'autocamp' originates from English, specifically the compound of 'auto' (from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self', via 'automobile') and 'camp' (from Latin 'campus' meaning 'field').

'autocamp' developed from the earlier two-word phrase 'auto camp' used in the early 20th century when automobiles became common; over time the phrase was sometimes written as the single word 'autocamp'.

Initially it referred specifically to a camp or parking area associated with automobiles; over time it came to refer more generally to campsites catering to motorists and to the activity of camping by car.