Travel Spotlight: Airstream Camping

Yes, summer is technically over, but that doesn’t mean your camping days have to come to an end. And fall camping doesn’t have to mean freezing in your tent thanks to the plethora of Airstream-specific campsites fusing the joys of nature with the comfort of a hotel. Created in 1929, the now-iconic aluminum trailer has experienced a renaissance in the last several years, becoming an unofficial symbol of the modern-day adventurous spirit. Here we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Airstream destinations in the US.

With two distinctly different locations, AutoCamp has a location for an option for whatever type of adventure you’re looking for. What began as an RV park in Santa Barbara houses five renovated Airstream suites, each equipped with two beach cruisers for visitors to explore the neighborhood. Just one mile north of the center of town, AutoCamp is a short walk or bike ride from the beach, local restaurants, and the Santa Barbara Mission and rose garden.

The brand-new Russian River location is situated in a native redwood forest in Sonoma’s wine country, offering a rustic alternative to the bohemian Santa Barbara setting. It’s also much bigger, with 24 custom Airstream trailers and 10 luxury canvas tents. Additionally, the founders of AutoCamp enlisted Dan Weber Architecture to design a Midcentury Modern clubhouse where guests can check in and stock up on drinks, snacks, and camping essentials. The clubhouse also includes areas for relaxation, as well as indoor and outdoor fire-pit lounges. AutoCamp is located just steps from the Russian River and local hiking in the redwood forest. Those visiting for a taste of the wine country won’t be disappointed either—several vineyards are just a short drive down the road.

Caravan Outpost

The living is good at the recently opened Caravan Outpost where 11 well-appointed Airstream trailers can be your home for a reasonable nightly rate. Shared grills and a fire pit make for a communal atmosphere ideal for grilling, imbibing and socializing. The lobby is set in a building from 1912 and houses both couches for hanging out and playing board games as well as a beautifully curated mini store. Well located in downtown Ojai, the Outpost is a short bike ride away from restaurants, bars, and wine tasting and just a quick car ride from scenic hikes. This is where glamping meets a sense for adventure meets seriously good taste.

El Cosmico

Located on 21 acres in the remote Marfa, Texas—a roughly three-hour drive from the nearest airport—El Cosmico bills itself as a “nomadic hotel and campground,” offering various forms of shelter including yurts, tents, tepees, and—you guessed it—Airstream trailers. The renovated trailers vary in size, some equipped with king beds, others with queens and fulls. Given the unpredictable Texas weather, all trailers come with both heating and air conditioning, as well as a refrigerator, cooking supplies, and a minibar stocked with any and everything you need for a successful desert-camping experience. El Cosmico intentionally restricts Wifi connectivity to its lobby in an effort to make sure guests socialize and stay present in their beautifully curated surroundings. Venturing outside El Cosmico, you’ll find a thriving artistic community of museums and galleries in Marfa including Ballroom Marfa, the Chianti Foundation, and Prada Marfa.