Our Relaxing AutoCamp Yosemite Experience & the Activities Nearby

Red Rock Falls Trail: A scenic trail which ends at a beautiful waterfall. The climb was moderate, but I wouldn’t attempt it with a stroller. We used our MiniMeis shoulder carrier.

After spending our first night along the California coast in Pacifica, we made our way inland toward Yosemite National Park. Rather than staying in a traditional hotel, we decided to try something a little different for this trip: AutoCamp Yosemite.

Fun fact about me — I love a unique stay that immerses us in our destination without compromising on comfort.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that AutoCamp had mastered the art of blending luxury with the outdoors. The property felt like a thoughtfully curated retreat where modern comforts met the beauty of nature.

It was exactly the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment.

Our Stay at AutoCamp Yosemite

One of the things we loved most about AutoCamp is that there truly is an accommodation option for every type of traveler. Guests can choose from Airstreams, luxury tents, cabins, and tiny-home suites.

For our family, the tiny-home suites were the perfect fit.

Since we were traveling with our parents, AutoCamp worked with us to reserve three suites near one another. This gave us the best of both worlds: we could easily spend time together while still enjoying the privacy of our own room, bathroom, and living space.

Traveling with an eight-month-old can require a surprising amount of gear, so we especially appreciated having a small kitchenette equipped with the essentials. Simple conveniences like preparing bottles, storing snacks, and having a little extra space made our stay feel comfortable and stress-free.

Nature Meets Luxury

One of my favorite things about AutoCamp was simply walking around the property with a cup of coffee.

Winding pathways connected the various accommodations and community spaces, creating a peaceful atmosphere that encouraged guests to slow down and explore.

Everywhere we looked, there were thoughtful design details that felt straight out of a high-end woodland lifestyle magazine.

The entire property struck the perfect balance between rustic and refined.

The central clubhouse served as the heart of AutoCamp, featuring a small market, bar, kitchen, and plenty of inviting lounge areas. The lovely staff kept coffee and tea available throughout the entire day and night. Outside, guests could relax by the pool, gather around the fire pits, or enjoy one of the many outdoor seating areas tucked throughout the property.

The view around Auto Camp Yosemite

📸 by Alina Wilford

Thoughtful Touches That Made a Difference

As parents, one of the details we appreciated most was AutoCamp's ability to provide a Pack 'n Play complete with sheets for our daughter. Not having to transport a travel crib across the country made our trip significantly easier. If you're considering a stay at AutoCamp with little ones, I highly recommend requesting one when making your reservation.

Another memorable touch came during our stay as we celebrated both my mom's and mother-in-law's birthdays. The AutoCamp team surprised them with a thoughtful s'mores gift bag, which immediately made the occasion feel even more special.

It's often the small gestures that leave the biggest impression, and AutoCamp consistently delivered those thoughtful details throughout our visit.

Evenings Around the Fire

The community space featured a stunning wall of floor-to-ceiling glass doors that opened to the outdoors, creating a seamless connection between the clubhouse and the surrounding landscape.

In the evenings, we gathered around the fire pits with cocktails in hand, played cards, and enjoyed spending uninterrupted time together. After busy days exploring Yosemite and the surrounding area, these quiet evenings became some of our favorite moments of the trip.

Life can move incredibly fast. Between work, responsibilities, and everyday routines, it's easy to lose sight of the value of simply being present with the people you love. This trip offered the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. We spent our days exploring and our evenings slowing down, reconnecting, and enjoying each other's company.

Exploring Beyond AutoCamp

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

While AutoCamp Yosemite was a destination in its own right, its location also made it an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding area.

The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering recommendations for nearby attractions, restaurants, and local experiences. Their suggestions led us to several memorable stops throughout our stay, including Mariposa, Sierra Cider, Yosemite National Park, and the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

Strolling Through Mariposa

Mariposa quickly became one of our favorite nearby towns.

Located just a short drive from AutoCamp, this charming Gold Rush-era community offers a welcoming mix of local shops, restaurants, and small-town character. We enjoyed spending an afternoon wandering through the boutiques, picking up a few essentials, and discovering local restaurants.

For travelers visiting Yosemite, Mariposa offers the convenience of grocery stores, pharmacies, and other necessities while still maintaining the historic charm that makes the town feel special.

An Afternoon at Sierra Cider

Our Crew at the Sierra Cider Tasting Room

One of our favorite discoveries was Sierra Cider.

The property offered a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere complete with a small farm, petting zoo, delicious ciders, and plenty of open space to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider options were available, making it enjoyable for everyone in our group.

Depending on the day, visitors may also find live music and food trucks on site.

It was the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon, allowing the adults to relax while the kids explored and played. Don’t forget to leave without buying some apple butter to bring home. Everything they make is fresh from their orchard. But do yourself a favor and don’t forget to pack your goodies in your checked bags. We made this rookie mistake and had to mail our items home at the airport.

📸 Our Orchard Farm Photos by Alina Wilford

Riding the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Another unexpected highlight of our trip was visiting the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

Initially, the attraction was added to our itinerary because my father-in-law is a train enthusiast and never passes up an opportunity to ride one. What we quickly discovered, however, was that this experience is much more than a kids train ride.

Passengers board an open-air train and travel through beautiful forest scenery while learning about the area's logging history and natural environment. Along the route, the conductor shared stories about the region and even stopped midway through the journey so guests could step off and explore the surrounding forest.

The experience was both educational and scenic, making it enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Afterwards, we enjoyed a picnic lunch and strolled through the gift shop.

Why We'd Stay Again

AutoCamp Yosemite ended up being one of our new favorite accommodations. They have several locations across the country and we can’t wait to check out another one of their locations.

The beautiful design, thoughtful amenities, peaceful setting, and convenient location created an experience that felt both adventurous and restorative. It allowed us to enjoy everything Yosemite and the surrounding area had to offer while still providing a comfortable place to unwind at the end of each day.

For families looking for a unique Yosemite-area stay that combines the beauty of nature with the comforts of a boutique hotel, AutoCamp Yosemite is absolutely worth considering.

Next up: our unforgettable experience exploring Yosemite National Park with an eight-month-old.