Autocamp Catskills
The Perfect Upstate Escape: AutoCamp Catskills Review & Family Tips
Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, AutoCamp Catskills in Saugerties, New York blends the best of outdoor adventure with modern comfort. We’ve stayed here twice—once in the crisp fall air and again during the lively summer months—and each visit offered a different kind of magic. Whether you’re cozying up in an Airstream under the trees or spreading out in a Family Cabin, this stylish retreat has everything you need for a relaxing mountain getaway. From scenic trails and nearby waterfalls to charming small towns and delicious local eats, here’s everything we love (and recommend) about AutoCamp Catskills.
Why AutoCamp Catskills?
We’ve been twice, and I’m happy to share a general overview and lots of tips from our stays. The photos above are of the Premium Airstream Suite and the photos below are of the Premium Family Cabin.
Location & first impressions
AutoCamp Catskills is located in Saugerties, NY. It sits in the Hudson Valley’s wooded region of the Catskills, offering a true “retreat into nature” feel. We loved that you drive into the forest, park, then settle into your accommodation surrounded by trees rather than a typical hotel corridor.
When you arrive you’ll find a sleek modern clubhouse, lounge areas, and the property tucked into the woods. It’s a great bridge between “camping” and “luxury lodging” — which in fact is what they aim for (they call it “glamping,” but in our opinion it’s way more comfortable than most glamping stereotypes).
AutoCamp Catskills Premium Family Cabin
AutoCamp Catskills Premium Airstream Suite
Accommodations — what we stayed in & other options
We stayed in two different types of units on our two visits, and each offered a distinct experience:
The first stay was a Premium Airstream Suite. These are polished vintage-style Airstream trailers, well appointed with a fridge, sink, kettle/tea station, modern bathroom, and outdoor fire-pit & picnic table. The kitchen is minimal (no full cook-top) so if you like cooking outside we brought our camping stove once. The outdoor setting and woods-adjacent site were very peaceful.
The second stay was a Premium Family Cabin – we preferred this the second time because our boys were older (approaching teens) so the extra room was helpful. The Family Cabins include a full kitchen (cook-top, oven etc) so you can really cook indoors or outdoors.
Other accommodation types at AutoCamp Catskills:
Besides the Airstreams and Family Cabins, they also offer Canvas Adventure Tents for more “tent camp feel” but with luxury touches.
They also have Premium BaseCamp Suite which is the best of both worlds and combines a modern Airstream Suite with a Canvas Tent.
Premium Airstream Suite features:
Vintage-style polished Airstream trailer
Fridge, sink, kettle/tea stationModern bathroom (no full cook-top)
Outdoor fire-pit & picnic table
Peaceful woods-adjacent setting
Premium Family Cabin features:
Full kitchen with cook-top & oven
Extra space for families/older kids
Indoor or outdoor cooking options
Indoor or outdoor cooking options
Tip: If you enjoy cooking outdoors and have your own portable stove, bring it. Even with a full kitchen, I found outdoor cooking over the fire is part of the fun. If you stay in an Airstream and plan serious cooking, bring the stove because only modest kitchen provided.
Amenities & on-property features we loved
Here’s a list of things we appreciate:
The clubhouse: This is a lovely spot for morning coffee/tea and complimentary granola. They also often serve breakfast items and have a lounge/bar area. Our kids especially loved being able to hang out in the clubhouse.
Complimentary granola: Complimentary coffee, tea, and granola in the morning were included. We typically ended up grabbing granola and coffee at the clubhouse, then having a second breakfast at our accommodation/outdoors - just because I love cooking outside!
Outdoor fire-pit & patio: Each unit comes with an outdoor fire-pit and picnic table. Cooking outside, roasting marshmallows or sitting by the fire with a warm drink at dusk was one of our favorite moments. There is also a community fire-pit at the clubhouse along with plenty of seating on their patio and tons of games for family fun!
Hiking/trail loop on property: There is a trail network immediately around the property (great for walking, mountain biking). AutoCamp provides complimentary bikes (we still brought our own for more serious riding) but the onsite loop is a bonus for a convenient ride or ride with younger kids.
Parking & vehicle access: Parking is free. You park your car in a main parking lot and use the handy wagons to bring your luggage to your cabin. We especially love this because it makes the campground more peaceful.
Design + comfort: The interiors feel upscale and comfortable — modern bathrooms, quality linens, and design touches rather than rough-camping.
Tip: Evening fire-pit time is magical — plan for it (marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, etc). Also it is less expensive to purchase wood locally in town, or they do sell bundles in the clubhouse.
Tip: If you prefer to cook indoors, check ahead what your unit includes; cabins have full kitchens, Airstream trailers less so.
Tips for Your Stay:
Bring a portable stove if you plan serious outdoor cooking
Bring marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate (or buy a S’mores kit at the clubhouse)
Check unit kitchen features ahead of time: cabins have full kitchens; Airstreams are more modest
Buy firewood locally for cost savings (or use bundles sold in the clubhouse)
Things to do in the area
The location is wonderful because while you may happily spend time at the property, there’s also a variety of nearby activities. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Opus 40, Saugerties
Opus 40 is a truly unique place: a 6.5-acre earthwork sculpture created by artist Harvey Fite in an abandoned bluestone quarry, with thousands of tons of dry-stone walls, ramps and platforms.
What to do: Walk the gravel trails among the stone terraces and forested edges; explore the Quarryman’s Museum onsite; take photos of the dramatic stone work.
Tip: Check the hours ahead (open Saturday & Sunday 10 am-5 pm for tours) and plan maybe morning or late afternoon when light is good.
2. Kaaterskill Falls
We took a hike into Kaaterskill Falls and two of the more adventurous people even swam in a natural pond area. The North Mountain Wild Forest offers a wide variety of trails, significant topographic variety, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, deep valleys.
Tip: Choose a trail appropriate for your group’s ability. Water/swim stops are nice but always check conditions.
Tip: Wear good footwear — some trails are rocky, wet, or steep. For waterfall trails especially, caution is key.
3. Rail Explorers – Catskills Division, Phoenicia
Rail Explorers is a really fun and unique experience: you ride pedal-assisted “rail bikes” (on tracks) alongside the scenic Esopus Creek through the wooded Catskills.
What to know: The typical tour is an 8-mile round trip on the Esopus Creek route. Bring water and maybe snacks. They mention “bring a snack and drink to enjoy at the creek-side turnaround.”
Tip: Book ahead (seats limited) and arrive early. Cell service may be spotty in the woods. It’s a great activity for pre-teens/teens.
4. Village of Phoenicia, NY
A small but charming village — we spent time walking around the shops and restaurants in Phoenicia. Good break from “nature only” and gives a sense of local life.
Tip: Go mid-morning or afternoon when shops are open.
Food & Drink Recommendations
Here are some of our favorite food spots in the area:
Alleyway Ice Cream (Saugerties, NY)
We LOVE this place. Unique and incredibly delicious flavors. If it’s in season, go for the Key Lime Crunch… or the Thai Tea Cookies & Cream. Wait. The Minty Minty Chip was so good too. Oh, but that Buttermilk Strawberry! And of course, the Belgian Chocolate…Tip: Try all of the flavors :)
Bread Alone Bakery (Boiceville, NY)
There are two locations (one in Woodstock, one in Boiceville) and we stopped at the Boiceville spot. Great breads, sandwiches, scones. Delicious. We also loved the on tap sparkling water!
Tip: It’s perfect for breakfast or lunch — grab a sandwich or pastry before a hike.
Phoenicia Diner (Phoenicia, NY)
We had breakfast here — and the pancakes were the highlight. The menu also includes vegan and gluten-friendly options.
Tip: If you go for breakfast, get there early (popular spot). Try their pancakes (OMG! so good), and if you want something lighter there are options.
Best Seasons to Visit & What to Expect
We visited twice: once in September (Fall) and once in August (Summer). Each had a different feel.
Fall: Crisp air, quieter trails, early foliage. Very peaceful.
Summer: Warm, adventurous, more active days; perfect for hiking, biking, creek-swimming.
The beauty of AutoCamp Catskills is that it works for both seasons — you’ll feel cozy in cooler temps, and active in warm days.
Tip: In fall, book early for peak leaf-peeping weekends. In summer, consider gear for heat, and for creek/stream stops (swimwear, towel).
Tip: For outdoor cooking/fire-pit nights, bring layered clothing — evenings can get chilly even in summer.
Our Top Tips for Your Stay
Bring some outdoor cooking gear, even if your unit has a kitchen — the fire-pit experience is so worth it.
Choose accommodation based on your group size and style: for younger kids, the Airstream trailers and tents work; for teens/family space, cabin gives more breathing room.
Reserve early — good units fill fast, especially for weekends.
Download offline maps or have an offline trail app — cell service in woods can be patchy.
Plan at least one “on-property” relaxed day: lounge in the clubhouse, hike the loop, enjoy the fire-pit. Don’t feel you must be off-site every day.
For off-site activities (hikes, rail bikes), do a little planning ahead (reservations, check hours, pack snacks).
Bring hiking shoes/trail sneakers — some trails around the area (especially waterfalls) can be slippery or uneven.
If you have teens (or kids approaching teen years) ask them which activity (rail bikes, creek swimming, village walk) appeals most — giving them some choice boosts the fun.
Finally: set time aside just to relax. The setting (the woods, fire-pit, night sky, clubhouse) is all magic.
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