Lathrop State Park, managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife, holds the distinction of being one of Colorado's oldest state parks, and Piñon Campground sits at its core as a full-service base for exploring the southern Front Range. The campground is organized into multiple loops, with sites ranging from open pull-throughs to spots tucked among junipers and piñon pines that provide more separation from neighbors. Views of the Spanish Peaks to the west are a consistent draw, with certain sites offering direct sightlines toward the mountains. Site 102 is specifically noted for that view, while site 84 gets mentioned for its privacy as a pull-through screened by short trees.
The layout rewards some advance research. Sites in loops A, B, C, and D include electric hookups, while a dry camping loop sits closer to Colorado Highway 160 and picks up noticeably more road noise. Butch K. notes that "a few sites even get a glimpse of the lake," though most do not. Water spigots are distributed throughout the loops for general use, but are not designed for direct RV hose connections. Sites are close enough together that neighboring campers are easy to hear when the campground fills up, particularly on weekends.
Fishing and non-motorized paddling on the no-wake lake are the main water-based draws. A fully paved trail circles the lake and connects to the campground loops, making it accessible for cyclists and wheelchair users alike. There is also a sand beach with wash stations, a kids' fishing pond, a visitor center, and a 9-hole public golf course adjacent to the park. Great Sand Dunes National Park is roughly an hour away, making this a workable staging point for a longer itinerary. Campers using AT&T report adequate cell service, though coverage has not been universally consistent across carriers.
Reservations are required and fill up in October, which several reviewers found out firsthand. The park operates year-round, and off-season visits in November and early December have drawn favorable notes for mild daytime temperatures and low crowds, though some loops close seasonally. Showers are available at the campground; at least one reviewer noted a fee applies. RVs up to 50 feet can be accommodated with full hookups including sewer, and a dump station is located near the exit. Those planning a trip through this part of southern Colorado can also browse campgrounds near Walsenburg to compare nearby options. If the loops at Piñon are full, Yucca Campground and Martin Lake Group Camping are both within the same park and worth checking.
Description
Camping opportunities abound at Lathrop. Lathrop’s two campgrounds have 103 sites that can accommodate motor homes, trailers and tents, and offer either a basic or improved camping experience. Improved Sites provide 20/30/50 amp electricity at the site, but do not provide water or sewer hookups. Piñon Campground is ideal for large camping units. Click the "Fees" link on the left side of this page for campsite prices.
Winter camping is available.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Please use www.cpwshop.com to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers. **No-show policy:** If you are unable to occupy your site on the first day of your reservation, please call the park office in order to notify park staff. Otherwise, your reservation will be considered a "no-show" and your site may be resold. "No-show" reservations are ineligible for a refund for those nights or days passed and the fees for any nights or days passed will be retained.
Colorado weather can be unpredictable: be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow (even in the summer). CPW does not grant exceptions to the refund policy for weather conditions.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPiñon Campground is located in Colorado near Walsenburg
Directions
Three miles west of Walsenburg on Hwy 160, on the north side of the road.
Address
70 County Road 502
Walsenburg, CO 81089
Coordinates
37.61735494869116 N
104.83090754675082 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 7/15/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 22 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 7/15/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 22 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 49 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 28 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 21 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 15 min from Santa Fe, NM




























































