Glamping opportunities near Redstone, Colorado range from riverside canvas tents to cabin accommodations at elevations around 7,000 feet. The Crystal River Valley receives approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, creating favorable conditions for outdoor recreation throughout most of the year. Most glamping and camping facilities operate from late May through mid-October due to winter conditions.
What to do
Biking adventures: The paved trail system connecting Carbondale extends 42 miles to Glenwood Springs and provides direct access from several campgrounds. "If you love to ride a bike this place is the best. The bike trail is right outside the camp ground and you can ride to Aspen or Glenwood," notes a visitor at Carbondale-Crystal River KOA.
Marble exploration: Visit the historic marble quarry that supplied stone for the Lincoln Memorial. "This campground is in the heart of Marble, a 2 minute walk to the famous Slow Groovin BBQ and a 5 minute walk to Beaver Lake," reports a camper at Marble Area. Nearby Crystal Mill requires a high-clearance vehicle or can be reached on foot.
River recreation: The Crystal River offers fishing, tubing, and kayaking opportunities from May through September. Water levels peak in June with snowmelt. "Our site was directly on the river, which was beautiful, especially with the mountain in the background," according to a visitor at Carbondale-Crystal River KOA.
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Many campers prefer sites that provide direct water access and natural sound barriers. A guest at Elk Creek Campground shares: "Stayed in RV site along creek, which was quite nice with the sound of the water. Unfortunately, sites were not roomy, were close to each other and close to the campground road."
Mountain views: Sites facing Mount Sopris offer particularly scenic vistas. "Sites 19 & 20 have a view of Mount Sopris. Sites 11-14 are long pull throughs & they didn't have much shade," notes a visitor to Elk Creek Campground.
Quieter locations: Campgrounds farther from main roads provide a more secluded experience. "This campground is on the far side of the lake from the marina, so it is generally quieter than the other 'little' campgrounds near the dam," explains a camper at Dearhamer Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty or nonexistent coverage. "There's no cell service so make sure you have your plans ahead of time if you're meeting up with people!" advises a camper at Dearhamer Campground.
Road noise considerations: Some glamping options near Redstone are affected by highway traffic. A reviewer at Glenwood Canyon Resort mentions: "The only unpleasant thing was the odor emanating from what I would assume to be the waste/sewage facility and it was necessary to walk past it from the riverfront sites to the bathrooms."
Wildlife encounters: Local fauna includes marmots, foxes, and occasionally cattle. "The campground host was very friendly and welcoming. The bathrooms were well kept, clean and very nice. The campground itself was beautiful, great views and each site was well spaced out," notes a visitor to Marble Area.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Several campgrounds offer direct creek or river access for children. At Elk Creek Campground, a visitor notes: "Amazing campground with three sections. Full RV hookups, multiple tent/small camper site, and also primitive camping in a separate spot deeper in the trees."
Seasonal crowds: Book well in advance for summer weekends between June and August. "I tried to get in here in 2021 and they are booked for the year. Call early or you wont get in," advises a visitor to Carbondale-Crystal River KOA.
Amenity considerations: Families appreciate sites with nearby restrooms and shower facilities. "The showers and bathroom are cleaned daily it seems so that is nice. No cell service for Verizon. Firewood for sale at clubhouse. Staff is helpful," reports a camper at Paonia State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Many glamping and camping options near Redstone have limited space for larger rigs. "The RV sites are SMALL. We have a 42' fifth wheel, and while we got it backed in perfectly, we didn't have any room for our truck," explains an RVer at Glenwood Canyon Resort.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling due to mountain terrain. "Sites are fairly packed together, so privacy is not at a premium here. The bathroom facilities are small but very clean and modern," notes a visitor to Carbondale-Crystal River KOA.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the area. "We had a nice spot right on the river and my wife and I liked it very much," mentions an RVer at Carbondale-Crystal River KOA who appreciated the riverside location despite the premium price.
