Enchanted by the notion of falling asleep under the stars with a fresh mountain breeze, but not so jazzed on setting up a tent, digging a hole when nature calls or sacrificing creature comforts like an actual mattress?
Glamping (“glamorous camping”) is a way to enjoy Mother Nature’s best amenities as well as the cozy touches of a hotel. The travel trend has exploded in popularity in recent years: According to Arizton research, the U.S. glamping market is projected to reap $1.3 billion by 2029, up from $561 million in 2023 — proof that adventurers remain interested in high-end outdoor experiences whether it’s slumbering in safari-style tents, yurts, cabins or even unexpected places like decommissioned train cars.
To gauge what’s next for glamping, industry leaders will convene in Colorado later this fall for the Glamping Show Americas 2025 expo and conference that will be held at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Destinations throughout the state are adding more glamping options. From yurts in a state park to grain bins by the Great Sand Dunes, here are five spots with new glamping options for the 2025 summer travel season (and beyond).
Yurts with views at State Forest State Park in Gould
Yonder Yurts became the new concessionaire in Colorado’s State Forest Park in January 2024 and started the buildout process that June. This year marks the first full summer season that all seven newly built yurts are available to book. Each is stocked with a full kitchen, cooktop, bunk beds and wood stoves. They’re an upgrade from traditional tent camping, yet still preserve the rustic, off-grid charm that makes backcountry experiences memorable.
“Yonder Yurts is one of the few places that offers entry-level backcountry access to the yurt itself, and once you’re there, you have access to terrain for all skill levels, from casual explorers to seasoned adventurers,” said Sarah Peterson, owner of Yonder Yurts.
Each yurt offers a unique view: “Medicine Bow and Dancing Moose yurts offer incredible views of Clark Peak, where you can capture the most beautiful sunsets and alpenglows,” she said.
All of the yurts are relatively close to North Michigan Reservoir, so many guests head to the lake for a day of fishing, paddle boarding or boating. Others use the yurts as a basecamp for hiking into more remote alpine lakes like Ruby Jewel and Kelly Lake, Peterson says. Many guests also come for hunting, ATV riding or to simply rest, relax and take in the views from the deck. Yurt rates start at $150 a night. yonder-yurts.com
Railcar glamping at La Junta KOA
Railcar glamping is picking up steam in southeast Colorado. At the La Junta KOA, two new vintage train cars are joining the campground’s lineup of rail-inspired lodging.
The first, arriving in August, is the Wonderful Waycar, a 1930 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe caboose. Inside, it’s outfitted with a queen Murphy bed, a large lower bunk, and a kids’ cupola bunk. Period-inspired touches like a swivel lookout chair and a 1908 potbelly fireplace add to its historic character.
In December, the campground will debut what it’s calling a first: the Frontier Zephyr Vista-Dome, the only known streamliner dome railcar in the U.S. converted into overnight accommodations. Originally built during the height of the Art Deco movement, the car will feature two lodging units, each sleeping six. The highlight is a queen bed in the glass-domed section for stargazing. Art Deco fixtures and furnishings will complete the restoration.
For those heading out earlier in the season, the Cool Caboose — a renovated 1928 model — is already open, with room for five and nightly rates starting at $155. koa.com/campgrounds/la-junta
A renovated grain bin near the Great Sand Dunes
Another unique way to glamp? In an upcycled grain bin. Purchased from a farm auction, Rustic Rook Resort in Mosca has two of the grain bins open now, with one more opening this summer and another two, designed for group stays, scheduled for next year.
The grain bin lofts give you an extra 11 feet of elevation, which means you get fantastic views of the Sand Dunes and the mountains, says co-founder Annette Ostrander-Fenske. “People want unique stays,” Ostrander-Fenske said. “They want an experience instead of just staying in a hotel room.”
The resort also has glamping tents, camper cabins and bring-your-own tent sites.
There’s plenty to do in the area, from hiking at Zapata Falls to visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve that’s 19 miles away, and checking out the UFO Watchtower.
Back at camp, guests can play corn hole, horseshoes, volleyball, Frisbee golf, and enjoy live music on select nights and more. Rustic Rook has sand sleds available for rent for those heading into the national park. Nightly grain bin rates start at $210. rusticrookresort.com
New yurts at Arapaho Valley Ranch in Granby
Set in Colorado’s scenic Indian Peaks Wilderness, Arapaho Valley Ranch marks a major milestone this year as it celebrates its 80th anniversary. With the celebration comes the addition of two new yurts that each have two queen beds and a full-size futon.
The yurts add to the resort’s already diverse mix of glamping options that includes glamping tents, canvas tipis, cozy cabins, and campsites and tent sites, many right on the banks of the South Fork of the Colorado River.
“The entire Lake Granby area, with its trails, lakes and ponds and abundant wildlife, is a great place for travelers to experience the joys of close-to-nature glamping,” said Hayden Hughes, the ranch’s manager.
The ranch is located 45 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and guests can venture off to Grand Lake and Lake Granby for fishing and water sports. After a day of adventure, kick back at the Red Dog Saloon, which, at 80 square feet and with four bar stools, is surely a contender for Colorado’s tiniest bar. The pint-sized pub serves mules in copper mugs and a rotating selection of local craft beers. Nightly yurt rates start at $200. arapahovalleyranch.com
A site for music lovers in Poudre Canyon
Picture this: You attend a concert at the riverfront Mishawaka Amphitheatre. Then, you board a free shuttle to take you back to your accommodations 3 miles away at Riverside Colorado, a glamping resort where the soundtrack in the morning is the rumble of the Poudre River. The stylish glampground, a sister company to Mishawaka Amphitheatre, includes a nice mix of glamping tents, cozy tiny homes and modern cabins.
Guests can enjoy on-site amenities like espresso and baked goods served at the Kind Bean coffee cart and goods from Poudre Park Market, the general store that has take-and-bake options for grills or on-site pizza ovens, plus wine and beer.
The resort will be debuting live fireside concert sessions, programmed by The Mishawaka. In addition, glampers can set out on hiking trails, go whitewater rafting with Rocky Mountain Adventures and take part in polar plunges. Nightly rates start at $135 for glamps; $180 for cabins; and $175 for tiny homes. riversidecolorado.com
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Originally Published: May 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM MDT
