Editor's Note: Since the time of writing, we have learned that Collective Vail has permanently closed.

A late afternoon rain played a gentle serenade on the roof of our tent as I unpacked my book, turned on the electric kettle, climbed into bed and slid under a brightly patterned Pendleton blanket. My husband and I had just been dropped off at the Castle Peak tent for an overnight at Collective Vail in Wolcott, Colorado. The parking lot was just down the hill, easily accessed from a sage-lined path, but Bobby and I welcomed the scenic, dirt road ride to our accommodations.

The kettle whistled and I moved quickly to make tea so I could get back under the cozy warmth. I considered the destination’s description as a “luxury camping retreat” as I watched the steam rise from my mug. We’d left the front flap of our tent door open and angled to keep out any rain, and my gaze moved forward to the expanse of land that houses Collective Vail and its seasonal tents. These 1,000 acres on 4 Eagle Range are a small piece of the West that still feels mostly wild.

A retreat, most certainly, I thought, and camping, well yes, the rain on the roof reminds me of that. And what makes it all luxury? The details. I looked around the heated room, touched the plush bedding and recalled the tent’s private bathroom and its deluxe soap. Oh yes, all the details.

A nap was tempting as my eyes fell heavily over the words in my book, but we’d set up the Bubbly & Branding experience as a memorable way to kick off our stay. In just a few minutes we had walked to Three Peaks Lodge, sipping sparkling wine and branding a custom cutting board by the campfire. This happy hour activity rolled us right into a multi-course dinner, uniquely themed this evening as a tasting menu inspired by the Perseid meteor shower. Collective Vail’s chefs embrace open flame cooking and local, seasonal ingredients, and the quaint setting of Three Peaks Lodge makes for a friendly dining experience alongside other guests.

Our weather didn’t play nice for viewing the meteor shower, but we were happy to head back to the tent to enjoy the rain soundtrack and a night of deep, retreat-worthy sleep. Morning arrived like the sun rising, a calm yet bright salutation, and we sat with coffee on our tent porch to drink in the land’s rugged and spacious beauty.

Guests who spend a full day at Collective Vail can check out a number of activities available, from fly fishing and mountain biking to horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Local liquid arts can be enjoyed through the barrel tasting and winemaking workshops at Vines at Vail Winery, as well as tours and tastings at the 10th Mountain Division Distillery. Thrill-seekers can enjoy zip lining over Alkali Creek, or Jeep and ATV tours of the Castle Peak Wilderness Area.

We stopped back over at Three Peaks Lodge for breakfast and to make a plan for our day ahead. Even with all the outdoor activity options available, it was temping to retreat back to the tent and slide under that woolen blanket with a mug of tea. Sometimes a memorable adventure looks less like roughing it and more like reveling in an experience that’s a little more refined.

Originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Collective Vail at 4 Eagle Ranch