Summer goes 'retro' at vintage campsite in southern Colorado

If camping isn't your thing, you might want to give 'glamping' a try at the Starlite Classic Campground near Canon City.

Summertime draws us outside, slows us down and can even make us nostalgic.

If you are looking for that retro-summer experience, you do not have to look very far outside the Denver metro area.

There is a place in southern Colorado that lets you step back in time to a simpler, happier way of life, even if it is just for a weekend.

"This is more like 'glamping', it is a very social campground," said owner Sylvia Davids, "So many of our guests love the fact their kids put down their phones, ride bikes, throw frisbees, like kids used to do in the olden days."

The Starlite Classic Campground is a one of a kind experience. 

If "glamping" is short for glamorous camping, then the Starlite is taking it a step further by "vamping" it's vintage style, too.

Sylvia Davids and her partner Larry Hill, who restores many of the trailers, combined their collections of these vintage gems to share and enjoy their passion with their patrons.

Starlite is nestled near the Royal Gorge, just off County Road 3A in Canon City. 

But when you book a visit, don't ask them to pick a trailer out for you.

"My response is, 'Which of your children is your favorite?' I love them each in their own way and for their own reasons," said David.

There are nine vintage campers of various sizes and themes to choose from, each meticulously restored and decorated to the finest detail.

Each vintage trailer has a name in keeping with that theme, like The Flamingo Lounge, Lucy, Sally, Shaggy, and Tikibago to name a few.

There are plenty of hook-ups on site for friends who prefer an RV or want to tent camp alongside.

The grounds have a beautiful view of the Royal Gorge Bridge just a mile away.

There is a pool and a putt-putt golf course on the property, as well as free bikes to use at the campground.

Check out the store for vintage finds and souvenirs or that bag of marshmallows you forgot to grab to use at the fire ring outside your campsite.

Your hosts are happy to make rafting reservations or direct you to the segway rentals across the street, new dinosaur experience just up the road or antiquing recommendations in Florence.

The Starlite Classic Campground is open until October 2nd. You can visit to pick up a brochure, but to protect the privacy of visitors you are not able to drive around campground.