The Unique Colorado Glampground You’ll Remember Forever

The Centennial State is home to many beautiful boutique hotels with lavish amenities and stunning views, but if you’re looking for more unusual places to stay in Colorado, you’ll want to add Royal Gorge Cabins at Echo Canyon in Cañon City to your list. The unexpected glampground is located just minutes from the world-renowned Royal Gorge Bridge & Park—one of the deepest canyons in the U.S.—making it the nearest accommodations to one of the nation’s most remarkable natural wonders. 

Arguably one of the most unique places to stay in Colorado, the Royal Gorge Cabins at Echo Canyon are a fabulous option for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, couples, families, and groups of friends. Plus, located roughly 2.5 hours southwest of Denver and just an hour southwest of Colorado Springs, the one-of-a-kind glampground is a fabulous option for weekend trips in Colorado. Keep reading to learn what makes these off-the-beaten-path tents such a memorable stay.

Why This Unique Glampground in Colorado Stands Out

Before getting to the tents themselves, let’s talk about the surroundings. As a refresher, the Royal Gorge—AKA “the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas”—is a 1,250-foot-deep granite canyon that was carved out by the flow of the Arkansas River over the course of three million years. (Fun Fact: The granite itself is said to be over 1.7 billion years old, making the gorge all the more jaw-dropping.) In the late 1800s, the Royal Gorge Railroad was constructed at the bottom of the gorge, alongside the rushing river, to accommodate silver and lead mining efforts in the area. 

Long thought to be a sight to behold, in 1929, the gorge became even more breathtaking when the Royal Gorge Bridge was built across the gap, stretching 1,260 feet from end to end, hovering over 950 feet above the Arkansas—making it the tallest suspension bridge in the world, a title it held for over 70 years. From that moment on, Colorado’s Royal Gorge became a must-see, middle-of-nowhere tourist attraction well worth the detour. 

Today, the popular park attracts 350,000 to 500,000 visitors a year with its shocking depth, knee-shaking, Douglas Fir-planked bridge, and beautiful panoramic views—and by booking a stay at Royal Gorge Cabins at Echo Canyon, visitors can finally enjoy the spectacular scenery (and surrounding outdoor recreation) for more than just a few hours. 

The best part about staying at this gorgeous glampground? In addition to rustic-luxe accommodations, visitors gain access to world-class stargazing on-site, not to mention miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails in the area. Cañon City is also known to be home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. In short, booking a tent (or a cabin, if you prefer solid walls) at Royal Gorge Cabins at Echo Canyon pretty much guarantees an unforgettable adventure. 

What to Expect From This One-of-a-Kind Stay

At Royal Gorge Cabins at Echo Canyon, location plays a huge role, but it’s not the only highlight of the glampground. The accommodations are genuinely notable. Visitors have the option to book single or double queen tents, or single or double king cabins, both of which accommodate two to four guests, respectively. The difference between booking a tent versus a cabin, apart from the size of the bed, boils down to the amenities. While both types of accommodations are equipped with plush bedding, sitting areas, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi, tent guests have access to a 24-hour shower house and bathrooms, while the cabins feature a kitchenette, bathroom, and TVs. Additionally, cabins are dog-friendly; tents are not. 

What to Know Before You Go

While some people might find that glamping in a tent without entertainment or an in-room bathroom is for the birds, others might just view it as one of the most romantic getaways in Colorado, as it encourages quality time and screen-free connection. If that rings a bell, be sure to plan accordingly. The Royal Gorge Cabins at Echo Canyon glamping tents are only available for rent May through September, as they aren’t equipped with heat. Meanwhile, the micro cabins are available year-round. 

Other things to keep in mind are privacy and bugs (or, worst-case, snakes and larger critters). As aesthetically pleasing and well-maintained as the glamping tents are, they are ultimately tents. As such, the canvas siding glows and shows silhouettes while lights are on, so do with that what you will. Additionally, they're not impenetrable to creepy crawlers; it’s important to keep your door and window screens closed to keep unwanted intruders from entering the space.

All in all, whether you’re a glamper or a cozy cabin dweller, this unique Colorado glampground delivers on all fronts. Happy planning!