This New Glamping Resort in New York's Catskills Is the Perfect Fall Escape — With Airstreams, Fire Pits, and Foliage Galore

AutoCamp Catskills, which just opened in June 2022, has Airstreams, cabins, and tents on 37 acres in West Saugerties, New York.

While there’s much to say about summer in the Catskills, fall might be my favorite time in the mountainous region famously adored by respite-seeking New Yorkers. Foliage, of course, is among the main draws, and glamping resort AutoCamp now has an outpost nestled in the epicenter of the ephemeral explosion of color. Drawn to the area’s myriad seasonal delights, guests stay in Airstreams, cabins, and tents amid the 37-acre property’s soaring trees in West Saugerties, New York.

The youngest of AutoCamp Hospitality Group's five resorts across the country, the Catskills location is a mere four months old. When I arrived on an early October afternoon, the pristine, barn-inspired Clubhouse that serves as the resort’s main building still smelled of fresh wood. It’s an airy structure with a sweeping gable ceiling and one side that’s almost completely made of windows. Lofty touches like massive floor-to-ceiling wooden doors and an exposed chimney in the middle of the main room give an air of luxury, yet the ambience is unmistakably cozy.

Everything in the Clubhouse, from wood-carved murals to side tables fashioned from logs, has the feel of natural materials assembled by skillful hands. And at every turn, the spaces beg you to sit and take in the earthly pleasures of the forest locale. Cushioned benches swing from chains on the front patio. Plush couches accompany lush potted plants. For refreshments while you lounge, a bar in front of a stone-brick wall serves coffee and pastries in the morning and local beers, ciders, and wine at night. There’s currently a pumpkin patch gracing the yard, which is also home to a slew of sitting areas and lawn games, including a collection of cornhole setups fit for a tournament.

After checking in, I was sent to my Airstream with a fire-starting kit. I was disappointed that rainy weather prevented me from stargazing under the moonroof above my bed that night, but I got to watch leaves sway on the trees above me as I took a break from some late afternoon work to recline. One guest I spoke with recounted that their entire cohort had purchased the same mattress model after staying at AutoCamp Yosemite, and after a minute lounging on my sumptuous queen-size bed, I could already see why.

Panoramic windows in the bedroom, which take up one end of the 31-foot Airstream, were perfect for gazing at the trees outside awash with brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. The charming space has crisp white walls accented by a wooden floor, cabinets, and door frames. On my nightstand, I found a guidebook detailing the region’s rich history as a haven for artists.

That evening, my group dined in a spacious-yet-homey room that’s available to reserve for private gatherings in the Clubhouse. AutoCamp is popular among professionals seeking a serene workspace, and I suspect that even meetings wouldn’t feel too tedious in the large room with floor-to-ceiling windows on one side.

While summer bonfires have a special place in my heart, a good autumn blaze is hard to beat. Most mosquitoes have retreated, the fleeces are cozy, and nothing goes better with the comforting crackle of flame than a mug of mulled wine. A fire pit outside of the Clubhouse delivered the goods. Guests mingled and meandered in and out of our evening gathering, parka-clad dogs on leash, wine-filled Yeti tumblers in hand. Had we gone on a weekend trip to AutoCamp, we would have been treated to the folksy stylings of local musicians who perform most Fridays and Saturdays.

Guests who preferred fireside lounging in a more intimate setting took advantage of their suites' outdoor setup, each outfitted with its own fireplace, Adirondack chairs, and alfresco dining area.

The next morning, we set out to experience the Catskills’ rock climbing offerings, as October and November are the best times to do so. A 40-minute drive from AutoCamp Catskills, the Shawangunk Ridge — a.k.a. the Gunks — is one of the country’s top destinations for fans of the sport. Novices need not fear, as the Gunks has terrain for all experience levels, and there are seasoned climbing guides that can be booked through AutoCamp.

For less adrenaline-inducing activities, fall is also prime time to visit the dozens of orchards to pick fresh apples, sip on homemade cider, and revel in the autumnal glory of the pumpkin patches. Visitors can also enjoy the many cultural offerings of nearby historic towns, including Woodstock.

If you want to be in the thick of fall’s natural wonders, upstate hospitality, and architecture that’s both bucolic and refined, AutoCamp Catskills is a wise choice. Nightly rates at the resort start at $159, and you can book here.

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