GLAMPING IN THE CATSKILLS

The Perfect Mountain Escape

By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva | Photos by Matt Kisiday

Need to escape for a few days? A place where you can get back to nature and spend the evenings sitting around a warm campfire under a star-filled sky in the north woods of the Catskills? If a camping experience sounds good to you, perhaps a stay at AutoCamp Catskills is just what you’re looking for.

Located in the Hudson Valley town of Saugerties, just 2 hours from NYC, AutoCamp Catskills provides outdoor experiences with up-scale camping accommodations. The resort’s 37 acres are home to 65 Airstream trailers, 10 Cabin suites (several of which are accessible), and 10 BaseCamps (Airstream + luxury tent) strategically positioned to provide scenic views of the resort’s forested grounds.

Once upon a time the Airstream was an iconic American travel trailer of the ’50s and ’60s. But AutoCamp’s version of the 31-foot gleaming campers is a far cry from your grandpa’s mid-century camper. Instead, these Airstreams are custom-designed for AutoCamp to provide an ultimate camping experience. The main room comprises a bright, airy sitting room and a fully-functional kitchenette. In the bedroom, a queen-sized TempurPedic bed with high-thread count linens is tucked under a panoramic window. A modern private bathroom offers a walk-in rain shower and a spacious vanity. Outside, a private patio with a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and a dining area provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine or a campfire-cooked meal.

The Gathering Spot

The Cabins offer a full kitchen, dining area, and a covered front porch with a fire pit and barbeque. Airstreams and Cabins offer a convertible sofa, a flatscreen TV with streaming services, heat and A/C, a microwave, a mini-fridge, cookware, and accessories. The Luxury Tents offer a king-sized TempurPedic bed, electricity, dual fan and heater, a mini-fridge, a convertible sofa, and a private outdoor fire pit. In addition, the Tents have round-the-clock access to spa-inspired restrooms and showers in the Clubhouse.

The Clubhouse has a hip yet rustic vibe and is a great spot to gather and socialize with fellow campers. Built in a classic Hudson Valley style, the Clubhouse’s exposed framing and beams present a barn-inspired feel, and a long wall of large folding doors offers a direct connection to the spacious outdoor patio and lawn area equipped with a variety of games such as corn hole. The multi-use space has plenty of plush seating, a modern indoor firepit, a bar, and a lounge perfect for events (music performances most Friday and Saturday evenings and Happy Hour daily) or just relaxing and socializing. Don’t feel like cooking? The Clubhouse menu features sandwiches, wraps, breakfast burritos, artisan pizzas, baked goods, artisan breads, and coffee. Local purveyors supply all these. In addition, the Clubhouse store offers barbecue kits with steak, chicken, or sausage as well as wine, beer, assorted gourmet meats and cheeses, and a variety of snacks.

Plenty Of Activities

On weekends your wellness will be addressed with the complimentary guided Meditation and Yoga Flow session. Explore the camp’s grounds with one of the complimentary bikes. For a more involved experience, participate in the Mindful Outdoor Experience of Forest Bathing, the Japanese-inspired practice that leads you through a series of sensory invitations to bring awareness to the present moment while observing the wonder of the natural world. Other activities include Storytelling/Fireside chats, movie nights, and food and beverage tastings. AutoCamp is excited about plans to have its outdoor pool ready for the summer of 2023.

Take time to explore the neighboring historic towns of Woodstock or Saugerties. Both have great dining choices, art galleries, and eclectic shops. The Opus 40 Sculpture Park and Arts Center is a fascinating attraction in Saugerties. Artist Harvey Fite created a remarkable 6.5-acre in-earth bluestone sculpture by hand, entirely from stone harvested on-site. The 55 acres of Opus 40 offer walking, picnicking, and a majestic view of the Catskill Mountains. Music buffs will want to check out Bearsville Theater and the grounds created by Albert Grossman. The legendary music manager represented artists like Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and The Band, all of whom played and recorded in the recording studio and theater.

Other nearby activities include hiking on the dozens of trails throughout the Catskills, like the Ashokan Rail Trail or the Saugerties Light House. In the winter, ski, ride, or snow tube at any of three local ski areas. In warmer weather, navigate the ropes course or dare to ride The SkyRider Tour, the second longest zipline in the world, at Hunter Mountain. Finally, experience some of the Hudson Valley’s great craft beverages with a brewery/ distillery/winery tour.

For more information on AutoCamp Catskills and other locations in the U.S., visit autocamp.com