AIRSTREAM ADVENTURE

Tucked away at the base of the mountain on the road into Yosemite Valley near Mariposa County is the newest in low-key, luxe travel—Auto- Camp Yosemite. If your wish is to connect with nature in a design-centric setting, then consider AutoCamp your magic lantern.

Hoping to create one more magical summer memory, our family decided to return to a family favorite— Yosemite National Park. As this was the height of the busy season, we opted to stay at AutoCamp— just far enough from Yosemite to escape the crowds while still close enough for day trips. Pulling into the gates, the sight of rows of pristine Airstreams caused ooohs and ahhhs to echo through the car. AutoCamp’s accommodations include modern Airstream Suites with private patios and firepits, spacious luxury canvas tents, and private wooden cabins, all offering upscale design with a dash of rustic glamping vibes.

As we checked in at the mid-century-style Clubhouse, our children were thrilled to find the hot chocolate that waits for guests each afternoon. Fully staffed around the clock, the Clubhouse is the main hub of AutoCamp. With a petite gourmet grocery store dubbed the General Store, it’s the perfect place to assemble an impromptu charcuterie board, grab a bottle of local California wine or some decadent ice cream bars to take to your home away from home.

Opening the door to our Airstream Suite we were delighted with the modern, well-planned décor that awaited us inside. The primary bedroom was full of secret doors that opened to reveal small cupboards—perfect for storing away our items. Well-lit with bedside nightlights, it was an ideal spot to cozy up and read after a long day’s adventure. Although the Airstream was equipped with a television, we opted instead to unwind at night by building a fire outside, roasting s’mores, and looking for shooting stars.

The fully equipped kitchen made it a breeze to prepare fresh morning coffee, using the coffee beans provided by a local roaster, and whip up a quick breakfast using local ingredients purchased from the General Store. The well-sized washroom stocked with Ursa Major amenities and soft towels certainly elevated the rustic experience.

As the property is easily accessed off the main road into Yosemite Village, we found it quite convenient to drive to the Valley floor and explore. Our first stop was the majestic beauty of Tunnel View. After driving through a long, dimly lit tunnel, we exited to a burst of sunshine illuminating the brilliantly colored mountains. From there, we made our way to Mirror Lake for a hike on the excellent trail that circumnavigates the lake. A post-hike swim is the best way to appreciate the aptly named lake; floating on the water you soak up the views of the mountains towering above you while these same views are reflected on the lake’s surface around you. When we arrived back at AutoCamp late that afternoon, the aquatic activities continued as our children played in a beautiful pool under towering redwoods while my husband and I relaxed and thanked our lucky stars.

Guests who wish to stay on the property will find a plethora of unique activities from yoga to dried floral arranging to geocaching to a nature therapy experience, and more. AutoCamp also offers curated experiences like a tour and tasting at the family-owned Sierra Cider Orchards or a tour of a private flower farm that grows boutique, pesticide-free flowers in an idyllic setting. The charming small town of Mariposa is also nearby for wine tasting, dining, and local shopping.

AutoCamp’s relaxed atmosphere is perfect for families seeking to unwind and reconnect. The amenities from the freshwater pool to the hammock grove to complimentary mountain bikes provide hours of entertainment. Vacation mealtimes can sometimes be fraught affairs. Not so at AutoCamp. We loved how easy it was to pop to the General Store to pick up a Grill Kit to cook over our campfire or opt out of cooking altogether and enjoy a delicious meal courtesy of The Kitchen.

Our family was excited to discover that AutoCamp has six more locations across the country. Ranging from Cape Cod to the Catskills to Joshua Tree, we can’t wait to experience our country’s most beautiful natural areas via AutoCamp. Turn your own vacation wishes into reality by booking now.

For more information, and to book your own adventure, visit autocamp.com/yosemite.