Just drive in with your overnight bag.
Currently, AutoCamp is proposing its high-quality, low-impact outdoor experience for the modern traveler on a 160-acre site known as Copper Ranch, just west and north of Williams. The proposal before the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Division requests a zone change from general to resort commercial for the property of tall pines, grassy meadows and mountain views, about an hour’s drive from the Grand Canyon.
“The camping experience at an AutoCamp is unique in that guests arrive in their personal vehicles with an overnight bag and have everything required for a camping experience readily accessible,” said AutoCamp Senior Acquisitions Manager Bernie Corea.
AutoCamp’s promotional material states, “AutoCamp has revolutionized alternative lodging by blending the traditional outdoors experience with the service and design of a boutique hotel. From luxury linens, bedding and bathrobes to mid-century modern inspired reception and meeting space, AutoCamp has reimagined the outdoor lodging experience for the modern adventurer.”
Up to 150 campsites are proposed at the Williams location, each with a custom Airstream. As many as 30 of the sites will feature an upscale tent as additional space for larger families. “Airstream is a partner and investor in AutoCamp,” said Corea. “That’s something we’re very proud about, being able to represent this iconic American brand and really create this really cool, nostalgic camping experience with a modern twist.”
The proposed campsite is to be located on 40 acres in the northwest corner of the 160-acre parcel, thus maintaining open space across most of the property. Also, AutoCamp is planning to include employee housing for up to 20 staff members in a “modular park model, screened from guest views by the natural landscape,” according to the proposal.
Campsites will have a connection to water, wastewater and electrical services, plus outside eating and patio areas, and firepits using compressed wood logs. In addition, the property will showcase a main 6,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse with restrooms, a convenience store, gardens and a pool – all designed to integrate into the forest setting.
“We work hard to make each campground special by incorporating the area’s historical, cultural and ecological elements into the design,” said Corea.
The Copper Ranch location is said to be a quick bike ride to Williams, where visitors can enjoy the quaint Route 66 community along with its unique shops, restaurants, zipline, breweries and drive-thru wildlife park, Bearizona.
AutoCamp plans to work with local restaurants, businesses and organizations to feature locally-sourced food, attractions and environmental messages, like “Leave No Trace” principles. Corea says the company expects to bring National Park Service and Forest Service rangers to the campground for fireside chats, as well as yogis and other fitness instructors to the property.
AutoCamp has six luxury Airstream outdoor properties in operation: Joshua Tree, Sonoma, Yosemite, Zion, Catskills and Cape Cod. Characteristics they share include being near a scenic outdoor destination, having quick access to a charming town and blending with the natural environment.
Company representatives say their target audience is spread evenly among four demographic categories: families with young children, retirees, young professionals and companies that want to book retreats away from the traditional hotel meeting rooms.
Costs per night at the Copper Ranch location near Williams is projected to range from the low $200 to the upper $300s. Corea says the average guest stay is two-and-a-half days.
“We acknowledge humans have a natural need to be outdoors, and as society continues to develop and cities continue to build, people are not having that casual connection with nature,” said Corea. “It’s a lot of work to get out and camp. We want to preserve that experience in a safe and responsible way, and serve that natural need that we all have.”
The AutoCamp proposal is scheduled to go before the Coconino County Board of Supervisors next month. The company is hoping to begin building the project in 2023.
Hear more about AutoCamp and the company’s plans to come to Williams on Zonie Living: Business, Adventure and Leadership at Dave Pratt’s StarWorldWideNetworks.com later this month. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
