AutoCamp, the company renowned for its upscale glamping experiences, is charting a new course in the hospitality sector with the introduction of its sister brand, Field Station. Poised to debut its inaugural location just outside the adventure mecca of Moab, Utah, in the spring of 2023, Field Station aims to provide a more accessible and budget-friendly gateway to the great outdoors. This innovative hotel concept focuses on revitalizing existing properties in prime outdoor destinations, offering a unique blend of comfort, community, and connection to nature. Following the Moab launch, Field Station has ambitious plans to expand, with locations slated for Joshua Tree later in 2023 and Lake Tahoe, California, in 2024.
AutoCamp: Pioneering the Luxury Camping Experience
Before delving into the specifics of Field Station, it’s important to understand the foundation upon which it’s built: AutoCamp. Since its inception in 2013, AutoCamp has redefined the camping landscape, transforming it from a rustic, often inconvenient endeavor into a luxurious and stylish escape. AutoCamp properties, currently found in sought-after locations like Cape Cod, the Catskills, Joshua Tree, Sonoma, and Yosemite, offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort or modern amenities.
The hallmark of the AutoCamp experience is its meticulously designed accommodations. Guests can choose from a range of options, most notably the iconic Airstream trailers, each thoughtfully outfitted with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and stylish décor. In addition to Airstreams, AutoCamp offers luxury tents and cabins, providing a variety of ways to experience the outdoors in style.
However, the price point for this elevated camping experience reflects its luxurious nature. Nightly rates at AutoCamp locations typically range from $250 to $1,000, placing it firmly in the realm of high-end travel. While AutoCamp has successfully tapped into a market of travelers seeking a unique and comfortable outdoor experience, it has also created a gap for a more affordable option. This is where Autocamp‘s Field Station enters the picture.
Field Station: Democratizing the Outdoor Experience
Field Station is conceived as a direct response to the need for more accessible outdoor accommodations. Recognizing that the cost of traditional hotels and the specialized equipment required for camping can be significant barriers for many, AutoCamp sought to create a brand that would lower these hurdles.
"We believe the world would be a better place if more people could experience the outdoors, so we are on a mission to empower all people to get outside," explains Julie Saunders, Chief Marketing Officer for both AutoCamp and Field Station. "Through our Field Station locations, we hope to provide greater comfort, ease, knowledge, and support to all people."
The core philosophy of Field Station is centered on affordability, accessibility, and community. By focusing on upcycling existing hotels and motels in outdoor hotspots, Field Station aims to provide comfortable accommodations at a more budget-friendly price point. With rooms starting at $159 per night, Field Station opens the door to a wider range of travelers who may have previously been priced out of traditional hotels or glamping experiences.
Beyond affordability, Field Station emphasizes the importance of providing resources and support for outdoor exploration. The brand aims to equip guests with the knowledge, gear, and confidence they need to safely and enjoyably experience the surrounding environment. This includes offering rental equipment, expert guides, and educational clinics on topics ranging from hiking and biking to stargazing and wildlife identification.
"At the core of Field Station, we wanted to create a space that was accessible in terms of offering affordable accommodations, educational resources and expert guides, and rental equipment at the ready," Saunders elaborates. "We know that not everyone has the necessary gear at home or seasoned knowledge of exploring new terrain; through Field Station, we aim to remove any barriers to getting outside safely."
Design and Amenities: Functionality Meets Adventure
The design of Field Station properties reflects its focus on function and adventure. The brand has adopted a distinct aesthetic it calls "ScanDustrial," drawing inspiration from Scandinavian industrial design. This style emphasizes clean lines, durable materials, and a sense of practicality, creating spaces that are both visually appealing and highly functional.
Rooms at Field Station are designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Extra space is allocated for gear storage, allowing guests to easily organize and access their equipment. Some rooms even feature hanging portaledges from Black Diamond, a nod to the climbing community and a unique design element that adds a touch of adventure to the accommodations.
The Moab location of Autocamp‘s Field Station will feature a range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. A pool and deck provide a relaxing space to unwind after a day of outdoor activities, while group meeting spaces cater to events and gatherings. A "gear and beer" area allows guests to conveniently drop off or pick up rented gear while enjoying a refreshing beverage. Recognizing the growing popularity of van travel, Field Station will also offer van hookups, providing a convenient and comfortable option for those exploring the area in their own mobile accommodations.
Furthermore, Field Station is committed to fostering a sense of community by offering clinics for guests and the local community. These clinics will cover a variety of outdoor-related topics, providing opportunities for learning, skill-building, and connecting with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Sustainability: A Core Value
In addition to affordability and accessibility, sustainability is a central tenet of the Field Station brand. Recognizing the environmental impact of travel and outdoor recreation, Field Station is committed to minimizing its footprint and promoting responsible tourism practices.
"We know that travel and outdoor recreation have a big impact on the environment," Saunders acknowledges. "We stand for an approach where caring for the places we choose to play is inseparable from the playing itself, and we impart this ethos to our guests."
The decision to upcycle and renovate existing lodges and motels, rather than constructing new buildings, is a key component of Field Station’s sustainability strategy. This approach reduces landfill waste and minimizes the environmental impact associated with new construction.
Field Station also plans to implement sustainability best practices in all aspects of its operations, from maintenance and services to the products and supplies it uses. This includes prioritizing energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and the use of eco-friendly products.
Future Expansion: A Nationwide Vision
The launch of the first Field Station outside Moab marks the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan. Autocamp envisions Field Station locations popping up near national parks and other popular outdoor hubs across the country.
"There are many locations around the country that cater to adventurous travelers yet fall short in the hospitality category," Saunders notes. "We believe there is significant opportunity in river towns, mountain towns with or without ski areas, road biking meccas, surf locations, mountain bike locations, adventure race venues, fishing locations, national parks, top-tier state parks, and national forests. We have identified a robust growth pipeline of more than 150 locations nationwide."
By focusing on revitalizing existing properties in underserved areas, Field Station aims to not only provide affordable accommodations but also contribute to the economic vitality of local communities.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Outdoor Hospitality
The launch of Field Station represents a significant step forward in the evolution of outdoor hospitality. By combining affordability, accessibility, and a commitment to sustainability, Field Station is poised to democratize the outdoor experience and make it more accessible to a wider range of travelers. With its unique design, community-focused approach, and ambitious expansion plans, Field Station is set to redefine how people experience and connect with the great outdoors. The first Autocamp‘s Field Station outside Moab in 2023 is an exciting prospect for outdoor enthusiasts.
