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As one of the fastest-growing states in the US, it's no secret that Colorado is a haven for outdoorists. It's home to four national parks, 26 ski resorts, and 58 peaks above 14,000 feet, meaning residents and visitors alike spend all four seasons hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, skiing, climbing, and fly fishing. With so much to do, it can be intimidating to figure out the best approach. Here's a suggestion: glamping.
A sliding scale encompassing both backcountry treks and private yurt room service, glamping technically means "glamorous camping," but we think of it more as "accessible camping." The objective is the same: get outside, in any way you like. Why shouldn't camping involve a comfy bed with fresh linens, a hot shower and, heck, even a little WiFi (those Instagrams aren't gonna post themselves!)? Most glamping destinations offer drive-up site access, perfect for those with limited mobility, and not having to worry about the elements frees up time to actually be outside.
Our top picks for Colorado glamping spots include everything from safari tents, yurts, Airstreams, geodesic domes, and even a treehouse that'll get you closer to nature than any hotel in Denver or Boulder. As long as you're getting outside, it's a good day in our book. Whether you're a seasoned camper or an outdoor novice, these 18 glamping options offer unique ways to explore the Centennial State.
The 18 Best Colorado Glamping Locations
Dunton River Camp — Dolores, CO
Vibe: Adult Summer Camp
Once an 1800's cattle ranch, the 500-acre Dunton River Camp is now more akin to an all-inclusive outdoors resort: each of its safari-style glamping tents offers the amenities of a hotel, creating a luxury camping experience. Those amenities include a full-size bathtub, double vanities, and even towel warmers. The camp's culinary team prepares fresh, organic food complete with a wine pairing daily. There's still some good Colorado adventure amidst the luxury, however—each tent also comes with two mountain bikes for exploring the grounds' trail network and the camp offers a range of guided activities like mountaineering in the San Juans and private fly fishing on the Dolores River.
Rate: $2,035/night
Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts — Leadville, CO
Vibe: Nordic Style
Outfitted with soapstone wood stoves, solar lighting, a kitchenette, and handcrafted log beds for up to six guests, the yurts at Tennessee Pass provide a classic glamping experience. Guests can expect a short hike (or ski, depending on the season) to reach their hut and have access to a stocked kitchenette, fresh water, and optional room service during their stay.
Rate: $250/night
Canyon Hideout Bungalow — Cortez, CO
Vibe: Magical Hideout
Situated between Mesa Verde National Park and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, this recently renovated 1958 Airstream offers a private retreat for two amongst decades-old juniper trees and the southern Colorado desert. Spend the day hiking, biking, or climbing around the area's hidden side canyons or check out the nearby backcountry ruins typically closed to the public—eight of which are monitored by the trailer host. Par for the glamping course, a queen-sized bed, shower, and outdoor patio await guests after a long day outdoors.
Rate: $155/night
Mountaintop Green Yurt — Mancos, CO
Vibe: Amidst the Trees
Ten miles inside the San Juan National Forest, these two fully-furnished yurts create a secluded oasis amidst the aspen trees. Though the only kitchen appliance is an outdoor grill, the yurt does include three electrical outlets, and an adjacent bathhouse houses private showers and toilets. So after a long day of mountain biking and taking in views of the La Salle mountains, we're thinking a hot shower and a barbecue might sound real nice.
Rate: $150/night
Silver Fox Airstream — Durango, CO
Vibe: Vintage West
Originally used as a hunting and fishing lodge, this 1954 Airstream was renovated and relocated to a 25-year-old apple orchard just south of Durango, Colorado's quintessential "Old West" mountain town. Designed to accommodate three guests, this rental's interior features maple cabinets, hickory flooring, a gas stove, Bluetooth speakers, and a hot shower. Outside, guests will find a fire pit, outdoor dining area, a crawdad-stocked pond with a small dock, and stargazer's views of the Milky Way on clear nights. As a bonus, the Silver Fox is one of the few glamping sites we've found that's pet-friendly, so be sure to bring the dogs if you make the trip.
Rate: $150/night
Juniper's Tent — Cortez, CO
Vibe: Off-the-grid escape
For those looking for a more off-grid experience, this desert setting leans more toward the camping side of the spectrum: a queen-sized bed, outdoor kitchen, and desk space complement the composting outhouse, solar-powered outlets, and lack of running water. The glamping tent's canvas and wood construction emulates the combination of nature and luxury, and the private, 120-acre property promises a secluded, tranquil getaway—though with its proximity to the Four Corners, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico are all just a short drive away.
Rate: $130/night
Royal Gorge Riverside Yurts — Canon City, CO
Vibe: Adventure Park
This collection of colorful yurt rentals on the banks of the Arkansas River is ideal for adventure-seeking glampers as you'll be steps away from guided whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, kayaking, and zipline tours. Each yurt accommodates four people and the camp's layout is ideal for group trips.
Rate: $199/night
Little Red Treehouse — Lyons, CO
Vibe: Packs A Punch
The aptly named Little Red Treehouse offers a neat excursion for two in Colorado's Front Range. Though it's 14 feet above the ground, the Airbnb treehouse features a shower, small kitchen, loft, electricity, and heat/AC. Slightly stretching the definition of glamping, this one could serve as an ideal home base for day trips to Longs Peak or Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rate: $250/night
Poncha Pass Yurts — Villa Grove, CO
Vibe: The Hills Are Alive
At the Poncha Pass Yurts, guests can enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, queen bed, and living space amongst the rolling hills of central Colorado. The somewhat lackluster interior is more than made up for by its location near the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness and its proximity to destinations like Salida or Great Sand Dunes National Park, all of which are packed with hiking trails and other opportunities for outdoor activities.
Rate: $150/night
BlueBelle Airstream — Buena Vista, CO
Vibe: Vintage Meets Modern
Ever stayed among a fleet of Airstreams? This renovated trailer, dubbed BlueBelle, sports a mix of mid-century modern and classic design using wooden and deep blue accents. With a bathroom, kitchen, and king-sized bed, not to mention in-floor heating for the winter months, this tiny home makes days in the Collegiate Peaks and nights in the laid-back mountain town of Buena Vista all that much closer.
Rate: $117/night
Safari Tent — Carbondale, CO
Vibe: Antique Charm
Deep in the Rocky Mountains, this safari tent offers a quiet stay for two on an active, 100-acre ranch, complete with a herd of friendly alpacas. Ample stargazing, an antiquey vibe, and warm decor invite a more relaxed stay, although the world-class adventure town of Aspen is less than an hour away.
Rate: $227/night
The Lucy Desi — Del Norte, CO
Vibe: Sweet and Rustic
Parked on the Continental Divide on a solar-powered, off-the-grid ranch, this 1968 Silver Streak trailer is perfect for accessing southwestern Colorado's endless mountain biking and hiking. The kitschy, colorful decor offers a fun respite from email inboxes and Zoom meetings, and an array of goats, cats, dogs, and horses may just come by to say hello.
Rate: $143/night
Yurt Property — Creede, CO
Vibe: Backcountry Ambitions
Already on our list of top yurts across the country, this remote destination serves more as a backcountry shelter than a luxe retreat, but glamping is a spectrum for a reason. A 1.5-mile trail from the parking lot leads to the property and guests should be prepared for the seasonal weather conditions that might entail hiking one month and snowshoeing another. The yurt has no running water, cell service, and a limited solar power system—but it does offer 27 private acres amidst the San Juan mountains, views of the La Garita Mountains, and front-door access to East Willow Canyon. Sometimes you gotta put in the work to get to the good stuff, right?
Rate: $175/night
Woodland Yurt — Paonia, CO
Vibe: Forest Immersion
This charmingly old-school yurt on the Gunnison River comes with a king-sized bed, a wood stove, and 360-degree views of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, thanks to ten 16-square-foot windows. With a table for six, an outdoor kitchen, and a composting toilet inside an old horse trailer (and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park less than an hour drive away), this seems like an ample spot for a secluded getaway.
Rate: $124/night
Juniper Yurt — Basalt, CO
Vibe: Classic Colorado
With views of the Elk Mountains (including Capitol Peak, which is arguably Colorado's most difficult 14er), this classic yurt makes room for four with a small kitchen, solar electricity, a gravity-fed spring, and a composting toilet. You'll need four-wheel drive to access the property, which might come in handy while seeking out all of Basalt's hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing spots. The pet-friendly yurt also comes with the host's five dogs, tasked with patrolling the property for bears.
Rate: $170/night
Monument Creek — Monument, CO
Vibe: Simple Pleasures
Nestled in the Front Range between Denver and Colorado Springs, this safari tent invites four guests and their pets to indulge in some winter camping. The 6.5-acre property includes an east-facing sledding hill (with provided toboggans), and a propane-powered fire pit and heater ensure the tent stays cozy. Plan to bring all the water you'll need and some warm drinks for relaxing on the deck after day trips to Garden of the Gods or Pike's Peak.
Rate: $149/night
Palisade Tent — Gateway, CO
Vibe: Desert Solitaire
Just outside the small desert community of Gateway, the Palisade Tent offers a simple getaway for two guests amidst some of Colorado's best mountain biking. With indoor and outdoor dining areas, a king-sized bed, hot shower, and fire pit, this glamping destination checks the boxes for endless desert viewing and stargazing. Plan to swing through Moab or Grand Junction on your way in, or head there on a day trip, as Gateway has limited options for camping necessities.
Rate: $125/night
Puma Hills — Lake George, CO
Vibe: Organized Mountain Retreat
Puma Hills is a luxury glamping haven—it has bubble tents, covered wagons, cabins, and primitive camping sites with Tentsile tree tents, but it's their geodesic domes that caught our attention. Deep in Pike National Forest, these domes (or private planetariums, if you will) come equipped with electricity, a queen-sized bed, and heated mattress pads. Communal fire pits and dining areas dot the Puma Hills property, so come prepared to make some friends after spending the day at Lost Creek Wilderness or hiking the nearby peaks.
Rate: Check Here
Published 03-30-2022
