Camping in Trinidad, CO, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
Colorado
—
Trinidad

86% (343 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Trinidad

Top camping destinations

This was taken (with a 400mm lens) in the parking lot at the store below the campground. The sand dunes sit on the west edge of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and so see some pretty awesome sunsets.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Carson National Forest

518 campgrounds

San Isabel National Forest

742 campgrounds

Available this weekend

Booked 1 time

12 top campgrounds near Trinidad

99%

(85)

Mountains, Trains, and Sand Dunes

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Fort Garland, CO

As the Scenic Passenger Train is heard in the distance you'll look up towards Mount Blanca and imagine your next adventure living among the wildflowers of this High Desert Mountain Hipcamp. After recovering from a wildfire, the ancient sage brushes that had previously made the land harsh and unwelcoming are gone, replaced with an abundance of grasses and wildflowers. Open Land as far as you can go to the East you'll follow the Coyote canyon to high mountain lookouts. There are old logging maintenance roads you should take advantage of. Hike, Bike or Motor around the local area. Fort Garland and Blanca have a community center (pool), septic dump and water fill and can provide groceries. The Great Sand dunes are about 45 minutes away. The Sand Dunes swimming pool, fed by a very hot artisan well is about an hour away. Mountain Home Lake is also within 1/2 an hour or so for fishing/water sports with a nice boat ramp. Escape from light pollution like never before, a clear night sky will make the whole trip worthwhile! Lots of wild life and you will most likely see some deer, hear the coyotes, and count the different colors of the humming birds. You can book a train ride out of Alamosa, and visit the local historic towns. The views will make it hard to leave the campsite, but there are tons of experiences and things to do in the area so make sure to do some research before you arrive. The weather and wind can be unpredictable in the mountains, so be prepared. There are two entrances onto the property, one at the bottom and one at the top. You can avoid some wind by camping near Lewis-Smith Rd at the lowest part of the land. Also, the site can accommodate large trailers/RV's but just make sure to plan your entrance/exit carefully and don't go to far down the hills. Just choose a wise spot to park if in a big rig. There are some small tires around that you can use to sit on or if you dig a hole that you fill in before leaving you can make a temporary toilet. Make sure to haul out all your trash and leave the site cleaner than it was when you arrived and respect the land. If you do come across a mess from the previous camper and clean it up, just let us know and we will give you a refund for the night. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Purgatory Riverbottoms

8 sites · Tents5 acres · Trinidad, CO

If camsites are full, contact me. There is tons of space. Upon arrival, come straight down Cottonwood Avenue past the private signs where the asphalt ends and straight to the Teepee. We are on a Peninsula with the river on one side and an irrigation creek down the other. We own 1/4 stretch along the river across from the riverwalk and downtown. The "Trinidad" lights shine down from atop Simpsons Rest which is a public area. It has an incredible view of Trinidad ans hidden caves and areas to explore as well. The area we own is Picketwire Valley. It was renamed Picketwire because the French couldn't pronounce Purgatory. The French retreated to Simpsons Rest are were surrounded by Indians and were starved etc. The large caves they hid in, have since covered over.

RADZ Retreat

3 sites · RVs35 acres · Walsenburg, CO

RADZ Retreat is our personal get away and we long to be good stewards of the land and share it with you. There are 2 full RV hooks ups with 30, 50, and 20 Amps each with water and dump. There is also 1 dry camping spot and you can use water and dump on site. There are 35 acres to hike and watch wildlife. We are a short 5 min drive to Lathrop and into Walsenburg. There is a 200 ft elevation hike to enjoy beautiful views of the Spanish Peaks and Cuchara river valley. Be on the look out for elk, deer, turkey and more.

100%

(40)

Earth Mountain Education Farm

30 sites · Tents40 acres · Weston, CO

In 2002, Earth Mountain was vacant land that offered itself to us in a way of a calling. It is an unforgettable experience whether camping here or participating in a program. Earth Mtn. is a 40 acre basecamp with 480 surrounding acres of forest. It is a high vibration place with lots to offer. The stars are completely amazing, we are so far off the beaten path that there is no light pollution! We welcome you to share in this wonderful sacred space.Learn more about this land:Earth Mtn. is a working permaculture, off-grid farm at 8000' in the backcountry of the beautiful Sangre De Cristo Mtns. We are located 1 hr. from Trinidad, CO. We have a private wooded campground area close to a small pond. Camping here will give you a wonderful sacred space to rest, learn and enjoy. Organic food is available to pick and pay during farming season. A great place for the whole family!

Rugged Treeline Acres

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · San Luis, CO

Secluded from it all! This private 7 acre land sits at 10,500 feet in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Surrounded by pine and aspen trees with clear views of the skies for maximum star gazing. Roads in are graded dirt best accessed by 4x4 or all-wheel drive. It can get muddy during rain storms and snow is possible during the summer. Drive right in to access multiple flat spots to setup your site. Views are plentiful! This is as rugged as it gets. This high alpine location provides stunning views and endless chill time. This location is smack-dab in the middle of one of the largest elk herds in the world. There are plenty of deer, bear and the occasional moose. This is steep country - bring your trekking poles! There is plenty to explore on the land, plus miles of hiking on Forbes road. You'll be roughly and hour away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, 40 mins from Ft Garland and under 2 hours to Taos, NM The location is surrounded by private property so hiking off the main road is limited.

Cedar Hills Oliva Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents105 acres · Walsenburg, CO

Cedar Hills Oliva Ranch is a 105-acre ranch with nine 11.6-acre campsites, each of them on beautiful and varying heights and terrain, with a secluded feel as each is located out of view from the other campsites. They are excellent for "primitive" camping year-round, and comprise wildlife (deer, elk, bear, hawks, antelope, etc.), grassy meadows, cedar-covered hills both gradual and steep, sandstone rock formations, seasonal white sand arroyos, and the occasional cattle wandering through. Because of its southern Colorado geography, snow typically does not accumulate deeper than 3"-4", even in the deepest winter months, so it makes camping just as easy and pleasant from November through March. Each campsite has its own character and unique views of nature, so nine camping trips on each of our sites will feel different from the previous adventure, each presenting a distinctly intimate feel. Additionally, a great benefit of Cedar Hills Oliva Ranch is while campers may enjoy deafening silence and see every star in the Milky Way Galaxy on a clear night, just 10 minutes from the ranch south on CR 69 lies a 24-hour gas station and three fast food restaurants. From there, another 5 minutes south, is the historic town of Walsenburg, where you may find expanded restaurant choices, a Safeway, and hardware store for other provisions - and more! In case of a "medical mishap," Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is approximately 18 minutes from any of our campsites, and open 24 hours. Lastly, while not visible from the ranch, a new cell tower was erected approximately 2 miles northeast and is very reliable from anywhere on the ranch when having a clear view of the eastern horizon. We look forward to hosting you and your fellow campers at Cedar Hills Oliva Ranch. It is beautiful, private and secluded, and provides a great environment for all ages and levels of spirit. And if needed, the anchors of modern convenience and necessities are not far. If not heaven itself, we feel our ranch is at least in the same zip code. See you soon!

Nicki's Playground

4 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Fort Garland, CO

Amazing views of the valley, lake, and 14'er peaks can be seen from the high point on the property. Birds. squirls, and fresh air can all be had here. Once the evening sunset has cast its brilliant orange rays, prepare for the most incredible stars. With little to no light pollution this basecamp will amaze you for generations. Camp here and go exploring the miles of trails surrounding the area, climb mountains, and see the sand dunes. Relax and crack a beer or enjoy some CO friendly 420 time.

70%

(5)

Campground at Jamail Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Trinidad, CO

5 campsites on 40 acres with Liberty coal mine Unique raw land close to Trinidad, Colorado, USA. 5 unique campsites available This area was involved in the Colorado Coalfield War and has many artifacts to explore. The old Liberty mine site is available to explore. Near the infamous Ludlow, Colorado. I have 40 acres of raw land for camping use. Surrounded by BLM land. No hunting on property. Defunct Liberty coal mine ruins and other Coalfield mine wars ruins onsite to explore.

76%

(38)

Mt. Blanca View Camp

6 sites · Tents5 acres · Fort Garland, CO

My wife and I were drawn to the beauty of the San Luis Valley with it’s rich Native American, Spanish and early American History. This valley is also the World’s largest Alpine Valley with the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the east and the San Juan mountains to the West. Truly beautiful countryside. Our 5 acre parcel is within a 56,160 acre rural subdivision that the Forbes family sold back in the 1970’s. Our parcel is at 8,800 elevation. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent underneath Ponderosas or among century old Piñon pines. Great view of Snow capped Mount Blanca to the Northeast all at 8,750 above sea level. There’s a peaceful, quiet, private sense of being on the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The San Luis Valley is also visible below and beyond to the West. Amazing night sky views, you'll feel like you are the only humans enjoying the setting. There are approximately 5000 acres of nearby greenbelt with forest, hills, valleys and alpine meadows for hiking and exploring up the road. I can send you coordinates and maps, or you can easily view on the "On X Offroad" GPS app. The area is secluded and primitive as current status. You will see a double gated entry with posts. The newly made driveway leads down the hill to a cleared area where you can park your vehicle. We will provide GPS coordinates to your reserved campsite as well as the entry gate lock combination. We recommend using "On X Offroad" GPS app, it works better than Google Maps. There is ample distance between each campsite and plenty of trees to hang hammocks or suspended tree tents.

Booked 1 time

Streamside

1 site · Tent30 acres · Trinidad, CO

Conveniently located near several restaurants and dispensaries, souvenirs and nightlife, off Main Street in Trinidad CO. Come experience the Beautiful mountain view. Camp right near a picturesque stream and appreciate the beauty of the southern Colorado night sky. Portoilet on site and water access.

92%

(13)

Gonzo’s Grove

2 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Aguilar, CO

Learn more about this land:A secluded high desert oasis with over 1,000 feet of elevation change. Piñon pines and junipers cover the ranch with tons of hiking trails and old mines

Apache Ghost Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent38 acres · Colorado City, CO

38 acres of true American West in the historic town of Lascar, CO. The original Lascar Post Office and Genreal Store remains are on the lot to the south. The property still has the original Cedar limb barbedwire fence standing strong after wing placed 150 years ago this year (2022). Enjoy the night sky with more stars above than you knew were out there, watch Starling earily streak across the sky and listen to the wolves howl after a successful hunt. Just a short 15 min drive put you in Colorado City or 25 mins to Walsenberg, continue west from Walsenberg to the Great Sand Dunes NP or explore the beautiful Wet Mountains, Spanish Peaks or San Isabel N.F.

Under $50

99%

(85)

Mountains, Trains, and Sand Dunes

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Fort Garland, CO

As the Scenic Passenger Train is heard in the distance you'll look up towards Mount Blanca and imagine your next adventure living among the wildflowers of this High Desert Mountain Hipcamp. After recovering from a wildfire, the ancient sage brushes that had previously made the land harsh and unwelcoming are gone, replaced with an abundance of grasses and wildflowers. Open Land as far as you can go to the East you'll follow the Coyote canyon to high mountain lookouts. There are old logging maintenance roads you should take advantage of. Hike, Bike or Motor around the local area. Fort Garland and Blanca have a community center (pool), septic dump and water fill and can provide groceries. The Great Sand dunes are about 45 minutes away. The Sand Dunes swimming pool, fed by a very hot artisan well is about an hour away. Mountain Home Lake is also within 1/2 an hour or so for fishing/water sports with a nice boat ramp. Escape from light pollution like never before, a clear night sky will make the whole trip worthwhile! Lots of wild life and you will most likely see some deer, hear the coyotes, and count the different colors of the humming birds. You can book a train ride out of Alamosa, and visit the local historic towns. The views will make it hard to leave the campsite, but there are tons of experiences and things to do in the area so make sure to do some research before you arrive. The weather and wind can be unpredictable in the mountains, so be prepared. There are two entrances onto the property, one at the bottom and one at the top. You can avoid some wind by camping near Lewis-Smith Rd at the lowest part of the land. Also, the site can accommodate large trailers/RV's but just make sure to plan your entrance/exit carefully and don't go to far down the hills. Just choose a wise spot to park if in a big rig. There are some small tires around that you can use to sit on or if you dig a hole that you fill in before leaving you can make a temporary toilet. Make sure to haul out all your trash and leave the site cleaner than it was when you arrived and respect the land. If you do come across a mess from the previous camper and clean it up, just let us know and we will give you a refund for the night. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

RADZ Retreat

3 sites · RVs35 acres · Walsenburg, CO

RADZ Retreat is our personal get away and we long to be good stewards of the land and share it with you. There are 2 full RV hooks ups with 30, 50, and 20 Amps each with water and dump. There is also 1 dry camping spot and you can use water and dump on site. There are 35 acres to hike and watch wildlife. We are a short 5 min drive to Lathrop and into Walsenburg. There is a 200 ft elevation hike to enjoy beautiful views of the Spanish Peaks and Cuchara river valley. Be on the look out for elk, deer, turkey and more.

Earth Mountain Education Farm

30 sites · Tents40 acres · Weston, CO

In 2002, Earth Mountain was vacant land that offered itself to us in a way of a calling. It is an unforgettable experience whether camping here or participating in a program. Earth Mtn. is a 40 acre basecamp with 480 surrounding acres of forest. It is a high vibration place with lots to offer. The stars are completely amazing, we are so far off the beaten path that there is no light pollution! We welcome you to share in this wonderful sacred space.Learn more about this land:Earth Mtn. is a working permaculture, off-grid farm at 8000' in the backcountry of the beautiful Sangre De Cristo Mtns. We are located 1 hr. from Trinidad, CO. We have a private wooded campground area close to a small pond. Camping here will give you a wonderful sacred space to rest, learn and enjoy. Organic food is available to pick and pay during farming season. A great place for the whole family!

Purgatory Riverbottoms

8 sites · Tents5 acres · Trinidad, CO

If camsites are full, contact me. There is tons of space. Upon arrival, come straight down Cottonwood Avenue past the private signs where the asphalt ends and straight to the Teepee. We are on a Peninsula with the river on one side and an irrigation creek down the other. We own 1/4 stretch along the river across from the riverwalk and downtown. The "Trinidad" lights shine down from atop Simpsons Rest which is a public area. It has an incredible view of Trinidad ans hidden caves and areas to explore as well. The area we own is Picketwire Valley. It was renamed Picketwire because the French couldn't pronounce Purgatory. The French retreated to Simpsons Rest are were surrounded by Indians and were starved etc. The large caves they hid in, have since covered over.

Rugged Treeline Acres

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · San Luis, CO

Secluded from it all! This private 7 acre land sits at 10,500 feet in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Surrounded by pine and aspen trees with clear views of the skies for maximum star gazing. Roads in are graded dirt best accessed by 4x4 or all-wheel drive. It can get muddy during rain storms and snow is possible during the summer. Drive right in to access multiple flat spots to setup your site. Views are plentiful! This is as rugged as it gets. This high alpine location provides stunning views and endless chill time. This location is smack-dab in the middle of one of the largest elk herds in the world. There are plenty of deer, bear and the occasional moose. This is steep country - bring your trekking poles! There is plenty to explore on the land, plus miles of hiking on Forbes road. You'll be roughly and hour away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, 40 mins from Ft Garland and under 2 hours to Taos, NM The location is surrounded by private property so hiking off the main road is limited.

Dog-friendly getaways

94%

(412)

Purgatory Riverbottoms

8 sites · Tents5 acres · Trinidad, CO

If camsites are full, contact me. There is tons of space. Upon arrival, come straight down Cottonwood Avenue past the private signs where the asphalt ends and straight to the Teepee. We are on a Peninsula with the river on one side and an irrigation creek down the other. We own 1/4 stretch along the river across from the riverwalk and downtown. The "Trinidad" lights shine down from atop Simpsons Rest which is a public area. It has an incredible view of Trinidad ans hidden caves and areas to explore as well. The area we own is Picketwire Valley. It was renamed Picketwire because the French couldn't pronounce Purgatory. The French retreated to Simpsons Rest are were surrounded by Indians and were starved etc. The large caves they hid in, have since covered over.

99%

(85)

Mountains, Trains, and Sand Dunes

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Fort Garland, CO

As the Scenic Passenger Train is heard in the distance you'll look up towards Mount Blanca and imagine your next adventure living among the wildflowers of this High Desert Mountain Hipcamp. After recovering from a wildfire, the ancient sage brushes that had previously made the land harsh and unwelcoming are gone, replaced with an abundance of grasses and wildflowers. Open Land as far as you can go to the East you'll follow the Coyote canyon to high mountain lookouts. There are old logging maintenance roads you should take advantage of. Hike, Bike or Motor around the local area. Fort Garland and Blanca have a community center (pool), septic dump and water fill and can provide groceries. The Great Sand dunes are about 45 minutes away. The Sand Dunes swimming pool, fed by a very hot artisan well is about an hour away. Mountain Home Lake is also within 1/2 an hour or so for fishing/water sports with a nice boat ramp. Escape from light pollution like never before, a clear night sky will make the whole trip worthwhile! Lots of wild life and you will most likely see some deer, hear the coyotes, and count the different colors of the humming birds. You can book a train ride out of Alamosa, and visit the local historic towns. The views will make it hard to leave the campsite, but there are tons of experiences and things to do in the area so make sure to do some research before you arrive. The weather and wind can be unpredictable in the mountains, so be prepared. There are two entrances onto the property, one at the bottom and one at the top. You can avoid some wind by camping near Lewis-Smith Rd at the lowest part of the land. Also, the site can accommodate large trailers/RV's but just make sure to plan your entrance/exit carefully and don't go to far down the hills. Just choose a wise spot to park if in a big rig. There are some small tires around that you can use to sit on or if you dig a hole that you fill in before leaving you can make a temporary toilet. Make sure to haul out all your trash and leave the site cleaner than it was when you arrived and respect the land. If you do come across a mess from the previous camper and clean it up, just let us know and we will give you a refund for the night. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

RADZ Retreat

3 sites · RVs35 acres · Walsenburg, CO

RADZ Retreat is our personal get away and we long to be good stewards of the land and share it with you. There are 2 full RV hooks ups with 30, 50, and 20 Amps each with water and dump. There is also 1 dry camping spot and you can use water and dump on site. There are 35 acres to hike and watch wildlife. We are a short 5 min drive to Lathrop and into Walsenburg. There is a 200 ft elevation hike to enjoy beautiful views of the Spanish Peaks and Cuchara river valley. Be on the look out for elk, deer, turkey and more.

Rugged Treeline Acres

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · San Luis, CO

Secluded from it all! This private 7 acre land sits at 10,500 feet in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Surrounded by pine and aspen trees with clear views of the skies for maximum star gazing. Roads in are graded dirt best accessed by 4x4 or all-wheel drive. It can get muddy during rain storms and snow is possible during the summer. Drive right in to access multiple flat spots to setup your site. Views are plentiful! This is as rugged as it gets. This high alpine location provides stunning views and endless chill time. This location is smack-dab in the middle of one of the largest elk herds in the world. There are plenty of deer, bear and the occasional moose. This is steep country - bring your trekking poles! There is plenty to explore on the land, plus miles of hiking on Forbes road. You'll be roughly and hour away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, 40 mins from Ft Garland and under 2 hours to Taos, NM The location is surrounded by private property so hiking off the main road is limited.

100%

(40)

Earth Mountain Education Farm

30 sites · Tents40 acres · Weston, CO

In 2002, Earth Mountain was vacant land that offered itself to us in a way of a calling. It is an unforgettable experience whether camping here or participating in a program. Earth Mtn. is a 40 acre basecamp with 480 surrounding acres of forest. It is a high vibration place with lots to offer. The stars are completely amazing, we are so far off the beaten path that there is no light pollution! We welcome you to share in this wonderful sacred space.Learn more about this land:Earth Mtn. is a working permaculture, off-grid farm at 8000' in the backcountry of the beautiful Sangre De Cristo Mtns. We are located 1 hr. from Trinidad, CO. We have a private wooded campground area close to a small pond. Camping here will give you a wonderful sacred space to rest, learn and enjoy. Organic food is available to pick and pay during farming season. A great place for the whole family!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(6)

Trinidad Lake State Park

Jansen, Colorado

80%

(5)

Sugarite Canyon State Park

Raton, New Mexico

89%

(72)

San Isabel National Forest

Smeltertown, Colorado

Carson National Forest

La Madera, New Mexico

Camping near Trinidad guide

Overview

Located just north of the New Mexico border and Raton Pass, Trinidad has a rich history as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, home to trappers and traders, and a Spanish outpost. There’s also a growing arts and culture scene. Outdoor lovers have plenty to do too, from fishing the Purgatoire River, to boating, fishing, and miles of trails at Trinidad Lake State Park, which also offers camping options including lakeside. Surrounded by mesas and mountains, and not far from the plains, there’s plenty of adventure to be had nearby, with camping options as varied as the landscape.

Where to go

Highway of Legends

Head west on the scenic Highway of Legends, which connects Trinidad with Cuchara, La Veta, and Walsenburg. The scenic byway passes through the San Isabel National Forest and the Spanish Peaks. Camp with your RV or pitch a tent at primitive sites at Purgatoire, Bear Lake, and Blue Lake campgrounds. Or stay at Cordova Pass or East Spanish Peak to be right at the base of the Spanish Peaks. Lathrop State Park, just outside Walsenburg, offers two lakes and two campgrounds.

Northwest

Head northwest to explore massive sand dunes surrounded by snow capped peaks at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Camp inside the park seasonally, or backcountry camp or 4WD camp in the surrounding national preserve. Camping options can be found nearby in state parks and BLM land. Further north, Westcliffe offers incredibly dark skies, perfect when you’re camping overnight, whether you’re equestrian camping, backcountry camping, or camping with your RV.

Plains and High Desert

For high desert and plains, head north to Pueblo. Explore the city’s historic connection with steel, get artsy in the creative corridor, or enjoy water activities at Lake Pueblo, where you can camp lakeside. Further east, the city of La Junta sits on Colorado’s southeastern plains. Look for rock art and dinosaur tracks at Comanche National Grassland, where dispersed camping is available in most areas. Or head further east to play and stay at John Martin Reservoir State Park.

New Mexico

Just over the border in New Mexico, Sugarite Canyon State Park offers wildlife and wildflowers, plus outdoor recreation and camping for tents, RVs, and horses. Enjoy bird watching and primitive camping at the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. Further south, drive the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and enjoy land and water activities, and camping, at Cimarron Canyon State Park or Eagle Nest Lake State Park. Further east, see dinosaur tracks and camp at Clayton Lake State Park.

When to go

Summers are popular times to visit Trinidad, when crowds flock to Trinidad Lake. Boating season runs from spring through summer. Several popular festivals are held over the summer and in September, including Santa Fe Days and Artocade. Visit in the spring for wildflowers, and fall for colorful foliage, especially along the Highway of Legends. In the winter, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are popular activities.

Know before you go

Trinidad sits at over 6,000 feet. Some recreation areas and campsites in the region are at even higher elevation. Be aware of potential altitude issues.
A trolley bus takes passengers around Trinidad over the summer. To explore outside of Trinidad, a car will be necessary.
Reservations are required to camp in Colorado state parks.
Fishing licenses are required in Colorado for anyone over age 16.