As the United States turns 250 this weekend, and as high gas prices suppress travel, boutique outdoor hospitality brand AutoCamp has a pitch for American travelers.
A top quality camping company offers Airstream suites, polished cabins, fire pits, front desk services and access to iconic outdoor areas. It has nine US locations, from Joshua Tree in California to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
AutoCamp says room revenue is up 20% over last year, and going into the Fourth of July weekend, 90% occupancy across the portfolio, with average daily rooms up 15%.
Its chief marketing officer, Bryan Terzi, said part of the company’s appeal is the convenient camping experience a quick trip from home — no buying or packing tents, grills and other camping gear.
“It’s kind of that phase of getting into people’s thinking about what they remember when they were young but also creating a space to make memories with their families and kids,” Terzi told CNBC.
AutoCamp Catskills in Saugerties, New York.
CNBC | Contessa Brewer
Tourist interest in AutoCamp coincides with the growing demand to visit America’s parks.
Airbnb said it saw searches for residential properties “close to a national park” increase 35% by 2026, even before gas prices increase. The company said the nature and outdoor experience is the most booked experience category.
According to Hilton’s 2026 trends report, 37% of travelers say spending time in nature is the top reason they travel.
Hilton has a partnership with AutoCamp as part of a broader strategy to invest in experience delivery. Hilton said it has seen a 30% increase in direct bookings with AutoCamp on its property, with nearly half booked with Hilton Honors loyalty points.
AutoCamp Catskills Clubhouse.
Source: AutoCamp Catskills
Now, AutoCamp is poised to expand its growth by selling more than just a weekend in the woods. It gives visitors a piece of the company, turning its most loyal customers into shareholders.
From camping to crowdfunding
Using the DealMaker crowdfunding platform, AutoCamp raised $1.2 million in less than 30 days from 353 investors, many of whom were past guests. DealMaker says it was one of the fastest moves seen, with exceptional interest from early stage investors.
It’s part of the latest wave of hospitality companies going into fractional ownership.
Overthrow Hospitality, a plant-based food and beverage company has raised nearly $1 million from 403 investors using crowdfunding service StartEngine. MAF Hospitality, an Italian-inspired restaurant, vintner and hotel brand, offers investment opportunities through Wefunder, with testimonials from a leading investor, who is also a customer, prominently displayed.
DealMaker says it is an attractive way to raise money for any business with a strong following such as sports, media and entertainment, and consumer products.
Customers get a real sense of participation in something they care about, says Rebecca Kacaba, CEO and founder of DealMaker.
“They’re investing in businesses that they understand personally: physical products, real experiences, products that they’ve already interacted with. That alignment between consumer behavior and investment is something that retail investors find very attractive,” he said.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission permits regulated crowdfunding of up to $5 million per year through an SEC-registered platform. Their investment materials include the usual caveats, that positions may be illiquid, speculative and difficult to value.
AutoCamp Catskills Clubhouse.
Source: AutoCamp Catskills
Wefunder puts it plainly: “Startups can win big or lose. You can lose all your money. Look at it like lottery tickets for the community.”
But this type of investment in hospitality companies often comes with special guest benefits — the kind you might expect from being a premium member in a rewards program. For example, this month, a $10,000 investment in AutoCamp comes with a 2% bonus in additional shares on top of the 4% dividends the investor receives, as well as a $400 gift card to use at the point of booking.
And hospitality brands get more than just capital through this type of fundraising.
“These customers stay with us, then invest with us, and it’s really exciting to see them tell 10 friends, ‘Hey, I had a great experience, I really liked it, I invested in the product and its growth, and I want you to come check it out,'” Terzi said.
