AutoCamp Yosemite is the stylish glamping option on the Highway 140 corridor, set in the oak and pine foothills near Midpines, between the town of Mariposa and the park's Arch Rock Entrance. It offers custom Airstream trailers fitted out as suites, with comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and design touches, alongside cabin-style accommodations, each with a private fire pit and outdoor seating. The central clubhouse, in a mid-century modern style, is the social hub, with a lounge, a fireplace and a small market selling snacks, drinks and essentials; guests gather around fire pits in the evening, and the property has a seasonal pool. The location has one big advantage: Highway 140 through the Merced River canyon is the lowest-elevation, most reliable year-round route into Yosemite Valley, which matters in winter, when other approaches can face more snow. It is also the route of the YARTS public bus, which runs year-round from Merced, Mariposa and El Portal to the valley. From the camp, it is about 45 minutes to an hour to the valley floor, passing the Merced River and El Portal. The historic town of Mariposa, with its courthouse, shops and restaurants, is a short drive away. AutoCamp suits couples and friends who want a design-led stay, and families who enjoy the camping feel without the work. Rates are mid-range for glamping and vary by season. As with any rural property, expect limited dining on site and plan meals in Mariposa or the park. Airstream suites are compact, so pack light, and note that the experience is about the setting and the communal spaces rather than full hotel services.
Why stay. AutoCamp gives you the romance of camping with the comfort of a boutique hotel. The Airstreams are cleverly designed and cozy, and the fire pits make evenings under the stars special. It is a good alternative to motels in Mariposa or El Portal, and its location on Highway 140 is ideal for winter trips, when this route is usually the easiest drive into the valley.
Making the most of it. Head into the park early for the drive along the Merced River, spend the day in the valley, and return for a fire and a drink at the clubhouse. Stop in Mariposa for breakfast or dinner, and explore its historic buildings and shops. In spring, the river canyon is lush and the waterfalls are at their peak; in winter, enjoy the quiet and the lower snow levels. If you do not want to drive, the YARTS bus offers a year-round alternative along Highway 140.
Who should stay. Couples, friends and design-minded travelers, as well as families who want a fun, outdoorsy base. It suits those who prefer a calmer foothill setting to the busy valley. The trade-offs: compact accommodations, limited on-site dining and a daily drive into the park. For full-service resort amenities, consider Tenaya at Yosemite; for a historic lodge, the Ahwahnee.
Why stay here
- ✓Custom Airstream suites
- ✓Cabin-style accommodations
- ✓Private fire pit at each site
- ✓Mid-century clubhouse with fireplace
- ✓Small market for snacks and essentials
- ✓Seasonal pool
- ✓Year-round Highway 140 access to the valley
- ✓Near the YARTS bus route
Good questions
Where is AutoCamp Yosemite?+
In Midpines on Highway 140, between Mariposa and the park's Arch Rock Entrance. Yosemite Valley is about 45 minutes to an hour away.
What are the Airstream suites like?+
Custom-fitted trailers with comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and design touches, plus a private fire pit and outdoor seating at each site.
Is Highway 140 a good winter route?+
Yes. The Merced River canyon route is the lowest-elevation approach to Yosemite Valley and the YARTS bus runs it year-round, though chain controls can still apply in storms.
