Hilton Expands Outdoor Experiences Through AutoCamp Partnership: A Game-Changer for Adventure-Seeking Travelers

The travel hospitality landscape is shifting. With nearly half of all travelers now prioritizing exploration and adventure in their booking decisions—and more than half of Gen Z and Millennials allocating increased budgets specifically for experiential trips—Hilton recognized an opportunity to capture this emerging demand. The answer came through a strategic alliance with AutoCamp, a premier outdoor hospitality innovator.

The Partnership: Bridging High-End Comfort with Nature Immersion

For the first time, a major global hospitality brand has joined forces with a specialized outdoor lodging operator to create a seamless experience. Starting in the coming months, Hilton guests will access AutoCamp properties directly through Hilton’s booking channels, with full integration into the Hilton Honors loyalty program. This means members can earn and redeem Points while experiencing curated outdoor stays—blending the rugged appeal of nature with the service standards and design sophistication travelers expect from a boutique hotel.

“We know today’s travelers are craving adventures when planning their next trip, and that’s why we look for innovative and like-minded partners like AutoCamp,” explained Chris Silcock, president of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton. “This is the first time a major hospitality brand and outdoor lodging company have come together in this way to create even more choices for travelers while redefining the outdoor hospitality experience.”

AutoCamp’s Unique Model: Beyond Glamping

AutoCamp has revolutionized what outdoor lodging can be. Each property features custom-designed Airstreams, spacious cabins, and luxury tents—accommodations that don’t force guests to choose between comfort and nature. The centerpiece of every location is The Clubhouse, a social hub designed by renowned architects with mid-century modern aesthetics. Beyond lodging, guests find curated food and beverage offerings, retail experiences, communal fire pits, swimming pools at select sites, and extensive outdoor amenities.

The current AutoCamp footprint spans iconic natural destinations: Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Russian River in California; Zion, Utah; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Catskills, New York; with Asheville, North Carolina and Sequoia, California launching this summer, and Hill Country, Texas arriving in 2025.

Market Timing and Scale

Hilton’s move reflects broader industry trends. According to Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report, the appetite for adventure experiences has never been stronger—particularly among younger demographics who view travel as an investment in memories rather than mere accommodation. The timing also capitalizes on Hilton’s massive platform: with 22 world-class brands, over 7,500 properties, nearly 1.2 million rooms across 126 countries, and more than 180 million Hilton Honors members, the partnership instantly scales AutoCamp’s reach to a global audience.

What This Means for Travelers

The integration signals a broader shift in how hospitality companies think about guest expectations. Hilton Honors members don’t have to abandon loyalty benefits when seeking off-grid experiences. They can book an AutoCamp stay with the same ease as a traditional hotel, earn Points toward future stays, and access exclusive member perks. AutoCamp founder and CEO Neil Dipaola framed the collaboration as an expansion of the company’s core mission: “By partnering with an incredible global brand like Hilton, we’re able to introduce Hilton Honors members to a new hospitality experience rooted in nature – bringing them closer to the country’s most iconic national parks and explorable outdoor destinations without sacrificing the highest caliber of hospitality and comfort they expect.”

A Broader Diversification Strategy

This AutoCamp partnership isn’t Hilton’s only move into experiential travel. A recently announced collaboration with Small Luxury Hotels of the World further illustrates the company’s commitment to expanding beyond traditional hotel stays. By offering diverse accommodation styles—from luxury urban boutiques to nature-immersed retreats—Hilton is positioning itself as the go-to platform for every travel occasion and preference.