AutoCamp Expansion Plans

AutoCamp Expansion Plans

AutoCamp is Regulation Crowdfunding, which we cover in this article. In presenting their case to prospective investors, AutoCamp has outlined not only what they plan to do, but the parameters for two types of expansion, as well.

AutoCamp Expansion Plans: Organic Growth

Organic growth has been the primary way in which AutoCamp has grown. They started with AutoCamp Russian River, now called AutoCamp Sonoma 10 years ago. It’s the smallest of the AutoCamp locations, (only 35 accommodations) with the smallest clubhouse, as well. In fact, the clubhouse is not fully enclosed! It was a great success, so they started to expand.

AutoCamp Yosemite was their next property, opened in 2021. It has 102 “suites” (Airstreams, Cabins, X Suites, and Tents). Founder and CEO Neil Depaola says that AutoCamp Yosemite was their first “scaled” property. The success then led to AutoCamp Cape Cod on the east coast and further expansion: AutoCamp Joshua Tree, AutoCamp Catskills, AutoCamp Zion, AutoCamp Asheville, AutoCamp Sequoia, and the upcoming AutoCamp Hill Country, which (once open) will be the largest property in the organic AutoCamp portfolio.

AutoCamp Expansion Plans: Organic Growing Pains

We have written about the problems with AutoCamp’s organic growth. Extensively because, let’s face it, they really have egg on their face in the organic growth department.

On July 26, 2022, AutoCamp announced there would be 4 new locations opened in 2023. 

Remember this?

Also in 2022, CEO Neil Dipaola said there were 15 other new properties in the works. That was 4 years ago. Again, they announced 4, only 3 have opened.

Then, back in April 2023, we discussed 100 AutoCamp Locations in 10 years. We were so excited!

Three years later, AutoCamp is STILL saying there will be 100 locations when they still haven’t opened the final property that was supposed to open in 2023.

Now, they are sharing more information on their expansion plans. It will not be all “organic” growth. Given how very painful the past few years have been, this is no surprise.

They do plan on adding more true/original AutoCamp properties, and they say what we’ve been saying: it’s easier and faster to go after existing campgrounds. But, now, we learn the 100 new locations will also include more than just the OG AutoCamp.

AutoCamp Expansion Plans: Parameters

We’ve heard this before, but we have a bit more detail than in the past.

Neil Dipaola has, from the beginning, stated two important parameters for AutoCamp locations:

1. They had to be within a “half day” drive of major metro areas, and
2. They had to be near major outdoor attractions

What we’ve since learned is:

1. Ideally, the location is 90 minutes to no more than a half day’s drive
2. The property is 10+ acres
3. They are exploring the top 10 national parks properties
4. They will consider top ski areas
5. They will consider major state parks

They have identified 100+ locations that fit these criteria, but he did not state where they are.

Now, we’d love to see more organic AutoCamp properties get built!

AutoCamp Expansion Plans: Inorganic Growth

What may save AutoCamp is inorganic growth: buying existing businesses. They will not necessarily convert them to the AutoCamp model. Instead, they repeatedly stressed that AutoCamp will become MULTI-BRANDED. This will allow new owners of rv parks and campgrounds and other outdoor hotels to become part of the AutoCamp portfolio. This will “accelerate the pipeline” — INorganic growth.

OpCo will be responsible for the management and branding. They will be responsible for quality control and training of the management and execution of how the properties will operate – making certain that even though there will be multi-brands, that operation will run according to AutoCamp standards.

AutoCamp’s goal with this fundraising and expansion? To become a “worldwide hospitality brand.”

Yes, worldwide.

Neil Dipaola stated that “inbound opportunities” area increasing – campgrounds and others are reaching out to AutoCamp to talk about being purchased or partnering. The fundraising they recently announced is aimed at accelerating the expansion of AutoCamp, and it seems like this will very much focus on the purchase of existing brands and properties.

AutoCamp Expansion Plans: Field Station

We at AutoCamp REVIEWS have not really addressed Field Station at all. It just doesn’t float our boat. Field Stations are motels purchased and owned by AutoCamp. Like the AutoCamp model, they need to be in high interest outdoor areas. Currently, there is one — Joshua Tree. It seems that it is part of the plan for growth. Open more Field Stations. However, they had a location in Moab that now belongs to Hilton, so who knows?

AutoCamp Expansion Plans: Conclusion

At the end of the day, we are AutoCamp fans, but as is clear, we also will call out concerns or issues as we see them. We’ve been clear that we question if there are problems with the organic growth process at AutoCamp. Yes, we’ve invested – the bare minimum. But there is risk.

Our hope is AutoCamp can continue to grow – mostly with the true “organic” AutoCamp experience.

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