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The best camping near Trinidad Lake State Park

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

100% (6 reviews)
100% (6 reviews)

Take advantage of year-round camping and mild weather at this southern Colorado park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Trinidad Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Trinidad Lake State Park

94%
(411)

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.
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from 
$30
 / night
50%
(3)

Campground at Jamail Ranch

6 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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$26
 / night

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.
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$30
 / night
96%
(12)

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. PiĂąon pines and junipers cover the ranch with tons of hiking trails and old mines
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$44
 / night
100%
(5)

Fisher's Peak Retreat

1 site ¡ Lodging100 acres ¡ Trinidad, CO
Our property is enchanting! Our home and the cabin were built by local artists and their talents shine throughout the property. It took them several years to clear and build and you can see that their blood, sweat, tears, and love for each other and the land with every rock placement. You will feel as though you are in the midst of sanctuary.Learn more about this land:Our cabin is a quiet Oasis in the midst of 36 acres. You will be about 15 minutes from town, so not too far but far enough! The quiet here is crazy good, and the cabin is fully furnished with all the comforts of home. Enjoy our snacks and breakfast items in the fridge for you to cook in the morning after your arrival. Don't miss the sunrise from the artist bungalow! Please respect quiet hours of 10pm to 8am. Thank you!
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$100
 / night

Aguilar Flats

1 site ¡ RV3 acres ¡ Aguilar, CO
We are in Aguilar colorado 1 mile from Ringo s family store . We have post off Ace hardware library 2 store. Aguilar is a small town 18 miles from Trinidad 17 miles to Walsonburg . Bishop castle is 30 minutes away . We have power on property no water but water in Aguilar 2 sewer hookups
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$45
 / night
Booked 3 times

Wright Ranch

1 site ¡ Tent600 acres ¡ Raton, NM
This 600 acre working ranch just south of Raton, New Mexico off interstate 25 is a great jump off point to Angel fire, Taos, Santa Fe, and southern Colorado. Located on the historic Santa Fe Trail, this ranch offers open space for a tent with breathtaking, beautiful surroundings. Pets welcome. No fires.
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$150
 / night
100%
(7)

Peaceful Peaks

2 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Trinidad, CO
Peaceful Retreat for those wanting an outdoor getaway. Private Picnic Tables at each site, located a short hike from parking. Secluded for those wanting a dispersed camping experience. Close to the Highway of Legends and Trinidad Lake. Bring your mountain Bikes, Hiking Shoes and Telescopes to enjoy the endless stars visible far away from the city lights.
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$75
 / night
100%
(10)

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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$30
 / night
99%
(55)

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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from 
$25
 / night
70%
(10)

High Desert Oasis

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Walsenburg, CO
"Rock down to" our beautiful high desert oasis in gorgeous Spanish Peaks country. With world class hunting and fishing in every direction and outfitters to help guide you as well as tons of hiking, four-wheeling, and dirt biking trails minutes away. Huerfano county is a sportsman's paradise! Our campsite sits on 3/4 of an acre. The front of the property is flat and can accommodate cars, pop-ups, vans, and smaller trailers RV's. There is a shallow drainage ditch at the front of the property you need to cross through to park anything on the property but it has been graded and can accommodate 2WD vehicles (see pictures). Then the lot slightly slopes up the Hog Back and into the state park. There is a fence running along the back of the property separating it from the park.
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$18
 / night
93%
(234)

Campe Diem!

70 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). 2 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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$22
 / night

The best camping near Trinidad Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Not far from the New Mexico border, Trinidad Lake State Park offers a warmer alternative to many of Colorado's higher-altitude parks further north. As its name suggests, the park sits at Trinidad Lake, a large expanse that attracts anglers, boaters, and jet skiers in great droves in the summer months. There’s also an archery range that's available for year-round use. If you're looking to spend the night, there are 73 campsites spread across two campgrounds, about a third of which are open all year long. The majority offer 50-amp electrical service and there are seven with full hookups.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for families: Carpios Ridge Campground has tons of amenities, with showers, laundry facilities, a dump station, a playground, and even an archeological site.
  • Best for a quiet fishing trip: South Shore Campground has only 10 basic campsites and offers easy access to south bank fishing spots

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve a campsite over the phone or by using the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system.
  2. Reservations can be made from six months in
  3. advance up to your date of arrival. Book early if you want to stay on a summer weekend.
  4. The South Shore Campground is closed from mid-October through mid-May and some of the sites at Carpios close from mid-October through mid-March. Sites 1-23, 62, and 63 are open throughout the year.
  5. If you can’t find a site in the park, you can find private campgrounds and Hipcamps in the area. Fishers Peak State Park nearby is also a possibility.

When to go

Trinidad Lake is in a more temperate part of Colorado, and while it can get pretty cold here on winter nights, daytime temperatures rarely linger below freezing. The hot summer months draw the most crowds, but temperatures here often stay warm well into September, and you'll be faced with fewer crowds if you come between Labor Day and the beginning of October. Note that a limited amount of year-round camping is available in Carpios Campground.

Know before you go

  • You’ll find gas stations, supermarkets, restaurants, and other services in the town of Trinidad, a five-minute drive from the park.
  • You can buy hunting and fishing licenses, firewood, ice, and souvenirs at the visitor center near the Carpios Ridge campground.
  • Carpios Ridge Campground offers ADA-accessible campsites, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and drinking fountains. There's also one accessible site at South Shore. There are also two ADA-compliant trails in the park.
  • Campfire bans are enforced during periods of high forest fire risk.
  • Parking fees are not included in the price of camping reservations. You will need a day or annual parking pass for each vehicle in your party.

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