Is Cameron, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cameron, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Barron County and the City of Cameron, as most Wisconsin municipalities require short-term rental permits and compliance with fire safety codes. Contact Cameron's city clerk office to obtain necessary business licenses and permits, which typically cost $50-200 annually, and ensure your property meets Wisconsin's rental housing standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Find a suitable property in Cameron's residential areas, focusing on homes near Rice Lake or outdoor recreation areas that attract tourists, with purchase prices ranging from $80,000-150,000 for typical properties. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, basic kitchen supplies, linens, and outdoor equipment like fishing gear or snowshoes to appeal to Wisconsin's seasonal tourism. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Cameron's proximity to Rice Lake, Chetek Chain of Lakes, and winter activities, setting competitive rates of $75-125 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, coordinating with local cleaning services in the Rice Lake area, and ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% sales tax collection requirements for short-term rentals while building relationships with Cameron's tourism board and local activity providers for guest recommendations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cameron, Wisconsin, focus on lakefront or near-water locations within 1-2 miles of Beaver Dam Lake or other area lakes, as this drives primary demand from fishing and recreational visitors. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes built after 1980 with rustic charm, full kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and boat access or docks when possible. Analyze comparable nightly rates of $80-150 depending on size and amenities using AirDNA or Mashvisor, while researching seasonal occupancy patterns that typically peak May through September with hunting season providing fall bookings. Study existing competition within a 10-mile radius through Airbnb and VRBO searches, noting gaps in amenities or property types, and consider that Cameron's proximity to Twin Cities vacationers creates weekend demand. Purchase properties under $200,000 when possible to maintain healthy profit margins, and utilize local resources like Barron County tourism data, Wisconsin DNR lake information, and connect with Cameron Area Chamber of Commerce for market insights while monitoring STR regulations through Barron County zoning departments.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cameron, Wisconsin, contact the Cameron Village Clerk's office at 715-458-2841 or visit the village hall at 602 1st Street to request a short-term rental license application. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a $150-200 application fee payable to the Village of Cameron. The application process usually takes 30-45 days for review and approval, during which the village may conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety requirements, and occupancy limits. Cameron requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, provide emergency contact information to neighbors, ensure adequate parking for guests, limit occupancy to no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, and renew the permit annually by December 31st with a $75-100 renewal fee. Properties must also comply with Wisconsin state tax requirements including collecting and remitting room tax, and operators must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for sales tax purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cameron, Wisconsin, as the state does not prohibit STRs at the state level, leaving regulation primarily to local municipalities. Cameron, a small city in Barron County with a population of approximately 1,800, does not appear to have comprehensive STR-specific ordinances as of 2024, meaning STRs likely operate under general zoning and business licensing requirements. Property owners typically need to comply with basic safety standards, obtain any required business licenses, and ensure their rental activities align with residential zoning restrictions. Barron County itself has minimal STR regulations, focusing mainly on health and safety compliance rather than operational restrictions. Unlike larger Wisconsin cities such as Milwaukee or Madison that have implemented detailed STR registration systems, permit requirements, and occupancy limits, Cameron's regulatory approach remains relatively permissive. Recent statewide discussions about STR regulation have occurred since 2020, but no significant legislative changes have directly impacted smaller communities like Cameron, where enforcement tends to be complaint-driven rather than proactive.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Cameron, Wisconsin include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Cameron Fun Days festival. The lakefront properties around Sand Lake and other nearby water bodies are highly desirable for summer tourism, fishing enthusiasts, and families seeking vacation rentals from May through September. Areas near the Tuscobia State Trail are excellent for outdoor recreation tourists, particularly cyclists and ATV riders who travel the 74-mile trail system. Properties within walking distance of Cameron's antique shops and the historic Cameron Depot draw heritage tourists and weekend visitors from the Twin Cities metro area, approximately 90 minutes away. The residential neighborhoods near Highway 8 offer convenient access for business travelers visiting local agricultural operations and small manufacturing facilities, while also serving tourists heading to the greater Chippewa Valley region for events at venues in Rice Lake and Chippewa Falls.

In Cameron, Wisconsin, Airbnb properties are subject to Wisconsin's state sales tax of 5% on lodging accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Additionally, Barron County imposes a local room tax of approximately 3-5% on short-term rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax burden to around 8-10%. 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 Wisconsin around 2018-2019. Airbnb then remits these taxes quarterly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and applicable local jurisdictions on behalf of hosts. However, some hosts may still need to register independently with local tax authorities and file returns if their properties fall outside Airbnb's collection scope or if they use other booking platforms. Exemptions generally apply to rentals of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term stays rather than transient lodging, and properties used exclusively for permanent residential purposes are not subject to these occupancy taxes.

To start an Airbnb in Cameron, Wisconsin, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Wisconsin communities. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,200 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals through Barron County. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total around $800-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$250 monthly), cleaning supplies ($100 monthly), maintenance reserves ($200 monthly), Airbnb fees (3% host fee), and marketing budget total approximately $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include property taxes averaging $2,000-$3,000 annually and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Cameron, Wisconsin, a small town of approximately 1,800 residents in Barron County, typically generate modest returns due to limited tourism demand and lower nightly rates compared to major destinations. Properties in this rural market generally command $60-90 per night during peak summer months and $40-60 during off-season, with average occupancy rates around 35-45% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $8,000-15,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom properties. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($30-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), property taxes ($2,000-4,000), maintenance, and Airbnb's 3% host fee typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 15-25% or roughly $2,000-4,500 annually. Success factors in Cameron include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Chippewa River, competitive pricing below $80/night, exceptional cleanliness standards, and targeting fishing enthusiasts, hunters, and visitors to nearby attractions, though the limited population base and seasonal demand patterns make Cameron properties more suitable as supplemental income rather than primary investment vehicles compared to higher-traffic Wisconsin destinations like Wisconsin Dells or Door County.

Based on Cameron, Wisconsin market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near lakes or recreational areas in Cameron tend to achieve higher returns of 15-20% annually due to seasonal tourism demand, while standard residential properties average 10-15% ROI. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months of operation, with full investment recovery expected in 6-8 years. Cash-on-cash returns are generally strongest in the first 3 years at 12-16%, then stabilize at 8-12% as operating costs increase and market saturation affects pricing power. Properties requiring significant renovation may see extended profitability timelines of 30-36 months but can achieve higher long-term returns of 16-22% once fully optimized for short-term rental operations.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Cameron, Wisconsin. In the Cameron area, local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker Becker Realty and RE/MAX Northwoods Realty have experience with vacation rental properties near the region's lakes and outdoor attractions. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as Vacasa and RedAwning can provide insights into profitable rental markets in the Barron County region. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Awning specialize in turnkey rental properties, while platforms like VRBO and Airbnb themselves offer host resources and market data. Regional Wisconsin vacation rental specialists and lake property experts from firms like Edina Realty and Century 21 often work with investors seeking properties in Cameron's tourism-focused market near Rice Lake and the Chippewa Flowage area.