THE 11 BEST GLAMPING DESTINATIONS NEAR DENVER
THE 11 BEST GLAMPING DESTINATIONS NEAR DENVER
on August 10, 2023
If traditional camping just isn’t your thing, you may find that the luxurious touches in these glamping accommodations are perfectly suited for your next adventure. The Mile High City is the perfect jumping-off point to nearby sites, including A-frame cabins, canvas tents, and even traditional tipis. Snag a reservation and head for the mountains this weekend and feel free to leave your tent and sleeping bags at home!
1. Clear Creek Getaway
Clear Creek Getaway hosts 6 A-frame cabins, ranging from 8×6′ and 10×12′. The cabins are great for families and young kids, as they provide breathtaking views and an escape into nature while remaining close enough to nearby Idaho Springs for local eats and shopping in town. Those who don’t want to break the bank on their glamping adventure will appreciate the affordable prices, ranging from $50-$68 per night.
All cabins come with a grill and propane, as well as a solar motion light on the deck. During the winter, the cabins are heated by propane. All units sleep up to four guests, with portable toilets located nearby. Activities in the area include some of Colorado’s best fly fishing, as well as river rafting during the season. Gray’s Peak is a nearby hike for those looking to cross a 14er off of their Colorado bucket list. No campfires or smoking is allowed on the premises. Pets are welcome to join in on the glamping experience as well.
PRO Tip: To reach the property, guests will want a vehicle with AWD or 4WD and a bit of clearance to make it over the rocky drive.
2. Collective Retreats
Collective Retreats puts on retreats across the country, in Texas, California, New York, Montana, and locally in Vail, Colorado. The retreats are founded on principles of authentic Western heritage, inviting guests to experience a new way of life. A scenic two-hour drive from Denver, guests will have plenty of time to begin unwinding before they even reach the gates of the Vail retreat. Greeted with the mountain air, beautiful vistas, and of course — 1,500 thread count sheets, this is a glamping experience like no other.
The Summit Tent is the premier accommodation and includes a private deck and an in-tent private spa bathroom. No composting toilets here! The retreat has spared no consideration when it comes to luxurious decor choices. World-class chefs are on staff to provide cooked-to-order breakfast with French press coffee and gourmet farm-to-ranch lunch and dinner. Artisanal s’mores are the cherry on top at the end of the evening.
PRO Tip: When booking your retreat, take a look at the available experiences. In Colorado, there is fly fishing, mountain biking, and even leisurely picnicking in the great outdoors.
3. Gold Nugget Tree House
The Gold Nugget Tree House is here to make all of your childhood dreams come true. This natural escape includes enough amenities to keep you comfortable, while still allowing you to embrace the surrounding wilderness. There is a queen-sized bed and a roll-out twin-size feather bed that can be made available upon request. While the treehouse isn’t insulated, there are plenty of blankets to keep you toasty during the colder months.
The house is located 20 minutes from Boulder and around 45 minutes from Estes Park, the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. There’s a picnic table where you can enjoy evening meals cooked on the camp stove. The kitchen includes basic cooking equipment and the hosts encourage guests to bring a personal cooler with food supplies or grab a pizza in nearby Gold Hill.
PRO Tip: No pets are allowed at this glamping spot, so leave Fido at home while you enjoy your outdoor retreat.
4. Yurt Haven
The Yurt Haven is 20 feet tall and nestled back into the trees, providing that peaceful outdoor ambiance that many are seeking. The yurt is close to a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and biking during the summer and snowshoeing and skiing during the winter months. The accommodations can comfortably sleep four and the surrounding 3-acre property adds to the rustic charm of the lodging.
If you don’t feel like breaking a sweat on the trails, try a scenic drive to Boulder or nearby Nederland. Both have plenty of eateries to choose from, which can break up the monotony of camp food. Those who want to cook a homemade meal while glamping are in luck, as the yurt has a full kitchen with an electric cooktop, microwave, and toaster oven. There is also a propane grill on the expansive outdoor deck.
PRO Tip: During the winter months, AWD or 4WD is a must to reach the yurt. Guests will have two designated parking spaces to use.
5. Rocky Mountain Glamping
If you’re looking to take your glamping to the Rocky Mountains, this property is set on 5 acres that are within 10 miles of the closest Rocky Mountain National Park trailhead. The main entrance to the park is only 40 miles away and outdoorsy families will be thrilled by 360 miles of trails and endless breathtaking viewpoints. Rocky Mountain Glamping has private camps, including an RV site, two shepherd’s huts, and a canvas tent that sits adjacent to a stream, where guests can enjoy time spent around the campfire.
Visitors will enjoy open-air, covered kitchens that include sinks, basic kitchenware, gas stovetops, and fresh potable hot water. There will also be a critter-resistant food safe and a bear-proof trash can available to keep unwanted guests at bay. Pets are allowed, though owners should ensure they’re kept nearby to avoid potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife.
PRO Tip: There is no wifi or cell service at the property. For emergencies, the hosts live in a home up the hill and can send for necessary help.
6. Little Scraggy Camp
Little Scraggy Camp is aptly named, with the Little Scraggy Trail being nearby. Campers will also have access to a segment of the Colorado Trail, as well as multiple trails to explore within the ranch itself. The camp sits on 95 acres of a 160-acre working ranch that was homesteaded in the 1890s and continues to train horses and ponies for carriage driving. With 4 lodging sites, there are glamping opportunities galore. For those who want to rough it, there are 13 tent and RV sites available to rent.
While the ranch is considered off-grid, it’s accessible from a paved road. Guests will enjoy the scenery of the surrounding Pike National Forest throughout the drive. Creature comforts include potable water from onsite water tanks and fun activities, such as a 4-hole disc golf putting course, corn hole, rock climbing, and gold medal fishing nearby.
PRO Tip: While Little Scraggy Camp has many campsites available for those who want to bring their own gear, they also have a tipi, cabin, canvas tent, and an RV available to rent.
7. Arapaho Valley Ranch
This family-owned guest ranch is located in Colorado’s Grand County. If you couldn’t tell by the name, the surrounding landscape is the beautiful Arapaho National Forest. Guests will enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and even historic steam engines. The ranch has its own private trail, leading to the “kissing swing” that is a must-visit spot for couples. Local dining options are a quick 20-minute drive from the ranch for those who don’t want to put their camp kitchen to the test.
Glamping accommodations include tents, tipis, and cabins. The tents provide views of Little Indian Lake, where guests can lounge on their private deck or enjoy the fire pit during the evening. The tipis are basically a mini hotel room, including a queen bed, two cots, and a camp kitchen. The cabins feature the ultimate comfort and have been thoughtfully furnished.
PRO Tip: Arapaho Valley Ranch is 100% self-sustainable, enabling them to operate off the grid. All water is fresh groundwater and propane gas is used as the primary heat source. Guests are asked to respect the campground, including the forest and various waterways surrounding it, to maintain the sustainability.
8. Royal Gorge Cabins
The Royal Gorge Cabins are only a skip away from the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the United States. Families can enjoy white water river rafting, hiking, and biking trails, ATV off-roading adventures, and zip line tours when they stay at these luxury cabins. The first-class amenities include kitchens, wifi, flat-screen TVs, private patios, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
The cabins are located outside of Cañon City, which is an easy drive for Denver families wanting to get away for the weekend (or the week)! Upon waking up, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The outstanding guest service program is happy to help you plan your day of activities, personalized to your group and interests.
PRO Tip: There are minimum stays during the summer and holidays, ranging from 2-3 days. Families should keep this in mind when booking their vacation.
9. Rustic Artist’s Cabin
Set on an expansive 12-acre property, the Rustic Artist’s Cabin invites glampers to breathe in the crisp mountain air. The private wooded cabin is secluded enough to experience the quiet solitude that only camping can provide. The cabin includes a sleeping loft, an outdoor cooking area, and an indoor chemical toilet. Those looking to add a bit of luxury to their next outdoor experience will find just what they’re looking for when they book this cabin near Bailey.
Fresh water is provided to guests, with two 5-gallon jugs for each rental day. Pets are allowed, though they’re asked to be kept leashed. Wildlife in the area includes cougars, bears, moose, elk, coyotes, and a variety of critters that don’t play well with your canine. Both cabins sleep up to three, making it the ideal destination for small families or couples.
PRO Tip: Guests are welcome to sit around the outdoor fireplace and roast marshmallows and tell stories, so long as there’s no fire ban in place. Firewood can be gathered around the cabin or it can be purchased on-site.
10. Beyul Retreat
You’ll find Beyul Retreat nestled far into Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. With 13 unique cabins to choose from, we don’t blame you if you have a hard time deciding. The retreat is located within Diamond J Lodge and spans 32 acres along the Frying Pan River. The space is shared with wildlife, including foxes, elk, eagles, black bears, and of course, trout. There is plenty of fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing to be had at nearby Ruedi Reservoir, and world-class mountain biking is just a short drive away.
The cabins range in size and amenities, from two-story units that sleep up to 12 guests to studio cabins perfect for a cozy couple getaway. Various additions to the cabins include private bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, mini-fridges, kitchenettes, and electric fireplaces. On-site amenities include yoga and meditation classes, private hiking trails, and a hot tub and cedar sauna.
PRO Tip: Beyul hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the upcoming Mushroom Retreat featuring America’s top ID experts and researchers.
11. High Alpine Miner’s Cabin
Located in Alma, Colorado, which is around 90 miles from Denver, this historic cabin was built in 1883. With three queen beds and two twin beds, you can invite the whole family or a close friend group. There is a barrel sauna available, perfect for the cooler months for an evening dip. The cabin is heated by a wood-burning stove, as well as an outdoor fireplace that’s welcome to be used so long as no burn ban is in effect.
Whether you’re looking to escape the hectic city life or enjoy a base camp for hiking your next 14er, the High Alpine Miner’s Cabin is the perfect outdoor retreat. The space has been thoughtfully and minimally decorated, ensuring a clean and organized space for those wanting to just unwind for the weekend. Kids will love the “kid’s cave” that features toys, chairs, and a cozy nook suited specifically for the little ones in the group.
PRO Tip: Guests should be aware that due to the cabin’s location, wildlife sightings are not abnormal. Moose frequent the property throughout the year. wns in Colorado, but it’s also a prominent peak in the Elk Mountain range. While it’s not at the elevation requirement of a 14er, Crested Butte is still a must-see mountain in Colorado. With the world-class Crested Butte Ski Resort located on the north side of the mountain, thousands of tourists and locals alike ski the 1,500+ acres of snowy terrain each winter.
The ruggedly stunning mountain has a pointed peak, making it distinctive from the surrounding mountains. The mountain can be viewed from Meridian Lake and of course, the town of Crested Butte. The hike to the top of the summit is short and steep, yet rewarding in both views and accomplishment. From the Silver Queen lift, Crested Butte can be hiked in approximately 2 hours round trip or 4-5 hours from the base area.
Lift tickets are $20 for adults and include round-trip transportation. Free rides to the bottom are available to those who hike up from the base area. The most challenging aspect of the hike is basic scrambling near the top. Hikers should carry extra food, water, and rain gear for the unpredictable weather on the mountain.
PRO Tip: During July, Crested Butte hosts the Wildflower Festival. This multi-day event provides over 200 workshops on all things wildflowers. For the 2023 season, the event will run from July 7th through the 16th.
