There’s nothing like gathering around the bonfire, toasting marshmallows and snoozing under the stars. However, while some camp chores are novel and fun (like cooking over an open flame and pitching a tent), others are just plain work (like origami-folding said tent back into its teeny-tiny bag).
Skip the exhaustive gear checklist and the eerie nighttime noises—or, worse, wandering into the woods with a trowel and TP—and go glamping instead.
Glamping is a mash-up of “glamorous” and “camping”—and the name says it all. Rather than roughing it, you can relax in a posh bell tent, a stove-heated yurt or a spacious cabin close to endless activities. These are a few of our favorite glamping spots in Colorado.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Though you could just book a day pass to Joyful Journey Hot Springs in Moffat, an overnight stay offers so much more. The experience is like an all-inclusive wellness retreat: Soak in the mineral-rich pools while enjoying views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, breathe deeply in the sauna and reinvigorate yourself under the spray of the cold outdoor shower.
Wander among the meditative labyrinth and check out the geodesic dome greenhouse, which is full of homegrown herbs and greens. Then, retreat back to your fully furnished heated yurt, your tipi or the Casita, a private two-bedroom home on the property. (And if you need a few more creature comforts, Joyful Journey also has a cozy lodge. You can also bring your RV or pitch a tent.)
Your stay includes guided yoga classes, as well as nutritious meals for breakfast and dinner. For an additional fee, this wellness-oriented destination also provides a range of spa services. Book a therapeutic massage, body scrub and more during your restorative getaway. joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com
Piney River Ranch
Though it’s just 12 miles north of Vail, Piney River Ranch feels far removed from the rest of the world. Journey along a winding dirt road to reach this 40-acre retreat, where lakefront accommodations offer views of the dramatic Gore Range.
Here, you’ll find six fully-furnished cabins with convenient amenities like fire pits, picnic tables and grills, plus indoor kitchenettes. Piney River Ranch also has three glamping tents with wood-burning stoves and full bedding—but it’s a good idea to bring an extra blanket or two. Even in the summer, the nights can be chilly at 9,350 feet above sea level.
During the day, you can hike among wildflowers and keep an eye out for creatures like moose, marmots, foxes and deer. Down at Piney Lake, a private body of water on the property, fly fishers cast for trout while guests on paddle boards and canoes float past. Watercraft rentals are available on-site, as are hearty meals from the lodge restaurant and bar. The ranch is open to small groups and private events from late June to late September. pineyriverranch.com
Puma Hills Mountain Retreat
Puma Hills Mountain Retreat encompasses 37 acres in a remote region of Lake George, not far from Eleven Mile State Park. Its main lodge and brand-new private cabins are open year-round, while its glamping village is open from mid-May through mid-November.
Choose from furnished tents, custom tipis and Conestoga wagons, plus geodesic domes that provide clear views of the twinkling night sky. Guests can marvel at the cosmos using the four on-site telescopes, borrow musical instruments for campfire jam sessions, play disc golf course, hit up the archery range, go hiking and more.
Although Puma Hills welcomes a variety of guests, its philanthropic mission centers on combat veterans, first responders and their families. By partnering with nonprofit organizations like Challenge America, Puma Hills offers these individuals opportunities to experience the resort and specialized programming at no charge. pumahills.com
Ramble
Although you have to pitch your own tent at Ramble, the property handles most of the other arduous aspects of camping. Spacious sites feature custom-made kitchens, complete with two-burner gas stoves, pump sinks and shaded picnic tables.
Settle into an Adirondack chair around your private fire pit and start a cozy fire using bundles of wood from the camp store. This self-service kiosk also offers essentials like sunscreen and instant coffee, plus free backpack and trekking pole rentals.
You can also borrow a mountain bike when you stay at this 640-acre “glampground,” which is located near Great Sand Dunes National Park. Pedal along Ramble’s 2.5-mile trail, navigating obstacles and taking in expansive views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the San Luis Valley.
Ramble also has another location outside of Mesa Verde National Park, which provides access to the iconic Phil’s World mountain bike trail.It also boasts an outdoor movie theater with screenings every Friday. Both campgrounds, which are open from May through October, offer hot showers, flush toilets and Starlink internet. ramble.camp
Frontier Drive-Inn
Located just north of Monte Vista, Frontier Drive-Inn combines glamping with an outdoor movie theater experience.
Over the past few years, Born Hospitality Group has restored this historic San Luis Valley drive-in to its former glory. The original neon sign now shines brightly, as does the 40-foot movie screen that’s stood tall since 1955. Even the vintage snack bar is back up and running.
Though films are limited to Thursday through Saturday from May to October, lodging is available year-round. Steelmaster sheds have been retrofitted with wood-paneled interiors, en suite bathrooms and in-floor heating, as well as WiFi.
Meanwhile, the Colorado-made yurts feature pellet stoves, outdoor gas firepits and access to a spa-like bathhouse. Renovated Airstream trailers, along with tent and RV sites, are slated to be added to the property in the near future. frontierdriveinn.com
YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch
In addition to its popular Estes Park Center, YMCA of the Rockies also oversees Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby. Year-round cabins feature two to eight bedrooms, as well as fully-equipped kitchens, restrooms, fireplaces and spacious decks with mountain views.
From June to October, guests can also stay in its yurt village, which features huts that can accommodate up to six guests. Each yurt is equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, while a nearby shared bath house offers hot showers and flush toilets.
In addition to roomy accommodations, families will love the ranch’s on-site dining options and numerous activities. Spend the day horseback riding, canoeing on Gaylord Reservoir and exploring mountain bike trails. The 5,100-acre property also features an indoor rock climbing wall, an aerial challenge course, archery, swimming and plenty of children’s programming. ymcarockies.org
CampV
CampV is located in Naturita, an International Dark Sky Community near the Utah border. While stargazing is an obvious draw, the art installations at this 120-acre retreat are an unexpected surprise.
Electric Dandelions by artist Abram Santa Cruz puts on a firework-like show each night. Brooke Einbender’s The Unknown Zone beckons visitors to peer through vibrant doorways and Robert Hoehn’s Prairie Wind Chapel, an iconic work known by Burning Man-goers, is simply a sight to behold.
Rest will come easy after a day of swimming, paddling and hiking through the high desert. Stay in a furnished bell or safari tent, a renovated Airstream or a futuristic Jupe—a solar-powered super-tent with device charging, air conditioning and an angular design that might remind you of a Cybertruck. (For good reason: These unique structures were designed by a team formerly employed by Tesla and SpaceX.)
CampV also invites guests to stay in its two, lovingly restored historic cabins. Built in 1942, they now feature full bathrooms, kitchenettes and modern furnishings, including record players and vinyl collections. campv.com
