11 Outdoor Business Ideas that Outdoor Enthusiasts can Monetize NOW
Martin Banks 09.02.24
Brainstorming and fleshing out an idea can take time and energy when you start a business. Luckily, as an outdoor enthusiast, you don’t have to look far. Outdoor business ideas can come in the form of your interests, and provide many opportunities for lucrative pursuits.
Outdoor Business Ideas – Monetizing Your Passion
There are pros and cons to monetizing your passion. On one hand, you can gain more income. The cost of living varies from state to state, but the average U.S. household reportedly spends $61,334 each year. Food, housing, utilities, and transportation can become burdensome. If you factor in your supplies for outdoor adventures, the total inflates further.
On the other hand, starting a brand risks not just money and what you love. It can ruin your relationship with that interest if it becomes unhealthy or unsuccessful.
Be careful about converting your bliss into a business. Be patient with the journey and regulate your work hours from hobby time. This can prevent burnout, generate income and keep your passion alive. Outdoor businesses can entail many options, whether working with plants, taking care of animals, or just interacting with fellow humans in nature. Here are a few options to try out.
1. Landscaping Service
If you have experience mowing lawns, installing pathways and providing other landscaping maintenance services, it’s worth offering these services to others. Friends and family could use them to increase their curb appeal. Your output is marketing material their neighbors can use to judge whether to contact you in the future.
2. Agricultural Garden
Starting an agricultural garden can also be a lucrative business. Food production needs to increase to feed the world population. As the demand grows, you can position yourself as a market supplier. Pick a specialty fruit or diversify for variety.
3. PYO Farm
Farms that let you “pick your own” (PYO) fruits and veggies have become increasingly popular. After all, it offers an activity couples, families, and friend groups can engage in. They also get fresh fruits.
If you aren’t convinced, it’s less work, since you just need to plant as they harvest. If you don’t want to allow picking, consider other options, like a flower field for photo ops.
4. Campground
A campground is another low-maintenance but high-reward option, and there’s proven demand. Over half of campers report that they’re more likely to continue camping, which is a 15% increase over 2023.
All you need to do is to have enough land where people can set up their tents and have a bonfire. You can also invest in more luxurious spaces to market your grounds as a glamping area.
5. Snow Sports Lessons
If you live in a winter wonderland, consider offering lessons to tourists. Many want an instructor who can teach them how to ski, snowboard or ice skate. If you already have the skills, give lessons and get extra cash.
6. Firing Range
Set up a firing range where people can test their shooting skills. You can also become a mentor. Have supplies ready, though it’s less costly for students to bring their own guns and ammo to the range. The first lesson can be about safe handling and loading.
7. Pet Sitting
Love having furry friends over? Set up a sitting service. Many people may be unable to bring their pets when they travel, so you have a market already with minimal need for startup. You can also offer up walking and training with enough knowledge.
8. Walking Tour Guide
If you’re in a tourist-filled destination, prepare some walking tours. You can guide people throughout the city and beyond, allowing them to trek nature safely. Plus, walking tour business owners’ income is around $30,000 to $60,000 annually.
9. Horse Stable
If you live in an open field and are interested in equestrianism, setting up a stable is a good idea. You can invite people to try horseback riding for the first time or let them rest their animals in that space. Ponies are also a big hit at kid’s parties.
10. Pest Control Service
Every outdoor enthusiast knows the pain of dealing with pests, so starting a bug control service can garner plenty of interest. Learn how to mitigate infestations.
You can also create and sell some pest control repellents. Simply mix water with cinnamon, peppermint, tea tree oil, citrus, bay leaves or other ingredients insects hate.
11. Photography Services
Become a freelance photographer and capture media of nature and wildlife. Sell the pictures or become a social media influencer. You can also invest in vlogging your adventures. These video formats had a global reach usage of 24% during the third quarter of 2023, garnering a wide audience across different age groups and genders.
Outdoor Business Ideas – Building Up your Business
Outdoor enthusiasts can capitalize on an abundance of outdoor business ideas. Use your existing knowledge and expertise to introduce other people to the world’s natural beauty that you already understand, know, and appreciate. You can learn a thing or two about your interests along the way.
