Glamping is a combination of the words “glamour” and “camping.” When you glamp, you’ll have beds to sleep in, kitchens or kitchenettes to cook in, and climate control in your cabin or tent. Tents will be built upon sturdy wooden decks or similar structures.
Colorado is the ideal destination for glamping in the U.S. For instance, there are four national parks in Colorado where you can take an ordinary camping trip and make it more upscale in your elegantly appointed RV: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Each of these provides outstanding opportunities for recreation. From the fabulous stargazing at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, including an astronomical festival, to the tallest sand dunes in the United States at Great Sand Dunes National park, you can find something to explore. You can also partake in exceptional hiking, fishing, and mountain bike riding.
Top Glamping Sites in Colorado
Arapaho Valley Ranch
Some of the most gorgeous glamping spots in Colorado are situated on the Arapaho Valley Ranch overlooking Lake Granby. The ranch is enclosed by the Arapaho National Forest and nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It’s easy to find; just head south on US-34 from Grand Lake and turn east on Colorado Highway 6. The closest town to the ranch is Granby, which is approximately 14 miles away. This place is ideal for getting married or renewing your vows while overlooking the Colorado River or gathered amid the trees of the deep forest.
Glenwood Canyon Resort
Get out and enjoy the stunning view of the Rocky Mountains between Aspen and Vail at the Glenwood Canyon Resort. The resort is located on I-70, just minutes from Glenwood Springs. That’s where you’ll find the popular Hot Spring Pool and Hanging Lake Trail. If you’re into rafting, kayaking, ziplining, hiking, and fishing, then you’ll love glamping at this resort. The nearby city of Rifle provides one of the best boating, swimming, and windsurfing locations in Colorado.
Dolores River Campground
One of the most gorgeous glamping sites in Colorado is situated along the Dolores River. Dolores River Campground provides the perfect view of the river, and it’s quite common to see RVs and elaborate tents here. It sits right off Highway 145 in Dolores, Colorado, and it’s about 6 miles east of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center & Museum.
Dunton Hot Springs
You might not think that an 1800s ghost town would be either glamorous or a place to camp, but Dunton Hot Springs is both. The log cabins are all comfortable, and each has some quirk or other to recommend it. The Well House, for example, has its own hot spring and cold bath. The spiral staircase of the Vertical Log Cabin adds to its charm. It has a king bed, and two twins are upstairs. The Major Ross Cabin has its own wood-burning stove for cold winter snuggling. The town of Dunton is about 40 miles north of Dolores.
The Mountain Lodge at Telluride
Right in Telluride, you’ll find the log cabins at this glamping retreat both charming and stunning. Some of them even have six bedrooms for a real family getaway. Granite and marble finishes delight the eye even as you relax in front of a gas fireplace hewn from natural stone. At The Mountain Lodge at Telluride, the large bathtubs are just right after a long day of exploring. For a bit of fun, you can even find the entrance to the world-famous Black Bear Road and take a photo in front of the sign that says, “Black Bear Road: You don’t have to be crazy to drive this road, but it helps.”
Where to Glamp in Colorado
Camp Colorado lists great places to glamp. The wonderful mountain vistas near Telluride are perfect for avid photographers, and Aspen and Vail are strong choices for people who enjoy Alpine skiing as well as other winter activities. Canon City and its surrounding areas provide fine places to go whitewater rafting and rock climbing as part of your glamping experience.
What to Bring When Glamping in Colorado
• Sunglasses, face mask, and sunscreen for sun protection on the snow
• Clothing layers for when you’re at high elevation
• Enough water to drink while you’re doing strenuous activity
• Enough food for the entire time you plan to be there
• Telescope for stargazing
• Handheld GPS for back-country hiking and/or skiing
• Extra batteries for the GPS, phones, and other devices
• Either traveler’s checks or prepaid credit cards that are easily replaceable if lost or stolen
• Sturdy boots for hiking
• Safe skiing equipment, including ski suits
• Lists of medications and special medical needs
Colorado gives you many opportunities for both glamping and outdoor recreation. You can swim, sled on a dune, stargaze, rock climb, and just relax. If you don’t have an RV, then why not rent one? You’ll get a real feel for the lifestyle by enjoying a lovely vacation at one of Colorado’s premium glamping locations. RVShare is a great partner to have in planning your next RV vacation! Discover more camping options in Colorado.nd you. It’s the perfect marriage of rustic camping and upscale comfort. Plan your perfect glamping getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.