Auto Camp with The Lays

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It’s a fact: our family is not the pitch-your-tent-camping type. But we did get outside and go camping, or as some might call it, glamping. We traveled to Northern California and stayed at Auto Camp in the Russian River, where we had access to an airstream trailer and tent.

It was time for the Lay family to have some “away” time from our everyday agendas. As the mom of two boys, I see them climb, jump, and run around all day. I am not much of a camper and “roughing it” isn’t really my style, but I don’t want my preferences to stop them from being able to get out and do all the rugged things they try to do inside our home.

We packed up the car and headed to Auto Camp, a camping-style get away with luxury airstream campers.

Airstreams are a type of travel trailer dating back to the 1930s that have a distinctive curved style and shiny exterior. Auto Camp has plenty of them and we were on our way to the Russian River to camp out in simplified luxury.

Once we got there, I thought the boys would all want to hunker down in the tent (which we also rented), but instead they immediately wanted to climb aboard the airstream and join us inside. Their excitement was delightful. Throughout our trip, we swam in the river, walked through the woods, and roasted marshmallows over the fire. Every activity was family-friendly, and easy for those who aren’t planners but still want to play outdoors.

Auto Camp makes it easy for every kind, and level, of camper to have a memorable vacation. It was like staying at a resort, but we were outdoors. Even as self-proclaimed “not outdoorsy” people, we never once felt uncomfortable in our surroundings.

See below for a sample itinerary for when you’re planning your own trip:

  • Afternoon hike at Armstrong Redwood State Reserve

  • Swim at the Local River (Johnson's Beach)

  • Have lunch in Guerneville town

  • Make a fire and roast nighttime s’mores

  • Indulge in a tasting flight at Korbel Champagne Cellars (adults only!)

  • Explore the Guerneville Bridge

This experience was a wonderful way to see my rascals play outside without restraint. If you are looking for a trip that allows parents to enjoy themselves as much as the kids in a fun and safe outdoors environment, I would highly recommend this vacation.

By Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Head Rascal. Mother of two rascals, ages 3 and 5 during trip. Photos by Jessica Collins.