Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur stands approximately 15 miles south of Castle Rock at an elevation of 6,700 feet in the foothills of the Colorado Front Range. This premium glamping destination transitions from warm summer days to cool nights, with winter temperatures dropping below freezing. The resort operates year-round with varying seasonal activities and weather considerations that affect the glamping experience.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Spruce Mountain Trail provides excellent hiking opportunities near Jellystone Park at Larkspur. One visitor noted, "For the adults and families who want to hike I highly suggest spruce mountain trail. Nearby and full of great views!" This trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and plains.
Water activities: Cherry Creek State Park Campground features a swim beach with brand new facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "Nice Swim Beach with brand new Bldg. Many covered Picnic sites, but again, you MUST arrive at the break of day to secure one." The park gets crowded during summer months, with traffic backing up at entrance points.
Archery and horseback riding: Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park offers diverse recreational options beyond the standard glamping amenities. One camper shared, "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding." The park has horse stables, an archery range, and a swim beach.
What campers like
Abundant shade: Unlike some exposed glamping sites in Castle Rock, Peregrine Pines FamCamp offers heavily wooded sites. A visitor explained, "Have stayed here three times when the In-Laws are in town and always love the quiet spaces with heavy trees... Each site is manicured with some pull-thru and back in." The campground has well-defined sites with large railroad ties marking the parking areas.
Riverfront access: Lone Rock Campground provides glamping opportunities directly beside water. A camper shared, "We were at site 7. This is the only spot right on the water and shade for a good chunk of the day. About half the spots don't have shade." The riverfront locations allow for impromptu water activities: "We were able to tube on the river and we were at site five so we had direct access to the river as well."
Well-maintained facilities: Many glamping sites offer clean, regularly serviced amenities. One visitor to Mueller State Park noted, "The camp sites are well maintained and have vaulted toilets and water pumps conveniently located throughout the campgrounds. Some camp sites are very close to one another, but everybody was respectful of each other's space and quiet."
What you should know
Reservation timing: For glamping near Castle Rock during peak seasons, early planning is essential. At Chatfield State Park Campground, "Without a reservation you put your name on a list that they start going through at 1pm to assign sites. As someone tent-camping this is no problem, just takes some time (site assigned ~1.5hours after arrival at 13:20)."
Train noise: Several glamping locations experience railroad disruptions. At Peregrine Pines FamCamp, a reviewer mentioned, "Down side = the routinely travelled train tracks with mandatory horns. Regardless, we would return without question." This is something to consider when selecting glamping accommodations in the area.
Water availability: Seasonal factors affect water services at many glamping sites. At Lone Rock Campground, a visitor observed, "Water- shut off on sept. 28th for winter. Fees drop from $22 to $20 after sept. 28th regardless of what the sign says." Always check current amenity status before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits: For quieter glamping in Castle Rock with children, consider weekday stays. A camper at Colorado Campground reported, "Large campground with many sites that fill up during weekends in the summer, and can be loud in some areas of the campground. Vault toilets are super smelly, but many spots ideal for campers and RV made this a moot point for us."
Water recreation options: Children enjoy water activities beyond swimming pools. At Colorado Campground, "Easy hike to Manitou Lake Recreation Area for fishing, and we always get at least one fish on the line here! Just a quick 10 min drive to Woodland Park and various amenities."
Playground access: Some glamping sites offer playground facilities. Peregrine Pines FamCamp features "a new playground that is huge for the kids with a rubber floor in case kids fall. In addition to the park there is tetherballs and open fields for fun ball or frisbee activities."
Tips from RVers
Water pressure considerations: RVers glamping at Castle Rock should be prepared for varying water pressure. At Peregrine Pines FamCamp, "City water was clean/no smell/good pressure, though paperwork says a regulator is mandatory." Water pressure regulators protect RV plumbing systems from damage.
Site leveling challenges: Some glamping locations have uneven terrain. One RVer noted at Casey Jones RV Hideaway, "The campsite that I had was very uneven. It was practically a down hill slope. I had a hard time getting my camper level." Bring leveling blocks when glamping in mountainous areas.
Seasonal closures: Facilities change throughout the year at glamping sites. A visitor to Lone Rock Campground mentioned, "We arrived on a Tuesday and we're the only people in the campground... Fees drop from $22 to $20 after sept. 28th regardless of what the sign says." Off-season glamping offers more solitude but reduced services.
