Camping spots near Aguilar, Colorado range from high-elevation mountain sites to lakeside facilities with varying road conditions. The area sits at the eastern edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains where elevations fluctuate from 6,000 to over 11,000 feet. Winter temperatures at higher elevations frequently drop below freezing, while summer thunderstorms typically develop in afternoons, creating safety considerations for hikers and campers alike.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Many camping areas provide direct access to hiking trails. At Piñon Campground, you'll find "excellent trails and a ridge to climb, as well as stellar views of the Spanish peaks. Excellent scenic drives are not far away," according to visitor Jeff N.
Fishing opportunities: Fish for trout at Monument Lake Resort where seasonal conditions affect catch rates. "Fishing was well above expectations, catching 14 large trout over the 2 night stay between the two of us," reports JC D., who stayed at a primitive site along the creek in June.
Water recreation: Several lakes in the region permit various water activities. Lathrop State Park offers "swimming / water activities" alongside "good hiking / views, a golf course," as noted by camper erin D. who enjoyed the diverse recreational options available within a single park.
Wildlife viewing: Observe local wildlife throughout the camping areas near Aguilar. Higher elevation sites like Blue Lake Campground provide opportunities to see mountain wildlife. One camper reported: "We did not see the moose but caught glimpses of the goats, weasels and a beaver in the water."
What campers like
Alpine lake views: Campers consistently praise the lake views available at several campgrounds. At Carpios Ridge Campground, "site 54 in early October... and many near it had very good lake views. The facilities, walking trails, biking trails, playground, etc. were all very well maintained," according to Allison B.
Convenient facilities: The availability of clean bathrooms and other amenities rates highly in reviews. The Carpios Ridge camper center gets described as "Amazing! Laundry, clean restrooms and showers(coin operated, but so worth it) and even a dedicated place to wash kitchen dishes. Wow!" by visitor Neil T.
Quiet mountain atmosphere: Higher elevation sites provide cooler temperatures and peaceful settings. One visitor to Cordova Pass noted it's a "Great campground, very quiet and remote. Road is a little rough getting in and out but vistas were beautiful."
Stargazing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. As one camper at South Shore Campground summarized the highlights: "At night there is zero light pollution and you can see so many stars."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to higher elevation sites require careful navigation. For Blue Lake Campground, one visitor advises: "The road up can get pretty steep and sketchy so go slow, watch out for the giant potholes, and be sure to make space for other cars... We drove a Kia Soul (FWD) and were fine but I had a coworker damage the front end of her low car on potholes out there."
Site availability challenges: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. At Blue Lake Campground, "We drove out there on a Monday afternoon to find there were only like 3 spots total and all of them were taken. Listen when the other reviews say they fill up fast!" cautions maddie.
Weather variability: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, particularly at higher elevations. At Piñon Campground, one camper experienced "very windy" conditions and mentioned road noise from the nearby motorway.
Fee structure: Multiple fees may apply at state parks. For Trinidad Lake, one visitor noted: "Make sure you stop and pay for an entrance permit even if you paid for your campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At South Shore Campground, one family mentioned "fun stuff for the kids to do! Hiking, playground, geocaching. We will definitely be back!"
Water safety: Lakes provide recreational opportunities but require supervision. Lathrop State Park has "two lakes" and hiking trails, making it suitable for families seeking diverse activities.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds include educational facilities. One camper noted South Shore's main building "offers nice amenities including small museum exhibits about the local area and ample information on the area as well."
Camping location selection: For families with young children, consider site location carefully. At Carpios Ridge, one reviewer cautioned: "Some outer loop sites with water views have a very steep drop off."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric hookups at state parks tend to be reliable but water access varies. At Yucca Campground, one RVer found "basic camping was good. Clean site. The electric sites fill up quickly."
Site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly in size and levelness. At Tower 64 Motel & RV Park, an RVer warned: "The sites are stacked right on top of each other. We could barely fit our 24 ft rig in our spot. However it's convenient to get to off the highway."
Temperature management: Elevation affects temperature ranges dramatically. At Monument Lake Resort, one RVer shared: "Very cool at night. My sight had 20 amp only but I didn't need to run AC. Actually used heater in the morning to break the chill."
Tank filling strategy: Some campgrounds lack water at individual sites. One visitor to Piñon Campground advised: "The sites are basic with electrical and water. The restrooms are basic and no showers."
