It’s no secret that Colorado is an outdoor lover’s vacation hot spot. With four national parks, 42 state parks, access to eight national wildlife refuges, and over 300 state wildlife refuges, plenty of nature’s playground is available here for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. According to a report compiled by the Colorado Tourism Office, 60% of overnight visitors participate in some outdoor activity in the state.

That’s higher than the 48% national average. Residents are lucky. We are usually no more than a 30-minute drive from a natural scenic location where we can bike, hike, camp, birdwatch, raft, paddleboard, or stargaze.

A new breed of accommodations is beginning to fill the needs of campers and outdoor recreational enthusiasts who desire a more immersive natural location to stay overnight — a place that plants them in the place where they want to play and relax. Answering this call are glamping resorts near national parks, modern cabins set in a forest, private upscale campgrounds, and adventure hotels focused on the outdoor experience. From major renovations and additions to brand-spanking-new, we present a sampling of Colorado lodging for those seeking a connection with the outdoors, whether tent camping or a luxury resort.

This new hotel company chose Colorado to develop its first property. The Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountains Outpost debuted in Estes Park in late 2023. Trailborn is a new outdoors-focused hotel brand for adventure and nature lovers with.