AutoCamp’s New Chief Marketing Officer Talks Glamping With the Brand, and Why its Resorts Are Great for Groups

In the early aughts, the trend of glamorous camping, or “glamping,” began to catch fire.

Paws Up Montana is regularly credited with helping propel the niche (the resort opened in 2005 with six furnished safari-style canvas tents on the Blackfoot River), and many spins on comfortable outdoor travel followed, including a take by California-based brand AutoCamp.

AutoCamp launched in 2013 in Santa Barbara, California, with a set of stylishly outfitted Airstreams. Plush beds, modern kitchenettes and fancy toiletries brought glamour to the silver-shelled accommodations, while alfresco patios and bicycles invited guests to explore the great outdoors. Though that location has since closed, myriad other AutoCamp resorts are welcoming guests, and to some of the most renowned natural settings in the U.S., from Yosemite National Park and the Russian River Valley in California to Zion National Park in Utah and Cape Cod in Massachusetts. And accommodations go beyond Airstreams, including premium cabins and canvas tents.

And with further expansion afoot, hospitality veteran Bryan Terzi has joined the AutoCamp team as its chief marketing officer. Terzi is passionate about wellness and outdoor travel, and he is eager to oversee the brand’s growth — he has, of course, already visited every AutoCamp location personally. We caught up with Terzi to talk about AutoCamp’s offerings and how they’re ideal for nature enthusiasts, groups, events and more.

What should readers unfamiliar with AutoCamp and its ethos know right out of the gate?

AutoCamp aims to redefine the iconic camping experience, blending the traditional elements of sleeping under the stars with the service and design-forward thinking of a boutique hotel. We offer curated outdoor experiences that encourage guests to put the screens down and get into nature without sacrificing the comforts of high-end accommodations, and we engage local partners to help connect to the ethos of a particular destination. We are also focused on generating new jobs in these burgeoning communities.

It seems wrong to say that outdoor travel is “trending.” Post-pandemic, it feels more like a permanent shift in how travelers want to experience the world. Given that demand, what patterns is AutoCamp seeing in bookings or traveler interests?

There’s increasing demand for glamping, yes. People are looking for unique experiences that allow them to connect with the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home, which aligns perfectly with our mission. There is also a growing interest in wellness and outdoor activities; travelers are seeking destinations that offer hiking, biking, yoga and more. 

People are looking for unique experiences that allow them to connect with the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home, which aligns perfectly with our mission.

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We have also seen a rise in multigenerational and multi-activity travel, which AutoCamp is uniquely positioned to cater to because we offer a blend of comfort, adventure and inclusivity. Our accommodations offer an ideal setting for families to come together, and the variety of activities available means there’s something for everyone regardless of age or ability. Our properties also provide both adventure and tranquility, catering to this holistic approach to travel. These trends reflect a broader desire for meaningful and immersive travel experiences, and we’re excited to continue evolving to meet the needs of modern travelers. 

What properties are newer to the AutoCamp portfolio?

Our latest property to open was AutoCamp Zion in May 2023; it is located 20 minutes from Zion National Park and within a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. It has an all-season pool, river access, live music, yoga and meditation classes, guided experiences and adventures in Zion National Park, plus local brewery and culinary experiences. Soon, we are opening our Asheville property, which will be the first of its kind in the region. We will debut our Bambi Suites here, an all-new accommodation category for couples and solo travelers.

Additionally, we have AutoCamp Sequoia slated to open later this year, which will be a 15-minute drive to Sequoia National Park and a 1.5 hour drive to Kings Canyon National Park. Located along the Kaweah River, where the three forks of the river meet, the Sequoia property will provide a secluded guest experience nestled among some of the world’s largest trees. It will include a heated outdoor pool and local activities such as hiking, fly fishing and kayaking. 

Besides its classic Airstream accommodations, what other room types do AutoCamp resorts offer? 

First, there are adventure tents — spacious, custom-made canvas tents that keep guests connected to the outdoors without sacrificing creature comforts. Tents include both sleeping and seating areas, including a king bed with high-thread-count linens tucked beneath a screened window.

AutoCamp also offers cabins, which are modern accommodations with a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area. In the bedroom, a queen bed with high-thread-count linens is set under a panoramic window. A wardrobe offers ample storage. The living area and kitchen serve as the main room, with a convection stovetop and flat-screen TV. The living area sofa folds out into a double bed, perfect for one adult or two small children. A private and modern bathroom offers a walk-in rain shower and spacious vanity area. 

Then, at select locations, we offer BaseCamp Suites, which combine an Airstream suite and a luxury tent – perfect for families and groups. 

What else should travel advisors know about the brand?

AutoCamp locations are ideal for social events, such as birthday trips, reunions and the full gamut of wedding-based programming. You have the ability to section off parts of the properties to ensure that friends and family stay in close proximity. For example, we have specific cul-de-sacs at AutoCamp Catskills that a small group can rent out and act as a semi-private event. 

In 2025, we are really ramping up our meetings and events strategy to host corporate offsites and inspiration meetings. We have fully equipped meeting rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the lush grounds, which make the properties ideal for this segment. We are also offering incentives to meeting planners and have already hosted top clients in the tech, auto and spirits categories.

AutoCamp also offers 10% commission on best-available web rates.