AutoCamp Zion Review: How To Glamp in Luxury Using Hilton Honors Points

Many travelers fly for hours to reach Utah’s incredibly beautiful scenery. My partner and I are much closer to those destinations: We recently moved to Utah and have spent a lot of time discovering weekend getaways in our new state.

One of those beautiful places we’ve been exploring was Zion National Park, where we spent the New Year holiday with our dog.

It turned into a wonderful 2-night dog-friendly adventure at AutoCamp Zion. For those who aren’t familiar with the company, AutoCamp is a collection of upscale Airstream accommodations in some of the most stunning locations across the U.S. I’m not a hardcore camper, so I really appreciated the comforts of a cozy bed and a hot shower while still enjoying s’mores around a bonfire. The remote location was perfect for stargazing, too.

The best part? AutoCamp partners with Hilton Honors, so you can earn and redeem points for your stay. Plus, if you have elite status, you’ll enjoy additional freebies upon arrival.

Keep reading to hear about my experience at AutoCamp Zion and discover what you might love when you visit!

Booking AutoCamp Zion

Thanks to AutoCamp’s partnership with Hilton, it’s worth booking your stay directly with Hilton to earn or redeem Hilton Honors points. (If you’re not already a member, signing up is free and takes just a few minutes.)

Nightly rates at AutoCamp Zion vary depending on the season. We visited during the off-peak period, just after the New Year, and enjoyed low rates of $234 per night for the base-level Airstream suite. Despite it being the middle of winter, the weather was unexpectedly warm, with midday temperatures in the 50s — just right for a hike.

During Zion National Park‘s peak season, from April to September, nightly rates typically start at $350. If you plan to redeem Hilton Honors points, keep in mind that these rates will also fluctuate with the season.

Travelers with flexible schedules can use Hilton’s points calendar to explore different redemption rates. While Hilton Honors no longer provides a fixed award chart, point requirements for AutoCamp Zion generally range between 43,000 and 75,000 points per night.

Hilton Honors elite members also enjoy a fifth consecutive night free on all award stays, including those at AutoCamp Zion. For example, you could book a 5-night stay at the 50,000-points-per-night rate for a total of 200,000 points instead of 250,000. This is a fantastic way to maximize the value of your points and extend your stay.

If you’re traveling with a pet, a nonrefundable $75 pet fee per stay is required at check-in. This fee covers up to 2 dogs, with each dog weighing a maximum of 80 pounds.

Hot Tip:

An amenity fee of $35 per night (plus taxes and fees) applies to cash stays, covering amenities such as free parking, bike rentals, and more. However, stays booked with points are exempt from this fee!

If you have The Platinum Card^® from American Express, you’re in luck. Cardholders can enroll in complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status, which offers benefits like higher bonus points on eligible bookings and the fifth-night-free award perk.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Earning Hilton Honors points is also convenient with an eligible Amex card. Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, meaning every 1,000 Amex points converts to 2,000 Hilton points. This effectively reduces the number of Amex points needed for your stay by half.

For this stay, I used my Hilton Honors Aspire^® American Express Card*, which offers automatic Diamond status and earns 14x bonus points on eligible Hilton reservations and incidental charges — making it an excellent choice for maximizing rewards on this booking.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership

150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$750

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

---

Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
• 7x points per $1 on select travel and at U.S. restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Cons

• High annual fee of $550

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
• Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
• Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible travel purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
• Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases on your card
• Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits (up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually) on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio
• Enjoy complimentary Diamond status
• $550 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Even without elite status, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar spent at eligible Hilton hotels and resorts, including stays at AutoCamp. Upgraded Points values Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cents each for future hotel redemptions.

*The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Location

AutoCamp Zion is situated in Virgin, Utah, along a road lined with similar camp-style accommodations.

The property is a 3.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City, halfway between the towns of Springdale and La Verkin. Each of these towns features bustling main streets filled with cafés, restaurants, grocery stores, and more.

You will definitely need a car to explore the surrounding areas, as these towns are roughly a 10- to 15-minute drive from AutoCamp. Springdale is the gateway to Zion National Park, while La Verkin is a slightly larger town on Utah’s main highway (I-15), which connects to Salt Lake City.

Speaking of cars, all guests had to park in the designated lot located just outside the clubhouse. There were also EV charging stations available. I appreciated the separation, as keeping vehicles away from the main campground helped minimize nighttime noise.

Checking In

At AutoCamp Zion, check-in begins at 4 p.m., and checkout is at 10 a.m. While the timeframe felt shorter than we were accustomed to, we understood that preparing and restocking the Airstreams likely requires extra time to ensure they’re ready for the next guests. If you need a late checkout (1 p.m.), you can request it for a $75 fee.

We arrived at 10 p.m. and missed the turn for AutoCamp Zion in the pitch dark. Once we got there, the gated camp felt secure even in the darkness, and we used a call button to be let in. Parking was free for all guests.

It felt safe enough to leave our belongings (and our dog Dolly) in the car for a few minutes while heading to the check-in desk at the clubhouse. Checking in was like at any Hilton hotel, and we were given a property map with our Airstream suite marked, making it easy to find even in the dark.

Despite the late hour, the staff was cheerful and welcoming and thanked us for our Hilton Honors membership. Within minutes, we received a set of wooden keys and headed off to get settled in after a long drive.

To make transporting our luggage easier, we were informed about the red wagons in front of the parking lot. We could use as many as needed to bring our things to the Airstream, and even with our suitcases, dog bed, and food, 1 wagon was plenty.

The campground wasn’t as large as the map suggested, and we reached our Airstream using our phone flashlights to find our way over gravel paths.

Hot Tip:

Unlike a true hotel, AutoCamp Zion does not provide daily housekeeping. However, mid-stay cleaning services are available for an additional fee, and extra towels, blankets, or pillows can be requested at no cost. For our 2-night stay, we didn’t need any housekeeping services.

Airstream Suite

Our Airstream suite was situated toward the back of the campgrounds.

Outdoor space, including the fire pit and dining table, was a clever way to extend the living area of the Airstream.

We grilled some tasty burgers and ate dinner by the fire, as the temperature had dropped to a crisp 42 degrees by nightfall. A rechargeable lantern provided with the suite also meant we could see without using our phones.

We were surprised by how roomy the Airstream was inside. This was only our second time staying in a camper trailer — exactly a year ago for New Year’s, we stayed in an Airbnb camper near Sedona — and this one felt much roomier.

Although there were only 2 of us (well, 3 if you count our dog), the Airstream suite can technically accommodate up to 4 guests, as the couch converts into a double bed with extra linens stored underneath. While we never needed to use it, we imagined that pulling out the bed would make the space feel a bit cramped, as it would block the entrance and the path to the bathroom.

There was a small green chair for extra seating, but we ended up using it to unpack my suitcase.

Kitchen

To the left of the living room was the kitchen, which was equipped with basic items, including instant coffee and black tea.

As Hilton Honors Diamond members, the staff kindly left us a welcome amenity, including a s’mores kit, 2 skewers, and dog bones.

They also provided a pack of easy-start firewood next to the door (a welcome amenity for Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond elites), which could be purchased from the clubhouse gift shop for roughly $20.

I really appreciated the thoughtful details throughout the suite. It felt like there were hidden surprises around every corner, and the amount of items they managed to fit into the small RV was really impressive.

Above the kitchen counter, there was a pull-out cabinet stocked with all of the dishes we needed.

On the wall was a thermostat that controlled the Airstream’s temperature. It was a bit tricky to figure out at first, but adjusting the Zone 1 temperature changed the settings for the main living room and bathroom, while Zone 2 controlled the bedroom.

The small placard provided instructions for using the controls and mentioned that the Airstream’s temperature shouldn’t exceed 73 degrees in winter. We were pretty cold when we first arrived, but setting the thermostat to 73 degrees was the perfect comfortable temperature for the rest of our stay.

Our trash can and recycling bins were tucked away under the kitchen counter. In addition, there was an extra roll of paper towels and a dustpan.

There was also a small kitchen drawer with basic silverware.

Across from the kitchen was even more storage. The largest cabinet on the left had 2 folding tables and some hangers to keep our coats tucked away.

There was also a minifridge, which was helpful when we stored away our few groceries.

There was even a built-in ice tray, a small freezer, and some coffee creamers.

Above the minifridge was the microwave.

There were a couple of other cubbies located up top, which held mixing bowls and even a decently sized glass baking dish.

Finally, the kitchen came equipped with a few grilling tools, including a flame-resistant glove. (Note: Only the Classic Cabins come equipped with a stove.)

Bedroom

The bedroom was cozy yet thoughtfully designed, with its own door to provide separation from the rest of the space. My dog quickly made herself at home on the queen bed, which had a Tempur-Pedic mattress and soft pendant lighting.

The bedside tables were built into the Airstream walls, and push-controls were used for the bedside lamps. There were also USB plugs for easy charging and a small storage cabinet.

There was a small TV next to the window, which we didn’t use, though you could log into streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. There were also 2 more cabinets on either side of the room.

Although there wasn’t a headboard, we found the bed to be really comfortable at night. The linens were high quality, the bed was just the right amount of firmness, and the blanket was cozy when temperatures dropped at night.

The curtains and blinds blocked most of the morning light, so we were able to get 2 restful nights of sleep (and yes, we did fall asleep way before midnight on New Year’s Eve).

Bathroom

Barn doors separated the living room from the bathroom, which, again, was surprisingly large.

There were plenty of hand and bath towels already hung up.

The window, located where you usually would have a bathroom mirror, was blacked out. However, there was an adjustable close-up mirror near the light switch. The water pressure in the sink was pretty weak, but fortunately, we found that the shower and kitchen sink pressure was much better. More importantly, the water got hot quickly and never ran out, which can be an issue when camping.

The bathroom had standard wall outlets and a ventilation system that was helpful for removing steam after a shower.

Without a doubt, the best part of the bathroom was the shower. It had a floor-to-ceiling half door and was a huge open space. There were even towel hooks. All of the bath products, including the hand soap, were eco-friendly and organic.

Other Accommodation Options

While Airstreams are the core of Autocamp Zion (there are 72 of them, to be exact), several types of accommodations are also available to fit various groups.

The property includes several wheelchair-accessible cabins that can accommodate up to 3 guests, as well as Airstreams paired with spacious canvas tents, ideal for families of up to 6 people.

Amenities

What I loved most about AutoCamp Zion wasn’t just its convenient location near one of the country’s most iconic national parks but also the range of amenities available to all guests, which made the stay truly complete. Let’s explore some of these offerings.

Clubhouse

The clubhouse was easily the focal point of the property, and it was also where the check-in desk was located.

The clubhouse, open 24 hours, had plenty of seating areas to unwind and relax. Floor-to-ceiling windows helped give a spacious, inviting feeling. Board games like Scrabble and Jenga were available for anyone to pick up and use.

While I didn’t get to see them, there were several meeting spaces in the clubhouse for events and dinners.

At the center of the campground, there was also a spacious lawn area featuring outdoor games like cornhole and ample room for kids (or dogs!) to run and play. There were a lot of furry friends staying at AutoCamp Zion, and even the clubhouse was dog-friendly.

The clubhouse is accessible at all hours, but quiet hours for the entire property are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. During this time, amplified sound and music are not allowed.

Pool

Although we visited during the winter, summer guests can enjoy cooling off in the pool next to the clubhouse after a day of exploring Zion.

According to hotel staff, it’s heated even during the summer, and towels are available for guests. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a hot tub.

Shopping

Just by the check-in desk, there was a small gift shop with AutoCamp-branded swag and other eco-friendly gifts. I took home one of those hoodies and a 100% cotton t-shirt as a souvenir.

You could also stock up on extra s’mores and firewood starter kits, and there was even a fridge and freezer stocked with the essentials. However, everything was noticeably more expensive than what you could get from a grocery store just 10 minutes away.

Hot Tip:

There wasn’t a gym at AutoCamp Zion, but who needs a fitness center when you’re surrounded by the amazing trails at Zion National Park?

Fire Pits

Although each suite included its own fire pit, there were also a few shared electric fire pits near the clubhouse. These were lit every evening during our stay, offering a convenient option for those who preferred to not start their own fire.

Playground

A small wooden playground and swing set for kids were also located near the clubhouse.

Bike Rentals

As we walked to our Airstream suite, we noticed several bikes available for both adults and children. They were free for all guests to use, but we chose not to rent them since they couldn’t be taken beyond the property grounds.

Wi-Fi

While you’re not necessarily in Zion National Park to be glued to your phone the whole trip, we appreciated the fast and free Wi-Fi.

The network was speedy whether we were at the clubhouse or in our Airstream.

Food and Beverage

Our food options at AutoCamp Zion were limited to The Kitchen, which was located inside the clubhouse. There was no full-service breakfast, even for Hilton Diamond members.

Granola and Coffee

Each morning from 7 to 11, the bar area offered regular and decaf coffee, a selection of teas, and delicious granola flavored with pumpkin seeds and cinnamon. We paired it with snack-sized yogurt cups we purchased from the grocery store, creating the perfect light breakfast before our hike.

A water refill station was also available around the clock, though the sparkling water tap was out of service during our stay. On select evenings, guests could enjoy a hot cocoa bar, complete with a large jar of marshmallows.

The Kitchen

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., The Kitchen was where we could order breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as an assortment of drinks.

In the morning, there were freshly baked pastries like lemon loaf cake and muffins for purchase.

We ended up ordering a breakfast sandwich ($12) and a glow wellness smoothie ($12) to share.

Both tasted good, but were definitely overpriced.

We saw many other travelers purchase campfire-friendly foods at the nearby grocery stores or venture into town for a bite to eat.

Service

One advantage of AutoCamp (and, by extension, Hilton) was the hotel-like experience upon check-in. There was always a friendly staff member available in the clubhouse, the campground was gated for added security, and the amenities were exceptional for the reasonable price.

Communication with the staff was seamless at all times. We received a text message from the team a day before check-in, making it easy to reach out with any questions. When it was time to leave, the checkout process was hassle-free — simply notifying them of our departure via text — allowing us to head home smoothly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me and love the idea of camping but prefer a full-service experience, AutoCamp Zion is the perfect choice, blending comfort, convenience, and adventure. We’ll always remember this trip, when we relaxed by our private fire at night, gazing up at the stars. The property’s prime location made it ideal for exploring Zion National Park, and the added bonus of being able to bring our dog made the experience even more special.