The best earth house rentals in Colorado

With 42 state parks and four national parks, Colorado has long been a shining star among lovers of the great outdoors. This western state offers a wide variety of landscapes, with ancient mountains, massive canyons, ski resort towns that range from quaint to ultraluxe, many within easy access of the capital city of Denver. Camping areas abound throughout the state, ranging from simple backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups and dump stations, many managed by Colorado State Parks. Best of all, pretty much every outdoor activity under the sun is available, from biking and horseback riding to birding and stargazing.

100% (4)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Life Skills Creative Art of Living

90%

(5)

6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Crestone, CO

Creative Art of Living is located high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nearby Hiking trails and Spiritual Centers are some of the main attractions. Hot Springs are within a half hour drive from the community of Crestone, where we have local shops and art galleries, restaurants, 2 grocery stores and even a gas station. This site is for campers, vans, cars, and includes use of main house for shower, cooking and laundry. Thank you!

2. Terra Cottage Earthship

1 site · Lodging · Crestone, CO

Terra Cottage is a beautiful earthship in a tranquil and inspired setting. Spacious, earth-friendly, off-grid, 5-acre desert oasis. Flagstone flooring complements aspen tongue and groove ceiling. The natural world blends seamlessly into this unique home. Full kitchen, dining for 4, living room, and workspace with 20 meg internet. Wood and propane fireplaces. Bonus vintage MCM trailer hangout w/ views! Shared courtyard with breathtaking mountain views. 10 minutes from Crestone. The space Including Terra Cottage, the five-acre property has two separate units joined around a shared courtyard. Co-host and father of Sean, lives in the other earthship and is there to help guests. Constructed in 2001 and renovated in 2022, Terra Cottage is our original earthship. New in 2025, includes private use of the Groovy Wanderer, a gazebo-covered mid-century modern trailer. The Wanderer is a sheltered hangout/dining/bonus space to help guests comfortably connect with Crestone's outdoor majesties. Not intended for overnight stays due to County and HOA restrictions. Guest access Guests have access to Terra Cottage, a 1 bedroom/1 ba earthship with a full kitchen, eating area, living room, and workspace. New in 2025, bonus mid-century modern vintage trailer: romantic dining under the stars, kids playhouse, respite from the sun and mosquitoes all with 360 degree views of the surrounding area. Not intended for overnight use due to County and HOA rules. Other things to note From Sean, the owner: My father lives on site in his own casita and is happy to answer questions/help.

With 42 state parks and four national parks, Colorado has long been a shining star among lovers of the great outdoors. This western state offers a wide variety of landscapes, with ancient mountains, massive canyons, ski resort towns that range from quaint to ultraluxe, many within easy access of the capital city of Denver. Camping areas abound throughout the state, ranging from simple backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups and dump stations, many managed by Colorado State Parks. Best of all, pretty much every outdoor activity under the sun is available, from biking and horseback riding to birding and stargazing.

100% (4)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Life Skills Creative Art of Living

90%

(5)

6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Crestone, CO

Creative Art of Living is located high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nearby Hiking trails and Spiritual Centers are some of the main attractions. Hot Springs are within a half hour drive from the community of Crestone, where we have local shops and art galleries, restaurants, 2 grocery stores and even a gas station. This site is for campers, vans, cars, and includes use of main house for shower, cooking and laundry. Thank you!

2. Terra Cottage Earthship

1 site · Lodging · Crestone, CO

Terra Cottage is a beautiful earthship in a tranquil and inspired setting. Spacious, earth-friendly, off-grid, 5-acre desert oasis. Flagstone flooring complements aspen tongue and groove ceiling. The natural world blends seamlessly into this unique home. Full kitchen, dining for 4, living room, and workspace with 20 meg internet. Wood and propane fireplaces. Bonus vintage MCM trailer hangout w/ views! Shared courtyard with breathtaking mountain views. 10 minutes from Crestone. The space Including Terra Cottage, the five-acre property has two separate units joined around a shared courtyard. Co-host and father of Sean, lives in the other earthship and is there to help guests. Constructed in 2001 and renovated in 2022, Terra Cottage is our original earthship. New in 2025, includes private use of the Groovy Wanderer, a gazebo-covered mid-century modern trailer. The Wanderer is a sheltered hangout/dining/bonus space to help guests comfortably connect with Crestone's outdoor majesties. Not intended for overnight stays due to County and HOA restrictions. Guest access Guests have access to Terra Cottage, a 1 bedroom/1 ba earthship with a full kitchen, eating area, living room, and workspace. New in 2025, bonus mid-century modern vintage trailer: romantic dining under the stars, kids playhouse, respite from the sun and mosquitoes all with 360 degree views of the surrounding area. Not intended for overnight use due to County and HOA rules. Other things to note From Sean, the owner: My father lives on site in his own casita and is happy to answer questions/help.

Stories from the community

S

Sarah

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Life Skills Creative Art of Living

Truly a special and beautiful place, close access to trails and the incredible mountains of Crestone. I know I will return. The charm, art, and peaceful vibe is something I already miss!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best earth houses in Colorado guide

Where to go

Western Colorado

Western Colorado shares quite a bit in common with neighboring Utah to the west, with massive sandstone rock formations—including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—plus fantastic opportunities for winter and summer recreation alike. Towns worth checking out include Steamboat Springs and Aspen—both popular ski resorts—as well as cute towns such as Montrose and Durango that make excellent bases for exploring the wilds of the San Juan Mountains. If you’re interested in history or archaeology, don’t miss the chance to visit the Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

Denver and North-Central Colorado

Stretching from Fort Collins near the Wyoming border all the way down just past Denver, this region is largely urban but still offers plenty for campers. You can take in fantastic views of the region from the Estes Park Aerial Tramway or by driving the Trail Ridge Road scenic byway through Rocky Mountain National Park. Or, pack up your tent and head out on a backcountry camping trip in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests.

South and South-Central Colorado

This part of the state offers a mix of wide-open plains and towering massifs, including Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, a scenic mountaintop that served as the inspiration for the patriotic tune America the Beautiful. Popular area activities include fishing and whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande and sledding down the sands at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. If you want to soothe tired muscles after a weekend of adventure, head to the hot springs towns of Buena Vista and Salida—both just outside the Pike and San Isabel national forests.

Eastern Colorado

Quiet Eastern Colorado features a mix of grasslands and canyons, with massive expanses of grazing lands and farms that give way to charming small towns. You can learn about life in the 19th century at the Old Fort National Historic Site and the Boggsville Historic Site, or head down to the John Martin Reservoir, a great place for birdwatching and boating.