Is Camp Lake, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Camp Lake, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws through Kenosha County and the Town of Salem planning departments, as Camp Lake falls under their jurisdiction, checking if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zone and obtaining any required conditional use permits or business licenses, which typically cost $50-200 annually. Next, secure appropriate property either by purchasing a home in the $200,000-400,000 range typical for the area or converting an existing property, ensuring it meets Wisconsin's rental property safety codes including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Register for Wisconsin state taxes and obtain a seller's permit for collecting room taxes, then contact your insurance provider to add short-term rental coverage to your policy. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local amenities information, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to Camp Lake's recreational activities, Chain O' Lakes, and nearby attractions like Lake Geneva, setting competitive rates around $100-200 per night based on local market analysis. Finally, establish management systems including automated messaging, cleaning schedules with local services (expect to pay $75-150 per turnover), key exchange methods, and guest communication protocols while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin's 30-day advance booking requirements for certain rental types and keeping detailed records for tax purposes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Camp Lake, Wisconsin, focus on waterfront or lake-view properties within walking distance of Camp Lake itself, as this small community's primary draw is its proximity to the lake and outdoor recreation activities. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with amenities like docks, fire pits, outdoor spaces, and modern kitchens that appeal to families and groups seeking weekend getaways from nearby Milwaukee and Chicago markets. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius including Lake Geneva and Burlington, aiming for properties that can command $150-300 per night during peak summer months while maintaining 60-70% occupancy rates. Study competition by monitoring existing STR listings in Kenosha County, noting their booking calendars, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps or underserved niches. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local MLS data through Wisconsin Realtors Association, while connecting with Camp Lake area real estate agents familiar with lakefront properties and checking local zoning regulations through Kenosha County planning department to ensure STR compliance before purchasing.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Camp Lake, Wisconsin, contact the Kenosha County Planning and Development Department at 19600 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104, as Camp Lake falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed short-term rental application form along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100. Required documents also include a completed background check form, emergency contact information, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking spaces. The property must comply with residential zoning requirements, maintain maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage, provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, and ensure 24/7 local contact availability within 30 minutes of the property. The review process typically takes 30-45 days from submission of complete application, during which time the county may conduct an on-site inspection to verify compliance with building codes, fire safety requirements, and zoning regulations. Once approved, the permit must be renewed annually and displayed prominently at the rental property, with operators required to maintain guest registries and remit applicable room taxes to Kenosha County.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Camp Lake, Wisconsin are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. As a small unincorporated community in Kenosha County, Camp Lake falls under county jurisdiction for STR regulations, which typically require property owners to obtain proper permits and comply with safety standards, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. The area around Camp Lake, being primarily residential with some lakefront properties, may have specific zoning designations that restrict or prohibit STRs in certain residential districts to preserve neighborhood character. Kenosha County has implemented registration requirements for STR operators since approximately 2020-2021, mandating that hosts register their properties, maintain liability insurance, and ensure compliance with building codes and fire safety regulations. Properties located in purely residential zones may face more stringent restrictions or outright prohibitions, while those in mixed-use or commercial zones typically have more flexibility. Recent changes have focused on increasing oversight and ensuring STRs don't negatively impact permanent residents, with enhanced enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties for non-compliance.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Camp Lake, Wisconsin include the lakefront properties along Camp Lake itself, which attract summer tourists, fishing enthusiasts, and families seeking weekend getaways from nearby Chicago and Milwaukee markets. The downtown historic district near Highway 83 offers potential for business travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities and those attending events at nearby venues. Properties within walking distance of Camp Lake Beach and the public boat launch command premium rates during peak summer months (May-September) due to water recreation activities. The residential areas along Lakeshore Drive and surrounding streets provide attractive investment opportunities for larger group accommodations, particularly during wedding season when couples utilize the scenic lake backdrop. Additionally, properties near the Camp Lake Fire Department and community center benefit from visitors attending local festivals and community events throughout the year, while the proximity to Interstate 94 makes these locations appealing to business travelers working with companies like Abbott Laboratories and other major employers in the greater Kenosha-Racine corridor.

Camp Lake, Wisconsin imposes a 5.5% state sales tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as of 2018. Kenosha County adds a 5% room tax on lodging stays under 30 days, bringing the total occupancy tax to approximately 10.5% for most Airbnb bookings. The county room tax is collected by Airbnb through their occupancy tax collection service and remitted quarterly to Kenosha County. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from these occupancy taxes. Individual hosts who collect taxes directly must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Kenosha County, file monthly or quarterly returns depending on volume, and remit taxes by the 20th of the month following collection. Some municipalities within Kenosha County may impose additional local lodging taxes ranging from 2-4%, though specific rates for Camp Lake vary by local ordinance.

Starting an Airbnb in Camp Lake, Wisconsin requires approximately $285,000-$320,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage cost approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total around $1,000-$2,000. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), property management software ($50/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), and marketing expenses ($100/month) amount to approximately $6,000-$9,000, bringing the total startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Camp Lake, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for modest 2-3 bedroom homes, with higher-end lakefront properties potentially earning $40,000-$60,000 annually based on seasonal demand from Chicago and Milwaukee visitors seeking weekend getaways. Operating expenses generally range from 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$5,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically fall between 20-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins by focusing on lake access amenities, seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on summer peak rates of $150-$250 per night versus winter rates of $80-$120, and maintaining high guest satisfaction scores above 4.7 stars. Properties within walking distance of Camp Lake itself command premium rates and achieve 60-75% occupancy during peak season (May-September), while those further from water features see 45-60% occupancy rates, with success factors including professional photography, responsive communication, local activity recommendations, and partnerships with nearby attractions like Lake Geneva resorts to capture overflow demand during busy weekends.

Based on Camp Lake, Wisconsin market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location proximity to Geneva Lake recreational areas. Properties within 2-3 miles of the lake command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer months (May-September), while off-season rates drop to $80-120 per night. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with average annual gross revenues of $25,000-$40,000 for 2-3 bedroom homes. Properties requiring significant renovations may see extended profitability timelines of 30-36 months, while turnkey lakefront or lake-view properties can achieve positive cash flow within 12-15 months due to higher occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak season and 35-45% during off-season months.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties and provides market analysis for Airbnb investors looking in Camp Lake, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group with offices in nearby Burlington and Lake Geneva, RE/MAX Realty 100 serving the southeastern Wisconsin market, and Shorewest Realtors which has extensive coverage in Wisconsin lake communities. First Weber Realtors also operates in the region and has experience with vacation rental properties around Wisconsin's lake areas. National services that can assist include Mashvisor for property analysis and market research, AirDNA for short-term rental data and performance metrics, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and finding deals. RedAwning provides vacation rental market insights, while Awning offers full-service Airbnb property management for investors. Local property management companies that work with Airbnb investors include Lake Geneva Property Management and Wisconsin Vacation Rentals, both established around 2015-2018 to serve the growing short-term rental market in southeastern Wisconsin's lake region.