Many consider taking a road trip an American tradition. It doesn’t matter where or for how long, but there’s something about it that pulls us in. We long to join the millions of travelers before us who have hit the road to see the country.
But lugging suitcases in and out of hotels doesn’t sound enjoyable. And learning how to pull a towable RV or learning how to drive a motorized RV for just one or two trips doesn’t sound like much fun either.
AutoCamp may just be your answer. Let’s learn more about how this company provides great camping experiences in jaw-dropping locations. Let’s dive in.
What Does AutoCamp Mean?
When you hear the abbreviation “auto,” you may think of its longer word “automatic.” When you hear automatic, you might think about something easy and quick, self-functioning without requiring much work.
This is the general idea behind AutoCamp. It’s a camping experience that is automatically set up for you so you can just enjoy the destination without worrying about setting up or bringing a lot of stuff.
What Is AutoCamp?
AutoCamp is a company driven to break down barriers that keep people from experiencing the great outdoors. If the scenario above describes you, then AutoCamp is a great solution.
You don’t have to lug a bunch of stuff, and you don’t have to worry about having an RV. Just get in the car, enjoy the road trip, and settle in at the AutoCamp location of your choice.
They have four stunning locations: Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Russian River, and Cape Cod. AutoCamp Catskills will open in spring 2022, and AutoCamp Zion will launch in 2023.
Depending on the location, accommodations include either an Airstream suite or a luxurious tent. Inside each suite, you’ll find all the basics — cookware, towels, linens, a fire pit, etc. There is also Wi-Fi available.
How Did AutoCamp Get Started?
In 2013, Neil Dipaola began AutoCamp with the hope of creating a unique hotel-like experience with Airstream travel trailers.
He wanted to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors by establishing different locations while not worrying about setting up and transporting an RV. It’s a glamping experience for novice and seasoned campers.
Since it costs 30-40% less to build an AutoCamp than a hotel, Dipaola has raised money to fund several locations near cities and within driving distances of iconic outdoor areas. In 2019, Neil Dipaola made the Most Creative People list by Fast Company Magazine.
Does Airstream Own AutoCamp?
Airstream has partnered with AutoCamp but doesn’t own it. Airstream has made custom RVs just for the AutoCamp locations. Just outside Yosemite National Park, you’ll find 80 of these iconic trailers at AutoCamp Yosemite.
Travelers can stay in these expensive trailers without having to fork out $100,000 or more to purchase one. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the hitching, setting up, and towing stresses of owning an RV.
Where Can I Find an AutoCamp?
On the company website, you’ll find links to all four of the current locations and the two in progress on the company website. Pick one, enter your check-in and check-out dates, and get ready for your adventure.
You might want to check out some offers and packages too. These include percentages off your stay, add-on experiences like a fireside package, and military and first responder discounts.
AutoCamp Russian River sits among the beautiful Sonoma redwoods in the heart of California’s wine country. You’ll find the AutoCamp Yosemite near the Yosemite National Park entrance.
The newest location, AutoCamp Joshua Tree, will operate fully with a heated pool by March 2022. You’re just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.
The single eastern location at AutoCamp Cape Cod sits close to the Atlantic shoreline, where you can enjoy the iconic lobster rolls and northeastern culture of Cape Cod.
What Do I Need to Bring to AutoCamp?
AutoCamp creates an easy environment to enjoy the outdoors. No unhitching, no leveling, no setup needed. Bring the essentials like appropriate seasonal clothing and toiletries.
If you plan on cooking during your stay, you’ll want to bring food, cooking oil, spices, and a camping stove. They do have mini-refrigerators, but if you plan on bringing a lot of food, you may want to also include a cooler.
AutoCamp provides linens, pillows, blankets, towels, and robes just like you’d expect at a hotel. Each location also provides some kitchen items like dishware, flatware, bottle openers, can openers, and basic cookware.
However, you can visit the local restaurants and enjoy the area’s local cuisine instead, depending on your location.
How Much Does AutoCamp Cost?
The cost varies from season to season and location to location. For example, a stay at AutoCamp Joshua Tree in January in a Classic Airstream Suite will cost around $250 per night. The same suite at AutoCamp Yosemite in March will cost around $180 per night.
A luxury tent at AutoCamp Cape Cod in August will cost around $240 per night. Weekend stays will also be more expensive than weeknight stays. Some locations will cost over $300 per night for a weekend stay during peak season.
Is Staying at AutoCamp Worth It?
If you want a boutique-type vacation experience in iconic outdoor locations, check out AutoCamp.It may cost a bit more than luxury hotel suites, but you may find the scenery worth the price.
Plus, you can stay in comfortable and convenient accommodations. Explore America’s national parks, bask in the beauty of the great outdoors, and relax by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
AutoCamp has a lot to offer. And as the company continues to open new locations, you might soon have one near you. Where would you like to make a reservation?
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