Trinidad Lake State Park sits at approximately 6,300 feet elevation in southern Colorado, providing camping options near Aguilar throughout much of the year. The area features pinyon-juniper woodland terrain with relatively mild seasonal temperatures compared to higher elevation camping areas in Colorado. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with cooler nights around 50°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Isabel, located about 45 minutes from Aguilar, offers productive fishing in a mountain setting. "The lake is full of trout and many campers were hitting their 4 fish limit. The site has better views of the mountain peaks than blue lake," notes one visitor to Bear Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. At La Vista Campground near Lake Isabel, one camper reported, "Wonderful campground. Saw 2 bears!" while another mentioned appreciating "the wildlife" along with "boating, kayaking, hiking" at Trinidad Lake State Park.
Geocaching: Several campgrounds in the region offer geocaching opportunities for family-friendly treasure hunting. A Trinidad Lake visitor noted there was "fun stuff for the kids to do! Hiking, playground, geocaching."
What campers like
Mountain views: The elevation provides excellent vantage points across the landscape. At Stonewall Lodge & RV Park, visitors appreciate the natural setting, with one mentioning, "Deer walking thru the campground at dusk was a neat site."
Dark skies: The rural setting offers minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. A camper at Aspen Acres Campground noted, "The mountains tower over us... amazing night sky view."
Fall colors: For autumn visitors, the changing aspens create scenic camping backdrops. "Aspen leaves in full color. Peaceful park, great place for hiking," shares a visitor to St. Charles Campground at Lake Isabel.
Trail access: Multiple hiking opportunities exist within short distances of campgrounds. At La Vista Campground, campers appreciate "the short walk to Lake Isabel as well as the empty picnic area across the creek."
What you should know
Reservations recommended: During peak season, securing sites in advance is advised. "Reservations required but can make them by phone or internet upon arriving. Phone number is posted," notes a Trinidad Lake camper.
Seasonal limitations: Most non-glamping campgrounds operate on a seasonal schedule. "This State Park has a great camping area. It has places from tents to full hook ups. The restrooms were clean and had showers, but you had to pay for time with quarters," explains a visitor at Trinidad Lake State Park.
Water considerations: Not all campgrounds provide direct water hookups. At La Vista Campground, a camper noted, "This campground has electricity, clean vaulted toilets, and potable water. You can not hook water directly to camper though."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. A visitor to Aspen Acres Campground mentioned, "No cell service for Verizon. Personally, I was happy to be unplugged for a couple of days!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A visitor to Pueblo South-Colorado City KOA mentioned, "There's also a nice little playground which our son enjoyed."
Site selection: For family camping near Aguilar, Colorado, choosing sites away from facilities can improve experience. One camper at St. Charles Campground noted, "We spent 2 nights in site 13 which is a great site that backs up to the forest. The downfall of this site is it is next to the vault toilet and it was very smelly."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local animals. "We were visited by several mule deer and very friendly chipmunks," reports a camper at Bear Lake Campground.
Glamping options: For families seeking more comfort, glamping close to Aguilar, Colorado provides amenities without sacrificing outdoor experiences. Peaceful Peaks Glamping near Trinidad Lake offers two dedicated sites with toilet facilities and picnic tables.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: At some campgrounds, utility connections may require planning. A visitor to Aspen Acres Campground explained, "We only wish we had a longer power cable. Our port is at the back and the outlet was way up front. To reach, we had to set up near the front of the site which limited our parking."
Water quality concerns: RVers should check water quality before filling tanks. "All fine for a night except we filled our tank with the most disgusting undrinkable water imaginable," warned one RVer about their experience.
Space considerations: Site dimensions and layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. "The campground was full and busy... No water at the sight, you need to fill your holding tank before you park. Electric only and dump site provided. I did not see anything spectacular about this campground...too cramped for my style," noted one RVer about their Trinidad Lake experience.
