Is Cameron, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cameron, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws through Cameron Parish Police Jury offices, as short-term rentals may require special permits or face restrictions in certain residential areas. Contact the Cameron Parish Clerk's office at (337) 775-5316 to obtain necessary business licenses and occupancy permits, and register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state tax collection requirements. 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 and oil industry workers. Furnish the property with durable, coastal-appropriate furniture and amenities like fishing equipment storage, boat parking if applicable, and hurricane-preparedness supplies given Cameron's hurricane-prone location. Create your Airbnb listing emphasizing proximity to fishing charters, hunting opportunities, and industrial facilities, using high-quality photos that showcase outdoor access and storm-resistant features. For management, establish relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with coastal property challenges, and consider property management companies in nearby Lake Charles if you're not local, while maintaining competitive pricing typically ranging $75-150 per night depending on property size and amenities, and always stay updated on Cameron Parish's evolving short-term rental regulations which may change due to the area's recovery and development patterns.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cameron, Louisiana, focus on waterfront locations near the Gulf of Mexico, Calcasieu Lake, and major fishing areas, as this parish attracts outdoor enthusiasts, oil industry workers, and hurricane recovery personnel. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, boat launches or water access, covered parking, and hurricane-resistant features, as these command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak fishing seasons and industrial activity periods. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within 20 miles, noting that properties near Hackberry, Johnson Bayou, and Grand Chenier typically achieve 60-70% occupancy rates with seasonal fluctuations tied to fishing seasons (spring/fall peaks) and oil industry schedules. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the limited supply of existing STRs, as Cameron Parish has fewer than 50 active listings, creating opportunities for new entrants. Utilize local resources including Cameron Parish economic development data, Louisiana Tourism statistics, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with flood zones and insurance requirements, while monitoring industrial activity at nearby LNG facilities and chemical plants that drive consistent business traveler demand year-round.

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 request a short-term rental permit application. 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), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a $150-200 application fee. You'll also need to register for and collect parish occupancy taxes (estimated 3-5%) and may require a fire safety inspection for properties over 4 units. The approval process generally takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application. Cameron Parish requires all STR operators to maintain current contact information with the parish, respond to complaints within 2 hours, provide adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensure properties meet all building and safety codes, and display the permit number in all advertising. Properties must also comply with septic system regulations common in coastal Louisiana areas and may require additional flood zone compliance documentation given Cameron's hurricane-prone location.

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. Cameron Parish does not have comprehensive STR-specific ordinances as of 2023, meaning most properties can operate as short-term rentals provided they comply with basic zoning requirements and state tax obligations including Louisiana sales tax and local occupancy taxes. The parish's rural nature and focus on fishing, hunting, and oil industry tourism has created a permissive environment for vacation rentals, particularly in areas near the coast and recreational facilities. Property owners must ensure compliance with building codes and septic system requirements, which can be more stringent in coastal areas due to environmental concerns. There are no specific prohibited zones for STRs in Cameron Parish, though properties must conform to existing residential or commercial zoning designations. Recent Hurricane Laura and Delta damage in 2020 led to increased demand for temporary housing, which has generally supported a favorable stance toward short-term rental operations as the area rebuilds and seeks to maintain its tourism economy.

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 when visitors come for the annual Fur and Wildlife Festival and excellent saltwater fishing opportunities. The downtown Cameron area near the courthouse and government buildings offers potential for business travelers and workers in the oil and gas industry, as Cameron Parish serves as a hub for offshore energy operations with companies like Cheniere Energy operating major LNG facilities in the region since 2017. The Creole and Grand Chenier areas are attractive for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, especially during duck and alligator hunting seasons from September through January, while the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge vicinity draws birdwatchers and nature photographers throughout the year. Properties near boat launches and marinas command premium rates due to the area's reputation as a premier fishing destination, and the ongoing industrial development related to liquefied natural gas exports has created steady demand for temporary housing among construction workers and energy sector professionals.

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 of approximately 2-3% on short-term rentals, bringing the total tax burden to around 6.45-7.45% of the rental amount. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in Louisiana around 2018-2019. Airbnb remits the collected taxes directly to the Louisiana Department of Revenue and applicable local tax authorities on behalf of hosts on a monthly basis. The taxes apply to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days, with exemptions generally limited to rentals exceeding 30 days which are considered long-term leases rather than transient lodging. Hosts should verify their registration with local tax authorities and ensure compliance with any additional parish-specific requirements, as Cameron Parish may have specific registration or permit requirements for short-term rental operators beyond the tax collection obligations.

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, furniture, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses of $2,000-$3,500 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees total around $500-$1,200 including business license, occupancy permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $2,500-$4,000 annually for short-term rental coverage, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits require $500-$800 for electricity, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs of $8,000-$12,000 include utilities averaging $200-300 monthly, cleaning services at $75-100 per turnover, maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and marketing expenses. Cameron's location near fishing areas and Gulf Coast attractions makes it viable for vacation rentals, though seasonal demand fluctuations should be considered when projecting occupancy rates and revenue potential.

Airbnb properties in Cameron, Louisiana show mixed profitability potential due to the area's unique economic and geographic factors. Properties in Cameron Parish typically generate $15,000-$35,000 annually in gross revenue, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$150 depending on proximity to fishing areas and industrial facilities serving the petrochemical sector. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually due to hurricane risk), property management (15-25% of revenue), and maintenance average 45-60% of gross revenue. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35%, with properties near Calcasieu Lake and those catering to oil and gas workers achieving higher occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to 40-55% for standard vacation rentals. Success factors include targeting industrial contractors and fishing enthusiasts, offering boat parking and fish cleaning stations, maintaining hurricane-resistant features, and pricing competitively against limited hotel options in nearby Lake Charles. Properties that survived Hurricane Laura in 2020 and subsequent storms have seen increased demand, with some owners reporting 25-40% revenue increases in 2022-2023 as the area rebuilds and industrial activity expands.

Based on Cameron, Louisiana market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's proximity to industrial facilities, fishing charters, and hurricane recovery workers creating consistent demand. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and fishing access points performing at the higher end. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months, though properties requiring significant renovations may take 18-24 months to reach positive cash flow. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and steady demand from oil and gas workers, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, making break-even achievable with proper property selection and management in this rural Louisiana parish.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Cameron, Louisiana. Local real estate agents in the Cameron area who specialize in investment properties include Century 21 Bessette Realty and Coldwell Banker Ingle Safari Realty, both serving the Southwest Louisiana region. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa provide market analysis and property management for Airbnb investments in smaller markets like Cameron. AirDNA and Mashvisor offer data analytics specifically for short-term rental investments, helping investors evaluate potential returns in the Cameron market. Local property management companies such as Gulf Coast Property Management and Cameron Parish Realty can assist with both acquisition and ongoing management of vacation rental properties. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock also feature investment properties in Louisiana markets, while companies like Hostfully and Beyond Pricing provide revenue optimization tools for Airbnb properties in emerging markets like Cameron.