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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)
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

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lathrop State Park

95%
(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.
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$33
 / night
100%
(9)

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
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.
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$15
 / night
99%
(84)

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.
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$24
 / night
97%
(73)

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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$34
 / 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
94%
(423)

Rabbit Hole Ranch

102 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Alamosa East, CO
The Rabbit Hole Ranch offers beautiful unobstructed views of the majestic Blanca Massif and the Great Sand Dunes and is just a (gorgeous) 35 minute drive from both to include Zapata Falls. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see, and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer you a place nearby to set up camp and go exploring. Alamosa, the largest town in the SLV, is just 20 minutes away. With a population of around 9,800 Alamosa has that small town feel and has the goods and services you will need. Camping here at the Rabbit Hole Ranch is primitive and dispersed (no numbered sites) and there 30 acres available for you to use. Typically, you will experience a rare kind of solitude and silence that feels…. other-worldly, with incredible sunrises and sunsets filling the enormous skies. On holidays, however, expect it to be busy. Our two Great Pyrenees are here to help keep you and your pets (and our chickens) safe. Please help make their jobs easier by not leaving any food or trash in or around tents. Please keep your pets on leash or under control until you’re comfortably certain they get along with all four of our dogs. This year we have a new Great Pyrenees to greet you, his name is TheoVon and he is huge! Returning this season is KayLee also a GP and and Finn, who is a little Benji lookin rescue from Alaska who just LOVES everybody. And then we have our latest addition, Kya, Shes a rescue as well and spent way too much time in an apartment before coming to stay with us, This will be her first season with us and she is 1 1/2 years old. A more energetic dog than what were used to around here but so far so good! Hopefully you happy campers can help us socialize the new dogs! Quiet time begins at 10:00 pm. Note: Holidays still offer the excellent location and spectacular views, but are likely to be less quiet and far more busy. We do not strictly enforce quiet time during holidays.
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$48
 / 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
100%
(3)

Haven Hill

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents36 acres ¡ Pueblo, CO
Thirty-five private natural acres high above Scenic Byway 165. You'll be overlooking the beautiful Greenhorn Valley. With wide open views of Greenhorn Mountain and the Spanish Peaks. The stars at night are breathtaking. It feels like you are on a peaceful, remote island in the sky. A great place to fly a kite! It’s conveniently close to lakes, hiking, outdoor activities and supplies, restaurants and gas stations. No campsites are near each other allowing for above average privacy. Several roundabouts exist for turning around large vehicles. RV sites are pull through. For digital Nomads, Cell phone and satellite service is good here. Fires might be allowed. Check https://www.pueblo.us/2602/Fire-Restrictions If fires are allowed, they must be in campfire circles ONLY! Dead wood on the property is OK to burn. Or Firewood is available to purchase nearby in Colorado City. Do not burn trash please. All trash needs to be packed out. Camp ground #1 has a gravel area for an RV/camper/tent and a Mulch/grass area for tent camping. As well as a fire ring and a potable water barrel (May through September) on the site. Bring your own toilet for now. Rustic camping is also available to the East of Camp 1. Camp ground #2 can accommodate an RV/camper/tents. Fire ring. Gravel/grass base. Potable water to come. Use of firearms is strictly prohibited. No fireworks are allowed. Quiet time is after 10:00 p.m. Please be respectful of neighboring properties. And remember you are on a hilltop so sound can travel. :-) THINGS TO DO: * Lake Beckwith - Lake Beckwith is the perfect place for walking, fishing, and boating. A Colorado Fishing License is required and all dogs must be on a leash. Personal paddleboards, kayaks, and non-motorized boats are welcome. * Lake Isabel / San Isabel 
Just a twenty-minute drive up Highway 165, San Isabel is a picturesque little community nestled in the mountains alongside Lake Isabel. Lake Isabel is the perfect place to spend the afternoon fishing, kayaking, or hiking. The Lodge at San Isabel, a restaurant and general store is open Mid-May through October. A Colorado Fishing License can be purchased at the gift shop and is required to fish at the lake. Personal paddleboards, kayaks, and small non-motorized boats are welcome. * Bishop’s Castle: Located 30 minutes up Highway 165, Bishop’s Castle is a stone and iron fortress nestled in the trees of the San Isabel National Forest. Wind your way through the castle’s wrought-iron stairwells through three-stories of towers and bridges. Visitors are always welcome free of charge, and the castle itself is always open. * Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: 
One of the two tallest sand dunes in North America is located two hours west of Colorado City. A perfect place to take a day trip. Pack a lunch and spend the day hiking the dunes, sand sledding, and playing in the creek. * Capulin Volcano National Monument. Located an hour and forty minutes southeast. This is a national monument. * Colorado City Swimming Pool 
The pool is open Monday-Saturday from June to early August and is available for open-swim in the afternoon. * Hollydot Golf Course 
Hollydot is Colorado City’s 18-hole public golf course. Tee times can be booked online, by phone, or in person. * Pueblo City-County Library – Greenhorn Valley Branch - The library offers plenty of kid-friendly activities, as well as classes and events for adults and teens. RESTAURANTS: * Three Sisters Tavern * Bolt Burgers and Shakes * High Octane BBQ * Round Table Sports Grill at Hollydot Golf Course * Rye Cafe * Table Mountain Coffee Sho * The Lodge at San Isabel 
(Open Mid-May–October) * Subway HIKING: * Over two miles of hiking on the property * Greenhorn Trail * Bartlett Trail * St. Charles Trail * Wachob Trail * Coal Creek Trail * San Carlos Trail OTHER: * Propane tanks and refills available at Ace Hardware on CO165 * Dump services available at the KOA Campground on I25 and CO165 * Towing and auto repair available at The Service Center in Colorado City * Hack Shack Liquor Store * Fastbreak Food and Liquor * Valley Market * Gas Stations 
Loaf N’ Jug, Sinclair, Circle K
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$35
 / night
99%
(53)

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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$25
 / 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
100%
(4)

Off the grid, mountain escape

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Blanca, CO
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Get away from the world and enter this cozy tiny. Enjoy sleeping under the stars with Mountain View’s to start your day in the morning. 20 min drive to the beautiful national park. 15 min from Zapata Falls. Alamosa Rec center 25 min away has $3 showers. This house runs on solar power, but is limited so please plan accordingly. You have to climb a ladder to get into the loft, the size of the entrance is 22.5 inches by 22.5 inches.
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$32
 / night

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

  1. 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.
  2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance. 
  3. 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.

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