The best camping near Lathrop State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lathrop adventure.

100% (1 reviews)

Get on the water or tee off at the golf course in Colorado’s first state park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lathrop State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lathrop State Park

Yucca

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Lathrop State Park

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(1)

Piñon

78 sites · RVs, Tents In Lathrop State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lathrop State Park

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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.

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(125)

Hummingbird Ranch

12 sites · RVs, Tents360 acres · Rye, CO

Learn more about this land: Hummingbird Ranch is a gorgeous sprawling ranch in Colorado's Spanish Peaks Country with panoramic views of the Wet Mountains and across the plains to the Spanish Peaks. Location is only 12 easy driving minutes from I25. Come experience the dark Colorado skies and quiet secluded campsites with scenery all around...

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(234)

Campe Diem!

54 sites · RVs, Tents72 acres · CO

Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays! We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints! We have sandboards! $15 per day! We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r). 5 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. Pet friendly!

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(74)

Secluded Mountain Property

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · La Veta, CO

Great Mountain Views. Lots of mature trees, very secluded and beautiful with breathtaking scenery with lots of wildlife. There are only four separate camping sites on this large 35 acre mountain property. Beautiful and secluded 35 acres camping property with lots of lush trees and amazing Mountain views. These Beautiful Mountain camping spots are only 1 hr 56 min south of Colorado Springs. Located at the foot of Sheep Mountain and little Sheep Mountain in Gardner, CO Hike and explore this beautiful 35 acres property. There are ATV trails through out the area, So bring your ATVs and ride the miles of mountain roads. Bring your RV, camper, tent or truck and set up camp on one of our four designated camping spots on the property. There are many great level areas to choose from on your camping site. Enjoy the night sky next to your fire pit and see every star in the sky with no lights to be seen. If you need to run your generator... No problem. (You can run your generator from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm). This quite very secluded mountain property is the perfect get-a-way form all the lights and noise from every day city living. This property is what real camping is all about. Please be considerate as they may be a few other campers nearby on the property. 46 min - Drive to Walsenburg Reservoir and Lathrop State Park Home to Horseshoe Lake and Marin Lake. Lathrop State Park is a Colorado state park located 3 miles west of Walsenburg. The state purchased the property in 1962 and opened Colorado's first state park here later that same year. It is named after Harold Lathrop, the first director of state parks 1 hr 30 min - Drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife 1 hr 57 min - Drive to Zapata Falls Zapata Falls is a waterfall located in the San Luis Valley near the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on Bureau of Land Management land adjacent to Rio Grande National Forest and south of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa County, Colorado. The waterfall has a drop of about 30 feet. Prices may vary on holiday weekends. Including Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Mountain Road Disclosure: The Sheep Mountain property it’s located in a mountainous area. There are 7 miles of dirt and mountainous roads from the highway to the property. Although the dirt roads are maintained there may be grooves and ruts in some areas due to weather. Please be advise that trucks and four-wheel vehicles will have a much easier time navigating these roads. Other vehicles may need to slow down and take it easy through some potentially rough areas. PROPERTY UPDATE: DUE TO THE RECENT WIND STORM, SOME TREES WERE UPROOTED AND BLOWN OVER ON THE PROPERTY. TREES WERE REMOVE FROM THE ROAD AND CAMP SITES. SOME ARE STILL DOWN IN THE AREA. WE ARE WORKING WITH LOCAL CONTRACTORS TO HAVE THEM CUT DOWN FOR FIREWOOD AND MOVED OUT OF THE WAY. THE DOWNED TREES DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE ABILITY FOR YOU TO BRING YOUR RV OR TENT TO SETUP CAMP. FEEL FREE TO GATHER THE DOWNED TREES AND BRANCHES TO USE FOR FIREWOOD. THANKS YOU AND WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY.

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Mono Loco Flats

3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Fort Garland, CO

Mono Loco Flats sits on a mesa nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Sangre De Cristo creek and La Veta Pass. This Mesa is a perfect homebase to explore. Growing up in Southern Colorado I was fortunate to explore this zone as a kid and I feel so fortunate that I can share Mono Loco Flats with others. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Zapata Falls are 25 minutes from Mono Loco Flats. Learn more about this land: Set up camp and enjoy sweeping views of Mount Blanca and the surrounding Sangre De Cristo mountain range.The 15 acre camp is situated just off highway 160 for easy access. Mono Loco Flats is an excellent home base for exploring the San Luis Valley, just 25 minutes from The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Zapata Falls. Sangre de Cristo Creek is a short hike or drive to the south. Fort Garland is a 5 minute drive. This Mesa provides 360 panoramic views with epic sunrise and sunset views of Mount Blanca. Wild horses and prong horned antelope may wander the Mesa as you enjoy your camp. The natural beauty of these three campsites are worth protecting so please if you pack it in, pack it out. This is a dry camp with no toilet or garbage facilities. Please treat this land with respect so that future campers may enjoy the land free of rubbish. All three campsites are accessible with any type of vehicle and the long driveway and turnaround can accommodate any trailer or RV up to 20'. So please come and enjoy the Sangre De Cristo mountains at Mono Loco Flats:) @monkeypuzzlespace = Mono Loco Flats on Instagram

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Maurcedes C.’s Land

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Walsenburg, CO

Learn more about this land:Mountain views of Spanish peaks mountain on 7 acres quiet off grid camping. 5 th wheel set up to use enjoy your camping experience without the responsibilities of towing, hook up and packing up when done. Generator and batteries setup for power. Running water available. Lathrop state park nearby. Great sand dunes are 1 hour and fifteen minutes away. Cuchara Ski resort is approximately a 35 minute drive

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(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.

Booked 2 times

Secluded Rio Cucharas Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Walsenburg, CO

This 3+ acre property located in the Rio Cucharas Subdivision is situated just north of Lathrop State Park and just west of the town of Walsenburg. The property is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and boasts stunning views of the nearby Sangre de Cristos, Spanish Peaks, Silver Mountains, Sheep Mountain, Little Sheep Mountain and Greenhorn Mountain to name a few. The property is located on Cielo Azul Dr (identified as Cello Azui Dr on Google Maps) and has well-graded dirt/gravel road access. There is a dirt driveway off of Cielo Azul Dr to access the property (2WD accessible). Lathrop State Park is located only 5 minutes south of the property and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, wind-surfing and general relaxation on the beach. The lake features a number of species of fish including rainbow trout, walleye, catfish, blue gills, tiger muskies and the regrettably names crappie. As you drive onto the property it gently slopes upwards and then flattens out for some nice camping spots and beautiful views of the surrounding area. The property is in a very quiet and secluded area where you will not be bothered by noisy neighbors or busy roads.

63%

(4)

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.

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(348)

Nature is FREE

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Blanca, CO

... Learn more about this land: We have scraped areas , sites 3 & 4. Sites 1 and 2 are raked not scraped. We are offering free Duck and chicken eggs for breakfast or dinner. As well as a free bundle of wood for a fire. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST AND WEATHER ALLOWS. ***Now a bathroom is available*** Want to ride atvs or park and stretch or do some yoga in front of the mountain ? Do it here cheaper than the rest ! I do offer firewood and other extras. Ducks and Chickens onsite for kiddos, also have kiddos. Live the offgrid life for short time. Safe travels ! All areas are MANY yards from each other. Terrain is scrapped for tents but be aware cactus is everywhere. Please check weather for area because the wind can get fierce. Great night views of the stars and 360 view of mountains as well as being at the base of one. Sand dunes and waterfall just 15 minutes away . Please respect the wildlife and property. Pet/420 Friendly. We do NOT charge to camp, charges are for a GATE FEE. You are paying the gate fee THRU HIPCAMP NOW... NO PAYMENT on arrival. Best if GPS is used, but address given after booking. IF AT NIGHT, STAY TO YOUR LEFT ON DRIVEWAY, CONTINUE LEFT TILL YOU SEE NUMBERED SPOTS. FOR DAYTIME, LOOK FOR 3 LARGE WIND TURBINES INFRONT OF A BLUE AND WHITE HOUSE.

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!

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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.

The best camping near Lathrop State Park guide

Overview

About

Framed by the snow-hatted mountains of the Spanish Peaks, Lathrop’s two lakes provide plenty of ways to get on the water. At Martin Lake, water-skiing and powerboating are the activities of choice, or you can cool off with a swim. Over at Horseshoe Lake, the tranquil waters are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, or wakeless boating, and both lakes are teeming with catfish, bass, and trout. Land activities are just as varied—explore the park’s trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback; go bird-watching; hit the archery range; or tee off at the only state park golf course in Colorado.

Notable campgrounds

Best for mountain views: Yucca Campground has 31 sites for tents or small RVs and a backdrop of the Spanish Peaks.
Best for RVs: Pinon Campground has 82 pull-through and back-in paved sites, all with electric hookups, fire pits, and picnic tables.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the park’s 103 campsites or three group camping areas via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. All campsites must be booked in advance, but same-day bookings are allowed.
Campsite reservations open six months in advance.
Campsites can book up quickly, especially for holiday weekends and during peak season (June through August)—make your reservation as soon as possible.

When to go

Lathrop State Park is busiest from May through September, and this is peak season for camping, swimming, and water sports. Land activities are enjoyable through all seasons with the right clothing, and autumn is the ideal time to dodge the crowds and admire the park’s cottonwood trees with their colorful foliage. Winter campers can stay at the Pinon Campground—Loop D stays open year-round—but boating is restricted to hand-launched boats from November through February.

Know before you go

Lathrop State Park is located 53 miles south of Pueblo or about a 50-minute drive.
Park entrance fees are payable in addition to camping fees.
Facilities in the park include restrooms, picnic areas, two boat ramps, and a dump station. The Visitor Centre sells fishing bait, soft drinks, and firewood. There are pay showers and a children’s playground at Pinon Campground.
There are wheelchair-accessible campsites available at Pinon Campground.