and boats. While they represent a smaller share of the market, these options offer truly unique experiences that cater to various traveler preferences. Treehouses provide a whimsical escape, yurts offer a taste of nomadic life, nature lodges blend luxury with the outdoors, and boats deliver a nautical adventure.

The popularity of unique vacation rentals has fluctuated from 2020 to 2024, reflecting changing traveler preferences.

Campers and RVs have consistently led the market, showing strong and steady growth. Travelers increasingly seek mobility and outdoor experiences, although that interest has had peaks and valleys in the last 3 years since taking off in the beginning of 2021. Tiny houses have shown a similar growth pattern to campers and RVs.

Farm stays had the most listings to begin with in 2020 and have grown steadily since then, reflecting slow but steady demand for this type of experience. Campers/RVs and tiny houses overtook farm stays in the first half of 2023. 

The number of tent listings has slowly been growing over the past 4 years. Campsites peaked in summer 2022 around 5,000 listings and have modestly declined since then. Despite the recent slowdown in campsite supply growth, they’ve more than doubled since 2020. 

Campsites, tents, campers, and RVs also show varied growth patterns over the course of a year, reflecting seasonality. Listings in these categories peak during summer seasons when nature enthusiasts are on the hunt for outdoor experiences. 

Seasonality is a major reason why unique stays overall tend to have lower average occupancy rates than other properties in any given market. Campsites, tents, and yurts don’t typically operate or draw guests during all 4 seasons in many areas of the country. 

While the market for unique vacation rentals is growing overall, the popularity of different stay types changes over time. This highlights the importance of staying attuned to market trends and traveler preferences.

AirDNA’s powerful yet easy-to-use tools make hosting and investing a breeze. This means having every insight you need, all in one place, always up-to-date.

The demand for unique vacation rentals, particularly tiny houses and farm stays, is only growing. Tiny houses have experienced a 177% increase in demand, while farm stay demand has grown by 91%. Seasonal trends play a significant role, with peak periods often aligning with the summer and holiday seasons.

Despite the increasing demand, the revenue per available room (RevPAR) for Airbnb unique stays has been declining modestly since its peak in 2021. RevPAR combines your average daily rate (ADR) with your occupancy rate to give you a snapshot of your actual income. 

In April and May 2024, RevPAR was about 82-83% of its levels during the same months in 2021. This decline may be due to increased competition. Unlike more traditional property types, the barrier to entry for unique stays is low. After the initial land purchase, the investment and set-up costs for a semi-permanent structure like a yurt or camper are modest. This can make for a tough landscape for operators since competition can crop up fast.

Interestingly, the average daily rate (ADR) varies significantly among different types of unique stays. Treehouses and dome houses command the highest ADRs, averaging around $270 per night. In contrast, campers/RVs and campsites have lower ADRs, averaging between $100 and $150 per night. This discrepancy highlights the potential for higher revenue in certain categories of unique stays.

There is a notable difference between the types of unique stays that are most common and those in highest demand. For hosts, it may be worth comparing the cost of investment. Tiny homes, for example, might be better investments than a camper or RV if their purchase price is comparable. Tiny homes are less common and more in demand, and they command a higher ADR on average than campers/RVs.

Hotspots for Unique Stays: Top Regions and Markets

When it comes to unique vacation rentals: location, location, location. Our analysis of AirDNA data reveals that certain regions are leading the way in both the concentration and growth of Airbnb unique stays. What do these unique stay hotspots have in common?

They’re located within an hour and a half of a large population center.

They’re located in proximity to a large national or state park.

Unique stays perform well when you combine natural beauty with a surplus of high income earners who are willing and able to drive outside of the city.  

Seasonality comes into play, too. Certain areas that meet both of these criteria have so far failed to take off as a unique stay destination due to frequent rainy or cold weather. The pacific northwest is a perfect example of this phenomenon. 

AirDNA broke down short-term rental markets by the number of unique stay listings, their growth rates, and proximity to natural attractions like national parks and forests to identify the top markets for distinctive properties.

AirDNA’s vacation rental pricing tool uses data-driven recommendations to propose the best daily rates.

Unique vacation rentals are flourishing in specific regions, with Texas and the Mountain West standing out as top hotspots. According to AirDNA data, Texas cities like Terlingua and Fredericksburg lead in the concentration of unique rentals. Terlingua, located in proximity to Big Bend National Park, boasts 289 listings. Fredericksburg, located in Texas hill and wine country, follows closely with 274 listings. 

In Fredericksburg, Texas, unique stays make an area that’s modest in natural beauty more attractive with the promise of memorable accommodations. Combined with a wealthy guest demographic and a lack of traditional hotel options, treehouses and domes come out on top. They net $270 per night compared to $120-$130 for a typical one-bedroom property.

The Mountain West also shows strong numbers, with Moab, Utah, and Springdale, Utah, featuring prominently. Other significant areas include Flagstaff, Arizona; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and Asheville, North Carolina.

Among the fastest-growing markets for unique stays, Fredericksburg, Texas, tops the list with a 31% growth rate. Waco, Texas, and Canyon Lake, Texas, follow with 23% and 20% growth rates, respectively. These areas are seeing a surge in demand, making them attractive destinations for investment in unique vacation rentals.

A common thread among the top markets for unique stays is their proximity to national parks and national forests. Terlingua is near Big Bend National Park, Moab is close to Canyonlands National Park, Flagstaff is adjacent to Coconino National Forest, Gatlinburg is near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Asheville is close to Pisgah National Forest.

State and national parks and popular national forests serve as major attractions, drawing travelers from all over the country. These areas often appeal to those willing to "rough it" in less traditional lodgings, making them ideal for unique stays. 

Additionally, many national parks are sold out for camping and lodging months in advance, leading travelers to seek nearby accommodations. Airbnb unique stays can capitalize on travelers who want to balance memorable, outdoorsy experiences with creature comforts—a combination that traditional park lodgings and campsites struggle to accommodate.

Investing in unique vacation rentals can be a lucrative venture, but it requires a strategic approach. Here are some actionable tips, inspired by insights from Jamie Lane, AirDNA’s SVP of Analytics, and his appearance on the Behind the Stays podcast..

Custom Comp Sets and Scoping Out the Competition

“When you’re analyzing unique stay type properties, especially in remote areas, you’re probably not going to find the comps next door, or even in the same city,” says Jamie. “You’ve got to go out and find comparable cities that are accommodating similar types of travelers that can provide a basis for what someone is willing and able to pay for a property that looks like this, even if it’s a thousand miles away.”

It's essential to build a custom comp set to effectively analyze potential earnings for unique stays. Don’t wait to expand your search radius beyond your immediate location. If you’re setting up a treehouse in the Texas countryside, look at similar properties in other rural vacation spots. This might mean exploring adjacent states or even locations further afield, as long as they are in comparable proximity to major metropolitan areas and share similar weather and seasonality trends.

AirDNA’s filters can also help you find relevant comps and summarize them. The platform’s recent remap has reorganized 20,000 cities into 317 markets and 6,000 submarkets, making it easier to see where unique stays are concentrated.

Unique stays are not a one-size-fits-all investment. Several factors influence their success:

Location-Specific Trends: The type of unique stay that thrives can vary greatly by location. Treehouses are common in Gatlinburg, while farm stays are popular in Shenandoah. Understand what type of unique stay appeals to travelers in specific areas.

Regulations: Be aware of local regulations that might affect your unique stay. Sometimes regulations not aimed directly at unique stays, like mobile home bans, can impact your ability to develop certain types of properties.

Local Community: Community acceptance can be a hurdle and developing a unique stay might require some advocacy. Unique stays can revitalize local economies by drawing tourists who spend money on local attractions and services. In some cases, the stay itself becomes the primary attraction to an area that wouldn’t otherwise see much tourist traffic.

AirDNA provides invaluable insights for aspiring unique stay hosts:

Market Analysis: Use AirDNA to filter by unique stays and view data by submarkets. This can show you where unique stays are concentrated and performing well.

Revenue Projections: We can help you project potential earnings by comparing similar properties. For example, Shenandoah has 218 unique stays, but those in Front Royal boast a particularly high ADR of $470. AirDNA can help you zero in on the addresses with the highest earning potential.

Cost vs. Revenue: Consider both revenue potential and associated costs. “If you buy a property and intend to build, start with lower-cost investments like tents and yurts as a tester of demand,” advises Jamie. “You can scale up to more permanent structures as you learn and grow.”

 Your vacation rental may be amazing, but is it better than your competition? Connect your Airbnb listing to AirDNA to see its Booking Performance Score.

Investing in a unique vacation rental is just the beginning. You need to create an unforgettable experience and strategically market your property to truly capitalize on your investment. Here are some key insights and strategies to help you maximize your returns.

The devil's in the details when it comes to standing out in the unique vacation rental market. High-quality amenities, unique decor, and personalized touches can make your property more appealing. Whether it’s a cozy treehouse with rustic charm or a modern tiny house with sleek design, offering something guests can't find elsewhere is crucial. "Experience is going to be what drives differentiation," says Jamie. 

One of your most important marketing decisions may happen before your listing is ever live. As part of the listing process on Airbnb, you’ll be prompted to choose a property type from apartment, house, secondary unit, unique space, bed and breakfast, or boutique hotel. 

Your listing might fit more than one property type. If you have a tiny home that's in proximity to your primary residence, for example, you could choose either “secondary unit” or “unique stay” as your property type. There’s no wrong answer as long as you’re striving to represent your property accurately to guests. That being said, this categorization can always be changed later on and it might be worthwhile to do some A/B testing to see if changing your choice affects your visibility on the platform.

Unique stays are named so for a reason. Use that to your advantage! Instagram-worthy moments aren't just for guests—they're for hosts too.

Wolff says Instagram drives 80% of bookings at Onera Fredericksburg. He shared on our podcast that he wouldn’t be surprised if the social media platform leads its entire booking engine by 2030. 

Leveraging Instagram’s visual appeal and vast reach can attract more bookings. The same goes for any other social media platform where a photo is worth a thousand words. Focus on creating shareable, "Instagrammable" content and collaborate with influencers to drive direct bookings. 

Consider aiming for Airbnb's "OMG" category to maximize exposure and appeal to guests seeking extraordinary experiences.

Demand for unique rentals fluctuates throughout the year, and smart hosts ride these waves to maximize profits. Monitor local events, holidays, and peak travel seasons to set competitive rates and ensure your property is booked during high-demand periods. A data-driven approach to pricing can help maintain steady bookings and maximize revenue throughout the year. Utilize tools and analytics to forecast demand and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Your past guests can be your best marketers—if you play your cards right. Positive reviews can boost your visibility and attract more bookings. Responding to reviews shows appreciation and addresses concerns, building trust and credibility with potential guests who scope out the review section before booking. Detailed feedback can also provide valuable insights into areas for improvement, helping you continually improve the guest experience and maintain high occupancy rates.

If you’re interested in unique vacation rentals, you do not want to miss Ben Wolff’s insight into running a high-end treehouse retreat. You can see the full interview on the STR Data Lab podcast below. 

What are the most profitable types of unique vacation rentals?

Treehouses and domes command the highest average daily rates (ADR) of all unique stay types, earning over $250 per night on average. Farm stays and yurts come in at third and fourth, earning approximately $240 and $187 per night respectively. Tiny houses have a lower ADR but are among the most profitable unique vacation rentals due to high demand (+177% demand growth since 2020).

Airbnb defines a unique space as one with an interesting or unconventional structure, such as a treehouse, yurt, or farm stay. The platform doesn’t have a guest-facing umbrella category for unique stays. Rather, guests can use Airbnb Categories to filter listings by specific unique property types like yurts or treehouses. 

Start by entering a destination and travel dates, then use Airbnb Categories to filter your results to specific property types such as tree houses, tiny houses, yurts, or houseboats. Keep in mind that you can also stumble across unique stays by using a category like national parks, which tend to have higher concentrations of unique stays, or other location tags like beachfront or desert.

Exploring unique stays on Airbnb as an Airbnb host or investor can provide valuable insights into market trends and demands. As we discussed earlier in this article, building a comp set for unique stay properties will likely require you to search a bit further afield than your zip code. 

Once you’ve found a comparable property to your own venture, you can plug the address into AirDNA to get more detailed insight on the listing’s current performance. This knowledge can guide your investment decisions and help you design a standout property.

Airbnb’s “OMG!” category features the most extraordinary and unique accommodations available. These listings are designed to provide guests with one-of-a-kind experiences, often including unusual architecture, stunning locations, and creative amenities that go beyond the typical vacation rental.

Airbnb marks listings as a “rare find” for certain dates if they’re in high demand and have high booking rates. Two reliable drivers of demand are competitive pricing and elevated guest experiences. 

With AirDNA’s Smart Rates™ tool, you get data-driven pricing suggestions to boost revenue and occupancy rates. For elevated guest experiences, focus on unique design elements and exceptional guest experiences. Use high-quality, curated decor and offer amenities that stand out. Pay close attention to guest reviews and continuously improve based on feedback. 

Airbnb defines unique spaces as interesting or unconventional structures, such as a treehouse, yurt, or farm stay. If you meet that criteria, you’ll be able to select “unique space” as your property type during the listing process. Regardless of property type, however, you can make any space unique by incorporating  local art or custom furniture that reflects the surrounding culture or tells a story. Add personalized touches, such as welcome notes or locally sourced welcome baskets, to make your property stand out. Ensure your listing photos, listing title, and descriptions highlight the unique aspects of your property.

Remember that treehouse you dreamed of as a kid? Those whimsical fantasies are an investment goldmine for short-term rental entrepreneurs.

Why Unique Vacation Rentals Are a Smart Investment

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