Glamptuary Review - Camp V
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE A STAY IN A HISTORIC MINING CABIN, LIVE MUSIC, AND LARGER THAN LIFE ART INSTALLATIONS THAT HAVE GRACED THE DESERT FLOOR OF BURNING MAN.
Bobby and Bruce Wright, Co-Owner of Camp V, standing near The Pariah Express
Our travels to Glamptuarys are always inspiring.
Sometimes it’s the setting in nature. Sometimes it’s the animals on the property. Sometimes it’s the opportunities to learn. And in the case of Camp V located near the town of Naturita, CO, it was the art that left us feeling inspired and wanting more.
I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing Burning Man yet.
I emphasize the word YET.
After our visit to CAMP V, which is located in the often unspoken about region of southwest Colorado, I’m even more motivated to make my first “burn” a reality at Black Rock City.
Seeing is believing, and I was fortunate enough to see the iconic bus that has made 17 appearances at Burning Man. It’s called The Pariah Express and it’s creator (and co-owner of Camp V) Bruce Wright game me a personal tour of the mobile party bus.
Bruce, along with his wife Jodie Wright, and Camp V’s lead developer and founder Natalie Binder, host a collection of impressive art installations that have also graced Burning Man over the years. We saw some of these pieces of art immediately as we entered the gates of Camp V.
Camp V was purchased by Natalie, Jodie and Bruce and has been in a renovation process since, with the doors opening to the public in 2020.
Set in the abandoned Colorado uranium town of Vancorum, Camp V has become a destination for artists, creatives, campers, glampers, nature lovers, musicians, and passers-by in a remote region of southwest Colorado.
There are a variety of glamping structures available at Camp V including Jupes, Tipis, Airstreams, Bell Tents, Safari Tents, a Tiny Home, and Cabins.
We elected to stay in one of the cabins originally built in the 1940’s back when Uranium was being mined nearby. The cabins housed the mine management and the area where the cabins are located was called “snob hill” by the miners.
Our cabin at Camp V - original exterior built in the 1940’s.
The original structures have remained the same, with the interiors having been refurbished with modern designs and amenities which made our stay comfortable and cozy.
The creative spirit that inhabits the landscape of Camp V also inhabits the interiors of the glamping structures on property. The vintage records and record player, the branded robes, and the creative expressions on every day cleaning products did not go unnoticed (and were very much appreciated).
In addition to the art installations you can discover on the 120 acre property, there is also a wonderful swimming pond which is purified by an aquifer. There are some floatation toys for use near the pond, along with a floating bar that’s tended during scheduled events at Camp V. I made use of the SUP and refreshing water before evening set in.
After toweling off, I headed back to our cabin and began working on a grilled steak dinner with corn on the cob and potato. Camp V’s grills worked perfectly!
The results speak for themselves.
After a scrumptious dinner, we headed over to the Manager’s Cabin for some live music from Logan Bragg and Dani-Rae Clark. We sat around the campfire, listened to some great Bluegrass, and watched the sun set over the horizon…
As the music wrapped up and darkness fell over Camp V - we strolled through the property taking in some of the installations best viewed at night.
Feeling fulfilled in both sustenance and creativity…we headed back to our miners cabin and to bed.
After a restful night’s sleep, we awoke and made our way down to say good-bye to our hosts, and grabbed a tasty coffee supplied by one of the lovely Camp V worker bees for the road.
Camp V hosts a number of events throughout the year and as you’d guess - they host a mini-burning man event aptly named “V-Fest.”
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend, or a highly charged party - Camp V truly offers something for everyone.
Maybe I’ll warm up with V Fest before taking the full plunge into Burning Man. Will I see you there? Only time will tell…
Booking: Directly on the CAMP V Website
Nearest Major Airport: Salt Lake City Airport, Utah
Nearest Regional Airport: Telluride Regional Airport
Drive times: 1.5 hour drive from Telluride Airport, 5.5 hour drive from Salt Lake City Airport, 6 hour drive from Denver, CO
Nearest town is Naturita, Colorado - 2.3 miles away (6 minute drive)
Nearest hospital - Community Hospital - 98 miles away (1.5 hour drive)
Paved road access, groomed and dirt/rock roads inside the property with parking on property
Meal service available as a pre-order, occasional coffee service provided on site
Coffee and tea provided ensuite
Full kitchen available in cabins
Full bathroom ensuite
Towels and toiletries provided.
Wi-Fi available.
Dog-friendly.
Family-friendly.
Events scheduled year round, check website for schedules
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