Is Cameron, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cameron, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Cameron Parish Police Jury office, as Louisiana parishes handle most short-term rental regulations at the local level rather than state level. Contact Cameron Parish at (337) 775-5718 to verify if short-term rentals are permitted in your desired area and obtain any required business licenses or permits, which typically cost $25-100 annually. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Cameron's market, focusing on areas near fishing spots, hunting grounds, or the Gulf Coast since Cameron attracts outdoor enthusiasts, with property prices ranging from $80,000-250,000 depending on location and hurricane damage history. Furnish the property with durable, coastal-appropriate furniture and amenities like fishing equipment storage, boat parking if applicable, and hurricane-preparedness supplies, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting outdoor access, proximity to fishing areas like the Calcasieu River or Gulf waters, and emphasize the property's elevation and storm safety features given Cameron's hurricane history. For management, consider the remote location may require local contacts for maintenance and cleaning, partner with Cameron-area service providers, and price competitively at $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities, while maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage including flood insurance due to the area's storm risk.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cameron, Louisiana, focus on waterfront locations near Calcasieu Lake, Gulf access points, and fishing hotspots, as this area attracts outdoor enthusiasts and oil industry workers. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, boat launches or docks, fish cleaning stations, and covered outdoor spaces that can command $150-250 per night during peak fishing seasons (spring and fall). Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track seasonal demand patterns, with higher rates during hunting season (October-January) and fishing tournaments. Research competition by monitoring existing STRs within 10 miles, noting that limited inventory in this rural market creates opportunities for well-positioned properties. Utilize STRAnalytics for Cameron Parish market data, connect with local real estate agents familiar with waterfront properties, and consider proximity to Cameron LNG facility and industrial sites that generate consistent business traveler demand. Properties near Holly Beach or the Creole Nature Trail typically perform better due to recreational access, while those offering hurricane-resistant features and backup power appeal to the risk-conscious traveler market in this coastal region.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cameron, Louisiana, contact the Cameron Parish Police Jury at 337-775-5718 or visit their office at 10080 Gulf Highway in Cameron to apply for a short-term rental permit. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy ($1 million minimum coverage), fire safety inspection certificate, and a site plan showing parking areas and emergency exits. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-150. Submit your application along with all required documents and fees to the Cameron Parish Clerk's office, then schedule required inspections with the parish fire marshal and building inspector within 10-14 days. The review process typically takes 30-45 days from submission to approval, during which time the parish will verify zoning compliance, conduct safety inspections, and review neighbor notifications. Cameron Parish requires STR properties to maintain adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), display permit numbers prominently, provide 24/7 contact information for guests, maintain occupancy limits based on septic capacity, and comply with noise ordinances between 10 PM and 7 AM. Once approved, you must renew annually and report quarterly occupancy taxes to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, though the parish operates under relatively minimal local regulation compared to more urban areas. Louisiana state law allows STRs, and Cameron Parish has not implemented comprehensive prohibitive ordinances, though property owners must comply with basic safety requirements, obtain necessary permits, and pay applicable taxes including state sales tax and local occupancy taxes where applicable. The parish's rural nature and limited commercial development means there are fewer zoning restrictions compared to cities like New Orleans or Baton Rouge, though properties must still meet health and safety standards and cannot violate existing residential zoning where applicable. Recent years have seen increased attention to STR regulation statewide following Hurricane Laura's impact in 2020, with some temporary housing considerations, but Cameron Parish has maintained a relatively permissive approach while requiring basic business license compliance and adherence to state tax collection requirements for rental income.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Cameron, Louisiana include the Cameron Beach and Holly Beach districts along the Gulf Coast, which attract tourists year-round for fishing, hunting, and beach activities, particularly during peak seasons from March through October. The downtown Cameron area near the courthouse and government buildings offers potential for business travelers and visitors attending legal proceedings or government meetings. The Creole and Grand Chenier neighborhoods provide access to the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, drawing nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, especially during migratory seasons. Properties near the Calcasieu Ship Channel and industrial facilities in the western part of the parish can capture business travelers working in the petrochemical and maritime industries. The areas around Johnson Bayou offer proximity to both Texas markets and Louisiana's coastal recreation, making them attractive to weekend visitors from Houston and Lake Charles who come for fishing tournaments, hunting seasons, and coastal festivals like the annual Fur and Wildlife Festival.

In Cameron, Louisiana, Airbnb properties are subject to the Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% on lodging accommodations, plus Cameron Parish may impose a local occupancy tax estimated at 2-4% based on typical parish rates in Louisiana. These taxes apply to the total rental amount including cleaning fees and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system implemented around 2018-2019. Airbnb then remits these taxes quarterly to the Louisiana Department of Revenue and applicable local authorities on behalf of hosts. However, hosts should verify their registration requirements with local tax authorities as some jurisdictions may require separate business licenses or permits. Exemptions typically include stays exceeding 30 consecutive days which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and rentals to certain government employees or tax-exempt organizations with proper documentation. Cameron Parish, being a smaller coastal parish, may have specific regulations related to hurricane recovery periods or seasonal variations that could affect tax collection, and hosts should consult with the Cameron Parish Sheriff's Office or local tax assessor for the most current local occupancy tax rates and any additional requirements specific to short-term rental operations in the area.

To start an Airbnb in Cameron, Louisiana, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 for a median 3-bedroom home suitable for short-term rentals in this rural coastal parish. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, living room furniture, and outdoor equipment for fishing/hunting guests common to the area. Initial setup costs add $3,000-$5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations. Permits and fees total $500-$1,200 including business license, short-term rental permit from Cameron Parish, and tax registration. Insurance runs $2,000-$3,500 annually for short-term rental coverage given hurricane risks along the Gulf Coast. Utilities average $200-$300 monthly totaling $1,200-$1,800 for six months covering electricity, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs add $4,000-$6,000 including cleaning services at $75-$100 per turnover, maintenance supplies, guest amenities, marketing, and platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO. Cameron's location near fishing, hunting, and oil industry work creates steady demand despite seasonal hurricane considerations affecting insurance and maintenance costs.

Airbnb properties in Cameron, Louisiana show mixed profitability potential due to the area's unique market dynamics as a small coastal parish heavily dependent on oil, gas, and fishing industries. Average nightly rates range from $75-150 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, with occupancy rates fluctuating between 35-55% annually, generating gross revenues of approximately $15,000-35,000 per year. Operating expenses typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually with higher coastal premiums), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-5,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful operators focusing on targeting fishing and hunting enthusiasts, oil industry workers on temporary assignments, and tourists visiting nearby Creole Nature Trail. Properties closer to fishing access points or equipped with boat launches, fish cleaning stations, and freezer space command premium rates and higher occupancy. The market faces challenges from hurricane risks, seasonal demand fluctuations, and limited year-round tourism, but benefits from steady industrial worker demand and unique outdoor recreation opportunities that attract repeat guests willing to pay premium rates for specialized amenities.

Airbnb investments in Cameron, Louisiana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to industrial facilities, fishing charters, and seasonal hunting activities. Properties near Calcasieu Lake and Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge command premium rates of $80-120 per night during peak seasons (March-May and September-November), while off-season rates average $50-70 nightly. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 7-10 years, with monthly gross rental income averaging $1,200-2,000 for well-positioned 2-3 bedroom properties. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and steady demand from oil and gas workers, wildlife enthusiasts, and fishing guides, though investors should factor in hurricane insurance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 annually and potential weather-related vacancy periods that can impact returns by 15-25% during severe storm seasons.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Cameron, Louisiana. In the Cameron area, local real estate agents like those at Century 21 Bessette Realty and Coldwell Banker Ingle Safari Realty have experience with investment properties along the Gulf Coast. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as Gulf Coast Property Management and Cameron Parish rental specialists can assist with identifying properties suitable for Airbnb conversion. RedAwning and Vacasa offer market insights for short-term rental investments in Louisiana coastal markets. Real estate investment firms like HomeVestors and local Louisiana-based investment groups often have connections to profitable rental properties in the Cameron region, particularly focusing on properties that can capitalize on fishing, hunting, and oil industry worker accommodations.