Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

7 Retro-Cool Airstream Resorts in America Worth Road Tripping For

An airstream trailer on the field.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now that the pandemic has lifted to some degree, tons of Americans are turning to the great outdoors and breathtaking national parks to enjoy the coming months. While many are renting RVs or pulling campers, campgrounds continue to sell out.

Related Guides

Recommended Videos

Fortunately, there’s another alternative that allows you to enjoy life on the road without the massive vehicle or the hassle of pulling a camper. Airstream resorts have popped up all over the country and are delightfully retro-cool. You can opt for a location near a national park or one with other attractions nearby. But whatever you do, don’t forget to bring your best action camera or digital camera because a stay at any of these best Airstream resorts will be one to document and remember.

El Cosmico

Marfa, Texas

An extra-large trailer with cedar deck at El Cosmico.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Marfa, Texas is one of those destinations that’s on the bucket list for many. Thanks to its ultra-cool design and installation art, Marfa is a must-see stop for many road trippers. But if you want to spend a little more time there than just a day, the El Cosmico Airstream resort is the place to book. The brightly colored trailers are just as photo-worthy as Prada Marfa. Located in a dead zone without Wi-Fi, this is also your opportunity to disconnect from social for a little while. Rent a bike, relax in the wood-fired hot tubs, or shop in the mercantile before turning in for a restful night.

Caravan Outpost

Ojai, California

A bird's eye view of the Airstream trailers parked at Caravan Outpost.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Another incredibly Instagram-ready Airstream resort is Caravan Outpost in Ojai, California which is perfect for large groups or families. Amenities include free bikes, surf lessons, pool, and fitness club access as well as complimentary s’mores around the communal campfire each night. The health club even offers childcare. The air-conditioned Airstreams can sleep up to five people and offer easy access to the unique town so you can explore and relax.

Read more: Cabin Rentals for Large Groups

AutoCamp

Multiple Locations

A view of the bathroom in an Airstream trailer at AutoCamp.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

AutoCamp offers three Airstream resort locations including Santa Barbara, Sonoma County, and Midpines, California. Other locations include Joshua Tree, Cape Cod, and the Catskills. The Midpines resort, which is very near Yosemite, is one of the largest locations with 80 Airstream trailers available for rent equipped with a queen and a full-sized sofa bed. Once settled in, guests can enjoy a number of amenities such as a heated pool, fire pits, and board and lawn games. Not to mention, there’s also a shuttle to the national park each day making this a great base outside of the park.

Book Now

Read more: Best National Parks for RV Camping

The Vintages Trailer Resort

Dayton, Oregon

A view of the interior of an Airstream trailer at Vintages Trailer Resort.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Vintages Trailer Resort offers Airstream trailers with retro-inspired decors such as mid-century modern furnishings and accents. Each trailer includes everything you could need for a perfect self-contained escape. There’s a pool available at the resort and each trailer comes with Adirondack chairs and two cruiser bikes. Inside, you’ll find a fridge and a microwave, in addition to the grill outside. You can even request a s’mores kit curated by a local company and a bottle of signature pinot noir to give you a taste of Oregon’s Willamette Valley before you get out to explore the breathtaking area and its many wineries.

Read more: Best Wineries in America

Camp V

Naturita, Colorado

A woman sitting on a chair with her legs up and a man with a cup standing close to a furnace.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Located just 90 minutes outside of Moab, Utah, Camp V is a classic Airstream resort that dates to 1942 and operates as a great jumping-off place for exploring Moab. The historic resort is filled with art installations and plenty of Airstreams to book. Amenities include fireplaces, record players, and special programming like painting classes for guests to enjoy. You can also always rent a bike to explore the area if you’re ready for a break from the car.

Read more: Rentals for Road Tripping in Colorado

Yonder Escalante

Escalante, Utah

A drive-in theater at Yonder Escalante.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yonder Escalante is rather close to Bryce Canyon National Park making this a great place to book for those who want to explore the area. Wi-Fi is available at the resort and inside the Airstream trailers so you can post all of your photos from the latest hike. Filled with antiques and enough room for three guests, the trailers are comfortable and allow for a reprieve from the world. There’s also a hot tub and a pool where you can unwind and even a drive-in movie theater with resorted classic cars parked in front of the screen to serve as seats.

Book Now

Camp Hox

Multiple Locations

A bed with brown and black and white-striped pillows inside a camper van.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

British hotelier, The Hoxton, launched Camp Hox this summer. Camp Hox offers next-level, fully-contained road trips for customers both in the U.S. and select European destinations. Packages include itineraries with incredible stops for guests to take in retro-inspired camper vans stylishly outfitted with luxury toiletries, champagne, snacks, portable radios, bikes, and more so they can have the atmospheric road trip of their dreams. Each booking also includes a night at The Hoxton in the terminal destination such as Los Angeles for the California route. Though it isn’t an Airstream, it is an unusual and retro-inspired way to escape the crowds without booking a stationary itinerary.

Molly Harris
Molly Harris is a freelance journalist, cyclist and outdoor enthusiast. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Lonely…
When you’re hiking in Death Valley, don’t do this
Taking the path less traveled is not advisable in this case.
Rugged and scenic terrain in Death Valley California

Safety should always be a top priority when visiting national parks, and this has become even more relevant than ever as the National Park Service recently had to rescue a hiker from a near-death experience at Death Valley National Park.

Just a few days ago, a hiker found himself in a precarious position after splitting up from his travel buddy and leaving the main trail at Mosaic Canyon. When these two visitors split up, one remained on the established path, and the other decided to attempt to navigate a side canyon, believing he could reconnect with the main trail further ahead. However, as the canyon became steeper, the hiker found himself trapped, unable to move forward or descend safely.

Read more
5 clever ways to use paracord on your next camping trip
Tie up the loose ends at the camping site with these 5 paracord uses
Purple and green twisted paracord

Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most effective, especially when camping. I've found that paracord is one of those things that most people have at the bottom of their bags, but do you really know how to use it to its fullest potential? Originally designed for parachutes, paracord is lightweight, durable, and (in my humble opinion) essential for any camping trip. Like with a camping knife, using paracord does require some skill, but once you know the right knots, it will change your game. The next time you're in the wild, try one of these paracord purposes.
How to use paracord while camping

Paracord ideas for shelter and weather protection
You never know when you'll need a little extra length to your tent guy lines. Paracord is just the thing. Just cut the amount you need and use a taut-line hitch for adjustable tension.

Read more
The ultimate guide to avoiding ticks in the wild — learn from my experience
Stay vigilant, and use these tick tips next time you're outdoors
Close-up of a red tick and water droplets on a blade of grass

When people think about outdoor hazards, they picture bears, venomous snakes, or poisonous plants like poison ivy. However, one of the most dangerous threats in the forests is something much smaller — ticks. These tiny bloodsuckers can carry a bunch of diseases that you really don't want, and many of them are difficult to treat.

Lyme disease is one of them, and after getting infected during a teenage game of manhunt in the woods, I struggled with my health for seven years before finally overcoming it. Needless to say, I'm always very careful every time I venture out into the woods. Here are my top precautions and tick tips for the next time you venture into the outdoors.
Top tick tips from someone who's been bitten before

Read more