AutoCamp Asheville Brings Luxe Airstream Glamping to the Blue Ridge

You don’t need to brave the elements to fall asleep under the stars with only the sounds of the babbling French Broad River and crickets in your ears. Not since AutoCamp Asheville opened last month on sixteen acres adjacent to the waterway. Located twenty minutes from downtown, the glampsite promises a dose of nature alongside easy access to restaurants, live music, and breweries.

The outpost represents AutoCamp’s first foray in the South, following success in destinations like Joshua Tree in California, Zion in Utah, and the Catskills in Upstate New York. A future location is slated for the Texas Hill Country.

“From the beginning we’ve designed the brand as a basecamp for exploration, with locations thoughtfully chosen near major natural landmarks and scenic destinations while still offering access to vibrant downtown areas,” says Bryan Terzi, AutoCamp’s chief commercial officer. “Asheville was a natural fit because of its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” 

The drive to AutoCamp Asheville winds along old country roads enveloped by trees, setting the expectation that you could be headed to a rustic campsite. But when you pull in, you’re greeted by an airy, midcentury-modern “clubhouse” and a collection of silver Airstreams—sixty-five in total, plus two cabins. 

An Airstream isn’t an overly spacious hotel suite, but these custom-renovated trailers might surprise you with their spa-inspired bathrooms, full kitchenettes, and queen-size beds. The standard Airstreams also come with a sofa that folds out into a double bed. Perhaps the best feature, though, is the private firepit and table for outdoor meals or a cup of coffee on a crisp morning.

Inside the clubhouse there’s a general store stocked with local Asheville products like Poppy Popcorn, the Gourmet Chip Company, Asheville Pretzels, and Sunshine Sammies, plus local beers. You can pick up grill kits to make over your firepit; think upscale camp food like New York strip steaks, mac and cheese, asparagus, and cornbread. And if you don’t want to cook or drive into the city, there’s a restaurant on site serving things like sandwiches, pizza, and burgers.

With amenities like complimentary twice-weekly yoga, indoor movie nights, and a year-round plunge pool, the property can be as hotel-like or secluded as you want—a choose-your-own-adventure opportunity with a beautiful backdrop and no wrong answer.