airstream and main hall at Autocamp Catskills in Saugerties NY

Get Adventure Curious with AutoCamp Catskills

By inside + out | May 17, 2024

Longing to hear the call of birdsongs, to walk barefoot on moss and sleep within nature’s embrace, but don’t actually love roughing it? One great way to connect with nature without compromising comfort or style is by booking any of the chicly designed accommodation options at AutoCamp Catskills. Picture it: swanked-up Airstreams, classic cabins, family cabins, basecamp suites, and luxury tent experiences—replete with fancy sheets and on-site gourmet food, all in the beautiful Hudson Valley. And, of course, there are the obligatory camping 2024 addendums: complimentary S’mores and Wifi. There’s also an outdoor event space, a farmhouse-style clubhouse with games, a heated spa, live music, food, and lots of workshops.

Well-established, AutoCamp Catskills is not this outfit’s first rodeo. They currently boast six other similarly focused properties including Russian River, Yosemite, Cape Cod, Joshua Tree, Catskills, and Zion – with two others opening this year in Asheville, North Carolina, and Yosemite National Park, and another in Hill Country, Texas, in 2025. They hope what they offer encourages people of all ages (and their canine family members!) to get outside more and maybe even help drive a deepening sense of earth stewardship home.

Want to know more about this hub of adventure, play and respite? Meet Helene Petersen, their Director of Brand Marketing…

INSIDE+OUT: Helene, tell us a bit about yourself and your role at AutoCamp.

Helene Petersen: As the Senior Director of Brand Marketing, I oversee marketing for all our AutoCamp properties and the overarching brand. I lead the team in developing innovative marketing strategies to elevate our brand’s presence and drive growth.

What makes AutoCamp Catskills unique from your other properties?

AutoCamp Catskills is located west of the Hudson River, about two hours from New York City, and is our second location on the East Coast. Close to the colorful town of Woodstock and historic landmarks like the Saugerties Lighthouse, AutoCamp is conveniently located near an endless array of art galleries, eateries and outdoor destinations. It’s a perfect escape from the city that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, with hiking and biking trails and river activities in the spring and summer, apple picking and cidery tours in the fall, and snowsports in the winter. It has 89 total accommodation options, including iconic custom-designed Airstreams, classic cabins, family cabins, basecamp suites, and luxury tents.

AutoCamp Catskills is surrounded by the stunning natural features of Upstate New York, with forests, mountains, blue swimming holes, sunny meadows, and ski slopes. It is located near several upstate ski destinations, including Belleayre, Hunter, Platekill, and Windham mountains. There are plenty of snow sports to enjoy within driving distance or right on the property, like renting our complimentary snow shoes and hiking through the gorgeous trails right from AutoCamp.

Tell us about some of the programming you have lined up at AutoCamp Catskills for 2024.

There’s something for everyone at AutoCamp Catskills. We offer a variety of events each week, most of which are complementary to our guests, from hikes, meditations, sound baths, and yoga to music performances, candlemaking, and pottery workshops. We recently hosted a local petting zoo over Easter weekend.

Do you offer events and programming for locals as well as folks staying at AC?

Many of our events are open to the local community, and a few are reserved for guests staying onsite.

What are the most desired accommodations? Glamping, airstreams or the cabins?

The accommodations at AutoCamp are unique in design and ideal for different types of travelers. While our Airstreams are great for a solo traveler, couple or parents with small children, our BaseCamp suites would be more appropriate for a larger group or family as they have both an Airstream and a Luxury tent, each with a queen-sized bed. Our Cabins are also a great option for travelers who would like a little more space.

You describe your clientele as “adventure curious” what do you mean by that and what can one expect with a stay at AutoCamp Catskills?

We mean that AutoCamp is perfect for those who want an outdoor travel experience but with the service, design-forward thinking, and amenities of a boutique hotel. Each AutoCamp location creates a unique opportunity for guests to be adventurous and immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing the comforts of high-end accommodation. Unlike a traditional campground, we have The Clubhouse, which is a social hub for all-day food and beverage options and retail merchandise, and amenities like luxury linens, cookware, spacious bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, and unique onsite programming. AutoCamp Catskills is the perfect destination for both the adventure-curious and seasoned adventurers, as it is surrounded by a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, bike trails, skiing and snowboarding, and paddleboarding on the Hudson River.

How do you market your business?

In addition to our brand-wide and local marketing campaigns, we collaborate with like-minded businesses, outdoor brands, creators, influencers, travel enthusiasts and media in each location to expand our offerings and reach.

How many properties does AutoCamp have, and are they marketed differently?

AutoCamp currently has six open properties – Russian River, Yosemite, Cape Cod, Joshua Tree, Catskills, and Zion – with two others opening this year in Asheville, North Carolina, and Yosemite National Park and another in Hill Country, Texas, in 2025. Each property is a unique experience, so we incorporate elements from its surrounding area into the design, amenities, and programming, which informs our marketing strategies.

What is one question you’re constantly asked or the biggest misconception about AutoCamp?

A misconception may be that AutoCamp is only suited to people who love camping or would normally go to a traditional campground. Some travelers who don’t necessarily see themselves as the “outdoorsy” type may be hesitant to stay at AutoCamp and are later surprised by the convenience of the overall experience, given the property’s luxury amenities, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service.

What impact does your business strive to have on our community?

Each AutoCamp property works with local nature preservation organizations in its respective locations and donates a dollar from every reservation to those organizations. AutoCamp Catskills’ official non-profit partner is Woodstock Land Conservancy, which is committed to protecting and preserving the open lands, forests, water resources, scenic areas, and historic sites in Woodstock and the surrounding area.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

The architecture and interiors firm Workshop APD designed our Clubhouse, which is a modern take on classic Hudson Valley architecture and agricultural history. Additionally, our food and beverage program highlights many Catskills-based culinary partners. The Kitchen, which is open every day, offers a variety of food options, along with a selection of locally brewed beers and ciders. The General Store also has locally sourced snacks, drinks, grab-and-go items, and specialty BBQ kits.

We also regularly have local businesses come in to give demonstrations and workshops. Some recent workshops have included a local baker who teaches guests how to make homemade focaccia, a tarot card reader, licensed massage therapists, and a small seasonal flower farm that makes dried flower mobiles.

What is your favorite thing about AutoCamp?

All of our locations are near some of the most iconic national parks and natural areas across the states. I love that we encourage more people to get outside and provide an option for people who might not be comfortable with traditional camping but still want to experience the benefits and beauty of spending a weekend in nature.

What are you working on now that you’re excited about?

I’m excited about our upcoming openings in Asheville, North Carolina, Sequoia National Park and Hill Country, Texas. We also recently announced an exclusive partnership with Hilton to bring their guests closer to nature. You can read more about it here.