Colorado has been a popular vacation destination for many decades. Most visitors come to admire and explore the majestic Rocky Mountains, which offer unrivalled recreation. If you really want to get closer to nature, the best way to experience Colorado is on a camping vacation, but not everyone relishes the prospect of doing without their home comforts. This is where glamping can be a solution. You can sleep in a comfortable bed at night but still enjoy BBQ around the campfire. Glamping resorts are mostly located in terrific locations which offer easy access to walking, hiking and skiing areas as well as offering summer activities like white-water rafting, fishing and much more.
Vail Collective Retreats
Perfectly nestled on the 1000-acre 4 Eagle Ranch, Vail Collective Retreats is the perfect antidote to your stressful 9 to 5. Although the resort is located just 25 miles from Vail Village, it seems like it is in the middle of nowhere. The Summit Tents feature a huge king-side bed, designer lighting, full electricity and private in-suite bathroom with rain shower. The Journey Tents are just slightly less extravagant, featuring a queen-size bed (or twin beds), luxury linens, electricity and shared bathrooms with private toilets. Delicious freshly-prepared meals are served at the Three Peaks Lodge or can be delivered to your tent if you prefer. You will have access to a wide variety of activities right on your doorstep.
Address: Vail Collective Retreats, 4 Eagle Ranch, 4098 CO 131, Wolcott, CO 81655, Phone: 970-445-2033
Dunton River Camp
Dunton River Camp is idyllically located on the west fork of the Dolores River, where it offers the perfect 5-star vacation getaway for nature lovers. The camp is home to 8 luxury tented suites, each of which boasts a king-side bed, in-suite bathroom with a huge soaker bath, gas stove, telephone and internet access. All your gourmet meals and drinks (yes, including alcoholic beverages) are included in the rate and each suite has 2 mountain bikes for exploring the ranch. Most visitors will not want to move off their deck, but if you are up for some exercise you can enjoy walking and hiking, biking, fly-fishing and horse-back riding. In addition, mountaineering, rock-climbing and white-water rafting are available.
Address: Dunton River Camp, 50014 Road 38, Dolores, CO 81323, Phone: 877-288-9922
Royal Gorge Cabins
If you love the idea of a family camping holiday but cannot face setting up camp, Glamping at Royal Gorge Cabins could be ideal for you. The property offers a selection of comfortable tented accommodation with either one or two queen beds with private deck and seating area. You can enjoy preparing camp meals over your outdoor fire pit (with fire ring and campfire kit) or forget the cooking and dine at the 8 Mile Bar and Grill. Outdoor activities are plentiful and include white-water rafting (or calm family floats) down the Royal Gorge, walking, hiking, biking, zip-line, golf and fly-fishing.
Address: Royal Gorge Cabins and Glamping, 45054 W. US-50, Canon City, CO 81212, Phone: 800-748-2953
Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and Nordic Center
Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and Nordic Center is one of Colorado’s most popular skiing and adventure locations. Their comfortable Sleep Yurts are the ideal way to introduce newbies to the concept of camping without all the hassles. Each of the yurts is furnished with hand-made bunk beds and all the necessary linens are provided, including cozy down comforters. Each yurt can sleep up to 6 guests and has a mini-kitchen where you can prepare basic meals, a dining table and a comforting wood-burning stove. After a busy day on the slopes you can dine at the Cookhouse or order a delicious meal to be delivered to your yurt (ideal for families).
Address: Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts, Nordic Center, E. Tennessee Road, Leadville, CO 80461, Phone: 719-486-8114
Arapaho Valley Ranch
Located at the base of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the Arapaho Valley Ranch is an ideal Colorado getaway destination for families, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Each of their well-equipped glamping tents is built on an elevated wooded deck with great views out over Little Indian Lake. For your comfort, each tent has a queen-size bed (with bedding), colorful floor rugs and a camp kitchen. The tents can sleep 4 guests and cots are available. The camp kitchen has all you need for basic vacation-style cooking and a cooler is provided for your food. All the glamping tents have easy access to the lodge, bar and bathrooms.
Address: Arapaho Valley Ranch, 8992 County Rd 6, Granby, CO 80446, Phone: 720-550-0684
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Located at the northern gateway to the San Luis Valley, the Joyful Journey Hot Springs offers visitors tranquillity and rejuvenating hot springs for the ultimate relaxing vacation. The complex has a selection of natural hot mineral pools where you can relax and unwind before or after enjoying a massage or spa treatment. Other activities include yoga sessions and art workshops. At Joyful Journey your glamping experience takes place in a comfortable yurt, fitted with queen, king or twin beds. All linens are provided, as well as robes and towels. Guests have access to the shared bathhouse and a kitchenette, although breakfast and a light dinner are included in the cost of the yurt.
Address: Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, 28640 CR-58EE, Moffat, CO 81143, Phone: 719-256-4329
Bison Peak Lodge at Puma Hills
Surrounded by acres and acres of pristine wilderness, Bison Peak Lodge at Puma Hills offers nature lovers an outstanding glamping experience. You can spend your nights in a delightful covered wagon in one of the Conestoga Cabins, complete with comfortable bed and a traditional camp kitchen, or opt for the wonderfully romantic Bubble Tent which offers all the comforts of home with a 360 degree view of the star-filled skies. The Bubble Tents have a separate covered changing area and an outdoor propane grill. Glamping guests are welcome to dine at the Bison Peak Lodge. Activities include walking, hiking, fly-fishing, gold-panning, white water rafting and much, much more.
Address: Puma Hills Wilderness Retreat, 20859 County Rd. 77, Lake George, CO 80827, Phone: 727-455-8791
Section House at Summit Huts
Section House at Summit Huts is one of 5 back-country ski huts which belong to the Summit Huts Association. This particular historic hut is located at the top of Boreas Pass, 10 miles east of Breckenridge. The hut can sleep 10 guests and, since you will be skiing in and out, all the basics are provided. There are comfortable mattresses, solar lights, a wood-burning stove and all the necessary kitchen equipment to make and serve a simple meal. You will need to bring in your sleeping bags, toiletries and all your food and other necessities. There is a separate hut with a composting toilet. Not quite the epitome of glamping, but close enough.
Address: Section House at Summit Huts, Boreas Pass, Breckenridge, CO 80424, Phone: 970-453-8583
Mountain Goat Lodge
The Mountain Goat Lodge is nestled in the heart of 20 acres of pastureland, where friendly mountain goats are on hand to welcome visitors. Besides lodge rooms, this resort also offers a variety of interesting glamping alternatives for visitors who would like to get closer to nature. You can spend your nights in one of their authentic Tipis, which come with basic camp cots and a rug. For a little more “glam” you can rent one of their Retro Campers, which comes with a proper bed, fridge, microwave and private toilet/shower combo. All guests are welcome to use the hot tub and dining facilities at the lodge.
Address: Mountain Goat Lodge, 9582 US Hwy 285, Salida, CO 81201, Phone: 719-539-7173
La Junta KOA
Located on the famous Santa Fe Trail, the La Junta KOA offers weary hikers an ideal place to relax, surrounded by nature. The campground offers regular campsites where you can pitch your own tent. However, if you prefer a little more comfort you can opt for one of their Sprout Tiny Homes. These little glamping contenders have an air-conditioned living/dining area with kitchenette, a bedroom and a small shower/toilet. Some also have a loft area with a queen mattress, making them ideal for a small family. The campground offers a swimming pool, playground, kamping kitchen, mini-golf and a snack bar.
Address: La Junta KOA, 26680 Highway 50, La Junta, CO 81050, Phone: 710-384-9580
Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort
Nestled in the beautiful San Isabel National Forest in the Colorado Rockies, Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort offers visitors access to a sprawling 157-acre recreational area. You can book RV sites and tent sites but those who prefer a little more comfort can try “glamping” in one of the resort’s rustic cabins. These cabins feature real beds and a basic kitchen, but you can still enjoy camping activities like outdoor BBQ around the fire-pit. On site activities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hiking and biking, volley-ball, mini-golf and much more. The recreation hall holds bingo and karaoke on Saturdays and serves meals there on the weekend.
Address: Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort, 3428 Hayden Creek Rd, Coaldale, CO 81222, Phone: 719-942-4222
Ranchlands Tent Camp
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live on a real cattle or bison ranch, a Ranchlands Tent Camp experience could be ideal for you. Guests who embark in this seasonal adventure get to spend a week “glamping” in a comfortable tent set up in the heart of a cattle ranch. Your glamping tent comes with a comfy bed and there are hot wood-fired showers available at the end of a busy day of ranching. Camp meals are served alfresco and are filling and delicious, featuring pot roast or BBQ bison, fresh salads and pot-baked bread. You will round off your busy day around the camp fire, beneath the wide open Colorado skies.
Address: Ranchlands Tent Camps Headquarters, 22500 Peyton Highway S, Colorado Springs, CO 80928, Phone: 719-257-3043
Black Tree Resort
A glamping vacation at the Black Tree Resort brings together the very best of nature and the comfort of resort in a family-friendly setting. When you make a booking at the Black Tree Resort you can forget about the tedious packing and unpacking of all your camping equipment – just throw some clothes in a bag and you’re ready to roll. Your glamping tent is the last word in indoor/outdoor luxury, featuring two queen-size beds, luxury linens and a private bathroom with modern facilities. You don’t even have to do any cooking – the on-site kitchen delivers fresh local cuisine to your deck morning, noon and night. On-site activities include fishing, rafting, hiking, horse-back excursions and much more.
Address: Black Tree Resort, 8463 County Road 92, Lake George, CO 80827, Phone: 719-748-0172
