Let’s face it, not everyone is cut out for camping in tents. Cold, rain, critters, and other annoyances can put a damper on your experience. Glamping is a great option for those that still wish to be a part of nature, but not necessarily sleeping out in it. Colorado is one of our favorite states for glamping, or luxury camping, in the United States. The backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, sunny days and cool mountain air make for an outstanding nature experience for the ultimate in Colorado glamping.

I will admit that our family is not much for tent camping. We want a little warmth and comfort. Our disaster of a first family camping trip explains this. Glamping is a great compromise if your family is anything like ours.

Glamping in Colorado

If this sounds familiar to you, we’ve got several glamping destinations scattered all throughout Colorado that you may find intriguing. Whether you’re looking for accommodations for a larger family or a romantic getaway for you and your sweetheart, check out our list of a few of our favorite glamping in Colorado experiences.

Vail, Colorado

Piney River Ranch may be our favorite glamping Colorado experience. This historic ranch is a bit of drive to get to but offers the most stunning views of the Gore Range from Piney River Lake. Both glamping tents and cabins are available for rent. All offer a fire pit for roasting s’mores and spectacular mountain views. Water and restrooms are located a short walk from the tents and cabins.

There’s even a restaurant on property with delicious food and beautiful lake and mountain views. Canoes and fishing poles are also available for rent here. And, there’s horseback riding, Wildlife watching and great hiking trails complete the experience.

Wolcott, Colorado

Located not far from the Rockies and the resort town of Vail, is Wolcott Colorado. It’s a great spot that offers a wide mixture of activities from whitewater rafting, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, ATV Tours and Jeep Tours. There are also winery tours for you to check out as well.

The Collective Vail offers one of the most luxurious glamping stays within the state. They feature two different styles of safari-style tents, the Summit Tent and the Journey Tent. The Summit Tent is for those that are seeking more privacy, while the Journey Tent is for glamping that’s surrounded by several other visitors.

Both of them include a wood-burning stove, electricity, cozy bedding along with rustic furnishings. Meal options are also available during purchase.

Leadville, Colorado

Located just below the highest town in Colorado is Tennessee Pass. This area is home to the Ski Cooper ski area in the winter. But the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and Yurts operate during both winter and summer. Where else could you find a gourmet restaurant located in a yurt atop a mountain but in Colorado? Part of the charm of the restaurant is the short hike, ski or snowshoe in to enjoy an evening of four-course dining in an idyllic backcountry setting.

Complete this unique diner experience with a stay in an off-the-grid sleep yurt at Tennessee Pass. Each yurt contains hand crafted log bed, woodstove and stocked firewood for heat and a kitchenette.

Lake George, Colorado

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway from city life? About an hour outside of Colorado Springs, the Bison Peak Lodge at Puma Hills can be found in Pike National Forest about two hours from Denver. This destination offers three different and unique glamping opportunities. Consider staying in a wagon, a tipi or a bubble tent.

If you think it’s about time you camped out a tipi, they feature Native American furnishings, comfortable bedding, and an outdoor dining area. Or maybe the wagon sounds like an interesting option. It’s a 180 sqare foot colonial-inspired wagon featuring luxury furnishings.

If you’ve never heard of a bubble tent, you’re not the first. They resemble a blow-up snow globe, and provide you with a great stargazing experience, whether you prefer half or full transparency. They come with a queen-size bed, covered changing area and a mudroom.

Durango, Colorado

For those of you planning a trip to Mesa Verde National Park, Chimney Rock National Park or San Juan National Forest, the Green Sky Yurt Retreat is the ideal glamping opportunity for you. This echo-friendly experience acts as the perfect basecamp, having a gravity-fed wine barrel shower, and greywater fed herb garden. The yurt has kitchenware, a wood-burning stove and also a large deck.

It also comes with a complimentary canoe and if you decide to head out on a 3-mile hike to the Lemon Reservoir, you’ll see the beautiful scenery at the Weminuche Wilderness

Canyon City, Colorado

Located in the south-central part of Colorado, you’ll come across Echo Canyon Campground, in Canyon City. They have comfy accommodations for couples, small families and luxury vacation cabins for larger groups.

The campground has several stylish tents that have all the amenities you need, including wifi for those that can’t fully disengage. The tent does not have water, however, but the bathhouse is conveniently located close by. It also features a private deck and fireside.

Not far from here there are fantastic rafting opportunities, for those who wish to lazily float down the Arkansas River, or fight rapids through the Royal Gorge

East of Breckenridge, Colorado

Boy, have we got a treat for you. Located at the top of Boreas Pass and also situated on the Continental Divide, the Section House, which is part of the Summit Huts Association, is a great family option. If your family loves adventure and doesn’t mind hiking to this destination, it’s well worth it.

This rustic and historic cabin was built back in the 1880s for lodging railroad men and their families. It can sleep up to 12 and is ideal for those that wish to use it as a winter ski hut. Although rustic, it’s up to date with a kitchen full of essentials, a wood stove for heating (firewood included), and also comes with solar power. There are also lanterns for those that wish to enjoy an old-fashioned visit.

Note: 10th Mountain Division Huts are comprised of 34 backcountry huts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, connected by 350 miles of suggested routes. We’ve not included many of these as they can be difficult to reach. Very few have drive in capability. A good hike or snowshoe is required.

Lyons, Colorado

You don’t get much closer to Rocky Mountain National Park than Lyons, Colorado, as it has two major roads that lead directly into the park. The glamping experience that you’ll find there is most suitable for couples that are adventure seekers, with plenty of activities all throughout the area.

It’s there at the Little Red Treehouse where you’ll find a cozy and unique glamping experience that has great views. Nearby fishing and hiking trails are only a 30-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park., near Estes Park. There’s also mountain biking and the Oskar Blues Brewery. Kick back and enjoy several tasty brews at the end of the day.

The Little Red Treehouse comes with heating, air conditioning, Wifi, kitchen, a small bathroom, a pull-down Murphy bed and a fairy loft. There’s also a deck that features a bar seating area. If you’re looking for a romantic stay after a day of various exploits, this glamping opportunity is right for you.

Dunton, Colorado

How about taking a trip to the restored ghost town and hot springs of Dunton, Colorado? The glamping experience at Dunton Hot Springs offers guests several options that range from rustic luxury log cabins to comfy canvas tents. It’s even located in a stunning setting.

Dunton River Camp, also known as Cresto Ranch is a summer only tent camp. Here eight prospector or safari style tents sit on a 640 square foot wooden platform. Each tent has luxury amenities you’d expect from a hotel.

One of the only all-season tents, Christy’s Tent, at Dunton Hot Springs has all the luxurious accommodations you’d expect. Your stay comes with a cozy king-size bed, gas stove, along with a modern bathroom, and a large shower. Don’t forget about the view that you’ll see on your front or back porch while looking up at the stars. Prices for these glamping options are a little steep, but certainly an experience to remember.

Dunton isn’t just for glamping, but it is also one of Colorado’s popular hot springs areas.

Granby, Colorado

Just north of Winter Park, is Granby with Arapaho Valley Ranch. This beautiful 200 acre, family owned, guest ranch offers glamping tents each with its own fire pit, as well as tipis for rent.

These are just a few glamping opportunities that are certainly worth checking into. Maybe you’ve gone glamping in Colorado before? Where did you stay and how would you describe your visit?