Best Glamping near Center, CO

UFO Watchtower, located near Center, Colorado, represents one of the San Luis Valley's most distinctive glamping destinations, with unique accommodation options set under expansive dark skies perfect for stargazing. The property combines glamping with the unusual attraction of a UFO observation deck, creating an otherworldly experience that attracts visitors seeking both comfort and the extraordinary. Sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and charcoal grills, with luxury accommodation options that elevate the camping experience beyond traditional tent sites. The surrounding Sangre de Cristo mountain views provide a dramatic backdrop to this one-of-a-kind retreat where glamping guests can enjoy both comfort and cosmic contemplation. As one reviewer noted, "The star gazing is amazing as well! Will come back again."

Valley View Hot Springs and Joyful Journey Hot Springs provide unique glamping experiences centered around natural hot spring access, with accommodations including yurts and upscale glamping structures with proper beds and linens. These sites combine natural thermal soaking with comfortable, climate-controlled accommodations that feature electricity and enhanced amenities not found in traditional camping. The proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park (approximately 30 minutes from some properties) adds significant recreational value for glamping guests. On-site amenities at these glamping resorts include hot mineral pools, massage services, and yoga sessions, creating wellness-focused luxury camping experiences. A visitor wrote, "Beautiful night sky. The owners are very interesting and friendly people." Seasonal considerations include stronger winds in June and cold nights during shoulder seasons, with most luxury glamping accommodations remaining open year-round but offering peak experiences from late spring through early fall.

Best Glamping Sites Near Center, Colorado (18)

    1. UFO Watchtower

    11 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2296

    $15 / night

    "There is an observation deck above the ufo information center. Which also sells souvenirs. Porto potty’s are the restrooms. The view is great of the surrounding mountains."

    "The area was very clean and although it's right off the highway the camping spots are tucked far enough away to where it's no bother."

    2. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    54 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2222

    $25 - $169 / night

    "It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean."

    "It was still off season so we did not have running water at the site but we were able to fill up on site when we arrived."

    3. Alamosa KOA

    19 Reviews
    Alamosa, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 589-9757

    "Super easy to access, very nice staff & good amenities. I pitched my tent four one night here. Tent sites are spacious & have a privacy fence between them."

    "The staff really make this place five stars. So sweet and helpful and welcoming! Amenities are fine, pool was closed during our post-labor day visit."

    4. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    23 miles
    Website

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    5. South Fork Campground

    4 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 873-5500

    $29 - $42 / night

    "Nestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing."

    "There is an office at the entrance and the staff were friendly. Next to the office is a community room and laundry room. The RV sites have water and electric hookup."

    6. Joyful Journey Hot Springs

    6 Reviews
    Villa Grove, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 256-4328

    $80 / night

    "The RV spots are on one side of the large parking lot, with the hook up spaces in the middle, with non-electric spots running around two of the outside sides. "

    "The Sangre de Christo Mountains tower in the distance and on a moonlit night, they positively glow from the farthest pool."

    7. South Fork Lodge & RV Park

    5 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    30 miles
    +1 (719) 873-5303

    "Only an hour from the Sand Dunes, 45 min from Creede, and close to Three Barrel Brewing Co! The cabin was perfect, full bathroom, half kitchen, and plenty of sweetness that makes you feel cozy!"

    "They also have great trails close that you can drive to via atv or ohv's. Wonderful views all around from our campsites! Great mom and pop business that is reasonably priced."

    8. Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL

    11 Reviews
    Villa Grove, CO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 256-4315

    "The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."

    "Clothing optional hot springs and camping"

    9. Lower Beaver Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Rio Grande National Forest, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "We ended up pulling into this campground at night when we didn't feel safe driving on the road any longer. Spots were easy to find. Basic setup, table and fire pit. Bathrooms were stocked and clean."

    "Tho the road to Beaver Reservoir is close by, it is a quiet campground even during the day and pretty much dead silence at night."

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Glamping Reviews near Center, CO

145 Reviews of 18 Center Campgrounds


  • Brittany R.
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL

    Came for the daily soak - stayed for the camping

    This place was great! We originally planned just to do a daily soak before heading to our next campsite but ended up just staying here because we enjoyed it so much. The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen. We participated in the clothing optional experience but didn’t feel like we had to. Great people all around from guests to staff. Highly recommend!

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Joyful Journey Hot Springs

    Costs a lot more than listed

    We were charged $170 for a site in the middle of a gravel parking lot. It included dinner, breakfast and use of the hot springs. The WiFi didn’t reach us, but worked in the buffet style cafeteria-like dining area. Way overpriced for the experience!

  • Casey W.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    Amazing stay with views of the Dunes!

    We loved this camp site! It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean. Very spacious tent site with a fire pit. Our tent sleeps 6 and we had no trouble fitting in the spot.

  • Sharon B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Alamosa KOA

    What all KOAs aspire to

    Super easy to access, very nice staff & good amenities. I pitched my tent four one night here. Tent sites are spacious & have a privacy fence between them. All wood burning fires are currently prohibited in Colorado, but there are fire pits for when they're not. I met a couple with an RV that make this camp a part of any trip this direction. They pointed out that even full this camp is still a gem.

  • S
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    Our First Camping Trip of 2022

    We absolutely loved Sand Dunes Oasis! It was still off season so we did not have running water at the site but we were able to fill up on site when we arrived. The code to the bathroom changes so if you check in after dark, be sure to get a new code the next day! We almost could not take showers as a result!

  • S
    May. 15, 2019

    Lower Beaver Creek Campground

    Convenient off the road. Basic functionality. Clean bathrooms.

    We ended up pulling into this campground at night when we didn't feel safe driving on the road any longer. Spots were easy to find. Basic setup, table and fire pit. Bathrooms were stocked and clean.

  • E
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Alamosa KOA

    Great service!

    The staff really make this place five stars. So sweet and helpful and welcoming! Amenities are fine, pool was closed during our post-labor day visit. Store is well stocked and they have a pizza shop on site that can be delivered to your campsite. Really good pizza!! The sites are typical KOA- fairly close but well kept and level. Some highway noise, worth it to reserve a “view site” because they’re farthest from the road and bigger. A+ experience!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2024

    Joyful Journey Hot Springs

    Camping Isn't the Reason to Come Here

    Just going to start by saying that camping is not why people come here -- it’s for the waters!  The spa offers numerous pools and tubs at varying temperatures so you can find your joyful spot– be sure to check out the cold plunge pool as well. 

    The RV spots are on one side of the large parking lot, with the hook up spaces in the middle, with non-electric spots running around two of the outside sides. We were in one of these spots because we run completely on solar to save money. There are zero trees around the lot so sunshine was plentiful. 

    The bathrooms were clean, modern and nice, as was the small, shared kitchen where we could do dishes. In addition to camping the resort offers hotel rooms, private yurts, tipis, conference rooms and other hotel services. In addition to the soaking being included in the price, so was a buffet style breakfast and dinner. The food was delicious, and veggie/ organic friendly. The whole experience was very reasonably priced and relaxing!

    There’s a lot of hiking nearby, in the mountains to the north, west and east- but definitely a drive away. We didn’t check out the walking path in the spa, but they did offer yoga classes in the yurt as well as private massages services and a host of other spa treatments. 

    There aren’t a lot of nearby towns that offer larger grocery stores, Crestone has a small co-op grocery as does Buena Vista, so if you are planning on cooking for yourself, come prepared.

  • E
    May. 16, 2021

    Alamosa KOA

    Alamosa KOA

    This campground has everything you need. Trash pick up, firewood delivery pick nick tables and fire rings at every site. There is a well stocked store with ice, propane, firewood etc. We showed up on a Saturday and there was rock painting and $2 ice cream for the kids right next to the playground. If you want a quieter site however be sure to request something AWAY from the playground! It’s pretty noisy with the kids. Staff is great, views are good and the Sand Dunes are 1/2 hr away. Oh, they have free WiFi and hot showers as well. Kinda deluxe.


Guide to Center

Near Center, Colorado, glamping and camping options sit at roughly 7,600 feet elevation in the San Luis Valley, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains creating a dramatic eastern backdrop. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with daytime summer highs reaching 80°F but dropping to 45°F at night. Wind patterns intensify during June and early summer months, requiring campers to secure equipment properly.

What to do

Stargazing opportunities: At the UFO Watchtower, the lack of light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "The wind was very strong in June, if you use a canopy, try to use some strap tiedowns so your canopy frame does not bend. Very dusty and dry air, but very peaceful!" reports Rocky F.

Hot springs soaking: Multiple mineral pools at Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust provide relaxation options at different temperatures. "We loved the sauna. Hiking to the hot springs pools and soaking with snow on the ground was a whole experience worth having," notes Katie. Note that this is a clothing-optional facility.

Great Sand Dunes access: Just 30 minutes from most glamping locations, the national park offers sand boarding and sledding. "You can rent sand boards and sleds here if the weather is right," explains Myndi C. about facilities at Great Sand Dunes Oasis.

What campers like

Distinctive accommodations: The UFO Watchtower offers unusual camping with observatory access. "Really cool place! Beautiful night sky. The owners are very interesting and friendly people," writes Jen S.

Hot springs amenities: Valley View provides extensive facilities beyond just soaking. "You have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen," shares Brittany R., adding that the clothing-optional environment is welcoming but not mandatory.

River proximity: At South Fork Campground, sites adjacent to the Rio Grande provide water access. "Nestled next to the Rio Grande River and its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing," notes Charles B.

What you should know

Weather variations: Summer nights get cold despite warm days. "Super fun and kooky place and the people who run it are very friendly. We were the only ones here Halloween weekend so it was very quiet and peaceful most of the time. Cold at night!" reports Jennifer M. about UFO Watchtower.

Limited shade: Many glamping sites in the area lack natural shade. "No shade. Very close to other campsites," mentions Josh in his UFO Watchtower review.

Reservation requirements: Popular hot springs require advance booking. "Valley View is a large swath of land with about 12 beautiful pools and about 20+ camping spots. You need to reserve well in advance as the demand is much higher than the capacity," explains Morgan Y.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Alamosa KOA offers structured activities for children. "This campground has everything you need... We showed up on a Saturday and there was rock painting and $2 ice cream for the kids right next to the playground," Eric B. recommends.

Playgrounds and pools: Family-oriented amenities enhance the experience for younger campers. "The Alamosa KOA has a nice sized heated, outdoor pool with reasonable hours, closing around 8:00 PM. The pool temperature was warm enough for even the adults to slip right into it," writes Kari T.

Noise considerations: Family areas can get lively. "If you want a quieter site however be sure to request something AWAY from the playground! It's pretty noisy with the kids," suggests Eric B. about Alamosa KOA.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: South Fork Lodge & RV Park offers full-service sites. "Great place for full hook up spots in South Fork. They also have great trails close that you can drive to via atv or ohv's. Wonderful views all around from our campsites!" recommends Philip B.

Site spacing: Look for properties with adequate space between sites. "You're spaced out so you're not on top of your neighbors. Everything is well maintained," reports Betsy M. about South Fork Lodge & RV Park.

Shower access: Not all glamping facilities maintain consistent shower availability. "If you plan on visiting during the pandemic, the shower facilities are closed to the public," noted Cody about Great Sand Dunes Oasis, highlighting the importance of checking current amenity status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Center, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Center, CO is UFO Watchtower with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Center, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 glamping camping locations near Center, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.