The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Rico

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Looking for a luxurious camping experience by the river near Rico, Colorado? Hipcamp offers over 570 options with glamping and river access in this area. You can find options as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $47 per night. Check out the top-rated campsites such as The Needles Outpost Campground (811 reviews), Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), and The Views at Gateway (243 reviews). Popular amenities include pet-friendly sites, showers, and potable water. For the adventurous, there are plenty of activities like whitewater paddling, boating, and wind sports.

98% (859)

Top-rated campgrounds

HTR Durango

2. HTR Durango

98%
(27)
27mi from Rico · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO
CLOSED FOR WINTER NOV 1, 2025 - APRIL 30, 2026. ***Dry camping is May 1-14, 2026 & October 12-31. Only electric is available. Bathhouses and pool are closed. No cabin or tent campers. Only accepting reservations for self-contained RVs during dry camping season. The only water available is at the front of the park at the fill-up station. The RV sites do not have water or sewer, but they do have electricity. Our staff is available on-call.*** Nestled in a protected box canyon surrounded by high cliffs of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine and just minutes to downtown Durango, HTR Durango, formerly Lightner Creek Campground, is located on a seasonal mountain stream, making it an ideal setting for nature lovers of all ages. The paved county road off HWY 160W to our campground is well maintained, making the 1.5-mile drive easily accessible, regardless of what you bring. Enjoy various recreational activities in the Durango area, including many hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, river rafting, rock climbing, zip-lining, off-roading, horseback riding, shopping, dining, breweries, and much more. There is so much to see and do in the Four Corners Area! If you want a memorable vacation experience in Durango, look no further than HTR Durango. Please note wood burning fires are not allowed on property. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted. We require vaccination records upon arrival if you are bringing a dog. There is a $50 pet fee for cabin rentals.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
There are 3 Tipis in The Views area, this is the biggest, The Raven.

3. Bright Star Campground

98%
(779)
35mi from Rico · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO
We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, bathrooms, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. We are open from April - October. All of our sites and amenities can be booked for retreats or events. There are two large covered pavilions. We customize reservations for small and large groups or longer stays. There are furnished tipis, camping cabins, tent/RV/van sites, and a Navajo Hogan (wooden yurt). Bright Star Campground: Originally established in 2012 as a church camp, it is now a place to connect, create, and rejuvenate in this spectacular high desert landscape. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic views of the Four Corners region, and only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many attractions nearby, such as Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. We are located 45 minutes from Durango, 1.5 hours from Telluride, and about 2 hours from Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). The nearest airport is in Durango. The nearest large international airports are in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

6. Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

100%
(1)
47mi from Rico · 1 site · Lodging · Cortez, CO
Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$175
 / night
Dandelion art installation.

8. CampV Colorado

97%
(45)
49mi from Rico · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Naturita, CO
Inspired Shelter for the Spirited Wanderer CampV was established in 1942 by the Vanadium Corporation to house the engineers who worked in the uranium mines outside of Naturita, Colorado. In 2020, this historic gem was restored by StudioVille Crew to welcome wanderers to a remote and scenic corner of SW Colorado. Discover your Wild without the crowds. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails and 120 acres to explore, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Jupes, airstreams or river front camping. Through our arts non-profit WEarts, explorers can experience our curated art and support art and creative programming in a rural community. When you’re ready for a mission, check out Planet V, our annual arts and music gathering over Memorial Day and prepare to lift off.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
The Art Shack A Tiny Glamping Cabin

11. The Art Shack A Tiny Glamping Cabin

100%
(7)
35mi from Rico · 1 site · Lodging · Hesperus, CO
We are in the rural area between Hesperus, Durango, and Mancos - An easy drive to Durango and its thrift shops, restaurants, galleries, cafes, Animas River and River Trail, and hiking and biking trails. Mancos is filled with art galleries, a wonderful bakery and cafe, beauty, and endless trails. Also within driving distance are Phil's World, Cortez, Sand Canyon, the beautiful La Plata Canyon, Mesa Verde National Park, Lake NIghthorse, and more! There are endless hiking and biking trails within driving distance of the property. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing abound and alpine skiing at Purgatory Ski Resort are popular winter activities. The views of the La Platas and Sleeping Ute are ever changing, awe inspiring, and constant from the deck of The Art Shack. On the property are cats, two dogs, two equines (you will hear our burro braying). Our neighbors have yaks, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, horses, poultry, and other farm animals. You will also see the wild critters that inhabit our corner of La Plata County. You are welcome to wander our property beyond the Big Stick Ditch but do not go into the pasture with our burro or enter any of the out buildings. Park within steps of the Art Shack, cross the foot bridge over the bubbling irrigation ditch, and you have arrived! Please remove your shoes before entering! There is electricity, a queen bed, rustic chairs inside, an outdoor table and chairs, a composting toilet, a coffee machine, and purified drinking water for your use. An electric heater is supplied during winter months. There is no air conditioning. We are available if needed (unless we are out of town adventuring) but will not expect to interact with you as you relax. No dogs are allowed - 2 people max - No smoking of lit substances inside The Art Shack. Please remove your shoes before entering The Art Shack!
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night
Fall in the canyon. Taken from the Ladder Alcove, just around the corner from the Cliff House.

NOTE: the tipi is no longer on the property

15. Sage Canyon

100%
(7)
47mi from Rico · 2 sites · Lodging · Towaoc, CO
Stay on the flank of Sleeping Ute Mountain in historic McElmo Canyon just 40 minutes from Mesa Verde and 20 minutes from the town of Cortez. Our property features red rock cliff walls, a private rock alcove, comfortable amenities, internet, and sweeping mountain views. A perfect place to base yourself for your next creative endeavor or for rejuvenating and exploring in the wilds of the four corners. Head just 10 minutes down canyon to Sand Canyon—public access to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument—for hiking and mountain biking trails. Further down Road G is Hovenweep National Monument where you can view Pueblo ruins precariously built on top of boulders and canyon rims. At the end of the day, stop by our neighbor Sutcliffe Vineyards for year-round local wine tasting. Nearby - Telluride (2), Cedar Mesa and Monument Valley (1.5-2), the Four Corners Monument (45), Durango (1.25), Shiprock (45), Mesa Verde (40), Cortez (20), Hovenweep (45).
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$163
 / night

Looking for a luxurious camping experience by the river near Rico, Colorado? Hipcamp offers over 570 options with glamping and river access in this area. You can find options as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $47 per night. Check out the top-rated campsites such as The Needles Outpost Campground (811 reviews), Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), and The Views at Gateway (243 reviews). Popular amenities include pet-friendly sites, showers, and potable water. For the adventurous, there are plenty of activities like whitewater paddling, boating, and wind sports.

98% (859)

Top-rated campgrounds

HTR Durango

2. HTR Durango

98%
(27)
27mi from Rico · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO
CLOSED FOR WINTER NOV 1, 2025 - APRIL 30, 2026. ***Dry camping is May 1-14, 2026 & October 12-31. Only electric is available. Bathhouses and pool are closed. No cabin or tent campers. Only accepting reservations for self-contained RVs during dry camping season. The only water available is at the front of the park at the fill-up station. The RV sites do not have water or sewer, but they do have electricity. Our staff is available on-call.*** Nestled in a protected box canyon surrounded by high cliffs of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine and just minutes to downtown Durango, HTR Durango, formerly Lightner Creek Campground, is located on a seasonal mountain stream, making it an ideal setting for nature lovers of all ages. The paved county road off HWY 160W to our campground is well maintained, making the 1.5-mile drive easily accessible, regardless of what you bring. Enjoy various recreational activities in the Durango area, including many hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, river rafting, rock climbing, zip-lining, off-roading, horseback riding, shopping, dining, breweries, and much more. There is so much to see and do in the Four Corners Area! If you want a memorable vacation experience in Durango, look no further than HTR Durango. Please note wood burning fires are not allowed on property. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted. We require vaccination records upon arrival if you are bringing a dog. There is a $50 pet fee for cabin rentals.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
There are 3 Tipis in The Views area, this is the biggest, The Raven.

3. Bright Star Campground

98%
(779)
35mi from Rico · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO
We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, bathrooms, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. We are open from April - October. All of our sites and amenities can be booked for retreats or events. There are two large covered pavilions. We customize reservations for small and large groups or longer stays. There are furnished tipis, camping cabins, tent/RV/van sites, and a Navajo Hogan (wooden yurt). Bright Star Campground: Originally established in 2012 as a church camp, it is now a place to connect, create, and rejuvenate in this spectacular high desert landscape. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic views of the Four Corners region, and only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many attractions nearby, such as Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. We are located 45 minutes from Durango, 1.5 hours from Telluride, and about 2 hours from Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). The nearest airport is in Durango. The nearest large international airports are in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

6. Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

100%
(1)
47mi from Rico · 1 site · Lodging · Cortez, CO
Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$175
 / night
Dandelion art installation.

8. CampV Colorado

97%
(45)
49mi from Rico · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Naturita, CO
Inspired Shelter for the Spirited Wanderer CampV was established in 1942 by the Vanadium Corporation to house the engineers who worked in the uranium mines outside of Naturita, Colorado. In 2020, this historic gem was restored by StudioVille Crew to welcome wanderers to a remote and scenic corner of SW Colorado. Discover your Wild without the crowds. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails and 120 acres to explore, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Jupes, airstreams or river front camping. Through our arts non-profit WEarts, explorers can experience our curated art and support art and creative programming in a rural community. When you’re ready for a mission, check out Planet V, our annual arts and music gathering over Memorial Day and prepare to lift off.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
The Art Shack A Tiny Glamping Cabin

11. The Art Shack A Tiny Glamping Cabin

100%
(7)
35mi from Rico · 1 site · Lodging · Hesperus, CO
We are in the rural area between Hesperus, Durango, and Mancos - An easy drive to Durango and its thrift shops, restaurants, galleries, cafes, Animas River and River Trail, and hiking and biking trails. Mancos is filled with art galleries, a wonderful bakery and cafe, beauty, and endless trails. Also within driving distance are Phil's World, Cortez, Sand Canyon, the beautiful La Plata Canyon, Mesa Verde National Park, Lake NIghthorse, and more! There are endless hiking and biking trails within driving distance of the property. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing abound and alpine skiing at Purgatory Ski Resort are popular winter activities. The views of the La Platas and Sleeping Ute are ever changing, awe inspiring, and constant from the deck of The Art Shack. On the property are cats, two dogs, two equines (you will hear our burro braying). Our neighbors have yaks, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, horses, poultry, and other farm animals. You will also see the wild critters that inhabit our corner of La Plata County. You are welcome to wander our property beyond the Big Stick Ditch but do not go into the pasture with our burro or enter any of the out buildings. Park within steps of the Art Shack, cross the foot bridge over the bubbling irrigation ditch, and you have arrived! Please remove your shoes before entering! There is electricity, a queen bed, rustic chairs inside, an outdoor table and chairs, a composting toilet, a coffee machine, and purified drinking water for your use. An electric heater is supplied during winter months. There is no air conditioning. We are available if needed (unless we are out of town adventuring) but will not expect to interact with you as you relax. No dogs are allowed - 2 people max - No smoking of lit substances inside The Art Shack. Please remove your shoes before entering The Art Shack!
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night
Fall in the canyon. Taken from the Ladder Alcove, just around the corner from the Cliff House.

NOTE: the tipi is no longer on the property

15. Sage Canyon

100%
(7)
47mi from Rico · 2 sites · Lodging · Towaoc, CO
Stay on the flank of Sleeping Ute Mountain in historic McElmo Canyon just 40 minutes from Mesa Verde and 20 minutes from the town of Cortez. Our property features red rock cliff walls, a private rock alcove, comfortable amenities, internet, and sweeping mountain views. A perfect place to base yourself for your next creative endeavor or for rejuvenating and exploring in the wilds of the four corners. Head just 10 minutes down canyon to Sand Canyon—public access to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument—for hiking and mountain biking trails. Further down Road G is Hovenweep National Monument where you can view Pueblo ruins precariously built on top of boulders and canyon rims. At the end of the day, stop by our neighbor Sutcliffe Vineyards for year-round local wine tasting. Nearby - Telluride (2), Cedar Mesa and Monument Valley (1.5-2), the Four Corners Monument (45), Durango (1.25), Shiprock (45), Mesa Verde (40), Cortez (20), Hovenweep (45).
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$163
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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