Despite glamping’s popularity, camping with a king-size bed isn’t possible—or permissible—just anywhere. Through Denver’s Collective Retreats, however, options abound. The company leases land (think: bucolic farms, urban islands) from private owners, allowing you to overnight in places you normally wouldn’t be able to stay. Plus, Collective’s locations feature luxury tents and local culinary offerings, like Collective Vail’s marshmallows infused with 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company bourbon. If that doesn’t tempt you to add Collective Retreats to your travel plans, one of these sites just might.

Collective Vail

Wolcott, Colorado
Opened: Summer 2015
The Setting: Collective Retreats’ original location (which is growing from six to 10 tents this summer) shares land with 4 Eagle Ranch. For a classic Colorado experience, go full cowboy and sign up for horseback rides in the Sawatch Range or take part in a cattle drive. Or you can trade your saddle for a paddle with a white-water rafting trip on the Upper Colorado River. Whatever your adventure, the Vines at Vail winery—located near the ranch—offers a prime way to wind down with complimentary
wine tastings.
Available: Mid-May through mid-October
Book It: $500–$700/night

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Collective Hudson Valley

Hudson, New York
Opened: Summer 2017
The Setting: Visit in the fall, when the Berkshire Mountains’ vivid foliage improves the already stunning scenery surrounding Liberty Farms, your base of operations. When you’re not leaf-peeping on the trail, experience organic farm life by picking produce or tidying the barn. Those more interested in R&R can sample the pear brandy at Harvest Spirits Farm Distillery in the town of Valatie. Originally opened with five guest units, the retreat is expanding to 10 tents this summer.
Available: Mid-April through October
Book It: $500–$700/night

Photo Courtesy of Collective Retreats

Collective Hill Country

Wimberley, Texas
Opened: March 2018
The Setting: Twelve luxury tents are nestled in Texas Hill Country above 225-acre Montesino Ranch and organic farm, which provides most of the retreat’s food, including dishes like wild boar osso bucco. Between meals, guests can enjoy horseback rides or guided gallery tours in nearby Wimberley.
Available: Mid-September through mid-June
Book It: $400–$550/night

Collective Governors Island

Governors Island, New York
Opening: May 2018
The Setting:Collective Retreats’ newest addition offers the first seasonal overnight accommodations available on 172-acre Governors Island in New York Harbor. A short ferry ride brings you to your lodging (45 units, including 10 luxury tents and 27 bell tents with shared bathrooms) with views of the Statue of Liberty.
Available: End of March through October
Book It: $150–$850/night

Collective Yellowstone

Big Sky, Montana
Opened: Summer 2016
The Setting: Ten retreats sit along the gleaming waters of Lee’s Pool, just outside of Yellowstone National Park. The location is gold for fishermen, as it’s positioned between two of the country’s top trout runs: the Madison and Gallatin rivers. Guests also have access to the members-only Moonlight Basin Club and its golf course, spa, and private hiking and biking trails.
Available: Mid-June through September
Book It: $500–$700/night

Photo Courtesy of Collective Retreats

This article was originally published in 5280 April 2018.
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.