Bonding with friends around a firepit, sleeping under star-strewn skies, and waking up to birdsong are some of the most pleasurable parts of camping. But along with the perks comes hauling supplies, tent setup, and cleaning up before heading home. AutoCamp Catskills removes that burden, combining the romance of Catskills camping with luxury and ease.
“Guests just need to pack a bag and show up. We take care of the details,” says Taylor Micaela Davis, AutoCamp’s Vice President of Brand Marketing. “It’s perfect for experienced campers and those who are new to camping, too.”
AutoCamp was founded 10 years ago on the West Coast. It expanded to five locations there, followed by a destination in Cape Cod, and soon-to-be locations in North Carolina and Texas. The Catskills outpost, located between Saugerties and Woodstock, is its most recent addition.
Selecting the location was an easy decision according to Davis. “Our unique lodging experience translates well to the Catskills,” she says. “The area is a go-to escape, full of boutique experiences that are a short drive away. We are nine minutes from Woodstock, and it’s just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City.”
The Suite Life
AutoCamp Catskills opened last June with 90 separate accommodations. The offerings include cabins, luxury canvas tents, and modern, custom Airstream suites for guests who crave the outdoors and appreciate hotel-like hospitality.
“It’s a great staycation, or a weekend away from home,” says Davis. “We offer something for everyone: A couple’s getaway, a summer vacation for families and their pets, or events like a reunion, wedding, or anniversary party.”
For a camping-style experience, try a Luxury Tent. The canvas tents have a king-sized bed and fold-out sofa, a solid floor and screened windows, and are fully equipped with lights, electrical outlets, and a mini-fridge. Bathrooms and private showers are available steps away at the Clubhouse—AutoCamp’s Midcentury Modern-style home base, which is also home to the Kitchen and General Store, as well as event space.
Looking for a retro but chic experience? Book a night or two in one of AutoCamp’s classic Airstreams. Heated and air-conditioned, the 31-foot trailers each have a queen-sized bed, sitting room, kitchenette, and private bathroom. (For the best of both worlds, the Premium Base Camp Suite includes an Airstream and tent, which accommodates parties of up to six.)
For an even roomier stay, go for an X Suite. The accommodations are similar to tiny houses, with a private bedroom, spa-like bathroom, full kitchen, and living room with a flatscreen TV and fold-out sofa. Some offer accessible features as well.
The Cabin Suites offer a homier feel. The pine cabins each have a front porch with a swing, a queen-sized bed, bunk beds and a fold-out sofa, a full kitchen and dining area, and private bathroom.
Everything guests need for their stays is provided, down to the dishes, utensils, high-thread-count linens, and plush bathrobes. There are even accessibility-minded accommodations for those who need them. “It’s a barrier-free way to experience camping,” Davis says.
The Catskills are Calling
AutoCamp offers curated excursions that help guests experience the best of what the region has to offer, including guided hikes, forest bathing, and fly-fishing in world-class Catskills streams. But guests don’t need to leave AutoCamp to have fun. “On-site we offer weekly yoga, live music, and other events,” Davis says. “In February, we brought in a Finnish sauna for guests. And Radio Woodstock is bringing in a Brooklyn pizza maker and a band for a concert on the lawn this spring.”
Three different event spaces also make AutoCamp a destination for corporate retreats and even weddings. The Clubhouse has TVs and modern conference tables for meetings. An outdoor amphitheater area is well-suited for intimate wedding ceremonies, and an expansive lawn area can accommodate a tent for a reception or dinner.
The best part of staying at AutoCamp comes at the end of a long day spent enjoying the beauty and bounty of the Catskills, Davis says: “You get to relax inside your tent, Airstream, or cabin, and let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep.”
This article appears in Spring/Summer 2023.
