If you’re passionate about the outdoors, why not turn that love into a business? There’s no reason to be confined to an office to make a living. Whether it’s working in nature, providing outdoor services, or selling gear for outdoor activities, there are many opportunities to create your own business that lets you enjoy the fresh air while earning an income. The best part is that many outdoor ventures don’t require a significant initial investment.
If you’re ready to swap your desk for the great outdoors, here’s how to begin building an outdoor business as thrilling as your next adventure.
15 best outdoor business ideas to start in 2025
Outdoor fitness classes
If you love fitness and being outside, combine the two and start an outdoor fitness class business. Imagine leading a group of people in a yoga session at sunrise or hosting a high-energy boot camp in the park. You’ll get to help people improve their health while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. All you need is a knack for motivating others and a good understanding of fitness. Plus, you won’t have to worry about expensive gym rentals—outdoor spaces are free! With the growing focus on wellness, this is a great opportunity to turn your love for fitness into a profitable business.
Outdoor adventure business
Ever dreamt of taking people on thrilling adventures? Starting an outdoor adventure business might be your perfect fit. Whether it’s organizing guided hiking trips, leading rock climbing excursions, or offering kayaking trips, you’ll help people explore nature in exciting ways. The demand for unique, adrenaline-pumping experiences is high, so you’ll be tapping into a lucrative market. You’ll need some equipment and permits, but the rewards can be huge. The best part? You get to be outside, doing what you love, while sharing your passion for the outdoors.
Mobile car wash business
With just a few supplies, you can bring the car wash directly to your customers, whether they’re at home, work, or any other location. This business is incredibly convenient for car owners, especially in busy areas where people want to save time. It’s a low-overhead business with high earning potential, as you can charge per vehicle or offer subscription services. The startup costs are fairly minimal—mainly equipment like water tanks, cleaning supplies, and a reliable vehicle.
Outdoor cleaning business
From pressure washing driveways to gutter cleaning, outdoor cleaning services are in high demand, especially in areas with harsh weather or lots of foliage. People are always looking for someone to help maintain the exterior of their homes, and this business offers a perfect solution. You’ll need a few key tools like pressure washers, ladders, and cleaning supplies, but the best part is that you can start small and expand your services as your business grows. It’s a flexible business that allows you to work on a variety of properties, from residential homes to commercial spaces.
Gardening and landscaping services
If you love being outside and have an eye for design, starting a gardening and landscaping business could be a perfect fit. Whether it’s planting beautiful flower beds, designing backyard gardens, or maintaining lawns, this business allows you to get creative while helping people improve their outdoor spaces. The demand for professional landscaping is strong, as many people want to enhance their yards but don’t have the time or expertise to do it themselves. Starting a landscaping business requires basic tools and equipment, but the potential for high earnings is significant.
Dog walking services
For dog lovers, a dog walking service is an ideal outdoor business. Many pet owners need help walking their dogs during the workday or while they’re away, and this business allows you to offer that much-needed service. You’ll get to spend your days outside, interacting with furry friends, while earning money. Dog walking is a great business to start with minimal investment—just your time, a good pair of shoes, and a reliable way to get around. You can also offer additional services like pet sitting or grooming to increase your income.
Pool cleaning services
Pool owners need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep their pools sparkling and safe to swim in, making this a high-demand service. You’ll be responsible for cleaning pool filters, skimming debris, and checking chemical levels, all of which require a bit of technical knowledge. While the startup costs for equipment and tools are moderate, this business can be incredibly profitable, especially in communities with a high concentration of pool owners.
Equipment rentals
Not everyone has the gear to go on an outdoor adventure, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy one! Starting an outdoor equipment rental business allows you to provide everything from tents to bikes to kayaks, helping people enjoy their favorite outdoor activities without the investment. This business is perfect for areas near national parks, lakes, or tourist destinations. You’ll need a bit of startup capital to purchase the equipment, but once that’s in place, it’s a relatively low-maintenance business with great profit potential.
Outdoor event planning
Outdoor event planning gives you the chance to throw everything from weddings to corporate picnics to birthday parties, all in beautiful outdoor settings. With an eye for detail and strong organizational skills, you’ll coordinate every aspect of the event from venue selection to décor and entertainment. The outdoor setting adds a unique touch that guests will never forget.
Landscape photography
If you’ve ever wandered through a breathtaking landscape and thought, “I need to capture this,” landscape photography could be the business for you. Whether it’s sweeping mountain views or serene beach sunsets, you’ll have the chance to capture nature’s beauty while turning it into a profitable business. From selling prints to licensing your photos for commercial use, the possibilities are endless. You’ll need quality camera equipment and a good eye for composition, but once you’ve built a portfolio, the income potential is significant.
Organic farming
If you’re passionate about sustainability and healthy living, organic farming could be the perfect business to dive into. Growing organic fruits and vegetables allows you to offer fresh, healthy produce to consumers who are increasingly conscious about what they eat. Whether you sell directly to local markets, through a CSA (community-supported agriculture) program, or at farmers’ markets, organic produce is in high demand. While starting an organic farm requires a solid knowledge of farming practices and an investment in land and equipment, it’s a rewarding and eco-friendly business with the potential for strong, steady profits.
Mobile food stand
Craving the freedom to serve up delicious food wherever the crowd is? A mobile food stand or food truck business could be your ticket to success. Whether you’re flipping burgers, serving tacos, or offering vegan treats, mobile food stands are the perfect way to bring your culinary creations to the people. You’ll have the flexibility to set up in high-traffic outdoor spaces like parks, festivals, and busy street corners. Starting costs are relatively low compared to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, and with the right menu and location, the profits can roll in quickly.
Delivery or courier service
If you’re looking for a business that’s flexible and in high demand, a delivery or courier service might be the perfect fit. Whether you’re delivering groceries, e-commerce orders, or local packages, people are always looking for quick and reliable delivery solutions. With the growing trend of online shopping, there’s a steady need for delivery services, especially in local neighborhoods or more rural areas. It’s a business you can start with just a vehicle and a phone, and it scales easily as you grow your customer base.
Equipment repair services
If you’re handy with tools and love outdoor gear, an equipment repair service could be the ideal business for you. From fixing bikes and tents to repairing kayaks and skis, there’s always a demand for repairs on outdoor equipment. Customers want to extend the life of their gear without having to replace it, which makes this a valuable service for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll need a bit of technical know-how and some basic tools, but once you establish yourself, this business can be highly profitable.
Snow removal
If you live in an area that gets heavy snow, starting a snow removal business can be a great way to make money during the winter months. Whether you’re clearing driveways, sidewalks, or entire parking lots, people are willing to pay for quick and reliable snow removal services. The best part? You can work seasonally—there’s no need to worry about year-round overhead costs. You’ll need a truck or snowplow and some basic equipment, but once the snow starts falling, the demand for your services will rise.
How to start an outdoor business
Starting an outdoor business takes some planning, but it’s definitely doable. Here are five steps to help you get started and grow your business successfully.
Step 1. Plan out your business
Start by outlining your business’s vision and goals. Writing a well-thought-out business plan is the foundation of a successful business. It serves as a guide for setting goals, understanding your market, and attracting potential investors.
Following a structured approach helps you ensure your plan covers all necessary details. Here’s a short checklist to consider when writing your business plan.
- Write a clear overview of your outdoor business idea, which includes your mission and vision.
- Conduct market research to understand your target audience, competitors, and industry trends.
- Define your products and services and highlight their unique features and benefits.
- Develop a marketing strategy that specifies how you’ll reach your audience.
- Outline financial projections, including startup costs, revenue estimates, and funding needs.
Step 2. Address and comply with all legal requirements
Like all businesses, you need to follow local, state, and federal regulations. Operating in public spaces usually requires compliance with local rules regarding permits, usage fees, and safety protocols.
This step may differ for each outdoor business since each requires a different license and permit. For example, if your outdoor business impacts natural areas, you may need to get an environmental permit.
You can approach local organizations to help determine which permit or license you need to operate your outdoor business.
Step 3. Gather your resources
To set up your business, gather any required equipment or tools, such as cleaning supplies for cleaning services or gear for an outdoor adventure business.
Set up an efficient scheduling, communication, and payment system to ensure smooth operations.
Step 4. Create a realistic budget
Create a realistic budget that covers operational and startup costs.
Think about the expenses needed to get your business off the ground. For example, a mobile car wash business may need costs for a portable pressure washer, cleaning supplies, and water.
Plan for ongoing costs as well, like fuel for traveling to clients and equipment maintenance.
It’s also a good idea to include a contingency fund in your budget. These funds will handle unexpected expenses like repairing damaged tools or replacing stolen equipment.
Lastly, analyze the pricing of your services and estimate customer demand. Tracking your revenue can help you adjust pricing or services based on customer preferences and competition.
Step 5. Promote your business
Your marketing strategy determines how effectively your outdoor business connects with potential customers. To start, create a unique brand identity that’s recognizable and resonates with your customers. This includes a logo, a business name, and cohesive messaging.
A big part of modern marketing is having an online presence. Build a website that shows off your services, prices, testimonials, and contact information. Bringing your outdoor business online will help you attract more customers and establish a solid reputation.
Social media is another great way to engage with your audience. Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X to engage with your audience. Share content that can inform social media users about your business’s existence and what you do, like behind-the-scenes videos, promotional videos, or tips and tutorials related to your industry.
Common mistakes to avoid when starting an outdoor business
Starting an outdoor business can be rewarding, but planning carefully is important to avoid costly mistakes down the road. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
- Neglecting legal requirements
- Not budgeting accurately
- Offering too many services at once
- Ignoring feedback and poor customer service
- Lack of online presence
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can navigate the challenges of running an outdoor business. This way, you’re assured of building a business with sustainable success.
Tips to stay competitive in the outdoor business industry
The outdoor business industry is booming. So, you have more competition. But how can you stay on top of the game?
Here are a few tips to help you stay competitive in the industry.
Diversify your offerings
Don’t limit yourself to a single product or service line. A diverse range of products and services can keep your outdoor business thriving.
Explore new gear, apparel, or services that complement your offerings. A wider range of options can keep your business relevant.
But don’t spread yourself too thin. Offering too many options at once can hurt the quality of your services and stretch your resources too far. Provide enough offerings that appeal to a broader audience without compromising on quality.
Build customer loyalty
Speaking of customers, building strong relationships with your customers is important. Loyal customers will support your business in the long run.
Start by providing excellent customer service. Then, go beyond that—offer exclusive deals, create memorable experiences, and always exceed expectations. When customers know they can trust you, they’ll keep coming back.
The key is to be good at what you do and be a trusted friend to your customers.
Keep up with trends
The outdoor industry is always changing, with new trends emerging every season. To stay ahead of the curve, follow industry news, attend trade shows, and connect with other outdoor enthusiasts.
Embrace sustainable practices, explore modern technologies, and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Take your outdoor business online with Web.com
The outdoor industry is full of opportunities for entrepreneurs. By tapping into the growing demand for outdoor experiences and services and ensuring careful planning, you can build a successful business.
To take your business further, bring your outdoor business online. Web.com offers website-building tools, SEO (search engine optimization) to get you noticed online, and even marketing services—all to help you build a strong online presence that attracts customers who share your passion for the outdoors.
