The best family-friendly glamping near Crested Butte, Colorado

Surrounded by wilderness and mountains, Crested Butte is often called “Colorado’s last great ski town,” renowned for both downhill and Nordic skiing. It also shines in summer, with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities that include hundreds of miles of epic mountain bike trails, hiking, fishing, rafting, and more. It’s home to a registered historic district and a lively festival scene. Numerous areas near Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte offer camping, including private campgrounds and RV parks, developed forest service campgrounds, and primitive wilderness sites.

99% (892)

Top-rated campgrounds

Surrounded by wilderness and mountains, Crested Butte is often called “Colorado’s last great ski town,” renowned for both downhill and Nordic skiing. It also shines in summer, with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities that include hundreds of miles of epic mountain bike trails, hiking, fishing, rafting, and more. It’s home to a registered historic district and a lively festival scene. Numerous areas near Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte offer camping, including private campgrounds and RV parks, developed forest service campgrounds, and primitive wilderness sites.

99% (892)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

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(383)

35mi from Crested Butte · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hotchkiss, CO

The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!

2. Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

97%

(487)

37mi from Crested Butte · 7 sites · Lodging · Hotchkiss, CO

Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven. This property offers spectacular views, a large grass field for activities and games, a short hike up Mandala Mountain (behind the solar panels), and relaxion by Love Gulch in the many hammocks. Two mile drive from Big B's and even closer to the nearest winery (Storm Cellar). Tipi camping offers an authentic camping experience, complete with possible bugs and other critters one would expect to find in nature.

3. Frenchman's Creek Ranch

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(324)

43mi from Crested Butte · 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.

Stories from the community

Tipi as seen from North Fork of the Gunnison.

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Gabriella

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

George's property is absolutely stunning and the site offers everything you need! The tipi is quite charming and includes a foam mattress (bring your pillow and sleeping bag), a table and chairs, a mini cooler, a lantern, drinking water, flowers from his garden, and towels for the very nice bathhouse. The heated bathhouse is a short walk away with hot water. You'll be nestled in the trees with a front row view of the river, plenty of space between you and your neighbors. A 5-minute walk to Big B's Cider and a 3 min drive into Paonia town. George was a lovely host and this place is a gem! We will certainly be back!

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Tamzen

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

If you need recharging, a reset, peace, quiet, Magik, grounding and to be in nature, feel the basics of living minimally with mother Earth, the trees, the mountains, this is a must. Second time here in the same year The Hawk TiPi comfortably fits 4 adults and 4 dogs. Pure Bliss. Cannot believe I have to wait until next year to come back. 🙏🪶🙏

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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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Elisabeth

September 2025

3 nights at Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

We loved this camping experience so very much! Thank you to our wonderful host, George, for the communication and help finding our camp as we arrived after dark. We love it here and would love to come back one day!

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Tina

September 2025

3 nights at Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

George & Devon’s property is a favorite. I’ve now been two times and will return again. If you’re a light sleeper, I recommend ear plugs due to an occasional coal train that blows by in the night, but something about that too is nostalgic and cool. It’s peaceful, 4 deer wandered through my camp. I stayed solo and slept under the stars and felt safe and sound. They’re very responsive, the bath house is incredibly clean with hot water and 2 showers, indoor and outdoor. The tipi is beautiful and has the best chunk of the property, right on the river. Walking to Big B’s Orchard for live music and dinner is a highlight ❤️ Thank you George and Devon for having such a peaceful place for us to stay. We’ll be back!

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Jane

September 2025

With kids

3 nights at Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

This is one of our favorite places to glamp. It’s nice to not have to pack dishes, cookware, etc. There’s a great setup to cook. Sway in the hammocks after breakfast. The beds inside the teepees are so comfy. The host is incredibly kind.

Autumn

September 2025

2 nights at Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

My pup and I had the best time relaxing at the campsite and exploring the property! Great views along the river, very clean shower house and they have everything you need. Close to a main road so you will hear cars but it’s not bad. The hosts were so welcoming, I hope to stay here again!

Joyce

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Frenchman's Creek Ranch

Belinda and Todd's place is great!! Our medium tent was ample enough for 2 adults, a 1yro and our 2 dogs. We walked down to the river to pass the time. Our tent was a short walk to the bathroom/showers, so that was a plus. One notable thing is the camp is right off a busy road, so there is noticeable car noise, but we still had a great time! We will definitely be back 😊

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Simon

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

Absolutely great experience, great host with one of the cutest little towns to go in and have dinner as well.

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Callie

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

Absolutely beautiful. Stacy was so nice. Everything was perfect- will definitely be back!

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Jennifer

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Frenchman's Creek Ranch

Very clean, cozy, and lovely setting. Showers were nice and convenient.

Chad

August 2025

2 nights at Frenchman's Creek Ranch

Wonderful place. As others have said, Todd and Belinda are fantastic hosts.

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Sophia

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Frenchman's Creek Ranch

My family and I had a great time at Frenchman’s Creek! Our tent was spacious for the three of us and kept us shielded from the nightly showers. We enjoyed seeing the animals and the clean bathrooms/showers. I will definitely be staying here again when I am need of camping in the Buena Vista area!

Jose

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Frenchman's Creek Ranch

We loved camping at Frenchman’s. The tent was awesome! Location 10/10. Belinda and Todd were so friendly and helpful. The river by their property is amazing and we just regret not having more time there to enjoy it. They provided an awesome propane fire pit. And the restrooms and shower were super clean, and really nice! Another 10/10. Well def be back here to camp

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Tamzen

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

One night wasn't enough.. What a sanctuary. Clean, green, so so peaceful, relaxing. I booked a second night in the deer 🦌 Tipi. Loved the solar bag showers, loved loved the views, and the private mini hike. Love that we could take our dogs because lots of places do not. Our dogs were in heaven. Highly highly recommend this sanctuary.

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Kristin

August 2025

Group trip

1 night at Frenchman's Creek Ranch

Spacious tent and lights in tent and site were appreciated. Enjoyed quick walk to river and watching animals. Hosts were excellent. Thanks!

Laura

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Frenchman's Creek Ranch

We had such a great time here! Tent was spacious, campsite was great, and the mattress pad we rented was super comfortable. Made for a perfect first camping experience with our toddler. Visiting the cows and playing by the river made this such a fun experience. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for an easy and comfortable camping set up with fun nearby!

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Scott

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Frenchman's Creek Ranch

Awesome shady relaxing spot in the aspens with no one too close by. A really good jumping off point for many trails and adventures in the Arkansas River valley

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Sophia

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Frenchman's Creek Ranch

We loved our stay, thank you Belinda and Todd! Such a gem, from the propine fire pit, to the convenient bathroom, to the accessible river front, 10/10. Also loved being closed to BV.

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Marnie

August 2025

2 nights at Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

The location of George’s land is spot on if you want to be close to town for a full Paonia experience and or music at Big B’s. He has options to choose from that include RV/pitch your own, a Tipi or yurt(s) right along the river! There is even a fantastic little shower house with flushing toilet and sink for the comforts of home while also camping.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Crested Butte guide

Where to go

South

Take the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway south to Gunnison. Camp with your boat or lakeside at Blue Mesa Reservoir, part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Colorado’s largest body of water is known for excellent fishing and plenty of watersports. Continue south to remote Lake City, nestled in the San Juan Mountains. Enjoy ice climbing, go off-roading, or enjoy the waters of Lake San Cristobal. Stay in a private campground in town, dispersed camping on USFS land, free BLM riverside campsites, primitive sites in La Garita Wilderness Area, or in a network of backcountry yurts.

West

Take the West Elk Loop over Kebler Pass to Somerset for hiking, boating, and camping at Paonia State Park. Go fishing and sample wines near Hotchkiss. Just outside of Delta, enjoy boating and birdwatching at Sweitzer Lake State Park, look for dinosaur bones at Dry Mesa Quarry, and explore the red rock canyons and bluffs of Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Montrose is a great base for exploring the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Camping options can be found at state parks, wilderness areas, and national parks, and include sites for tents and RVs.

East

Head east to Taylor Park for camping, fishing, and rafting. Further south, Sargents offers dirt biking, mountain biking, and off-roading. Explore state wildlife areas and ghost towns, then soak in the hot springs and history of Poncha Springs or the arts scene in Salida. Bag a 14er in the Sawatch Range. There are plenty of campground options, whether you prefer the forest riverside, lakeside, or the backcountry. Gunnison National Forest also offers more than 30 developed campgrounds, with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins.

When to go

Winter and summer are the most popular times to visit Crested Butte and nearby Mount Crested Butte. Several popular festivals are held over the summer. The area is known for abundant wildflowers over the summer, and golden aspens in the fall. Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers lift-assisted activities over the summer and winter. In the winter, the area is a top skiing and snowboarding destination. Several mountain passes close over the winter.

Know before you go

Crested Butte is situated at nearly 9,000 feet. Other recreation areas and campsites in the region are at even higher elevations. Be aware of potential altitude issues.
A free shuttle bus takes passengers around the town of Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte year-round. A vehicle will be required to explore outside of the area.
Backcountry camping near Crested Butte is restricted to designated dispersed camping sites.
Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear-proof container away from your tent.
Permits are required for state and national wilderness areas.