AutoCamp Yosemite
Let’s face it, glamping is the superior method of vacationing these days. All of the benefits of camping without the hassle of having to setup a tent. Insert Autocamp Yosemite, the perfect place to escape the everyday stresses of the real world while taking in the breathtaking views of the Sierra National Park and Yosemite National Park.
Autocamp boasts one of the more unique “camping” experiences out there, offering accommodation in modern airstreams that surround a mid-century modern clubhouse serving locally-crafted eats. So whether you’re looking to adventure around Yosemite National Park, or simply unplug and unwind, Autocamp Yosemite is the place to be.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
WHERE TO STAY:
For the best experience, I would recommend requesting one of the following sites:
Classic Airstream Suites: 46, 86
Classic Cabin Suite: 43
HOW TO PREP:
Make sure to put together your packing list a week before to ensure you have everything you need before you leave.
Do some research on which hikes or viewpoints you want to make part of your trip to Yosemite. I have included a list of the best photo spots further below.
Create your breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu for each day, and put together your grocery list ahead of time.
WHAT IS INCLUDED W/ THE AIRSTREAM:
Built-in Bluetooth speaker
Towels and linens
Mini fridge
Microwave
Cutting Board
Utensils
Cast Iron Skillet
Coffee Press
Mixing bowls
Serving plates & bowls
BBQ utensils
Luxe bath amenities by Ursa Major
Hair Dryer
Heating/Cooling
Bottle Opener
WHAT TO PACK
-PERSONAL LIST
Clothes suitable for the weather
Pajamas
Toiletries: Razor, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Makeup Remover, Face Wash, Hair Brush, Hair Bands, Wet Wipes
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Socks
Hiking/Running Shoes
Comfy shoes (slippers, uggs)
Sunglasses
Phone charger
CAMPING LIST
Charcoal
Lighter Fluid
Portable Stove (Optional but recommended)
Games (Clubhouse has some for sale but they aren’t cheap!)
Backpack for hikes
Hydro Flask
Gallons of Drinking Water
Flash Lights
Bug Repellent
Coolers
Ice
Ziplock Bags
Foil
Cooking:
Strainer
Pot
Pan (they supply you with a cast iron)
Cooking Oil
Measuring cups (if needed)
Spices
Butter
Coffee Creamer
WHAT’S AROUND
Autocamp Yosemite is a short drive to Mariposa, a small town with lots of great food options, wine tasking rooms, and breweries.
Yosemite National Park is about a 45 minute drive from the camp, so we only spent one day there. That was more than enough though, since we went in the February and it was too cold for any hikes.
Pro Tip: Save your grocery shopping until you get closer to the park! Fresno has everything you’ll need (namely Trader Joe’s) for your meals.
WHAT WE ATE
The great thing about Autocamp is that there is a Clubhouse that offers up locally-grafted eats, as well as a general store for all of your hunger needs. You could stay for the week and not bring a single food item with you; however, I believe that part of the fun IS planning meals and cooking over the fire. See below for the meals we opted for during our stay.
GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES W/
MAC N CHEESE & ASPARAGUS
Steak Bites:
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a normal skillet or cast iron skillet (recommended)
Add 1-1.5lbs rib eye steak bites to skillet. Season w/ salt & pepper, and cook over fire for 2 mins undisturbed.
Stir and cook for another 2-3 mins. Remove to a plate.
In same skillet, add 6 tbsp of butter and heat until melted.
Add 1/2 tbsp minced garlic and 1/4 cup chopped parsley to skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring.
Remove from heat, add steak bites back to skillet, and toss well,
Serve with Mac N Cheese (cooked over portable stove) and asparagus (cooked in microwave)
BACON, LETTUCE, TOMATO (BLT) SANDOS
W/ HOMEMADE MAC SALAD
Cook bacon on skillet (either over fire on on portable stove)
Cut tomato & wash lettuce
Add to ciabatta and use condiment of choice (we chose Bitchin Sauce)
L&L INSPIRED MAC SALAD
Pre-cook 1/2 cup dry elbow macaroni before the trip & keep in cooler
Mince 1/4 cup onion
Thinly slice 1/4 cup green onion
Combine the above with 2 tbsp shredded carrots, 1 cup real, whole mayo, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1 tbs kosher salt, and chopped parsley to garnish
Chill 2-3 hours or overnight
PIZZA FROM THE PIZZA FACTORY
Located about 10 minutes from Autocamp, you will find the cute town of Mariposa. Mariposa has a great variety of food and beverage spots for when you are over the campsite meals.
We went to the Pizza Factory in town and ordered a Build Your Own Salad and a large pepperoni pizza for dinner one evening. This place truly had everything, from chicken wings to calzones…the perfect spot for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings! We ate half of the pizza, brought the rest back to our airstream, and ended up heating it up over the fire the next night (highly recommend). Overall a great spot to hit, especially for big groups or if you have a pet with you!
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
BEST PHOTO SPOTS
Find everything you need to know about the best photo spots in Yosemite HERE. I lived by this guide on our trip, an highly recommend checking it out!