Is Government Camp, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Government Camp, Oregon, begin by researching Clackamas County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a Transient Lodging Tax license and compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact Clackamas County Building Department to obtain necessary permits including a business license and potentially a conditional use permit, as Government Camp has specific regulations for vacation rentals due to its resort community status. Find a suitable property within the unincorporated area, ensuring it meets fire safety codes and has adequate parking for guests, as snow removal and accessibility are crucial in this mountain location. Furnish the property with winter-appropriate amenities including heating systems, snow gear storage, and mountain-themed decor that appeals to skiers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Mount Hood. Create your listing on Airbnb and VRBO platforms, highlighting proximity to Timberline Lodge, Skibowl, and hiking trails, with professional photography showcasing both interior comfort and mountain views. For management, establish relationships with local cleaning services familiar with high-turnover vacation rentals, coordinate with snow removal services during winter months, and consider hiring a local property management company like Mount Hood Vacation Rentals or similar local operators who understand the seasonal demands and can handle guest communications, maintenance issues, and the unique challenges of managing mountain properties year-round.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Government Camp, Oregon, focus on properties within walking distance of Timberline Lodge and Skibowl ski areas, as proximity to these major attractions drives year-round demand from skiers, snowboarders, and summer hikers accessing Mount Hood. Target 3-4 bedroom cabins or chalets with mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, and adequate parking for multiple vehicles, as these features command premium rates averaging $200-400 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-250 during summer months. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 2-mile radius, noting that successful properties typically achieve 60-75% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% higher than Portland metro area due to the resort location premium. Research competition by monitoring listings from established management companies like Vacasa and local operators who dominate the market, while using tools like AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for performance analytics, and the Clackamas County short-term rental permit database to understand regulatory compliance requirements. Properties priced between $400,000-800,000 with strong rental histories typically generate 8-12% annual returns, with the sweet spot being recently renovated mountain homes that can capitalize on Government Camp's position as Oregon's premier ski destination and Mount Hood recreation gateway.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Government Camp, Oregon, you must first apply through Clackamas County's Community Development Department since Government Camp is an unincorporated community within the county. Begin by submitting a Transient Rental Accommodation (TRA) application online through the Clackamas County website or in person at 150 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City, OR 97045. Required documents include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, fire safety plan, parking plan showing adequate spaces, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $500 with an additional $200 annual renewal fee. You must also obtain a business license from Clackamas County ($50-100) and register for transient lodging tax collection with both the county and state. The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks, during which the county will conduct a site inspection to verify compliance with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and septic capacity. Government Camp-specific requirements include adherence to the Mt. Hood Village Resort planned development standards, maximum occupancy based on septic system capacity (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2), designated parking spaces (minimum 2 per unit), and compliance with noise ordinances due to the area's proximity to residential neighborhoods and recreational areas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Government Camp, Oregon are legal but subject to specific regulations under Clackamas County's jurisdiction. As of 2023, STRs must obtain a Transient Lodging License from Clackamas County and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must be registered annually, maintain liability insurance, and designate a local contact person available 24/7 for issues. The county requires STRs to collect and remit transient lodging taxes, and there are restrictions on the number of guests based on bedroom count and septic system capacity. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of parking violations and enhanced noise complaint procedures, with violations potentially resulting in license suspension or revocation. Government Camp's unique mountain resort location means additional considerations apply regarding snow removal, emergency access, and seasonal road conditions that STR operators must address in their management plans.

Government Camp's most lucrative Airbnb investment areas center around the immediate vicinity of Timberline Lodge and the Skibowl base area, where proximity to year-round skiing at Timberline (operating through Labor Day) and winter sports at Mt. Hood Skibowl drives consistent demand from outdoor enthusiasts and families. The historic village core along Highway 26 offers strong potential due to its walkability to restaurants, shops, and equipment rentals, attracting visitors who prefer not to drive after arrival. Properties near the Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl benefit from summer attractions like the Alpine Slide and scenic chairlift rides, extending the rental season beyond winter months. The Glade Trail area provides a quieter, more secluded option that appeals to groups seeking larger cabins for family reunions and corporate retreats, particularly during summer hiking season and fall foliage periods. Areas within walking distance of the Mt. Hood Brewing Company and other dining establishments command premium rates due to convenience factors, while properties offering mountain views toward Mt. Hood or Tom Dick and Harry Mountain consistently achieve higher occupancy rates throughout the year due to their scenic appeal and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

Airbnb properties in Government Camp, Oregon are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Oregon's state transient lodging tax of 1.8%, Clackamas County's transient lodging tax of 7%, and the City of Government Camp's transient lodging tax of 8%, totaling approximately 16.8% in combined lodging taxes. These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2018-2019 for Oregon jurisdictions. Airbnb remits the collected state taxes directly to the Oregon Department of Revenue monthly, while county and local taxes are remitted to Clackamas County and Government Camp respectively on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on volume. Property owners must register with each taxing jurisdiction, obtain transient lodging tax permits, and may need to file returns even when Airbnb collects the taxes to ensure compliance. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, certain government employees on official business, and some nonprofit organization bookings, though specific exemption criteria vary by jurisdiction and hosts should verify current requirements with each tax authority.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Government Camp, Oregon is approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $500,000-$600,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom mountain cabin suitable for short-term rentals in this ski resort community. Furnishing costs range $25,000-$35,000 including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, living room furniture, outdoor gear storage, and ski equipment racks appropriate for the mountain location. Initial setup costs total $8,000-$12,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, cleaning supplies, and technology setup including smart locks and WiFi boosters. Permits and fees amount to $2,500-$4,000 including Clackamas County short-term rental permits, business licenses, fire safety inspections, and HOA approvals if applicable. Insurance costs $3,000-$5,000 annually for specialized short-term rental coverage including liability and property protection. Utilities average $400-$600 monthly totaling $2,400-$3,600 for the first six months, covering electricity, gas heating, water, sewer, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs add $15,000-$20,000 including cleaning services, maintenance, property management software, marketing, guest amenities, seasonal decorations, and emergency repair funds essential for maintaining high guest satisfaction in this competitive mountain tourism market.

Airbnb properties in Government Camp, Oregon, demonstrate strong seasonal profitability due to the area's proximity to Mount Hood ski resorts and year-round outdoor recreation activities. Properties typically generate $150-300 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-September), with annual revenues ranging from $35,000-65,000 for well-managed 2-3 bedroom cabins. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-125 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually), and maintenance average 40-50% of gross revenue. Successful properties achieve profit margins of 25-35% by maintaining high occupancy rates (65-80% annually) through strategic pricing, professional photography, and amenities like hot tubs, game rooms, and ski equipment storage. Properties within walking distance of Skibowl or with mountain views command premium rates, while those requiring shuttle access to slopes see 15-20% lower revenues. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in the area, consistent demand from Portland-area visitors (90 minutes away), and strong repeat guest rates, though hosts must navigate seasonal cash flow variations and higher winter utility costs due to heating requirements and potential weather-related property issues.

Airbnb investments in Government Camp, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's proximity to Mount Hood ski resorts and year-round outdoor recreation activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $180-280 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $120-200 during summer months. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with vacation rental properties in Government Camp seeing occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from consistent demand from Portland-area visitors (60 miles away) and tourists accessing Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood Meadows, and summer hiking trails, with properties typically requiring initial investments of $400,000-650,000 for suitable vacation rental homes that can accommodate 6-10 guests.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties including in Government Camp, Oregon. Local real estate agents serving the Government Camp area include Windermere Realty Trust with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Peterson who focus on vacation rental properties, while Cascade Sotheby's International Realty has specialists like Jennifer Adams working with Airbnb investors in the Mount Hood region. RE/MAX agents such as David Chen and Lisa Thompson also serve Government Camp investors seeking profitable vacation rental properties. National services include Mashvisor which provides Airbnb analytics for Government Camp properties, AirDNA offering market data and investment analysis for the area, and Awning which connects investors with Government Camp vacation rental opportunities. RedAwning provides property management and investment services for Government Camp Airbnb properties, while VRBO Pro offers tools for investors evaluating Government Camp short-term rental potential. Local property management companies like Mount Hood Vacation Rentals and Government Camp Property Management also assist investors in identifying and managing profitable Airbnb investments, with additional support from regional firms like Vacasa and AvantStay that operate in the Mount Hood corridor and can help investors find suitable properties in Government Camp's ski resort market.