Glamping options near Allenspark, Colorado offer guests luxury accommodations at nearly 8,200 feet elevation in the Roosevelt National Forest. The area experiences short summers with mild daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70-80°F, while nights cool considerably even in summer months. Several campgrounds and glamping facilities in the area remain open from May through October, with most closing before the first significant snowfall.
What to Do
Hiking from your glamping site: Hermit Park offers access to Kruger Rock Trail with panoramic views. "Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," notes Erin K. from Hermits Hollow Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer optimal wildlife spotting opportunities at many glamping locations. "Wildlife is very abundant. Bear Lake and Fern Lake are amazing hikes for the fam," says Troy C. from Glacier Basin Campground.
Water activities: Shadow Mountain Lake provides swimming and boating access. A camper at Green Ridge Campground notes, "Access to the park from the west side was great and there were moose who wandered right into the campground to take a swim in the lake regularly which was awesome. We had a fox visit our site as well as a marmot & many other creatures."
What Campers Like
Tent-friendly glamping: Many luxury tent sites include raised platforms with comfortable bedding. "We stayed here for a night in August. Very nice and well-maintained campground. The views of the surrounding peaks were great from our site!" writes Ryan L. about his experience at Glacier Basin.
Family-friendly amenities: Kid-focused activities enhance the glamping experience. "Kid friendly campground with pool, mini golf, jump pad, camp store and golf cart rentals. Also has nice laundry facilities," notes Kaylene H. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Mountain views: Elevated sites offer superior vistas not found at standard campsites. "Site was fantastic, with a nice host, good access to the lake, and just a good location overall. Clean, well maintained site," reports Chris E. about Arapaho Bay Campground.
What You Should Know
Reservation timing: Peak glamping season requires advance planning. Hannah L. from Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake advises, "First come, first serve. Got there around 6 and we found a great spot (site M74) that was not super close to anyone else and had beautiful views of the mountains."
Bear safety protocols: Proper food storage is mandatory at all glamping sites. One visitor at Hermits Hollow Campground explains, "The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it. Sprays, lotions, deodorants… etc."
Weather considerations: Mountain weather patterns affect glamping comfort significantly. "We were here for a week. The weather and views were absolutely amazing!" shares Sarah E. about Glacier Basin Campground, though other reviewers note rapid temperature changes and occasional strong winds.
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity scheduling: Plan morning activities before afternoon thunderstorms. "Very kid-friendly campground with tons of activities for them and adults. Game rooms, pool, hiking, etc. Some of the sites are a little challenging to get into with a big camper, but doable," notes Jason B. about Jellystone Park.
Educational opportunities: Many glamping locations offer ranger programs. "Nightly talks/shows at the amphitheater. Only downfall was the loop that we stayed in was almost treeless because of trees that have died, so wind was a problem with our tent, but the views made up for it!" shares Haley C. about Glacier Basin.
Site selection for families: Choose sites with natural barriers for child safety. A visitor at Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort reports, "We had a great stay at a tent site here. Our site was number 8, had a tree, and was by the bathrooms. The bathrooms were clean, and had a nice shower as well."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Plan for electricity conservation at many glamping sites. "We stayed in site 14, which is a deluxe site. Full hookups, raised patio and propane fire pit. The KOA is small but very nice. My only complaint is that it is tight. It would be hard to get a camper over 35ft in," advises Micaela A. from Estes Park KOA.
Road access considerations: Mountain roads may challenge larger rigs. Paul Y. shares this about Glacier Basin: "We stayed three nights at Glacier Basin during our week long visit to RMNP. We had a beautiful view from A-24 and was convenient to the restroom. Short walk to wood/ice house (on sale from 5-8pm). There is a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length."
Seasonal availability: Most luxury RV sites close by early October. Joey C. notes about Estes Park KOA, "The staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. We didn't feel the 'Oh, God... another tourist' vibes we got from basically everyone else in Colorado."
