Camping sure has come a long way. I remember pitching an old Baker tent that still smelled like it did during World War II, 50-years-later. That wasn’t very glamorous. Nowadays, the term “glamping” is all the rage. It began as souped-up tent camping where nature and luxury met to welcome new campers who wanted the outdoor experience but without sacrificing comfort. The definition continues to evolve.
Glamping company AutoCamp first came on the scene in 2019, taking luxury camping to a new level. They tempt travelers with luxury 31-foot-long Airstream trailers featuring sleek designs, spa-inspired bathrooms, plush linens atop queen-size beds, convertible sofas, private decks, and fire pits.
“Rooted in the timeless American tradition of hitting the road, our properties take everything that’s great about sleeping in wilderness and make it even better with impeccable design,” said CEO and Founder Neil Dipaola.
AutoCamp debuted with three popular vacation locations: Yosemite National Park, Cape Cod, and The Russian River. Now they are poised to expand to even more heavenly locations across the country. A new glamping site just outside of Joshua Tree National Park will be ready this fall, and sites in The Catskills and Utah’s Zion National Park are expected in 2022.
“Our primary focus is helping guests safely and effortlessly immerse themselves into the beautiful American landscapes our brand is fortunate to call home,” says Dipaola. “This expansion continues to fulfill our mission that is centered around creating a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.”
The Joshua Tree site features 47 Airstreams, four Accessible Suites, and four X Suites — all equipped with air conditioning and heat for all-season weather, as well as unique outdoor showers available in some premium units. Guests will also enjoy an outdoor bar, a hybrid hot tub and plunge pool, and a clubhouse with a general store. From base camp, travelers will have easy access to all that Joshua Tree National Park has to offer.
Plans for the Zion property currently call for a total of 81 units, with 72 Airstreams, 10 tents, five accessible suites, and four X Suites, while the planned site in the Catskills will house 95 units with 65 Airstreams, 10 tents, 10 cabins, five accessible suites, and five X Suites.
Like Joshua Tree, both properties feature a locally designed food and beverage program and an on-site seasonal hot tub or plunge pool.
Reservations for the open sites, as well as pre-registration for the upcoming properties, can be made on the company’s website. For more on camping, glamping, national parks, and the Catskills, consider