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.

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

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Lathrop State Park

100%

(1)

Piñon

78 sites · RVs, Tents In Lathrop State Park

Yucca

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Lathrop State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lathrop State Park

96%

(383)

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.

99%

(91)

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

100%

(18)

Camp Catori

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Fort Garland, CO

At Camp Catori we specialize in allowing you to reconnect with yourself and believe that wellness combines mental, physical, emotional, spiritual well-being and fun. We provide an off-grid retreat experience for our guests, and a chance to reconnect with nature and find inner peace. Our 6-acre property offers stunning mountain views of the Mt. Blanca range and access to various outdoor activities, including fishing, paddleboarding, and hiking. We are conveniently located 30 minutes from the Great Sand Dunes NP, Zapata Falls, and aim to provide a secluded space to relax and rejuvenate. Here, guests can feel the sacred energy of the land, surrounded by the healing properties of sage and quartz. We invite you to come and explore our grounds, and reconnect with your higher self. We are 100% off-grid. There is no well or septic system. For running water we provide 6 (5) gallon jugs to fill nearby and the tank under the sink for $1 per container. The tank holds 35 gallons. It’s easy and has plenty of water when used conservatively. The shower uses 1.75 gallons per minute so make it fast if you decide to shower. DO NOT allow the tank to fall below 1/4 as it will break the water pump thus creating a very expensive repair. You’ll be able to see the water line to monitor usage. The composting toilet is easy to use. All parties must watch a 2-minute video and agree to use it properly. You must monitor the urine bucket and discard it accordingly. Liquid in the composting bin or using or placing paper or products where it is not allowed will result in a $150 cleaning fee. If you are not willing to discard a bucket of your own urine in a designated spot by the cabin this place is not for you. The primary loft has a comfortable queen-size bed, 4 pillows, and a comforter. The second loft has two twin beds placed together to create a queen-size but can be taken apart. There are also 4 pillows and one queen-size comforter. The sofa is a pull-out that can sleep another small person (5’10 or shorter). Like camping, you must bring your own sheets or sleeping bags. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge/freezer, a Wonderoven, a classic Nespresso machine, a French press, an Italian press, a Tramontina all-in-one pan with steamer grate (great for cooking fish), a medium-sized Dutch oven for the stove (soups, sauces), griddle, utensils, knives, plates, and cooking and grilling utensils. We have a propane stove and outdoor grill. We have an eat-in kitchen for 2, a table outside that seats 6 to 7 people as well as a 2-person outdoor ledge looking out at the mountains. An internet hotspot is available for $10 per day via Solis. We also use our mobile phone hotspot which usually does the trick for both laptop work and watching TV. NOTE: From November through May, the cabin is dry with no running water due to freezing temperatures. GROUP CAMPING OR A RETREAT? In addition to the cabin we also have 3 generously sized cleared camping spots each with gorgeous mountain views making it a great option for group camping (4x4 vehicle required to access) or to host a retreat. Contact me, Catori to inquire at 720-474-0779.

95%

(164)

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...

97%

(273)

Wizards 420 Friendly Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Blanca, CO

Loads of History here in the San Luis Valley the Conquistadors got gold here constantly on the French explorer was here a lot of old gold mine towns and a lot of wide open space to have a lot of fun plenty of History

93%

(473)

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.

98%

(25)

Haven Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Pueblo, CO

Thirty-five private natural acres high above Scenic Byway 165. You will have total privacy, NO OTHER CAMPERS! You will 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. Several roundabouts exist for turning around large vehicles. RV sites are pull through. For digital Nomads, Cell phone and satellite service is good here. ATV's are welcome on designated roads and trails. You'll take an immediate right into the driveway off of 165. When you reach the top the hill turn right and you will have your choice of several campsites on the east end of the hill. Fires are allowed. Please check https://www.pueblo.us/2602/Fire-Restrictions. Fires must be in campfire circles ONLY! Please make sure you drown your fire before you leave. 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/car and a mulch/grass area for tent camping. As well as a fire ring, picnic table and accessible potable water on the west end of the hill. Camp ground #2 has cleared ground and has a fire ring and picnic table. Plenty of room for RV/camper/tent/cars. Feel free to pick your campground! Bring your own toilet for now. There is minimal shade available, so you may want to plan accordingly. 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 fifteen-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 * 24 hour ice station near Ace Hardware

100%

(25)

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.

99%

(96)

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.

95%

(38)

Great Sand Dunes Desert Escape

1 site · Tent5 acres · Fort Garland, CO

This was once land owned by Forbes and while it is a part of Sangre de Cristo Ranches, it is also a part of Forbes Park and San Isabel National Forest! Learn more about this land: CALLING ALL TENT CAMPERS! It's time to enjoy some peace and quiet with breathtaking mountain views on private land. You will be the ONLY ONE on 5 acres of land that you are welcome to explore. Find yourself adventuring through the gulch, relaxing under the shade of the beautiful pinon trees, or high up on the hilltop swinging on the tree swing and enjoying the fresh breeze. At night, you may find that the views of the night sky are simply unbeatable, so don't forget to look up once you put your fire out! If no rain is expected, leave your tent fly off and gaze at the stars. On a clear night, I can guarantee you’ll see at least one shooting star at this beautiful spot! Not to mention, the sunrise and sunsets are beautiful too! Walk to the top of one of the many peaks on the property to see views for days. Adventure to the highest peak and be surprised with a tree swing! If you can, take a panoramic photo while you’re up there! To make things even better, there are three firepits on the property with campsites to go along with them. Camp at any site you prefer! There's parking for 2 cars in the front of the lot and one car directly next to the site. HIGH CLEARANCE VEHICLES ONLY! Otherwise you will not be able to pull into the driveway. A Jeep Patriot can barely make it up the small hill. This land is located in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. At the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley, Sangre de Cristo Ranches are virtually surrounded by the Rockies. The campsites on our land are literally in San Isabel National Forest. You will be just minutes away from so many awesome destinations! Fort Garland for supplies/gas: 10-15 mins **Dollar General has everything you need** Great Sand Dunes NP Entrance: 45 mins Sanchez Reservoir: 30 mins Lathrop State Park: 45 mins Alamosa: 45 mins San Isabel National Forest: 0 mins, you're in it! The closest towns to the property include Fort Garland, Alamosa, Walsenburg, and San Luis. Cell phone reception above the gulch, but once you’re 6-10 ft inside the gulch, you’ll lose connection. You'll find reception increases the closer you get to Fort Garland. Fires are welcome in the designated fire rings ONLY. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS IS A DRY AREA AND SURROUNDING BRUSH CAN LIGHT UP VERY QUICKLY. If there is a fire ban in place, please follow the law for your personal safety. There are plenty of fallen branches and dead limbs on the property, please feel free to use any remaining cut wood, fallen branches, and/or dead trees, but NO CUTTING BRANCHES NOR TREES DOWN. Please do not allow your fire to exceed the size of the fire ring. The fire pits are dug deep into the ground to protect your fire from wind and potential hazards. If you find that it’s a very windy day, please feel free to use the campsite and fire pit in the gulch to help block the wind. Please do not touch nor damage the stone structure that's being built as it is supporting loose sand and old pinon trees. Please leave any project tools alone and do not make any adjustments to our land/structures. IF YOU'RE HUNTING, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SHOOTING AT THE TREES. Please feel free to bring targets or shoot into the sand mounds. :)

92%

(279)

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!

100%

(1)

Eltor Ranch

1 site · Tent5 acres · Blanca, CO

Fall in love with this ruggedly beautiful property on Blanca Peak only thirty minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park. Breathtaking views, colorful sunsets, and star filled nights await you at Eltor Ranch. Follow a stone lined trail 300 feet from the road to a charmingly secluded campsite that features a fire pit, picnic table, and two tent spots with morning shade. This is a leave no trace environment— pack it in pack it out. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.

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.