By Chuck Woodbury
PUBLISHER
A new RV park will open in May near Utah’s Zion National Park. Heaven knows the area could use a new place to stay. Zion is the tenth most popular national park in the United States and it’s next to impossible to find a campsite there without reservations a year in advance. The photo above shows a happy couple camping in the new park.
So, a new place to camp near this popular national park is great news, right? No, wrong, wrong, wrong!!!
It’s WRONG because you and I can’t stay there. Well, technically we can, but our RVs can’t. AutoCamp Zion is for Glampers, who will pay $299 to $779 a night (plus hefty taxes and fees—see below) to stay in a glamorous Airstream trailer, a glamorous tent or a glamorous cabin. Warning: No $25,000 cheapo travel trailers allowed or even your brand-new $250,000 luxury Class A motorhome. Nope, no RVs at all!
But, thankfully, there is some good news: Pets are allowed. Only $75 a night!!
Guests have multiple lodging options, including Classic Airstream trailers or luxurious canvas tents or fancy cabins. Guests can also choose X Suites with a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area, equipped with flat-screen TVs and “nestled in nature.” Basecamp Suites for those who want a little more room include an Airstream and a canvas tent and will accommodate six guests.
This park and others already in the system elsewhere are not your ordinary campgrounds. They have gorgeous lodges, gourmet restaurants and Wi-Fi everywhere you go.
AutoCamp has other locations—Yosemite, Russian River and Joshua Tree in California, plus the Catskills, and coming soon to Asheville, Texas Hill Country, Sequoia National Park (Calif.) and Zion. Your RV is not welcome at any of these. Just people with plenty of money (see below). And more are locations coming—great news for all those new glampers who have money to burn and whose idea of experiencing nature is a hot tub near a pine tree.
Oh, Airstream and its parent company, Thor, must be pleased as punch to be selling all those trailers, and having the opportunity to showcase them to MWM.*
*Millennials With Money”
The RV Industry Association (RVIA), the organization that represents RV manufacturers, has done nothing to address what I would think would be a disturbing trend: a proliferation of new glampgrounds that do not accommodate RVs at a time when record numbers of RVs are being sold and shipped and places to camp with them are disappearing faster than green grass through a goose.
But then, the RVIA doesn’t give a hoot about you beyond selling you an RV, for which it gets a fee for each one sold to pay its employees and run commercials that show RVs in gorgeous settings that rarely exist in real life. RVIA represents RV makers and related businesses.
DID YOU KNOW that there is no organization (as in zero) that looks out for the interests of RVers—you and me and millions of others? The closest you can get is RVtravel.com (help support our efforts)!
Okay, rant finished: Your turn. Leave a comment! But first, read what’s below this photo.
FINAL NOTE: I placed a test reservation for a BaseCamp Suite (pic above), for three days in late July at the new Zion park. Look at the extra charges, taxes and fees: Yikes! The total for three nights: $2,669.09. Are you kidding me??
This article was written by a human and not artificial intelligence.
##RVT1090b
Thanks to “capitalism” the wealthy can now pay to live like the rest of us. What a wonderful world we live in.
Yes, that’s the way our democratic republic works. I agree it’s a wonderful, ever-improving world!
The real appalling part is that these places will actually have enough clientele to stay in business. The gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” is growing with each passing year. One maybe two more years of RV’ing and I’m hanging up the keys. The second photo in the article says it all. If you can’t unplug for even a weekend then stay home.
Agree. If there is a market for that an expensive place, someone will fill it! We wont see you there! Secondly, our iPads and computers are filled with books, which we like to read while outside enjoying the ‘wilderness’ or just outdoors. No connection to the outside world needed!
Having enough clientele isn’t “appalling”, it’s capitalism. If it’s not how you would spend your money, then don’t. And you and everyone else can decide for themselves how they spend their time in the outdoors, even if that’s using an Internet-connected device. Stop being so judgmental.
Interesting last sentence comment. How and where was this comment written?
Jealousy is unbecoming. Comes across (like previous comments), I can’t do it so you shouldn’t either. I follow the “live and let live” philosophy. I am reminded of “Thou shalt not covet…”
Understanding and discussing economic reality is by no means equal to jealousy. I am sure most subscribe to the “live and let live” philosophy but some are more affected by economics than those who look down from their ivory towers.
If one’s economic situation is less than ideal one can take steps to change em. Many examples of folks that went from little to comfortable (I am one). They have to be willing and not blame others for their woes.
It’s the Gentrification of the RV Camping industry. Push out the old retired folks/families on a budget/those traveling the country in their rv. Money talks and unfortunately it hurts regular Americans.
I agree with the comments about the RVIA. They don’t care about us. It’s all about the dollar. I get that. While it’s too bad, it is what it is. As far as these new locations, go for it. If there’s a market for it, do it. That’s what makes America great. I understand the concern about places for RVers, but telling someone else they can’t do what they want to do isn’t the answer.
Change is everlasting and constant. Motel 6 or the Hilton, 7-11 coffee or Starbucks, economy or first class and entry TT vs fiver or quadruple slide out DP motorhome. Why worry if you have or have not, can or cannot? No different from luxury motorhome RV Park where Class B or C, fiver and especially TT’s not allowed. Quit looking in the rear-view mirror, windshield is a lot bigger!
Love it! Great attitude!
You must be a mostly positive person.
Which makes you rich in spirit.
May more see it that way.
Life is so, so short.
Good and happy life to you.
I’ve always had an issue paying that ridiculous price for a sticker on my Fifth Wheel. It’s obvious to me the RVIA doesn’t understand who the majority of their consumers are. I have no major objections to these types of campgrounds. Camping is a different experience for everyone. But, we need more campgrounds that the average RVer can use. If the trend continues of building high priced Camping experiences, they will be pricing themselves out of the market. This will affect the RV industry as a whole.
I wish the focus of this article was the RVIA and manufacturers not stepping up to address the lack of campgrounds. Not attacking a business that has found a great market. Good for them! And good for those getting out to enjoy what the country has to offer. If they want to do a little work or connect with friends online, awesome. That’s the younger generation. Every gen changes and things keep improving.
I have to agree with the majority of posters so far. They found a niche and are filling it. If they make a go of it good for them,if they don’t… Tough luck.
In this article Chuck is starting to sound like a bitter old man.i hope that’s not the case as I like Chuck and most of what he writes.
If anyone wants to complain about RV campgrounds, their rules, their policies, their prices etc. design build and open your own. For me I don’t like commercial campgrounds so I avoid them preferring to Boondock 100% of the time, pre covid19 that was 225 days a year.
Not sure I understand all the animosity in the article toward the business venture. It’s a hotel with unusual “rooms”. Would we be raising as much of a fuss if a Ritz Carlton were being built there?
I also agree with other comments that a fair number of articles (especially by Chuck) seem to be divisive toward income levels. If one is complaining about the costs, one may not be the target demographic.
For a once in a decade trip to Zion with my family I would certainly consider the glamping option mentioned in the article. If I consider the time and costs to tow from the East Coast to Zion, the arrive and drive option looks appealing
I don’t understand what makes this for millenials with money, and I’m not a defensive millenial. Seems to me it could appeal to any generation with money that they are willing to spend in that. I could afford that, but never would
I guess the problem I see with this is that as someone who studies what’s going on in the RV world day in and day out, I see one campground after another converting to a high priced glampground, where RVs are not welcome, and at the same time I see, hear about and experience a lack of places to stay with an RV because of a lack of places to stay. — Chuck/editor
The owners then push the local managers and law enforcement to ban boondocking or lower priced camping options. Never mind our tax dollars pay for the Maintenace/Management of the public lands that surround these clamping businesses The average rv roll into the area and can’t find any other opportunities.
I’m not sure if we’re supposed to get all up in arms about this or what. This is nothing new, there have been luxury resorts forever, this is just a new iteration. I don’t personally want to spend my money like that, but for those who do, have at it!
I guess my version of RVing and camping is becoming more “outdated”. Just like me as I age.
I would not say that you have become outdated, it is distorted when looking at something like this glamping style presented in this article. Here we have pictured young people with disposable income and high technology “needs” who are also complaining that they will never be able to pay off those horrible student loans and have to live in an apartment and it is just not fair! I know that people can spend their money however they wish and some choose to “camp” and rough it in a situation like this article presented. I just can’t help but be bias in my thoughts that this is the I want it now crowd who feels like they are being suppressed by another group of people who have more money, homes, ______, you fill in the blank.
Who cares?
Whatever. I did talk to my daughters about this. They have generous vacationing budgets for quick get aways, they grew up camping and loved it, they have been to all the places mentioned. In short they are part of the demographic for these types of glamping establishments. Their response was WHY? “You still have to shop, pack food, cook and clean up.” Why cram the entire family in a small space with one bathroom? They have stayed at some gorgeous lodges and just walked away from the table. When they want to go kayaking or any other activity in the area they simply call the front desk to make arrangements for their adventure. This may be just a trend or a nostalgy thing for their age bracket, 30 to 45, or for foreign market. Would I see it as a long term investment, probably not.
So what.
This article sounds more like a rally cry to make people even more divisive.
How about sticking with the problem…RVIA. Get on their case with your platform.
*Oh, Airstream and its parent company, Thor, must be pleased as punch to be selling all those trailers, and having the opportunity to showcase them to MWM.*
I don’t see the connection with this statement purpose, and Airstream. I’m quite sure Airstream is tickled, as would any other company or enterprise. But the tone of the writer’s line was clear. Divisive!
Now the main reason I have taken the time to comment on this article. Is not actually about the writer’s article. All in all, it appears to be researched, and explains a growing trend in camping / glamping.
While reading the other articles within this newsletter and in the past (I do enjoy the articles). Then I usually turn to the comments to glean additional insight on the subject.
Many of the comments on those subject articles, then swerved to such negativity, loathsomeness, and animosity that it usually had very little, if any relation to the subject at hand. It seems some will swat a mosquito with a sledgehammer.
Price gouging from one of the business which received the largest tax giveaway ever in 2016. Keep up the good work
Almost nothing in your statement was accurate.
Are they out of their mind? My goodness.
They’re trying to run a successful business. I don’t see how that makes them out of their mind.
I’m calling to make reservations RIGHT NOW!
It’s called Capitalism, and I see nothing wrong with it. If people don’t want it, the business will go away.
If people want to pay the cost for Glamping so let them be. As for the transient occupancy fee, it’s no different than the hotel tax Counties in Pa charge those who use hotels. As for the Amenity Fee if it’s the same as my county makes me pay a library tax or Comcast charging me for sports on the cable channels that I neither use or watch/want and have no say so over. But our politicians still allow them to steal my money.
Why is this an issue for RVers? I don’t see this as different from opening a hotel. Yes, we need more RV spaces but this has nothing to do with that.
Ed Fogle, actually it is an issue for RVers. For one thing, “glampers” at this place are staying in RVs (Airstreams), but more significantly, parks like this, that do not accept RVer’s, are simply taking away opportunities for camping with an RV. Some RV parks are actually being closed, then reopened as Glampgrounds. Few RV parks that I have heard of have closed and reopened as hotels. A glampground, RV park owners are being told, can be much more profitable than an RV park, and that’s definitely a reason for them to convert their existing facility or if starting a new park, make it a glampground, not a campground, and earn what can be a lot more money.
How are these glamping businesses “taking away opportunities for camping with an RV?” There are many times more camping sites that allow “regular” RVs than there are glamping-only facilities. I would argue that these glamping facilities are enabling RV/tent camping for those who can’t or don’t want to own their own RV, but also still want to enjoy some comforts beyond a tent. I have zero problem with facility owners attempting to run a successful business that way, even if I’ll likely never use one.
…as long as my tax dollars don’t pay for it.
Our tax dollars pay for the upkeep and managers of surrounding public lands that is the draws people there. Same thing has happened on the Oregon coast. See my post above.
Why even camp at those prices? I’ll just take a first-class tour of Europe instead. Seriously, it’s bad enough that some RV “resorts” don’t want my (pristine) 2021 Class A because it’s “too old” or my black lab because she’s “not under 25 lbs.”. I always thought camping was supposed to be for all
Sometimes civilized people look for places that price out the riff raff, I love it. If you cant afford it, don’t go there, go to Slab City and camp for free. What’s next, no first-class seats when flying, no penthouse suites in hotels, no $$$$ restaurants, socialize everything, I guess.
Hmmm…This makes me want to add up all my RV costs: down payment, tax and license, principal and interest payments, fuel, maintenance, upgrades/changes, campground fees, etc., and divide by the expected number of days I have or will use it based on recent history and life expectancy (we used ours a good portion of the year for the last two).
On second thought, I dont think I will.
Capitalism is the worst system, except for all the others. Enjoy!
That is ridiculous! Compare it to Usery or call it Highway Robbery! Greed, or any other adjective you could think of. The sad part is that they will probably sell out to those that have the ‘disposable’ income or lack of common sense to not spend that kind of money for camping. I see stories like this, and it makes me want to sell my motorhome. That and the story you published in this issue about South Dakota proposing legislation that would prevent me from declaring that state as a residence.
Sell it, please.
I rode my bike by this place a few months ago. I noticed it because of all the Airstreams. It looks really nice.
These are the type of places that are popping up all around Zion. There are more glamping resorts in the area than campgrounds. This Airstream one is still about 14 miles from the entrance to Zion NP so not actually in the park. There are a lot of boondocking places nearby that the regular folk can go to. However, these are slowly being closed or altered because people have ignored the 14 day limit and set up permanent residence in their RVs and have trashed the places. Zion is so crowded now it’s not worth going to IMO.
I don’t consider an Airstream trailer glamorous. Expensive, yes. Glamorous, no.
airstream= vastly overpriced skinny, cramped metal fuselage that appeals to plastic yuppie types
Clearly your opinion is in the minority. Hope you have a better day.
Yikes! Thank you for the research, Chuck! My wife visited Zion last summer while I kept our dog company. The more I learn about national parks and “camping” opportunities in them or nearby, the more I want to avoid them.
Not real sure what your uproar is all about…private property, private money investment (not taxpayers) so why care? Avoid them. Easy to do.
I agree with you, Engineer.
I had a chance to RV the Oregon coast fall of 22 and was shocked out how the State parks and RV park owners have locked up almost all opportunities to RV camp by the sea. Many towns have laws which forbid parking resting and camping except were they allow and it starts out at $55 a night for some sandy spot with a old beat up Picnic table. The Oregon state parks has show their true colors by charging more for each night stay of out of state visitors. What are they offering is access to public land. But if you dont want or cant afford their RV park prices ($100 a night) then buy food and gas and get out of their town. They have stolen the Oregon Coast !!!
They’ve not stolen it, they’re capitalizing on it’s appeal. If you don’t like it, spend your money elsewhere. That’s how our free market system works. Most of the negative comments on this article sound like people railing against change. Good luck with that…
If there are campers or glampers who spend that kind of money, the campsite providers will continue to inflate the price until the consumer realize otherwise. Back in the day, camping used to be affordable for family. Earned dollars have become way too easy to some who have more dollars than sense.
I agree totally.
Being in a free democratic society and choosing how they spend their own money is problematic for you? Why do you have to be rude and say they don’t have any sense?
That’s the beauty of choice. Good for them! Personally, I would rather people who prefer glamping do exactly that, and leave the campgrounds to RVers. I would be more in an uproar about the campground owners who keep raising prices just because they can without any improvement or better maintenance. Just sayin’.
“Transient occupancy tax”.
I’ve always loved being called a transient, haven’t you?
Interesting to see that they will take cancellation for 100% refund up to 72 hrs. I assume they feel they will be able to fill the spot but it’s a nice policy.
First off, the two women pictured. Stuck on computers inside. Get off your arse and go outside to enjoy nature. You’re taking up room from people that want to enjoy the outdoors.
Sign me up. Im more than happy to blow a couple months of mortgage payments on 3 nights of ?nature?
Why should you get to dictate how others spend their money or time outdoors? Just let others do what THEY enjoy.
There is nothing wrong with glamping campgrounds banning RVs. These are people who want a brief encounter with camping, and they want it full service and easy, and they want to pay for it. They are entitled to not listen to idling RV motors etc. Plenty of RV campgrounds ban tents.
Pass…
This is a rant about apples delivered by an orange. They’re us, we’re not them, and their increasing popularity is no skin off of our teeth. Relax, Chuck.
Some people buy a Kia, some people buy a Rolls Royce.
You kids get off my lawn!!
Oh, wait, stay off my street!!
You forgot, “Make your campgrounds the way I want them!” 🙂
It would seem these campgrounds are directed at a generation of Starbucks swilling young-uns who already claim they cannot put enough money aside for retirement.
As far as I am concerned they can stick those so caiied camp crounds where the sun don’t shine!!
Wow, that’s pretty rude and selfish.
Why do you even bother to look at such operations. Super expensive hotels and resorts have been around for ages. It appears you are just looking for something to get mad about. It has nothing to do about the RV industry. Plenty of things to dislike without searching for them.
These places are for campers who “want it all and want it now.” They want to go hiking in the rugged canyon, BUT they also want their computers and the comforts of home. If you can afford it, go for it.
Basic supply and demand. Perhaps we real campers aren’t demanding enough?
I have read every reply and agree with SteveAustin on every one he has posted.
This is obviously a hot button issue but it appears there is a lot of we/they in folk’s attitudes (e.g, “real campers”; “airstream….yuppies”; “taking away opportunities for camping”; Push out the old retired folks/families on a budget”). I too am old retired folk on a budget, and in the past two years have NEVER had an issue getting a campsite. Whether a HH, military campground, State Park, basic campground, National Park, or luxury resort. It requires planning and if you fly by night, you do so at your own peril. Gone are the days of (most) $25 per night campsites. Adapt or get left behind.
I went back and read every one of Steve Austin’s replies based on your post. Yes, I agree with you both. Capitalism continues to win the day.
After reading all of the comments I would suggest that those who disagree go back and reread Chucks essay. He starts out with the REAL issue of not enough RV camping spots at this 3rd most visited National Park.
That’s where he is going with this. Glamping and the associated cost are to point out that by taking the land from inventory and using it for a very small number of people as opposed to using it for the much larger population it would help provide a true camping-location for the underserved families, Seniors, and individuals who don’t have the resources to glamp but need the camping spots for their RVs.
I’m all for capitalism but we’re talking about a National Park which should be available to everyone regardless of income level.
What’s next $150-200.00 a night to boondock on BLM land?
The park is available to everyone regardless of income level. This campground is a separate entity from the park.
I agree with Chuck, if you pay attention to how difficult it is to get a city or even a county to approve a Campground site, losing an area to non camping is a problem, no matter where it is.
For some people it’s probably a lot cheaper than buying a new motor home and then finding out that they don’t even like RVing. If it is still around in 10 years I guess it’s a good idea. We all enjoy different things. I love sleeping on a bed in my 5th wheel, but some people would say that the only way to truly camp is in a tent.
rent one to try it before you buy one but don’t look for the mint on the pillow or broadband with your latte to be delivered to your lap…yeez!
From what I can tell, these glamping spots are first of all not widespread and second, not true campgrounds anyway, just motels dressed up like RV camping to make the affluent feel they are doing something real. If you don’t have your own rig, you are just renting another hotel room.
But when a door closes, another window opens… maybe the Boondockers hosts will expand for people like us. It would require some different rules, although if operated by experienced RVers and true RV fans, it could be like the old days….
I don’t know why you would object to a private business that goes in business to meet the potential demand of customers. This park is not intended for people like us, and I think it’s a little misguided to write an article as if it was.
sounds to me like that old saying grandma used to say …more dollars than sense. I do not know anyone with a lick of common sense who would pay this kind of money to get “close” to nature for a couple of days of roughing it.
…for what it’s worth, that money is circulating in the economy, and the sale of new trailers tends to drive down the price of used ones — and neither is a bad thing.
Well the Escapees RV Club claims to do precisely that. I am not currently a member so I dont feel qualified to rate them, but it certainly looks like they are doing something.