The best camping near Lathrop State Park

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

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

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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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Piñon

78 sites · RVs, Tents In Lathrop State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lathrop State Park

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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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Rabbit Hole Ranch

108 sites · Lodging, 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 three 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 everyone. :) 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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Coyote Canyon Base Camp

4 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 nearly gone, replaced with an abundance of grasses and wildflowers if blessed with rains. 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 could take advantage of, so 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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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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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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Campe Diem!

49 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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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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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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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.

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Remote Site - Sangre de Cristos

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 blue spruce and aspen trees with wide-open 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, under 2 hours to Taos, NM, and Mountain Home Reservoir is just down the road - great fishing! Ideal tent spot with room for multiple families.

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Little Owl Canyon Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Beulah Valley, CO

We have 120 acres of hiking, biking and 4 wheeling just 30 minutes west of Pueblo. Experience the mountains from the gentle acreage with a beautiful canyon. Lake Pueblo is nearby, and just an hour or so to the Sandia Christos, Canyon City, Royal Gorge, Bishops Castle, Pueblo State Park and Greenhorn Mountain. Much of the campground is fenced providing safety for pets and children while also protecting the campers from wondering wildlife. We provide an outhouse area next to the campsites. We have a barn with kitchen, beds and bath that can be used under negotiations.

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Turkey Creek Ranch

1 site · Lodging700 acres · Rye, CO

If you are looking for a mountain getaway to escape with your family or hunting buddies this, is it. This mountain retreat is nestled within the base of the greenhorn mountain; it is short driving distance to the San Isabel National Forest, and many hiking trails. This family-friendly space offers 4 cots to accommodate 4 individuals and a second tent for extra guests, a cook area to cook and prep meals, and lots of outdoor space to soak up the sun. You will have access to the creek, nearby trails on the Greenhorn or the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Easy access to Medano Pass, Mosca Pass which offers a trail over the Sangre de Cristos to the Great Sand Dunes. Are you looking for a weekend getaway in solitude? Our campsite at Turkey Creek Ranch is the perfect destination for you. With a comfortable sleeping capacity of four, you can enjoy a peaceful and secluded camping experience. You can enjoy cooking for your loved ones in our fully equipped cooking area. At Turkey Creek Ranch, you'll have the entire acreage of trees, openness and creek to yourself. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, you can truly escape the urban life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. We are far away from traffic and long lines. Our campsite has access to a creek for soaking, nearby hiking trails on the Greenhorn or the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. From our side you can have a pleasant hike to the Sand dunes. A beautiful experience. You'll have the opportunity to view wildlife in the open fields. If you're lucky you may hear an Elk bugling. We've made camping hassle-free for you. Just bring your own food and water, sleeping gear and we'll take care of the rest. However, if you want to take it one step further and make your camping experience even more comfortable, you can choose our add-on package. This package includes additional amenities to enhance your stay. Horse lodging is available. Please inquire and arrange before your trip. So, why wait? Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous adventure to Turkey Creek Ranch. and get ready to enjoy nature, relaxation, and endless good times. Thank you for considering our campsite, and if you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. Guest access At Turkey Creek Ranch, you'll have the entire acreage of trees, openness and creek to yourself. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, you can truly escape the urban life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

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.