5 best places to go glamping in Colorado

Glamorous camping, or glamping, lets you experience the Colorado wilderness overnight without packing gear or driving a single tent pole into the ground. It’s a real treat to arrive at the campsite and not only have a teepee, yurt or safari tent already set up for you, but also be able to use modern amenities and conveniences, like a cozy bed, internet access, electrical outlets and even a heater or air conditioning, depending on the season. Glamping in Colorado, miles away from light pollution, gives you optimal conditions to stargaze in comfort. And when birdsong or the sun’s rays wake you up, you’ll be right in the middle of nature to start your day’s adventure. Start planning your glamping getaway at one of these top destinations in Colorado.

Colorado’s top glamping sites 

These five glamping sites in Colorado will help you find solitude without having to sacrifice comfort. In fact, the accommodations and amenities rival those of hotels and are so impressive that you may just decide to go glamping more often. 

1. Royal Gorge Cabins at Echo Canyon

Distance from Denver: 125 miles (2 hours and 15 minutes)

Located one hour outside of Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge Cabins is easy to reach but well disconnected from the bustle of city life. You’ll wake up to fresh air, well-groomed grounds and mountain views — a perfect complement to your morning coffee. And you’re a stone’s throw from the Arkansas River, where you can go white water rafting or walk down 1,257 wooden planks across the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the country at 956 feet above the water.

Choose a glamping tent with one queen bed for two people, or two beds to sleep four. Each comes with linens, pillows and towels; basic toiletries; inside lighting; WiFi; electrical outlets; desk and chair; and shower house access. Your private tent will also have indoor and outdoor seating areas, the latter of which is equipped with a fire pit.

2. Tennessee Pass

Distance from Denver: 106 miles (2 hours and 15 minutes)

If a digital detox or peaceful, romantic getaway is what you’re after, then make the hike-in, hike-out sleep yurts at Tennessee Pass your destination. After driving east from Denver, you’ll lock your parked car, tie up your hiking boots and make your way 1.3 miles into the backcountry of the San Isabel forest to reach your yurt. The location is so remote that cell service is spotty at best. 

The yurts are fully equipped so that you can pack ultralight. We’re talking complete bedding for up to six people, a kitchenette with cooking necessities and fresh potable water, solar lighting, games and a first aid kit. There are three outhouses serving six yurts, but no showers available. If you’d prefer to let someone else take care of the cooking, you can pre-order room service dinners and wine. Guests can also make a reservation at the nearby Cookhouse for a filling lunch and candle-lit, multi-course dinner. Glamping in Colorado at Tennessee Pass is a far cry from traditional camping!

3. Collective Vail

Distance from Denver: 120 miles (2 hours and 25 minutes)

Retreat to Collective Vail in Wolcott, Colorado, for a glamping experience that is so luxurious and serene you may never want to leave. You’ll be in a beautiful setting where the desert landscape collides with the Rocky Mountains, just about 20 minutes outside of Vail. Backcountry experiences on offer include hiking, horseback riding, restorative yoga, fly fishing and mountain biking. Stop by Collective Vail’s complimentary social hour, which features options from the on-ranch winery, before enjoying the chef’s tasting menu at Three Peaks Lodge (reservation only).

Collective Vail’s two upscale glamping options — the Summit Tent and Journey Tent — will far exceed your expectations, with plush towels, fluffy Frette robes, 1,500 thread count sheets and Byredo toiletries. Each tent includes Wi-Fi, full electricity, bedside sockets and ample lighting. You’ll also be treated to a selection of snacks and beverages, as well as a complimentary farm-to-ranch breakfast.

4. Cedar Ridge Ranch

Distance from Denver: 175 miles (3 hours and 20 minutes)

When in the American West, why not go glamping in Colorado on a family-owned, authentic ranch? This destination is great if you have little ones who love animals. Together you can go on a farm tour, take horseback riding lessons and practice yoga in a field with alpacas. Cedar Ridge Ranch is located right in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley. You’ll be close to ski resorts in Aspen and Snowmass and the scenic 1.2-mile trail that takes you to Hanging Lake, a National Natural Landmark.

Cedar Ridge Ranch is one of the rare glampsites that allows pets, so feel free to bring Rover along too. For accommodations, you’ll choose from three options: a yurt, a safari tent or a star gazer tent. Each has mountain views, complimentary toiletries, electricity, hot and cold water, a propane grill and an outdoor gas fireplace. The yurt is especially good for families with its large deck and areas for dining and relaxing, while those on a romantic getaway will enjoy the coziness of the safari tent.

5. Black Tree Resort

Distance from Denver: 116 miles (2 hours and 10 minutes)

Those looking for solitude, privacy or an opportunity to reconnect with nature or travel partners will appreciate the experience of staying at Black Tree Resort, just two hours south of Denver. Luxury glamping tents are spaced out to give guests privacy, and the resort’s team will help curate your experience depending on the activities you want to enjoy. Nearby Lake George, Eleven Mile State Park and Mount Princeton Hot Springs provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, white water rafting and even zip lining. 

Every luxury tent is fully furnished and equipped with a wood burning stove, private bathroom with Rocky Mountain Soap Market toiletries, a covered outdoor seating area with a fire pit and even a golf cart so you can easily and quickly get around the resort. Enjoy an all-inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages — all delivered right to your tent. Once you experience glamping in Colorado at a place like Black Tree Resort, it’s hard to imagine going back to rustic camping. 

Get there with Avail

If you’re starting your trip from Denver, then book your rental car with Avail car sharing. There are plenty of neighborhood locations across the city, making it convenient to pick up and return your car. Go ahead and add a second driver to share the wheel — you won’t be charged extra. And every trip is protected by Allstate insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can enjoy your Colorado glamping adventure with peace of mind.