Walden has released the first-ever Unique Accommodations Buying Guide: North America Edition, a resource designed to help outdoor hospitality operators, developers, and landowners navigate a fast-growing segment of the industry.
The guide, which became available today, September 15, marks the first in a series of three, with cabin and tent editions set to follow.
The new guide features more than 750 products from 137 manufacturers, covering options such as domes, yurts, pods, wagons, treehouses, container homes, and converted RVs.
It compiles detailed product data, pricing signals, material specifications, warranty information, and direct manufacturer contacts in one place.
According to Walden, the guide arrives at a critical moment for the outdoor hospitality market.
Thirty-two percent of operators surveyed cited uncertainty about which manufacturer best fits their needs as the greatest barrier to expanding accommodations.
“The outdoor accommodations market has been slowed for too long by hidden details and fragmented information. Transparency isn’t just a value, it’s a catalyst,” said Whitney Scott, founder and principal at Walden.
“By bringing clarity to what exists and aligning how products are presented, we accelerate the buying channel. This is about giving both buyers and manufacturers the shared language and insight they need to move faster, smarter, and with confidence,” Scott added.
The publication also includes a market report analyzing manufacturing supply trends, operator motivations, and consumer demand for outdoor accommodations.
It incorporates insights from recognized leaders in the sector, including Todd Wynne Parry, an innovator in outdoor hospitality, and John Delaloye, a specialist in canvas craftsmanship.
For operators, the resource is intended to provide a practical starting point for evaluating high-cost investments in new lodging types. These accommodations often require tens of thousands of dollars in upfront capital, making accurate comparisons an essential step before purchase.
“We’ve seen how costly and time-consuming it can be for operators to find, compare, and evaluate accommodation products,” said Josh Smibert, co-founder of Walden. “This guide shortens that path. It gives decision-makers the context and confidence they need to invest wisely, and helps manufacturers showcase their products in a way that builds trust and speeds adoption.”
The Unique Accommodations Buying Guide: North America Edition is now available for purchase through Walden’s website at waldeninsight.com/guides/outdoor-accommodation-buying-guide.
