New Yosemite Glamping Competition for AutoCamp

New Yosemite Glamping Competition for AutoCamp

There’s a new kid on the glamping block – Wildhaven has opened their first location at Yosemite, making new Yosemite Glamping Competition for AutoCamp. Sure, Under Canvas has been there (and elsewhere), but Wildhaven offers some terrific features, so let’s have a look at the newest Yosemite glamping competition.

As you can see, AutoCamp is closer to the Yosemite entrance by 8 miles and 15 minutes. But what does Wildhaven offer?

Wildhaven Over AutoCamp

First, let’s look at the Yosemite glamping competition head to head. What does Wildhaven have over AutoCamp? We’re just comparing the Yosemite locations.

Hiking trails on site

Nice feature. Interestingly, AutoCamp Catskills actually has a 1 mile loop around the campground that is a sweet little hiking trail. Perfect for your pup’s first out of the day or a stroll with kids. However, no other campground has one in the AutoCamp lineup. At least, not yet.

Gas grill cooking area.

While they are “communal” and not at each cabin or tent, many of us are used to cooking on gas grills. They’re sure faster than trying to make bacon and eggs over charcoal in the morning! We like this feature, even if it is communal.

Cabin Choices

Wildhaven offers THREE choices of cabins, and they’re really great looking! AutoCamp has the “X Suite” which is more like a tiny house. There are cabins in a few locations along with a new “bunkhouse” that is basically just a bigger cabin, also coming soon in a few new locations. Of course, Wildhaven doesn’t have the amazing custom Airstreams that are the signature of AutoCamp.

This is the smallest and cheapest of the cabin choices. It’s impressive!

Fire Pits Conversion

Wildhaven’s fire pits, located by each cabin and tent, convert from wood to gas during the high-risk fire season, June through October. This is pretty awesome! AutoCamp forces us to use “compressed firewood” at almost all of their locations. They feel it is safer and more ecofriendly – but they charge a whole lot of money for it. Of course, if you follow our “Pro Tips,” we’ll fill you in on how to get around that.

Parking

Each cabin has one reserved parking space. Up to one extra car can park nearby in the visitor area. At AutoCamp, no one can park by their tent, Airstream, or cabin. It keeps it quieter, safer, and cleaner. We like that.

Pricing

Ouch! Wildhaven is far cheaper than AutoCamp!

We compared September 10 – 12, 2024 at both locations. HOWEVER, Wildhaven is in its first year, and they note:

DEVELOPMENT IN 2024: Guests will likely see and hear some development activity during the day in late 2024 as we add more guest amenities. Wildhaven’s most expensive tent is $169 a night. We are offering reduced first-season rates and sharing these updates to set your expectations as best as possible. Thanks!

Tents

The cheapest tent at AutoCamp is $281 – and that is a non-cancelable or adjustable rate.

Cabins/Airstreams

Wildhaven’s MOST expensive cabin is $199/night whereas the cheapest Airstream with zero cancelation is $387. There seem to be only 2 cabins available in all of AutoCamp Yosemite.

Noise?

Wildhaven clearly states:

NOTE ON STAYS IN 2024: Guests might see and hear development activity during the day as we add more facilities and amenities and continue to improve the property.

We don’t know how disruptive that might be, but they provide earplugs, and they also suggest staying in a cabin if you’re a light sleeper. This might be a negative, but we’ve stayed at super noisy AutoCamps where kids were running out of control while unsupervised.

AutoCamp over Wildhaven

Ok, so what does AutoCamp have going for it over Wildhaven – in Yosemite, at least.

Location

First, location. It’s 8 miles and 15 minutes closer to the entrance to Yosemite.

Airstreams

Yup, AutoCamp has the much loved and often Instagramed Airstreams. We’ve had a lot to say about why we love them – and what frustrates us about them. Number 1 – you can’t cook indoors! There is no cooktop. There’s no screen door! The storage is lousy! But…oh those bathrooms! The bedroom! The living room is seriously lacking, though. Read more about our obsession with the Airstreams.

Fire Pits for Everybody!

At AutoCamp, absolutely every tent, Airstream, X Suite, and Cabin has its own fire pit. That is not the case at Wildhaven. At AutoCamp, you can cook on your fire pit. In fact, if you are in an Airstream, you really have no choice: they don’t have cooktops!

Yosemite Glamping Competition: How Wildhaven and AutoCamp are Similar

• There are many amenities that make Wildhaven and AutoCamp very much alike:
  Both offer wifi – however Wildaven’s is a slower speed; AutoCamp charges a daily “resort fee” which will in part pay for the wifi
• Both have very nice bathhouses for those in tents
• They both provide complimentary access to on-site classes & events (AutoCamp offers paid excursions, as well)
• Wildhaven Sonoma has a store with some food, beer, and wine, as do all the AutoCamp locations. Time will tell if they will offer that in Yosemite. It’s likely.

Yosemite Glamping Competition: Conclusion

Wildhaven does have one other location in Sonoma, not far from AutoCamp Russian River. The glamping space is really heating up. We’ve previously covered other major glamping brands like Under Canvas and Huttopia. Now, we’ll have to keep an eye on Wildhaven, as well. With what they are offering at these prices, they could become serious contenders. Also, the fact that they are expanding slowly might be smarter than AutoCamp trying to expand quickly and constantly running into delays. We can’t ignore that Airstreams are pricey. They may be AutoCamp’s greatest asset – and biggest cost problem.

• Autocamp Yosemite offers a more luxurious and modern glamping experience with high-end amenities, stylish accommodations, and organized activities.
• Wildhaven Yosemite provides a more traditional glamping experience with a focus on natural surroundings and simpler, rustic accommodations.

However, we’ll need to keep an eye to see how Wildhaven evolves. Based on their Sonoma location, they will give AutoCamp a run for the money on pricing at Yosemite. Will travelers be willing to pay for a more luxurious glamping experience at AutoCamp? Time will tell!