A glamping getaway you can book with Hilton Honors points: My stay at AutoCamp Yosemite
This summer, my friend and I were looking for a weekend getaway from Los Angeles that would bring us close to nature but not require too much equipment or planning — it was the perfect excuse to go on a glamping adventure. Enter AutoCamp Yosemite, an outdoor-focused resort that features Airstream trailers, luxury tents and modern cabins spread across more than 80 separate sites.
After spending the day surrounded by soaring granite peaks, rushing waterfalls and alpine lakes, the last thing anyone wants to do is return to a dark hotel room. That’s part of what made my trip to AutoCamp Yosemite so special: Even when I wasn’t in the national park, the sunshine and beauty of central California were waiting right outside the door of my Airstream trailer.
Here's what our summertime stay at AutoCamp Yosemite was like.
What is AutoCamp Yosemite?
The AutoCamp brand operates eight (soon to be nine) glamping resorts across the U.S., each tucked into a gorgeous natural landscape. Thanks to a new partnership with Hilton, travelers can now book stays at AutoCamp properties using their Hilton Honors points.
The Yosemite property is ideal for nature lovers who appreciate the outdoors as much as they appreciate a hot shower with luxury bath amenities. The resort's large gathering spaces and daily events foster a sense of community among guests, while hammocks, string lights and modern architecture create an Instagram-worthy scene that doesn’t feel forced.
Location
Despite its name, AutoCamp Yosemite doesn’t actually sit within the bounds of the national park. It’s in Midpines, California — a 45-minute drive from the nearest park entrance, Arch Rock, and an hour away from the South Entrance.
The closest airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which sits about 77 miles south of the camp. San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are about 160 and 170 miles west of AutoCamp, respectively.
We began our trip by driving straight from LA to Yosemite's South Entrance to admire the giant sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove.
After that excursion, we drove about an hour from the South Entrance to AutoCamp, passing through the small town of Oakhurst for a snack along the way.
On the second day of the trip, we drove 45 minutes from AutoCamp to the Arch Rock Entrance in the southwestern region of the park. The winding road cuts through mountains and weaves alongside a river, offering alluring views even before drivers cross into the park. This route is the most convenient way to reach Yosemite Valley’s famous attractions, such as El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.
On the last morning of our trip, we drove 10 minutes to nearby Mariposa, where the charming downtown features lodges, cafes, restaurants and stores selling artisanal goods.
If you'd rather not drive into the park each day, you can opt to use the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System. There is a YARTS stop right on the AutoCamp property along the Highway 140 route which will bring you into Yosemite Valley.
Book with cash or Hilton Honors points
I booked my Airstream directly on the AutoCamp website, and my two-night stay in mid-July cost $1,105.
It’s pricier than one might expect for a glamping destination, but I did visit during the peak summer season and didn’t book very far in advance. Most other hotels near Yosemite cost between $300 and $500 per night during the summer.
To save some cash, consider visiting AutoCamp during the spring, fall or winter, when prices are closer to $250 per night.
If you happen to have a stash of Hilton Honors points, you can also book accommodations directly on the Hilton website using points. I couldn't find any points-eligible dates until September, but prices generally hover between 67,000 and 75,000 points per night.
In case you need a reason to book a spontaneous getaway, I recently received an email from Hilton explaining that guests can earn 1,000 bonus points by booking a stay with Hilton and AutoCamp before Aug. 12.
When booking AutoCamp Yosemite, it's best to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Hilton stays, or possibly one that offers automatic Hilton Honors elite status for value-added benefits. These include:
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels, automatic Gold elite status and the ability to upgrade to Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year by spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
- Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels, automatic Gold elite status and the ability to upgrade to Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year by spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 7 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels and automatic Silver elite status (with an upgrade to Gold through the end of the next calendar year when you spend $20,000 in a calendar year).
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Earn 14 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels and automatic Diamond elite status.
If Yosemite isn’t calling you, AutoCamp has seven other properties now bookable with Hilton Honors points. They are all in picturesque places like Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Zion National Park in Utah; and Asheville, North Carolina.
Checking in
After spending the better part of the morning and afternoon in the car, my friend and I were more than relieved to finally see the AutoCamp sign peeking around a bend in the road.
We drove up the path to the main parking lot, stretched our legs and headed into the Clubhouse.
Inside, we were greeted by friendly staff members, a rustic-meets-modern architectural design and a flood of natural light from the full wall of windows overlooking the camp. The Clubhouse is the center of all the activity at AutoCamp (but more on that later).
Check-in was quick and easy. The front desk attendant showed us a map of the site and assigned us to Airstream 46. She then informed me that my reservation had unlocked a free three-month subscription to AllTrails, which every hiker knows is a very helpful tool — especially when venturing to areas without good cellphone reception.
We also received cans of electrolyte water, which were much appreciated since the outside temperature had surpassed 100 degrees.
There were wagons near the Clubhouse entrance to help guests transport their luggage, but since our Airstream was very close to the parking lot, we didn’t use them. Drivers of electric vehicles will be pleased to find chargers in the parking lot as well.
What it’s like staying in an Airstream
Before entering the Airstream, we were focused on one thing and one thing only: air conditioning. Once we discovered it was cold (freezing, even) inside the suite, we turned our attention to the aesthetically pleasing camper van we’d call home for the weekend.
The door to the 31-foot Airstream opened into a kitchen and a small sitting area with a sofa. The kitchen featured contemporary touches and plenty of storage. Not only did it hold the typical hotel suite supplies — like utensils, a wine opener, a minifridge and a microwave — but also it featured more niche camping equipment like a cast iron skillet, tin plates and cups, and a Gaiam foam roller for sore hikers.
The AutoCamp website says the sofa can be converted into a bed big enough for one adult or two children to accommodate larger parties. Fitting three adults in the Airstream would’ve been tight but still manageable if you used all the available luggage storage options.
A sliding door beside the couch led to the bathroom, where gray tile floors, thick towels and luxurious bath products contributed to a surprisingly spalike feel.
There was a small mirror, a hair dryer and more storage than you would expect to find in a small camper bathroom.
The bed was across the Airstream through another sliding door. It had a nightstand on each side of it as well as ample space to move around.
The bedroom offered plenty of lighting options and outlets. Plus, some storage available was available in a small cabinet beneath the TV and inside the nightstands.
The remote to the small TV didn’t work, but luckily we weren't interested in watching the few cable channels it offered anyway. (Instead, like true glampers, we used the free and surprisingly fast AutoCamp Wi-Fi to stream the latest episode of "Love Island USA" on a laptop after stargazing.)
The shades worked well to block out the early morning sun, and as a whole, the Airstream was actually quite soundproof. We didn't hear the presunrise hikers leaving camp in the morning, even though we were right next to the parking lot. From the outside, I also couldn’t hear music that was playing inside the Airstream.
Speaking of, one of the most fun Airstream features was its Bluetooth speaker system. (To activate it, flip the switch on, turn the knob until the light glows blue and connect your phone to “Pyle in wall.”)
Listening to your favorite album on surround sound makes getting ready for a day at the park even more exciting.
The outside area was complete with a stone dining table and chairs as well as two extra seats for lounging.
Guests can use their private outdoor fire pit with a grill to cook meals. (Note: Firewood is not included in the rate. If you want to use your fire pit, you’ll have to bring your own wood or purchase some at the Clubhouse, where a bundle costs $20 plus tax.)
The neighboring Airstreams were closer than I expected, but I didn’t mind being among other visitors.
If you are looking for a more secluded feel, though, consider booking a premium Airstream rather than a basic one. The premium options offer all the same amenities but are in quieter areas toward the back of the property.
For more of a true camping experience, you can opt to book a luxury tent instead of an Airstream. These don’t have air conditioning or private bathrooms; instead, guests must use the public restrooms in the Clubhouse.
For a more glamorous experience, choose a family cabin. These are more like rental homes and come with full kitchens, dining areas and multiple beds to fit the whole family.
The Clubhouse is the center of the action
The well-designed Clubhouse is the hub of on-property entertainment at AutoCamp Yosemite.
Its wood paneling and iron and stone accents create a chic yet natural vibe. Plus, there are plenty of seating options, from plush couches to funky swinging chairs.
Its wall of windows looks out onto a large communal fire pit area, where families gather to make s'mores at night.
Upstairs at the Clubhouse, there’s a multipurpose room for events like morning yoga classes.
At any given time in the Clubhouse, you can find guests playing board games they borrowed from the front desk, ordering a meal from the kitchen or enjoying the nightly live music. (The live music event is normally held outside in the summer, but since it was so hot during my stay, the bands played inside.)
There’s also a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. when beer, select wines and cocktails (normally $12) are half price.
Food options at the Clubhouse
The Clubhouse’s general store carries everything from grab-and-go food and sunscreen to wine bottles, souvenir mugs and medication. So, even if you forgot to pack something on your glamping trip, you likely won’t have to leave camp to buy it.
Guests can enjoy complimentary hot coffee, tea and granola in the Clubhouse every morning. After chatting with some fellow guests, it seemed everyone wished AutoCamp offered a more robust free breakfast selection, though.
You can purchase hot breakfast food from the kitchen, but since it’s prepared in advance, you can’t alter the ingredients at all.
There are many hearty dinner options — such as chicken pot pie ($10), homestyle macaroni and cheese ($10), and lasagna ($10) — on the menu for hungry hikers. During my stay, I tried a breakfast sandwich ($12) and a cheese pizza ($17), both of which were decent.
Pool, landscape and on-site activities
The large on-site pool sits beside the Clubhouse on a hill overlooking the back lawn. It’s surrounded by some loungers and small tables, and there were always plenty of clean towels available for guest use during my stay.
Beyond the pool and the Clubhouse, you’ll find a walking path around a pond that’s dotted with more tents, Airstreams and cabins. In my opinion, the Airstreams in this area (numbers 70-74) seemed to have the best of both worlds: a tranquil pond setting with proximity to the Clubhouse.
Depending on the day you visit, you can participate in complimentary events such as yoga classes, guided meditation sessions, stargazing excursions, outdoor movie nights and live music performances from local artists. There are also some on-site events — like mixology and floral arranging classes — available to book for an extra fee.
Guests can ride around the grounds using the resort’s complimentary bikes (but can’t take them off the property). If you want to hike but don’t want to drive all the way to the national park, there are plenty of closer hiking trails and recreation areas in the Sierra National Forest.
Additionally, the resort can host large gatherings such as company retreats, family reunions and weddings. It’s also dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your pet at home.
Accessibility
I wasn’t expecting much in terms of accessible options at a glamping resort, but I was pleased that AutoCamp Yosemite proved me wrong.
Though there are no accessible Airstream options, travelers can book accessible luxury tents, cabins and premium cabins. The cabins offer entry ramps, low outlets and light switches, and wide showers, among other accessible amenities. Accessible accommodations are all located as close as possible to the Clubhouse.
An elevator can transport anyone with physical disabilities from the Clubhouse's main floor to the pool area, and there is also a pool lift.
Some areas of the property have dirt paths and loose gravel that could be difficult for travelers with mobility challenges to navigate. If you need some extra help getting around the property, you can arrange a golf cart ride with the staff.
Reasons why AutoCamp Yosemite might not be for you
- If you’re searching for a serene camping experience in untouched nature, skip AutoCamp Yosemite. While the grounds are beautiful and offer plenty of opportunities to interact with nature, the resort provides a more lively atmosphere with many other guests around.
- Visitors who want to stay directly inside Yosemite National Park will probably be discouraged by the 45-minute drive from AutoCamp to the nearest park entrance.
- AutoCamp Yosemite is neither the cheapest no-frills lodging option nor the most glamorous option — it falls somewhere in the middle. Travelers on either side of the spectrum should look elsewhere.
Checking out
For a nature-filled vacation where you can roast marshmallows in the woods without going through the hassle of setting up a tent, AutoCamp Yosemite is the answer.
It’s a family-friendly glamping resort that's chock-full of activities and events for people of all ages to enjoy. There were plenty of young children running around during my mid-July trip, but once summer vacation ends, the property probably becomes more of a romantic destination suitable for a couples getaway.
At $1,105, my two-night stay certainly wasn’t cheap, and the price didn’t include many extras (like hot breakfast or firewood). Luckily, you can find lower rates during the off-peak seasons, and if you’re a Hilton Honors member, you can pay for your stay using points.
Next time I’m itching for a nature getaway, I will definitely consider returning to AutoCamp Yosemite or venturing to one of the brand’s other locations.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.