Is Camino, California Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Camino, California, begin by researching El Dorado County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate and compliance with zoning laws that may restrict rentals in residential areas to a maximum of 30 days per year without special permits. Contact El Dorado County Planning Services to obtain the necessary Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for short-term rentals, which costs approximately $2,000-$3,500 and requires neighbor notification and potential public hearings. Secure a suitable property through purchase or long-term lease agreements, ensuring it meets county fire safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and outdoor amenities that appeal to visitors seeking Sierra Nevada foothills experiences, budgeting $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting the property's proximity to Apple Hill, wineries, and outdoor recreation, setting competitive rates around $150-$300 per night depending on size and amenities. Implement management systems including automated messaging, professional cleaning services costing $75-$150 per turnover, regular maintenance schedules, and 24/7 guest communication protocols while maintaining compliance with El Dorado County's 10% Transient Occupancy Tax and annual permit renewals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Camino, California, focus on properties within 1-2 miles of Apple Hill's seasonal attractions and wineries, as this rural El Dorado County area sees peak demand during apple harvest season (September-November) and wine country visits. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes with rustic charm, outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large decks that capitalize on the mountain setting, and ensure reliable internet for remote workers seeking rural retreats. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Placerville and Pollock Pines, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, with seasonal adjustments for Apple Hill peak times when rates can increase 40-60%. Competition research should focus on the limited inventory of existing STRs within a 10-mile radius, studying their occupancy rates, guest reviews, and amenities through AirDNA or Mashvisor to identify gaps in the market. Utilize tools like Rabbu for El Dorado County permit requirements, STR Helper for local regulation compliance, and partner with local property management companies familiar with the seasonal tourism patterns, while monitoring Apple Hill business association websites and El Dorado County tourism data to understand visitor trends and optimize your property's positioning for wine tourists, families visiting apple orchards, and outdoor enthusiasts accessing nearby hiking trails and lakes.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Camino, California, you must apply through El Dorado County's Planning and Building Department since Camino is an unincorporated community. Submit your application online through the county's permit portal or in person at 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667. Required documents include a completed Short-Term Rental permit application, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and emergency access, septic system inspection certificate, fire safety compliance documentation, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), business license, and TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) registration. The application fee is approximately $1,200-$1,500 with additional inspection fees of $200-$400. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days for processing and approval. Specific Camino requirements include maintaining adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring septic system capacity meets occupancy limits, providing 24/7 local contact information, limiting occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and posting emergency evacuation routes due to wildfire risks in the area. Annual renewal is required with a fee of approximately $500-$700.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Camino, California are generally legal but subject to El Dorado County regulations since Camino is an unincorporated community. As of 2023, El Dorado County requires STR operators to obtain a Transient Rental permit and comply with specific requirements including occupancy limits (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), parking requirements (one space per bedroom), noise restrictions, and 24/7 local contact availability. The county prohibits STRs in certain residential zones and requires permits to be renewed annually with fees around $500-800. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement mechanisms, increased penalties for violations, and enhanced neighbor notification processes. Properties must meet health and safety standards, display permit numbers in advertisements, and maintain guest registries. Some areas near Lake Tahoe within El Dorado County have additional restrictions, but Camino's location in the western foothills generally allows STRs with proper permitting, though operators must also comply with state tax requirements and local fire safety regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Camino, California are primarily concentrated around the Apple Hill region and Highway 50 corridor, which attract significant seasonal tourism from September through December during apple harvest season when visitors flock to local orchards, wineries, and Christmas tree farms. The historic downtown Camino area near Camino Hotel offers year-round appeal for wine country tourists exploring El Dorado County's growing wine region, with properties benefiting from proximity to numerous boutique wineries and tasting rooms. Areas near Sly Park Recreation Area and Jenkinson Lake provide strong rental potential for outdoor enthusiasts seeking fishing, boating, and camping experiences, particularly during summer months. Properties along Pleasant Valley Road capture both wine tourists and outdoor recreation visitors, offering dual-season income potential. The region benefits from its strategic location between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, making it attractive for weekend getaways and as a stopover destination for travelers heading to mountain recreation areas, with peak seasons during fall harvest festivals and summer outdoor activities driving consistent rental demand.

Airbnb properties in Camino, California are subject to multiple layers of lodging taxes including El Dorado County's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 10% on gross rental receipts for stays under 30 days, which applies to all short-term rentals and is collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the county by the 15th of the month following each quarter. The state of California does not impose a specific statewide lodging tax, but standard sales tax of approximately 7.25-10.25% may apply depending on local jurisdictions. Airbnb typically collects and remits the county TOT directly on behalf of hosts through their platform since around 2017, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and must register with El Dorado County if collecting taxes independently. There are generally no exemptions for standard short-term rental properties, though stays of 30 days or longer are typically exempt from TOT, and some jurisdictions may exempt certain government or non-profit travelers, but hosts should verify current rates and procedures with El Dorado County as tax obligations can change and additional local municipal taxes may apply depending on specific location within Camino.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Camino, California is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in rural El Dorado County. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor suitable for vacation rentals. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, transient occupancy tax registration, and potential county permits range from $500-$1,500. Short-term rental insurance costs $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), property management software ($50/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $8,400. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add $10,000-$15,000 to initial capital requirements.

Airbnb properties in Camino, California, a small unincorporated community in El Dorado County near Apple Hill, typically generate annual revenues ranging from $25,000 to $65,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates between $120-$280 depending on seasonality and proximity to wine country attractions. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$6,000 yearly. Properties near Apple Hill orchards and wineries achieve the highest occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak seasons (September-November and spring months), while winter occupancy drops to 35-45%. Net profit margins typically range from 25-35% for owner-operated properties and 15-25% for professionally managed units. Success factors include proximity to Highway 50 for easy Sacramento access, outdoor amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, pet-friendly policies, and seasonal decorations capitalizing on the area's agricultural tourism. A typical 3-bedroom cabin near Camino's wine trail generates approximately $45,000 annually with $28,000 in expenses, yielding a net profit of $17,000 or 38% margin, though properties further from main attractions may see margins closer to 20-25%.

Airbnb investments in Camino, California typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to Apple Hill attractions and seasonal tourism patterns. Properties in Camino, particularly those near wineries and outdoor recreation areas, command average daily rates of $180-250 during peak seasons (September-November and May-July) with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 3-4 years for well-positioned properties, with vacation rental management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting strong performance metrics for El Dorado County properties. The market benefits from Sacramento metropolitan area demand and wine country tourism, with properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and vineyard views achieving the highest returns, often reaching 20% ROI in optimal locations during strong tourism years like 2022-2024.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities in Camino, California, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents serving the Camino area include Sierra Nevada Properties and Mountain View Realty, both established in the early 2010s and experienced in vacation rental investments in El Dorado County. National services like Awning (founded 2017), Mashvisor (launched 2014), and AirDNA (established 2015) provide detailed Airbnb market analytics and investment guidance for the Camino region. RedAwning, a vacation rental management company operating since 2009, offers both property acquisition assistance and full-service management for investors. Local property management companies such as Tahoe Mountain Lodging and Sierra Vacation Rentals, both operating since approximately 2008, help investors identify suitable properties while offering ongoing management services. BiggerPockets, the real estate investment community founded in 2004, maintains active forums and resources specifically for California short-term rental investors, while Roofstock (launched 2015) occasionally features turnkey Airbnb properties in the greater Sacramento and Lake Tahoe region that includes Camino.