The best family-friendly glamping near Buena Vista, Colorado

Set along the Arkansas River, the town of Buena Vista is built around community, mountains, and outdoor adventure, including camping. Head west to Gunnison National Forest and hike over 3,000 miles of trails winding through mountains, plateaus, and woodlands. Then, head to a nearby RV park with showers, full hookups, and picnic tables, or stay in a cabin rental with electricity, heating, and cleaning supplies. Travel south to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to explore the tallest dunes in the country. Great Sand Dunes RV and tent camping provides access to flush toilets, dishwashing sinks, and potable water. Winter campers may want to reserve a cabin rental with furnished living areas and free wifi. More hiking awaits in PIke-San Isabel National Forest, where campers can trek the highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. Camp at a tent or RV site in the forest offering firepits, picnic tables, and barbecue grills, or rent a cabin with indoor plumbing, laundry facilities, and kitchen equipment instead.

96% (810)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set along the Arkansas River, the town of Buena Vista is built around community, mountains, and outdoor adventure, including camping. Head west to Gunnison National Forest and hike over 3,000 miles of trails winding through mountains, plateaus, and woodlands. Then, head to a nearby RV park with showers, full hookups, and picnic tables, or stay in a cabin rental with electricity, heating, and cleaning supplies. Travel south to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to explore the tallest dunes in the country. Great Sand Dunes RV and tent camping provides access to flush toilets, dishwashing sinks, and potable water. Winter campers may want to reserve a cabin rental with furnished living areas and free wifi. More hiking awaits in PIke-San Isabel National Forest, where campers can trek the highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. Camp at a tent or RV site in the forest offering firepits, picnic tables, and barbecue grills, or rent a cabin with indoor plumbing, laundry facilities, and kitchen equipment instead.

96% (810)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Frenchman's Creek Ranch

100%

(324)

7.9mi from Buena Vista · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Buena Vista, CO

We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.

2. Sweetwater River Resort

91%

(377)

41mi from Buena Vista · 72 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cotopaxi, CO

Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort. We do offer fly fishing lessons and fly rod rentals on arrival. Sweetwater is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing. Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!

3. Asha's Retreat

97%

(68)

46mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · Lodging · Florissant, CO

Time to enjoy the beauty of the mountains! The cottage is located on 4 acres, with orange flags marking the property lines. Our cabin is built near the camp site. The tiny cabin has a propane heater to make this a beautiful and cozy experience. It is a quiet and peaceful place located 25 minutes from Cripple Creek (if you like gambling) , and 45 minutes from Woodland Park where you can find restaurants, supermarkets, rock and gem shops and more attractions typical to a tourist town. A place to find peace, and nature with lots of wildlife, you may get a glimpse of a bear, mountain lion, fox, wild turkeys, deer, cayote. Enjoy the outdoor fireplace (weather permitting), watching a beautiful night sky, in a clear sky you can spot the Milky way and some star constellations. The place is surrounded by many tourist attractions. Gambling, hiking, biking, fishing, Florissant fossil bed with giant tree stumps, horseback riding, waterfalls, wolf and wildlife sanctuary, balloon rides, mining museums, our majestic Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge bridge, Rio Grande train rides and more! If you like to shoot arrows bring your bow! The terrain is rocky so, we highly recommend to keep your eyes on your small kids as well as when they are on the lofts, for security reasons. Reiki healing sessions are available upon request as well as Reiki training by a Certified Reiki Master. Smoking is permitted outside when not under a fire ban. Hipcamper under 21 years old are welcome only under adult supervision. We recommend to bring your own towels and a flashlight since our lodging has an out side toilet. Please don't expect a flash toilet, we want to emphasize that we offer a porta potty. We are charging a very small cleaning fee, expecting our guests to leave the place as they found it. Feel free to reach out for any questions and more detailed information about Asha's retreat!

4. Camp Kan-Ne-Ga (Ute for "home")

99%

(73)

47mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · Lodging · Florissant, CO

Property borders the Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument. Campsite is on private, beautiful, quiet 26 acres of ponderosa, spruce, fir and aspens with a wonderful view of Badger Mtn. Cripple Creek, Woodland Park and Eleven Mile Reservoir are appx 30 mins away; Breckenridge and Buena Vista about an hour; Mueller State Park and Eleven Mile Canyon being appx 15 mins away. Enjoy a game of corn hole and stargazing at your campsite. There are several Ute prayer trees on the property and Will would be happy to take you on a walking tour. Campsite equipped w/ sun shower and camp toilet. Please note, this is a tent site only with no access for camper trailers. Our tent is furnished with a queen-sized bed. An additional cot or bedding on the floor for smaller children can be provided at no extra cost. You may also set up your own tent (only one) for two additional guests (four guests total) for no extra charge.

5. Yeti Sanctuary

94%

(167)

49mi from Buena Vista · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Florissant, CO

Situated on almost 4.5 acres of partially wooded acres, with a small pond, We have 6 beautiful campsites. Two can be used by an RV, two cabins, and the others for tents. There are great hammocking spots amongst the trees and bolders.. Enjoy the rugged beauty in Florissant, CO, with seasonal Aspen foliage and wildflowers, and a lot of birds, for the avid bird watchers. Florissant Fossil Beds Natl Monument is 7 miles away, with a Night Sky program, at every new moon. Plenty of winter activities … Ice skating on the lake, Snowshoeing and cross country skiing in Pike National Forest only 2 miles away. Florissant Mercantile is 5 miles away, for your needed supplies. Come and enjoy the quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere, of Colorado's beautiful mountains.

6. Starlite Vintage Resort

93%

(67)

50mi from Buena Vista · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cañon City, CO

Starlite Vintage Resort is located minutes from the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City, Colorado. Situated on over 10 acres with eye-popping views of the Rocky Mountains, the Starlite Vintage Resort provides a variety of luxury accommodations themed around the timeless trends and classic movies of the era that introduced America to the Beatles, man’s first walk on the moon, Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, the Woodstock Rock Festival, and the enduring kids’ TV shows, Sesame Street and The Flintstones.

Stories from the community

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Kristin

5 days ago

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

There are not words to describe the views from our cabin! Hosts were so kind and friendly. I was worried that the cabin would not be warm enough but the heater provided put off way more than enough heat. You’re missing out if you don’t stay here !

Alison Penelope

3 weeks ago

With pets

2 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

Sweetwater was the perfect spot to rest and recharge. The sounds of the river were fantastic and the general scenery was breathtaking.

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Joseph

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

Loved it! As advertised, great little cabin in awesome location. Me and my 6 year old son went for the weekend. Hiked the local mountains in the day, camp fires at night. Went November 7, but still wasn’t too cold in the cabin at all. Highly recommend .

Shaun

October 2025

1 night at Starlite Vintage Resort

Mike was a big help in picking a camper. Thank you!

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Sarah

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

This was a great stop on my best friend reunion tour! We opted for a cabin and it was a cute, warm, clean and cozy little place. You don't have your own bathroom and have to walk to the common building for stalls and showers, but that was ok- it was clean and not too far away from the cabin. Be sure to peek in to the vintage "RV museum"- 3 restored RVs that are retro outfitted and fun to explore. The woman manning the check in/shop was super friendly and gave good recommendations for places in Cañon City, which is about 15 mins away. We were also pleased to be a short walk from the Gold Mine gem shop, full of beautiful things! In October the area is out of season, so it was pretty quiet, and we were happy with that! I would recommend Starlite for a welcoming glamping experience.

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Alexandria

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

Sweetwater was such an incredible time! The cabin was perfect and setting was even better. My husband and pup spent two days here and wish we could have stayed longer!! Only critique was that it certainly wasn’t private. The neighboring cabins are super close, and several kids fishing just kept walking through our area and even using our front to fish. Not a big issue, but something to keep in mind if you’re looking for something private!

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Lori

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

A perfect little get away if you’re not into tents or don’t own Motorhome! Cozy little cabin, bathroom and shower are a very short walk and are really clean! Right on the water! Beautiful!

Jane

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

Beautiful cabin stay. Porch by the river was peaceful, cabin had everything we needed, secluded and quiet. Will be back

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Kristie

October 2025

1 night at Starlite Vintage Resort

Loved it! Everything is decorated really well. So much todo on the grounds. There’s even a dog park!

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Kelly

October 2025

1 night at Sweetwater River Resort

This cabin was adorable and the location by the river was great! Everything was really clean and we were impressed with the upkeep. We had a fun time :)

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Aimee

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Yeti Sanctuary

Absolutely loved this spot! The small cabin is very comfortable & has everything you need in regard to chairs, cookware, etc. My only advice would be to be sure to know your way out because Google maps got me there easily but there’s no cell service so be sure to remember your way back. Beautiful lake & Tim was so helpful!

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Lori

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

Our stay at Starlite Village was exceptional and we thoroughly enjoyed our 'I Dream of Jeannie' vintage camper. Dirk was great communicating with us before and during our stay. The campground was so amazing with all the vintage campers to walk around and look at and the shower house was clean and updated. Thanks again for your wonderful hospitality and we will be back!

The cabin is loaded with games, tools, condiments, extra blankets, sporting equipment, etc

Kevin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Yeti Sanctuary

This was my wife and I's second stay at the lakeside cabin and boy oh boy was it more peaceful and beautiful than the first. Don't scroll past this one BOOK NOW!!!! Tim your the man.

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Thomas

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Kan-Ne-Ga (Ute for "home")

We were extremely thrilled to revisit Will and Jake and their campsite. As always the campsite was clean, inviting, and well maintained. Jake cooked for us again and the gourmet burgers did not disappoint. As the last campers of the season, we were pleased to relax in a pine tree haven. So glad to make new friends and we will be back next year! Highly recommended-10/10! Thank you!

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Eric

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

perfect spot that will exceed your expectations. far enough out of town but not so far that you cannot get things..they are constantly improving and i do love a good fire.. loved iy and will definitely stay here again

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Jesse

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Frenchman's Creek Ranch

We had the absolute best time at the canvas tents! The animals were the highlight of our stay, the walk to the river was amazing as well. While we were there, a momma cow actually had her baby, which was such a special and unforgettable experience. The setting is peaceful, the tents are cozy, and you really feel connected to nature. Todd and Belinda are truly wonderful hosts. They made us feel so welcome and went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and memorable. If you’re looking for a unique getaway with a touch of magic, this is it. We can’t wait to come back!

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Erin

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

These vintage trailors were all so adorable and in a great location! Very friendly and accommodating host 10/10 would recommend

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Katelyn

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

Starlight Vintage RV Resort is the absolute CUTEST! We could only stay one night but I will absolutely be back asap for a longer stay! Everything was lovely and they have a store on site with camping supplies/necessities which was a huge bonus!

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Victoria

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Kan-Ne-Ga (Ute for "home")

Camp Kan-Ne-Ga was absolutely wonderful. My husband and I couldn't have asked for a better site than this one for our anniversary. Will was incredibly kind and made sure we found our way to the site after dark.

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Karrah

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Kan-Ne-Ga (Ute for "home")

Super friendly hosts, beautiful views, and easy directions - an overall lovely experience! Hoping we can come back sometime next year.