.svg){kind=spacer}
From Nuclear Missile Silo to 6-Figure Airbnb: The Wild Story of Gary Baker’s Underground Bunker Stay
Peek The Playbook: From Nuclear Launch Site to 6-Figure Airbnb
Gary Baker buries his guests nearly 180 feet underground in a decommissioned nuclear missile silo...
And they love it.
On paper, this Airbnb in Roswell, New Mexico, shouldn't work.
• It's buried underground with zero natural light.
• It was designed to launch powerful weapons, not host guests.
• It's in the middle of the desert and breaks every conventional STR rule.
Yet, it's a highly-rated Airbnb bringing in around~$545/night.
Here's how a forgotten Cold War relic became a profitable Airbnb
(and 4 strategic shifts that could double its revenue).
The Story of the Underground Missile Base Airbnb
In 1999, Gary bought two abandoned and stripped underground missile bases from the Cold War for around $55,000 each.
After years of draining groundwater, ventilating and sealing leaks, he turned one silo into his home.
The other became one of the wildest Airbnbs in America.
Inside the Underground STR: A Museum You Can Sleep In
First, it was a former Launch Control Center manned 24/7 by Air Force crews.
But today, the underground bunker is a private, 1,250 sq ft 1 bedroom apartment that’s part museum, part time capsule.
Guests are invited to descend 6 levels to find:
▪️ Authentic Cold War artifacts, manuals, and mission logs
▪️ A private tunnel leading to the 180-foot-deep missile silo
▪️ Underground WiFi & cellular (yes, really)
▪️ A nearly 3-hour guided history tour included with every stay
▪️ Essential amenities like a fully equipped kitchen built into the original reinforced concrete structure
It’s not a place to sleep—it’s like stepping inside a living piece of history.
And it prints cash.
The Results & STR Performance
From a business standpoint, this Airbnb is already a win.
Here’s how it performs:
▪️ ~$545 average nightly rate
▪️ ~55% estimated occupancy
▪️ ~$107,000 annual gross revenue
▪️ ~$20,000 estimated annual expenses
▪️ ~56% cash-on-cash returns
▪️ 4.99 Airbnb Rating + Top 5% stay.
Comparable silos now sell for $500,000+, making this a genius investment with a killer exit strategy.
The Playbook: Why This Airbnb Works
(And How It Could 2X Revenue)
What They Nailed:
• The Story Is the Product
Guests aren’t booking square footage—they’re booking a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With curated artifacts and guided tours, the adventure does the heavy lifting.
• Creative Market Selection
Roswell’s UFO lore and curiosity-driven tourism align perfectly with this strange property’s cult appeal.
It’s also an up-and-coming STR market where property prices are still relatively affordable.
• Exceptional Hosting
For an unusual stay like this, communication and guidance matter. Gary and his team deliver a high-touch experience guests rave about in reviews.
The Opportunity: How They Could Double Their Revenue
While the performance is impressive, they're still leaving a lot of money on the table.
1. Design & comfort upgrades
The interior is caught between museum and rental.
Story draws attention—but design and comfort seal the deal. Elevating furniture, lighting, decor, and luxurious touches could encourage longer stays and higher rates without losing the historical charm.
2. "Meh" photography is a silent revenue killer
Dark, poorly composed photos undersell a wildly visual story.
Professional photography is one of the highest-ROI upgrades available—showcase emotion, details, and make the hero shot impossible to scroll past.
3. Outdoor space is an untapped goldmine
The remote desert setting is an asset, not a drawback.
Resort-level amenities could turn this into a true experience-driven destination: Stargazing decks, UFO-themed features, fire pits, hot tubs, outdoor games, or night-sky experiences.
4. The major social media blind spot
This Airbnb has a story that markets itself, but no channel to own it.
Social media could showcase unseen artifacts, tour snippets, and behind-the-scenes history, driving demand and opening the door to direct bookings.
A great story and a wow factor get attention.
But strong design and experience-focused amenities turn that attention into consistent revenue—and loyal fans.
Gary’s missile silo Airbnb is already a masterclass in scarcity and story-driven marketing.
Its biggest opportunity now is evolving from a “cool Airbnb” into a category-defining destination brand.
Read the full playbook to dive deeper into Gary’s missile bunker Airbnb—and learn tips to help you optimize your own listings.
And check out the missile silo Airbnb here to give it a ♥️ and see why guests are obsessed.
Cheers,
The Host Camp Team
