Is Cameron, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cameron, Texas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Milam County planning department and Cameron city hall, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential areas. Obtain necessary business licenses from the Texas Secretary of State, register for state and local taxes including Texas sales tax (currently 6.25% plus local taxes), and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Find a suitable property by researching Cameron's real estate market, focusing on areas near attractions like the Davey Crockett Spring Park or downtown historic district, with properties typically ranging from $80,000-$200,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, air conditioning (crucial for Texas heat), and local touches that reflect Cameron's small-town charm and proximity to Bryan-College Station. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing (typically $75-$150 per night for Cameron area), and detailed descriptions highlighting nearby attractions like Texas A&M University (30 minutes away) and local parks. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols, responding promptly to guest inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and building relationships with local service providers for maintenance and cleaning needs while staying compliant with any HOA restrictions if applicable.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cameron, Texas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Cameron Park and the Brazos River, as these natural attractions drive tourism year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and fishing groups comprise the primary visitor demographic. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 10-mile radius, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates typically ranging 45-65% annually in this market. Research competition by monitoring existing STR listings in Cameron and nearby Rockdale, noting that properties near recreational areas command premium pricing during hunting season (October-January) and summer months. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and the Milam County Appraisal District website for property values, while checking local zoning regulations since Cameron allows STRs in most residential areas but requires business licenses through the city clerk's office.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cameron, Texas, you must first contact the Cameron City Hall at 405 E 5th Street or call (254) 697-4418 to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance requirements, as many small Texas cities have implemented regulations since 2020-2022. You'll typically need to submit a completed STR permit application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a site plan or floor plan of the property, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy if required, provide proof of liability insurance (usually $500,000-$1,000,000), pass a fire safety inspection, and pay applicable fees which generally range from $100-$300 annually in similar Texas municipalities. Required documents usually include a valid Texas driver's license or ID, property tax records, utility bills, emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 miles, and parking plan documentation. The timeline typically takes 30-60 days from application submission to approval, depending on inspection scheduling and document review. Cameron may require compliance with occupancy limits (often 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, proper waste management arrangements, and registration renewal annually, so contact the city directly to confirm current requirements as ordinances vary significantly between Texas municipalities.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cameron, Texas, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. However, operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and may need to obtain a general business permit from the city. Properties used as STRs must meet basic safety and zoning requirements, and residential zoning areas may have restrictions on commercial activities that could affect some STR operations. There are no specific prohibited areas designated by the city, but operators should verify compliance with homeowners association rules if applicable. Cameron follows Texas state law regarding STRs, which generally allows them unless specifically restricted by local ordinance. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs across Texas municipalities, but Cameron has not implemented the stricter regulations seen in larger cities like Austin or Dallas. Property owners should register their business with the state, collect applicable taxes, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits, though enforcement may be limited due to the city's smaller administrative capacity.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Cameron, Texas include the historic downtown district near the courthouse square, which attracts visitors interested in the town's Czech heritage and annual festivals like Dewberry Festival, and properties within walking distance of Milam County attractions. The area around Highway 77 corridor offers good accessibility for business travelers visiting local agricultural operations and the nearby Sandow Lakes Recreation Area. Neighborhoods close to the Cameron Park and the historic depot area appeal to tourists exploring small-town Texas charm and antique shopping. Properties near the Cameron Country Club attract visitors attending local events and those seeking rural retreats. The residential areas along FM 485 and near Little River provide peaceful settings for families visiting relatives or attending local celebrations, while still maintaining reasonable proximity to Bryan-College Station (about 45 minutes away) for overflow accommodation during Texas A&M events and activities.

In Cameron, Texas, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Texas state hotel occupancy tax is 6% of the room rate, while Cameron County imposes an additional local hotel occupancy tax of 2%, bringing the total occupancy tax to 8%. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Texas Comptroller's office on a monthly basis for state taxes and to Cameron County for local taxes. Hosts who collect taxes independently must register with the Texas Comptroller and file monthly returns by the 20th of each month following the reporting period, along with remitting collected taxes. The City of Cameron may impose an additional municipal hotel occupancy tax of up to 7%, though the exact rate varies by local ordinance. Exemptions typically include stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and accommodations provided to certain government employees on official business. Hosts should verify current rates with local tax authorities as municipalities can adjust rates periodically, and failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges.

To start an Airbnb in Cameron, Texas, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000 based on median home prices in rural East Texas markets. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees depending on local Cameron regulations. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable typically cost $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($200-$300 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200 monthly), property management software ($50 monthly), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial launch period.

Airbnb properties in Cameron, Texas typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,600 for well-managed properties with 60-80% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly) typically consume 45-65% of gross revenue. Properties near Cameron Park or with unique features like pools or proximity to Brazos River activities achieve higher occupancy and premium pricing, with successful hosts reporting net profit margins of 25-40% annually. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000-220,000 in Cameron can generate $18,000-35,000 in annual revenue with net profits of $8,000-18,000 after expenses, representing 4-8% cash-on-cash returns. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, strategic pricing during peak seasons like summer lake activities and hunting seasons, and maintaining properties to hotel-like standards, with top-performing hosts in the area achieving 85%+ occupancy rates through consistent 5-star reviews and repeat bookings from visitors to nearby attractions and business travelers to the region.

Airbnb investments in Cameron, Texas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the local market dynamics and tourism patterns in this small Milam County city. Properties near Lake Cameron and recreational areas tend to perform better, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. The market benefits from weekend getaway demand from Austin and Houston metro areas, approximately 2-3 hours away, though occupancy rates average 45-60% annually due to the rural location and limited year-round attractions. Initial investment costs are relatively low with median property prices around $80,000-$150,000, allowing for faster break-even periods, while average daily rates typically range from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Investors should expect gross rental yields of 10-15% annually, though net returns after expenses, maintenance, and vacancy periods typically settle in the 8-12% range for well-managed properties in desirable locations near the lake or main recreational facilities.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Cameron, Texas. In the Cameron area, local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker United Realtors and RE/MAX have experience with investment properties and can assist with Airbnb acquisitions. National services such as Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for Cameron's rental market. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors maximize returns on Airbnb properties in the region. Local property management companies like Milam County Property Management have been expanding into short-term rental services since 2020. Investment-focused real estate firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes have been active in Texas markets including smaller cities like Cameron since 2019. Additionally, platforms like Awning and AvantStay provide comprehensive services from property acquisition to management for Airbnb investors looking at Cameron's growing tourism market near Temple and the Brazos River corridor.