AutoCamp Joshua Tree Review 2026: Glamping Without Gear?

When planning a trip to the US,

doesn't the thought of trying camping

cross your mind at least once?

But when you actually try to go camping,

from tents, sleeping bags, and camping chairs

to all sorts of cooking utensils,

there's just so much to prepare.

Especially for those traveling to the US from Korea,

it's realistically difficult to pack all that camping gear.

That's why the place I'm introducing today is a glamping accommodation

where you can enjoy the American camping vibe without any camping gear:

AutoCamp Joshua Tree

My friend and I stayed for a 2-day, 1-night trip

in an Airstream.

We grilled meat right in the desert,

cooked fish cake soup,

enjoyed a campfire and the swimming pool,

and spent a day that's hard to experience in a typical hotel.

Of course, after experiencing it firsthand,

there were some things I wished I had known

in advance.

Especially if you're planning to make ramen or other soup dishes,

it's important to check the in-room cooking facilities beforehand.

Today, I'll be detailing my actual stay, including a look inside the room,

the camping gear provided, BBQ essentials, purchasing firewood,

and how to book.

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1. AutoCamp Joshua Tree: Essential Info

AutoCamp is a glamping brand that operates

around national parks and natural attractions

across the US.

Unlike traditional campsites, the accommodations here are equipped with beds and bathrooms,

allowing you to stay comfortably even without your own camping gear.

Category	Details
Accommodation Name	AutoCamp Joshua Tree
Address	62209 Verbena Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Check-in	4 PM
Check-out	10 AM
Room Types	Airstream, Cabin, etc.
Amenities	Swimming pool, Clubhouse, Free bicycles
In-room Facilities	Bed, Bathroom, Heating/AC, Kitchenette
Front Desk	24-hour operation
Nearby Attractions	Joshua Tree National Park

It's a great location for combining your trip

with a visit to Joshua Tree National Park.

I especially recommend it for those planning a unique

2-day, 1-night trip departing from LA.

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2. Where Else Can You Find AutoCamp in the US?

AutoCamp

isn't just a place to stay in Joshua Tree.

They have locations in various natural attractions across the US,

and you can enjoy entirely different atmospheres depending on the surrounding scenery.

Complete List of AutoCamp US Locations

Location	Region	Highlights
Joshua Tree	California	Desert landscape and BBQ
Yosemite	California	Yosemite National Park and forests
Sequoia	California	Sequoia trees and nature
Sonoma	California	Wine country and forests
Zion	Utah	Red canyon scenery
Cape Cod	Massachusetts	Beaches and East Coast resort vibes
Catskills	New York	Mountains, forests, and fall foliage
Asheville	North Carolina	Blue Ridge Mountains

Currently, their official website lists

8 operating locations,

with the Hill Country location in Texas

announced as coming soon.

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My Friend's Visit to AutoCamp Yosemite

My friend visited AutoCamp Yosemite and said

it was absolutely fantastic.

While Joshua Tree has a strong desert vibe,

Yosemite offers a forest glamping atmosphere,

which sounds like a completely different charm.

Hearing my friend's story,

it made me want to visit the Yosemite location too.

Next Up: AutoCamp Zion!

And personally, the place I'm interested in

is AutoCamp Zion in Utah.

I love the red canyon scenery of Zion National Park,

and the reviews for this accommodation are great, so I want to go there next.

Since I've experienced desert glamping at Joshua Tree,

it would be great to camp next time

with a forest or canyon backdrop.

👉 Check All AutoCamp Locations

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3. Airstream Room Review: Do You Really Not Need Camping Gear?

The room I stayed in was

AutoCamp's signature

Airstream.

It's a silver, rounded camping trailer,

and seeing it in person, I thought it was cute, and it really gave off

that authentic American camping vibe.

While it looks like a camper van from the outside,

the interior is decorated like a small hotel room.

Standard Amenities

Category	Availability
Bed & Bedding	Provided
Restroom & Shower	Provided
Heating & Air Conditioning	Provided
Mini-fridge	Provided
Microwave	Provided
Sink	Provided
Basic Dinnerware & Cooking Utensils	Provided
Outdoor Chairs	Provided
Outdoor Fire Pit & Grill	Provided
Gas Stove	Not Available
Electric Kettle	Not Available

What I loved most was that

the room had its own restroom and

shower facilities.

Unlike traditional camping, there's no need to go

outside to shower, and since bedding is provided,

there's no need to pack a sleeping bag.

Will the room be too small?

Due to the Airstream's design, the interior space is

smaller than a typical hotel room.

I stayed with a friend, making a total of two people,

and it wasn't overly inconvenient.

However, if you have a lot of luggage or

plan to stay with several people,

please check the maximum occupancy per room and

the bed configuration.

Next to the bed, there are outlets and

USB charging ports.

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4. Comprehensive Guide to Cooking Facilities: Can You Cook Ramen?

This is important information that's good to know

before making a reservation.

While the Airstream has a microwave and

a mini-fridge,

it does not have a gas stove or an electric kettle.

​

This means you cannot do cooking that involves placing a pot

on a stove and boiling things directly inside the unit.

Basic dinnerware and cooking utensils, including a cast-iron skillet, are provided,

but it's not equipped with all cooking facilities like a typical guesthouse.

So, how do you eat ramen or soup dishes?

To cook oden soup (fish cake soup), I

bought a pot for about ~$15 at Dollar General.

Right next to the AutoCamp accommodation

(you do need to drive)

there's a Dollar General, so you can

quickly buy things there if needed, so

don't worry!

Then, I placed the pot on the grill grate of the outdoor fire pit

outside the accommodation and cooked oden soup.

Although it cooked surprisingly well,

I left the pot behind after the trip.

Essentially, I bought a pot just for a single use.

If I were to visit again, I wouldn't bother buying a pot;

I'd prepare microwaveable cup ramen and

bottled water instead.

​

However, not all cup ramen containers are

microwave-safe, so you must check for the microwave-safe label.

​

How to use the provided cast-iron skillet?

AutoCamp provides a cast-iron skillet and

basic cooking utensils.

The cast-iron skillet was stored on top of the microwave.

You can use the cast-iron skillet for cooking on the grill grate

of the outdoor fire pit.

However, if it comes into direct contact with fire, the pan and handle

will get very hot, so

you must be careful to avoid burns.

If you plan to do a lot of cooking,

a cabin room with a gas stove

might be more convenient.

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5. Joshua Tree AutoCamp BBQ: Prepare Your Food in Advance

Honestly, it's no exaggeration to say that I

booked AutoCamp specifically for this experience.

I really wanted to have the experience of grilling meat myself

in the American desert.

In front of each Airstream, there's a private outdoor fire pit and

a grill grate.

So, there was no need to bring a large camping grill separately.

I prepared the food in advance in LA.

​

As I set off from LA,

I made sure to swing by a Korean grocery store to stock up on all the essentials.

From beef to vegetables, sweet potatoes, potatoes,

Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), and various seasonings, I had everything ready.

It became clear that even when camping in the US,

a delicious barbecue isn't complete without some fantastic meat and, of course, Ssamjang!

BBQ Essentials

Item	Recommendation
BBQ food, such as beef	Essential
Vegetables, potatoes, sweet potatoes	Optional (based on preference)
Ssamjang, salt, pepper	Recommended
Aluminum foil	Recommended
Kitchen scissors, tongs	Highly recommended to bring your own
Kitchen towels, wet wipes	Recommended
Disposable gloves	Recommended
Trash bags	Recommended
Bottled water and drinks	Essential
Firewood or other fire pit fuel	Check on-site availability

I laid aluminum foil

on the grill rack and cooked the meat.

With a basic grill provided,

we were able to enjoy a relatively simple barbecue.

However, when using foil or cooking utensils in the fire pit,

please check the accommodation rules and fire safety regulations.

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6. Need More Firewood? Head to Reception!

Initially, I bought a small bag of charcoal

from Dollar General and brought it with me.

​

But as we were barbecuing,

I realized the charcoal I brought wasn't enough.

So, I ended up going to the reception

and bought an extra bundle of firewood.

Personally, I preferred the firewood!

I found the smell when burning wood

to be less bothersome than when using charcoal.

​

And the atmosphere of watching the burning logs

was much nicer too.

What's more, it burned for surprisingly long,

so even after grilling and eating our meat,

it was perfect for some relaxing campfire gazing.

However, a less bothersome smell doesn't mean

firewood smoke is healthier than charcoal smoke.

Both firewood and charcoal can release fine dust and

harmful substances like carbon monoxide when burned.

​

Where to buy firewood?

When I visited,

I was able to buy firewood at the reception (General Store).

They sold camping supplies, grills, and souvenirs.

However, the price and availability of firewood

can vary depending on the season, so please check on-site!

Also, fire pit regulations in desert areas

may change due to wildfire risk.

Not all firewood or charcoal purchased externally is allowed,

so it's best to confirm what fuels are permitted first.

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7. Campfire Gazing in the Desert & The Lack of Outdoor Lighting

After finishing our meal, we sat in front of the fire pit

and enjoyed some campfire gazing and s'mores.

The surroundings were quiet, and the unique desert

atmosphere made it truly wonderful.

It was an experience that would be hard to have at a regular hotel.

However, the area around our accommodation was darker than I expected.

While the ambiance was great, when preparing food

or moving around outside, the lighting felt insufficient.

Small Camping Lantern Recommended

Just in case, I packed

a small lantern, and it was such a smart move!

I highly recommend bringing a lantern!

Even a small light that can stand on a table

would make things much more convenient.

You can solve some of the lighting issues with your phone's flashlight,

but when grilling meat or eating,

a lantern that allows you to use both hands freely

would be much more practical.

👉 Click here to buy a mini camping lantern

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8. Can You See the Stars Clearly in Joshua Tree?

Don't you think you'd see so many stars

when you go to the desert?

I too had pretty high hopes for the night sky

before heading to Joshua Tree.

However, when I visited,

the moon was incredibly bright,

so the stars weren't as visible as I'd hoped.

If you're hoping to stargaze in Joshua Tree,

it's essential to consider not just the weather, but also the moon's brightness and

I recommend checking the moon phase as well.

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9. Outdoor Pool and Free Bicycle Review

Joshua Tree Autocamp also has

an outdoor swimming pool.

When I visited, the pool size was

cozier than I expected.

If you're expecting a large resort pool,

you might find it a bit disappointing.

Is it a heated pool?

When I visited,

the daytime temperature was about 26 degrees Celsius.

The pool water didn't feel warm.

Although it's described as a heated pool

on the official website,

I couldn't confirm the actual heating status

during my visit.

So, rather than planning a trip solely for the pool,

it's best to think of it as an amenity to enjoy casually

while glamping.

There are free bicycles too!

At the Autocamp,

you can also use bicycles.

Exploring the area around your accommodation

or simply enjoying a light bike ride amidst the desert landscape

seemed like it would be a unique experience.

It's also a space that families visiting with children

would surely love.

However, bicycle availability

and terms of use may vary depending on the on-site situation.

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10. Complimentary Breakfast and Clubhouse

At the Autocamp,

they offer a simple breakfast in the morning with granola,

coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and more.

However, it's not a breakfast buffet

where you can choose from a variety of dishes

like at a typical hotel.

If you're someone who prefers a hearty breakfast,

I recommend preparing your own food

or purchasing additional items from The Kitchen.

Facilities	Description
Clubhouse	Relaxation & Common Area
Complimentary Breakfast Items	Granola, Coffee, Tea, etc.
The Kitchen	Separate Paid Meals
General Store	Food, Drinks, Camping-related Goods
Front Desk	Guest Information & Inquiries

It's not much to call it "breakfast," but

breakfast is available from 7 AM to 10 AM,

and The Kitchen operates from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Please double-check the operating hours upon your visit.

They will explain everything again with a map

when you check in.

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11. Joshua Tree Autocamp: The Ultimate Packing List

After actually visiting, I realized that packing your food

and personal amenities well is even more important

than bringing camping gear.

Especially if you plan to cook, I recommend deciding beforehand

what you'll prepare to eat.

Packing Checklist for a Trip Without Camping Gear

Category	Recommended Items
Food	Meat, Vegetables, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Ramen
Seasonings	Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil
Cooking Utensils	Foil, Kitchen Shears, Tongs
Sanitary Items	Kitchen Towels, Wet Wipes, Disposable Gloves
Cleaning Items	Trash Bags
Beverages	Bottled Water, Personal Drinks
Outdoor Items	Small Camping Lantern
Others	Swimsuit, Comfortable Shoes, Power Bank

​

Things You Don't Necessarily Need to Bring

You don't need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, bedding, camping table, outdoor chairs,

or a large barbecue grill separately.

However, the Airstreams didn't have

electric kettles or gas stoves, so

if you're planning to make soup or stew,

be sure to think about your cooking method beforehand.

If it were me, next time I'd bring microwaveable

cup ramen, firewood, and a small lantern.

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12. Joshua Tree Autocamp: Honest Pros and Cons

Here's a summary of the pros and cons I experienced

during my 1-night, 2-day stay.

What I Loved	What Could Be Improved
Stay possible without camping gear	No gas stove or electric kettle
Clean Airstream rooms	Room space isn't very spacious
BBQ possible at individual fire pits	Food & fuel need to be prepared separately
Quiet and unique desert atmosphere	Lack of outdoor lighting
Campfire gazing & outdoor activities	Pool size is on the smaller side
Amenities like free bicycles	Need to move luggage from the parking lot
Relatively ample space between accommodations	Stargazing might be less ideal if the moon is bright

As my first glamping experience in the U.S.,

it was incredibly satisfying.

On the other hand, if spacious rooms, hotel-style breakfast, and a large swimming pool are

most important to you, a traditional resort might

be a better fit.

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13. How to Book AutoCamp Joshua Tree

You can find AutoCamp Joshua Tree

on various accommodation booking sites.

I booked through Agoda myself.

Even for the same accommodation, prices can vary depending on the date, room type,

and discount codes, so

I recommend comparing several booking sites.

Compare Accommodation Booking Sites

Site	What to Check
Hotels.com	Member pricing and reward benefits
Agoda	App discounts, member-exclusive rates
Expedia	Member discounts, flight + hotel packages
HotelsCombined	Price comparison across multiple sites
Trip.com	Discount codes, member benefits

​

AutoCamp Joshua Tree

Booking Link Collection

​

Compare using the same dates and room types!

👉 Hotels.com

👉 Agoda

👉 Expedia

👉 HotelsCombined

​

👉 Trip.com

Before booking, make sure to check the final price, including taxes and mandatory additional fees,

and compare whether free cancellation is available.

​

​

Are you a Hilton Honors Member?

AutoCamp is an accommodation partnered with Hilton.

Therefore, if you're a Hilton Honors member,

it's a good idea to compare rates on Hilton's official website as well.

​

Even when booking through third-party sites like Agoda and Hotels.com,

or directly through AutoCamp's own channels,

Please note that you might not be eligible

for Hilton Honors benefits.

Additionally, members with Gold status or higher

who book through official Hilton channels

may receive extra benefits, such as a bundle of firewood,

depending on their tier.

Before purchasing firewood, it's a good idea to check your Hilton membership status

and booking conditions.

👉 Hilton Official AutoCamp Booking Page

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14. When is the Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree AutoCamp?

Joshua Tree is a desert region, so there's a significant

temperature difference between seasons.

Especially at AutoCamp, you'll find yourself spending more time

outdoors than inside your accommodation, which is part of its charm,

so the weather is really important.

Season	Characteristics
Spring	Generally good for outdoor activities
Summer	Be aware of extreme heat during the day
Autumn	Great time for barbecues and enjoying a campfire
Winter	Low night temperatures, essential to prepare for the cold

Personally, I recommend spring or autumn

over the scorching mid-summer heat.

Even if it's hot during the day in the desert, it can get chilly in the evening,

so it's a good idea to bring a jacket or outer layer.

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15. Who Would I Recommend Joshua Tree AutoCamp To?

From my personal experience,

AutoCamp felt more like a glamping accommodation

offering a slightly more comfortable way to enjoy

American-style camping than a luxury resort.

I recommend it to people who:

✓ Want to try camping in the US but don't have equipment ✓ Find sleeping in a tent burdensome ✓ Are looking for a special place to stay for a night during their LA trip ✓ Want to enjoy a barbecue and campfire with friends or a partner ✓ Are planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park ✓ Are families looking for accommodation where they can enjoy outdoor activities with their children

​

​

Would I revisit?

I was thoroughly satisfied with my

1-night, 2-day stay.

The experience of grilling meat in the American desert and

enjoying a campfire was especially memorable.

However, rather than revisiting the same Joshua Tree location,

next time I'd love to experience the Yosemite or Zion AutoCamps.

For anyone trying American camping for the first time,

this is a place I'd highly recommend at least once.

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16. Places to Visit Near Joshua Tree AutoCamp

If you've made it all the way to Joshua Tree, I recommend exploring the nearby attractions

rather than just spending your time at the accommodation.

Joshua Tree Coffee

Joshua Tree Coffee Company

This is a local coffee roastery located

in the town of Joshua Tree.

It's a great spot to stop by for a cup of coffee

before check-in or after check-out.

Category	Details
Store Name	Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Address	61738 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Opening Hours	Daily 8 AM - 5 PM

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Joshua Tree National Park Tour

In Joshua Tree, you can witness unique desert landscapes

Joshua Trees, and massive rock formations.

While you can explore independently with a rental car,

a guided tour can be an excellent option for those who are hesitant about driving in the US or are first-time visitors.

Each tour has different inclusions, such as transportation, national park entrance fees, and stargazing,

so be sure to check before booking.

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Wrapping Up

My 1-night, 2-day stay at Joshua Tree AutoCamp

was a completely different experience

from a typical hotel.

Even without setting up a tent or preparing a sleeping bag,

It truly allowed us to soak in that authentic American camping vibe.

So, if you're dreaming of an American camping adventure

but don't have the equipment,

why not trade a day of your LA trip for a hotel stay

and try a unique glamping experience

at Joshua Tree Autocamp?!