A glamping escape you can book with Hilton Honors points: My experience at AutoCamp Yosemite

This summer, my friend and I were seeking a weekend retreat from Los Angeles that would immerse us in nature without the hassle of too much gear or preparation — the ideal opportunity for a glamping getaway. That's when we found AutoCamp Yosemite, an outdoor resort offering Airstream trailers, luxury tents, and modern cabins across more than 80 distinct sites.

After a day spent surrounded by towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear alpine lakes, the last thing anyone wants is to head back to a dim hotel room. What made my stay at AutoCamp Yosemite so unforgettable was that, even when I wasn't inside the national park, the warm sunlight and breathtaking beauty of central California were waiting right outside my Airstream trailer.

Here's what our summer getaway at AutoCamp Yosemite was like.

What exactly is AutoCamp Yosemite?

AutoCamp is a chain of glamping resorts spread across eight (soon to be nine) stunning locations in the U.S. Each site is nestled in a breathtaking natural environment. Thanks to a new collaboration with Hilton, travelers can now use their Hilton Honors points to book stays at AutoCamp locations.

The Yosemite location is perfect for nature enthusiasts who love the outdoors but also enjoy the luxury of a hot shower with premium bath products. The resort's spacious communal areas and daily activities promote a sense of camaraderie among guests, while the hammocks, twinkling lights, and sleek modern design create an effortlessly picturesque atmosphere.

Location

Though its name suggests otherwise, AutoCamp Yosemite isn't located within the national park itself. It's situated in Midpines, California, just a 45-minute drive from Arch Rock, the nearest entrance to Yosemite, and an hour's drive from the South Entrance.

The nearest airport to AutoCamp is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), approximately 77 miles to the south. San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are about 160 and 170 miles to the west, respectively.

We kicked off our adventure by driving directly from LA to Yosemite's South Entrance to take in the awe-inspiring giant sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove.

After that adventure, we drove about an hour from the South Entrance to AutoCamp, making a quick stop in the small town of Oakhurst for a snack on the way.

On day two, we drove 45 minutes from AutoCamp to the Arch Rock Entrance in the park's southwest corner. The scenic drive winds through mountains and follows a river, offering stunning views before you even enter the park. This route is the easiest way to access Yosemite Valley’s iconic sights, like El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

On the final morning of our trip, we took a 10-minute drive to Mariposa, where the quaint downtown is lined with lodges, cafes, restaurants, and shops offering local handmade goods.

If you'd rather not drive into the park every day, you can take advantage of the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). A YARTS stop is conveniently located right on the AutoCamp property along the Highway 140 route, providing easy access to Yosemite Valley.

Pay with cash or Hilton Honors points

I booked my Airstream directly through the AutoCamp website, and my two-night stay in mid-July came to $1,105.

It's more expensive than expected for a glamping spot, but I traveled during peak summer and didn’t book well in advance. Most other hotels near Yosemite charge between $300 and $500 per night during the summer.

To save money, consider visiting AutoCamp in the spring, fall, or winter, when prices drop to around $250 per night.

If you have a stash of Hilton Honors points, you can also use them to book accommodations directly on the Hilton website. I couldn’t find any points-eligible dates until September, but prices typically range from 67,000 to 75,000 points per night.

In case you need an excuse for a spontaneous trip, I recently received an email from Hilton letting me know that guests can earn 1,000 bonus points by booking a stay with Hilton and AutoCamp before August 12.

When booking AutoCamp Yosemite, it's ideal to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Hilton stays, or perhaps one that offers automatic Hilton Honors elite status for extra perks. These benefits include:

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels, get automatic Gold elite status, and the chance to upgrade to Diamond status by spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels, automatic Gold elite status, and the ability to upgrade to Diamond status with $40,000 in spending during the year.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 7 points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton hotel purchases and get automatic Silver elite status (upgrade to Gold after spending $20,000 in a year).
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Earn 14 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels and receive automatic Diamond elite status.

The details for the Hilton Aspire Card were gathered independently by Dinogo. The card information on this page hasn't been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

If Yosemite isn’t on your list, AutoCamp has seven other properties now available for booking with Hilton Honors points. They are located in scenic destinations like Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Zion National Park, Utah; and Asheville, North Carolina.

Checking in

After spending most of the morning and afternoon on the road, my friend and I were beyond relieved when we finally spotted the AutoCamp sign around a bend.

We drove up the road to the main parking lot, stretched out our legs, and made our way into the Clubhouse.

Inside, we were welcomed by warm, friendly staff, a blend of rustic and modern architecture, and a flood of natural light streaming in through the large windows that offered a view of the camp. The Clubhouse serves as the heart of the action at AutoCamp (more on that later).

Check-in was a breeze. The front desk staff handed us a site map and directed us to Airstream 46. She also mentioned that my reservation came with a complimentary three-month AllTrails subscription, which is an invaluable resource for hikers, particularly in areas with poor cell service.

We were also given cans of electrolyte-infused water, which was a lifesaver considering the temperature had soared past 100 degrees.

There were wagons available near the Clubhouse entrance to help guests carry their luggage, though we didn't need them since our Airstream was just a short walk from the parking lot. For those with electric vehicles, there are charging stations in the parking lot as well.

What it's like staying in an Airstream

As we stepped into the Airstream, our first priority was clear: find the air conditioning. Upon discovering it was blissfully cold (almost too cold), we then took a moment to admire the sleek, stylish camper that would be our cozy retreat for the weekend.

The entrance to the 31-foot Airstream led straight into a compact kitchen and a cozy lounge area with a sofa. The kitchen was outfitted with sleek, modern touches and ample storage space. In addition to the standard hotel suite items — such as utensils, a wine opener, a mini fridge, and a microwave — it also included unique camping essentials like a cast iron skillet, tin plates and cups, and a Gaiam foam roller for weary hikers.

According to the AutoCamp website, the sofa can be transformed into a bed that comfortably sleeps one adult or two children, making it a good option for larger groups. Although squeezing in three adults would be a tight fit, it could work if you utilize all the available storage space.

A sliding door next to the sofa opened into the bathroom, which featured sleek gray tiles, plush towels, and high-end bath products, giving it an unexpectedly spa-like ambiance.

The bathroom, though compact, was equipped with a small mirror, a hairdryer, and surprisingly ample storage for such a tiny space.

The bed was located at the far end of the Airstream, separated by another sliding door. It featured a nightstand on each side and offered plenty of room to move around.

The bedroom was well-lit with multiple lighting options and had several outlets. Additional storage was available in a small cabinet beneath the TV and within the nightstands.

The remote for the small TV was malfunctioning, but fortunately, we weren’t really interested in the limited cable channels. Instead, we embraced the true glamper spirit by using AutoCamp’s surprisingly fast Wi-Fi to stream the latest episode of 'Love Island USA' on a laptop after enjoying some stargazing.

The shades were effective in blocking out the early morning light, and overall, the Airstream was surprisingly soundproof. Even though we were right next to the parking lot, we didn’t hear the pre-dawn hikers as they left. Outside, I couldn't hear any music playing inside the Airstream either.

One of the standout features of the Airstream was its Bluetooth speaker system. To use it, simply flip the switch, adjust the dial until the light turns blue, and connect your phone to "Pyle in wall."

Blasting your favorite album in surround sound adds a whole new level of excitement when getting ready for a day at the park.

The outdoor area featured a stone dining table with chairs and two additional seats for lounging, perfect for relaxing in the fresh air.

Guests have the option to cook meals over their private outdoor fire pit with a grill. Just keep in mind that firewood isn’t included in the rate. You’ll either need to bring your own or buy a bundle at the Clubhouse for $20 plus tax.

The Airstreams were closer to each other than I anticipated, but I didn’t mind being around other visitors.

If you’re seeking more privacy, consider booking a premium Airstream. These options offer the same amenities but are located in quieter sections of the property, further from the main area.

For a more authentic camping experience, you can choose to stay in a luxury tent instead of an Airstream. These tents don't have air conditioning or private bathrooms, so guests will need to use the shared restrooms in the Clubhouse.

For a more luxurious stay, opt for a family cabin. These spacious units are like rental homes, complete with full kitchens, dining areas, and multiple beds to accommodate the entire family.

The Clubhouse serves as the heart of the action at AutoCamp Yosemite.

This beautifully designed Clubhouse acts as the main hub for all entertainment and activities at AutoCamp Yosemite.

With its wood paneling and a mix of iron and stone features, the space exudes a stylish yet earthy atmosphere. There’s an array of seating, from comfy sofas to quirky swinging chairs.

The Clubhouse boasts a wall of windows that overlooks a spacious communal fire pit area, where families come together to enjoy s'mores under the stars.

On the upper level of the Clubhouse, there’s a versatile room that hosts activities such as morning yoga sessions.

At any given time, the Clubhouse is buzzing with guests playing board games they’ve borrowed from the front desk, ordering food from the kitchen, or enjoying the live music performance. (During my visit, the usual outdoor summer concerts were moved inside due to the heat.)

The Clubhouse also offers a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., with beer, select wines, and cocktails (typically priced at $12) available for half price.

Dining options at the Clubhouse

The general store at the Clubhouse has everything from quick snacks and sunscreen to bottles of wine, souvenir mugs, and even medication. So, if you happen to forget something during your glamping adventure, you probably won't need to leave the camp to get it.

Each morning, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and granola in the Clubhouse. However, after talking with fellow visitors, it seems many wished there were a more substantial free breakfast offering available at AutoCamp.

Hot breakfast items are available for purchase from the kitchen. However, since they're pre-made, customization isn't an option.

There are several hearty dinner choices on the menu for those with big appetites, such as chicken pot pie ($10), creamy macaroni and cheese ($10), and lasagna ($10). During my stay, I tried a breakfast sandwich ($12) and a cheese pizza ($17), both of which were satisfactory.

Pool, landscape, and on-site activities

The spacious pool is located next to the Clubhouse on a hill, offering a scenic view of the back lawn. It's surrounded by comfy loungers and small tables, and during my visit, there were always fresh towels available for guests.

Beyond the pool and the Clubhouse, a scenic walking path wraps around a pond, passing more tents, Airstreams, and cabins. Personally, I think the Airstreams in this section (numbers 70-74) offer the best of both worlds: a peaceful pondside location with easy access to the Clubhouse.

Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy a range of complimentary activities like yoga sessions, guided meditation, stargazing outings, outdoor movies, and live performances from local musicians. For an additional cost, you can also book special on-site experiences such as mixology or floral arranging workshops.

Guests are welcome to explore the grounds on the resort's complimentary bikes (though they must stay on the property). For those who enjoy hiking but prefer not to drive to the national park, there are numerous nearby trails and recreation spots in the Sierra National Forest.

The resort is perfect for hosting large events, including corporate retreats, family reunions, and weddings. It is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Accessibility

I didn't expect many accessible options at a glamping resort, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that AutoCamp Yosemite exceeded my expectations.

While there are no accessible Airstreams available, guests can book accessible luxury tents, cabins, and premium cabins. These accommodations include features like entry ramps, low outlets and light switches, as well as spacious showers. All accessible options are located as close to the Clubhouse as possible.

An elevator provides access for individuals with physical disabilities, taking them from the Clubhouse's main floor to the pool area. Additionally, a pool lift is available for ease of use.

Some areas of the resort feature dirt paths and loose gravel, which may be challenging for those with mobility difficulties. If you need assistance navigating the property, you can request a golf cart ride from the staff.

Reasons why AutoCamp Yosemite might not suit your needs

• If you’re looking for a truly peaceful camping experience surrounded by untouched nature, AutoCamp Yosemite might not be the right choice. While the grounds are stunning and offer opportunities to engage with nature, the resort has a lively atmosphere with many other guests.
• Those seeking to stay directly inside Yosemite National Park may be disappointed by the 45-minute drive to the closest park entrance from AutoCamp.
• AutoCamp Yosemite offers mid-range pricing, meaning it's neither the most affordable nor the most luxurious option. Travelers seeking either extreme should consider other accommodations.

Checking out

If you're looking for a nature-infused getaway where you can enjoy campfire marshmallows without the hassle of setting up a tent, AutoCamp Yosemite is the perfect option.

This family-oriented glamping resort offers a wide range of activities and events for visitors of all ages. During my visit in mid-July, the place was filled with young children, but once the summer holidays are over, it likely transforms into a more intimate destination for couples seeking a romantic escape.

My two-night stay cost me $1,105, which wasn’t exactly cheap, and it didn’t include extras like a hot breakfast or firewood. However, you can find better rates during the off-season, and Hilton Honors members can use points to cover the cost.

The next time I'm craving a nature-filled escape, I'll definitely consider returning to AutoCamp Yosemite or exploring one of their other locations.