Photos by Matt Kisiday, courtesy of AutoCamp
With a prime location near Saugerties and Woodstock, AutoCamp takes outdoor overnights to the next level in scenic Ulster County.
When it comes to planning a getaway, some of the best experiences are right here in the Hudson Valley. Need an example? Take a look at this modern escape in the Catskills, this luxurious downstate retreat, or this serene residence in Woodstock. Oh, and did we mention any of these idyllic local destinations?
@hudsonvalleymag Hudson Valley getaway: @autocamp1 Catskills. It’s an easy drive from Saugerties and Woodstock! // #autocamp #autocampcatskills #hudsonvalley #hudsonvalleyny #getaway #Saugerties #Woodstock // @sabrina.sucato ♬ Funk It Up – Official Sound Studio
Of course, while the hotels and inns of the Hudson Valley are undeniably attractive, sometimes there’s nothing like a trip into the great outdoors. Lucky for you, AutoCamp Catskills is here to make au naturale overnights with a touch of luxury a reality in the region.
Open since June 2022, AutoCamp Catskills is the latest property (and the second one on the East Coast) for the outdoor hospitality brand, which began in Santa Barbara, CA in 2013 as renovated Airstream housing for young professionals. Fast-forward to today, and AutoCamp is now a design-forward accommodation brand with locations in Joshua Tree, CA; Sonoma, CA; Yosemite National Park; and Cape Cod, MA. With the openings of its location in the Hudson Valley’s Catskill region in 2022, along with Asheville, NC; Hill Country, TX; Sequoia, CA; and Zion, UT in 2023, AutoCamp will have multiple locations across the country for travelers to spend the night.
“Catskills marks our second East Coast property, and we felt this vibrant, explorable region would be a perfect location for AutoCamp. We’re just a short drive up the Hudson from New York City and at the portal of hundreds of miles of hiking trails,” says Neil Dipaola, CEO and founder of AutoCamp. “We’re looking forward to sharing the AutoCamp experience with the outdoor community here.”
Speaking of the community, AutoCamp Catskills sits in scenic West Saugerties in Ulster County. The location couldn’t be better, thanks to its proximity to both Saugerties and Woodstock, not to mention Hunter Mountain and the endless hiking trails that crisscross the region.
The experience-driven company acquired the property in 2019 after an intensive exploration of the area, then began construction earlier in 2021. New York-based firm Workshop/APD lead architecture, design, and master-planning on the site, which takes inspiration from traditional agrarian architecture and the region’s rich music culture. Décor at AutoCamp is eclectic and vintage-inspired, with bold local art mixed in to create a hip and modern twist.
“We draw design influence from our site and the overall region to offer a boutique outdoors-focused lodging experience,” notes AutoCamp co-founder Ryan Miller. “We are particularly excited about our Clubhouse at this property, which will be a modern barn-inspired structure with plenty of exposed beams and ample space to lounge and enjoy the scenery.”
As for the stay, expect nothing less than #InstagramGoals in the Hudson Valley. Now open, AutoCamp spans 37 acres and boasts 65 of its iconic, custom, 31-ft Airstreams, 10 cabins, and 10 BaseCamps, a.k.a. Airstream and luxury tent combos. The rooms, which all come with HVAC systems for hot and cool days, are just the beginning, though. Also onsite, the property offers a hot tub and plunge pool combo that operates year-round (opening late 2022), along with event spaces that work just as well for corporate meetings as they do for family reunions or weddings. Plus, did we mention there’s WiFi?
Like Miller mentions, the Clubhouse, a.k.a. AutoCamp’s community space, is a focal point on the grounds. In addition to functioning as a gathering place for guests, it also houses the reception area, the indoor fire pit and lounge, the general store, and the morning breakfast and coffee service. As far as local touches go, the java is from 2 Queens Coffee in Narrowsburg, while the Neversink General Store supplies a variety of treats. Bread Alone goodies make appearances as well, as do brews and ciders from Blue Point Brewing Company, Woodstock Brewing, Graft Cider, and West Kill Brewing.
“This unique property offers visitors a sense of escape and exploration,” observes Workshop/APD design director and associate Andrew Kline, “and we wanted to highlight every opportunity for guests to play, connect and refresh onsite. The region’s unspoiled nature and thriving cultural scene provided endless inspiration to our team, and guided the selection of rustic, honest materials and simple architectural forms, as well as the development of indoor and outdoor spaces for unique programming, gathering, and relaxation.”
While the Clubhouse is a starting point for community and relaxation, AutoCamp offers even more ways for guests to take a breather after days spent hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing in the Hudson Valley. The destination will offer periodic happy hours, as well as fireside chats, tap takeovers, yoga, guided meditations, and live music by local musicians. AutoCamp hopes to collaborate with Hudson Valley businesses in the future, so keep an eye out for familiar faces and names in its programming mix.
As for pricing at AutoCamp Catskills, rates will start at $189/night and vary depending on occupancy and seasons. After that, the only thing left to decide is…Airstream or tent?
