Despite first coming onto the scene in the 1920s, the iconic silver Airstream trailers are more popular than ever, riding the wave of an RV resurgence after the recession. One way these vintage classics are being deployed? Airstream "hotels." While options run the gamut, one particularly design-minded venture has been AutoCamp, a Santa Barbara-based pilot Airstream retreat that wants to create a "design-forward, luxury camping experience." That was 2013. Now, three years later, the idea apparently has been successful enough that the team behind it is building out a second location 90 minutes north of San Francisco, nestled among redwoods and near the Russian River.
Working with Santa Barbara firm Dan Weber Architecture, the AutoCamp team plans 23 trailers, each with its own fire pit, enough room for four people, free WiFi, Casper mattresses, and interiors inspired by midcentury modern design. Construction has already begun and is anticipated to finish in June. In this final stretch, the team has launched a Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund $55,000 for completing the project. The funds are also supposed to go towards a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired clubhouse pavilion on site (see renderings below.)
Now, some folks may be scratching their heads at this idea of a "boutique hotel"-style camping experience, but, hey, after two days live, the campaign is almost 50 percent funded.