It’s an exciting year at AutoCamp! We’re thrilled to announce four new locations offering the luxe AutoCamp experience, opening 2023 in some of the country’s most scenic spots—Zion in Utah, Hill Country in Texas, Asheville in North Carolina, and Sequoia in California.
Opening dates and pre-booking options are coming soon! In the meantime, we’ve rounded up some quick hits of the best things to see and do in each of these locations across the U.S.
We’ll see you on the road!
Zion National Park has long been a cornerstone of American road trips, and for good reason. From epic hikes like the iconic Angel’s Landing and The Narrows to more casual, bike-friendly trails like The Pa’rus Trail (fittingly, the only trail open to pets), and walks to natural features like Weeping Rock or Lower Emerald Pools, there’s something for every skill level within the stunningly scenic park.
A very doable 7-hour drive from L.A. or 2 ½ hour trip from Las Vegas, Zion is the perfect mix of remote and accessible, offering a natural experience without days of travel.
Located just 20 minutes from Zion National Park, settle into AutoCamp Zion to unwind and listen to the sounds of the rushing Virgin River. Spend your first night stargazing with s’mores by the campfire—the open skies and red-rock landscape make it an unforgettable location for spotting constellations and shooting stars. Or, ease into the weekend with a dip in the all-season pool!
To map out your park adventures, book a guided experience with one of our local partners—from climbing and hiking tours in Zion National Park and greater Zion to curated canyoneering, river rafting, and mountain biking adventures.
Classic Local Favorites:
• Unique Stops near Zion: Red Hollow Slot Canyon and Sand Dune Arch
• Local Coffee Shops: Deep Creek Coffee Co and FeelLove Coffee
Don’t leave Zion without exploring the iconic views along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and try to make time to see ancient dino tracks sprinkled throughout the area.
There’s a whole host of reasons to be excited about Texas’ charming Hill Country, from picturesque vistas to BBQ to some of the world’s best antique shopping. If you have time, take a scenic drive from hip Austin or bustling San Antonio, and take in the famous Spring wildflowers that populate the winding country roads en route to AutoCamp Hill Country.
The heart of Hill Country is Fredricksburg, a charming small town that’s a great jumping off point for exploring the nearby wine region, known for reds made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel (yes, really!). For summer visitors, May through August is peak peach season, when the sweet ripe fruit is available for picking at nearby orchards.
Classic Local Favorites:
• Best Day Hikes: Painted Rock Overlook and Lookout Mountain (a.k.a. Old Baldy)
• Burgers and BBQ: Alamo Springs Cafe and Opie’s BBQ (Tip: Try the smoky ribs)
There’s myriad antique shops throughout the area, but if you’re a really serious collector, plan a visit to coincide with one of the famous Round Top Antiques Fairs, which happen a few times a year and gather together hundreds of the country’s best vendors in just a few square miles.
Asheville is an idyllic community right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the second most popular national park in America. Rich in lush forests, towering mountains, and thriving biodiversity, there’s plenty to do and see in the park—hike out to the 80 foot rushing Rainbow Falls, bike along Cades Cove Loop for picturesque mountain views, or picnic at Deep Creek and watch for wildlife.
If you have a chance to visit AutoCamp Asheville in the fall, the park’s changing leaves put on a stunning display of autumn colors. For the best views, hike to the Clingman’s Dome observation tower, which offers clear views 100 miles in each direction.
Once an undiscovered gem and hippie haven, Asheville and its idyllic tree-lined streets have recently become a popular destination for creative types looking to take things a bit slower. But despite a boom in interest, the city retains its roots as a crunchy-yet-cool spot where great food, music, and culture thrive. Home to over three dozen breweries, Asheville is a perfect spot for a craft beer crawl.
Classic Local Favorites:
• Craft Breweries: Asheville Brewing Company and Wicked Weed Brewing
• Appalachian Cuisine: The Market Place and Rhubarb
For a deep dive into Appalachian artisans, plan an afternoon at the Southern Highland Craft Guild, which offers tons of hands-on options. Or, if you want to just see where the day takes you, a safe bet is to head to the River Arts District, home to galleries, breweries, shops, and restaurants, all within easy walking distance.
In the heart of Central California, sister parks Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to massive, majestic Sequoia trees (including one that’s officially the largest tree on Earth!) and the highest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney. The temperate climate also makes it a great year-round destination.
Sequoia’s aptly-named Giant Forest hosts over 8,000 of the stately trees, which are close cousins of the coast’s famous Redwoods. Driving through the forest, you’ll also pass through the magical Tunnel Log, carved from a huge tree that fell across the road in the 1930s and remains intact today.
Plan your trip in September to align with The Dark Sky Festival, a yearly celebration of the night sky, Milky Way, and space exploration hosted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. For a change of pace coming or going, stop by the beautiful Shinzen Japanese Garden in Fresno, or check out Wild Water, California’s biggest water park.
Classic Local Favorites:
• Gourmet Food Trucks: Pupusas la Sabrosa and Ol Buckaroo (Tip: Order the mushroom risotto or the lemon ricotta pancakes)
• Quaint Coffee Shops: Sequoia Coffee Company and Antoinette’s Coffee and Goodies
After grabbing a bite to eat, go underground to get up close and personal with the formations of the Crystal Cave, which offers tours May through November.
There’s always another AutoCamp adventure around the corner – be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about exciting new updates!
