My Honest Review of AutoCamp Yosemite: Is It Worth It?

This is not sponsored or endorsed in any way by AutoCamp. To read my article on the what I recommend doing in Yosemite Park itself visit my Yosemite Travel Guide.

When traveling to Yosemite, friends and coworkers alike raved about the AutoCamp “glamping” experience so of course I had to try it. For some background into AutoCamp, they have locations near a lot of very popular parks/vacation spots ranging from Zion to Joshua Tree to Cape Cod where people can do luxury camping.

The grounds of AutoCamp Yosemite included a main lodge along with the three different types of accommodations (ranging from cheapest to most expensive) luxury tent, airstream or family cabin. I had opted for the airstream which appealed to me as being the most unique and bang for your buck.

Overall Rating:

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

I loved the experience of staying in an airstream – it was so beautifully designed and modern. The deduction of 1.5 stars comes from the very high price tag even though there are various areas lacking including the breakfast, location, and nearby road noise on the property. However, if you are willing to spend the money and staying for only a night or two in Yosemite, then this is a great way to add a cool experience to your trip and do glamping at its absolute finest!

Location from yosemite

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The messaging of AutoCamp as campgrounds for Yosemite is a bit misleading. The location is actually about 40 minutes away from the park entrance, meaning it can take a little over an hour to get here if you heading to/coming from Yosemite Valley. The drive is along the CA-140 which is quite beautiful so I didn’t mind the drive but definitely not the most convenient.

Parking and check-in

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Parking was extremely easy on the grounds. Each room provides one free parking spot which will be to the immediate left as you turn in. You can even pick up a small wagon to put your items in to easily carry them over to your accommodations which are just a short walk away.

Check-in is done in the main lodge and was very straight-forward and quick. The receptionist was extremely friendly, along with the relaxing nature of all the guests.

Check-in begins at 4pm and checkout is required by 10am.

Campgrounds

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

The campgrounds is about 35 acres, holding a lot more units than I expected for people to stay. What was very surprising upon entering was just how close some of the airstreams were to the main road (seemingly as close as 50 feet). This part of the campgrounds was rather loud from the nearby traffic and I imagine took away from the experience for those staying in these. If possible, I recommend putting in a note to get one further away from the road or paying for the vista options which are more private.

Accommodations are also very tightly put together, with airstreams nearly every 5-15 steps away from one another. I lucked out with one in the middle instead of by the road, but you can pay more for a “vista” airstream where you’ll be more secluded from everybody else.

The clubhouse (shared space)

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The main lodge is a shared space for all guests that is open 24/7. This is truly one of the highlights on the property, with a shared pool and games including corn hole which you can see through the window of the bottom right photograph and a fire pit.

They offer free tea and coffee inside if you are wanting a hot drink. You’ll find a small market inside if you need anything last-minute!

Airstream Accomodations

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The airstream was incredible and is truly the selling point of AutoCamp. The space was so luxurious and modern, down to the very last detail like the shampoo/soap in the shower. The airstream has a lot of natural light coming in with views of the trees, adding to the “camping” feel of the experience. But make no mistake, this is glamping at is finest. You’ll have hot water, a little kitchen, sofa, private bathroom, and full size bed in each airstream.

There is also heating and air conditioning which is a lifesaver if you are visiting in the winter or summer months!

One of the key highlights is that each accommodation comes with its own private fire pit so that you can BBQ and/or make s’mores at night. Just be sure to bring all the supplies you need like lighters, lighter fluid, coal, etc.

Free Breakfast

Rating: 1.5 out of 5.

Included in your accommodations is a free breakfast in the morning which comprised of oatmeal and drip coffees/teas. Although I don’t want to complain for a free breakfast, this is something that seems to be included in the high price of the accommodations and was thus very disappointing.

Frequently Asked Questions
Dog-Friendly?

If you are planning to bring your dog on your trip, AutoCamp happily welcomes them on the property. There is, however, a 2 dog limit per group at a $75 fee per dog.

traveling in a group?

You can request to be in accommodations close-by friends and family. it isn’t guaranteed but they ensure that they will try to accommodate to groups being in units next to one another.

Pricing?

AutoCamp is no doubt on the expensive side, especially for “camping.” While a camping pass in Yosemite costs $12-$26/night and the average nearby hotel is around $250/night, AutoCamp is up to 20x that price depending on your accommodations. See below for the nightly weekend pricing before taxes and fees (prices are as of Jan 2024):

Tent ($)

  • $289 – Luxury Tent
  • $329 – Luxury Accessible Tent

Airstream ($$)

  • $420 – Classic Airstream
  • $457 – Premium Airstream
  • $477 – Vista Airstream (with a view)

Family Cabin and Units ($$$)

  • $477 – Accessible Family Cabin
  • $556 – Family Cabin
  • $536 – Basecamp (airstream + tent)

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