50 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Dyrt campers checking in near Trinidad tend to cluster around summer and early fall, when access to the Spanish Peaks and the Purgatoire River canyon is at its most reliable. Trinidad is the southernmost major town on I-25 before the New Mexico border, and camping here leans toward developed sites with fewer dispersed options than the mountain towns further north. The Spanish Peaks Wilderness and San Isabel National Forest are the primary draws for campers willing to drive into rougher terrain west of town.
Developed sites near town book up on holiday weekends in summer. What's available near Pueblo covers the dispersed options north along the I-25 corridor as an alternative when Trinidad sites are full. Bring water regardless of site type — services are limited once you're off the main roads.
"This place has something for everyone: camping, hiking, fishing, boating on the lake, playground for kids, and close to Trinidad for supplies and dining."
"No walk ups, must reserve online. WalMart just south of Trinidad CO; which is full of interesting history.
Fire pits and firewood available."
from $36 - $41 / night
Check Availability"As is typical of Colorado State Parks, Trinidad Lake is clean, well thought out, and beautiful."
"Trinidad is a charming town. Just perfect!"
from $28 - $250 / night
Check Availability"This is a small RV Park at Raton Pass almost to the Colorado border. Situated at the top of a hill, the views here are outstanding."
"It used to be our favorite stop on our way to Colorado. It is still a beautiful location, but our most recent experience was not up to what it has been in the past."
"The Sugarite Canyon State Park (pronounced "Sugareet") was easy to locate off I-25 in Raton, (72 to 526 six miles NE straight into the park) just a few miles south of the Colorado border."
"We reserved a spot at Lake Alice for three nights. Some reviews of the campground talk about the road being close. Sites 15 and 16 are great. "
from $10 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This State Park is beautiful, with hiking/fishing/historic walks galore. We arrived late on Friday, June 23 after a 10 hour drive from Arkansas. We were in Site #23 in the Soda Pocket Campground. "
"Actually we had reserved site 06 in the Lake Alice campground, because it was full hookups, but upon arriving at Lake Alice we confirmed what another reviewer had said - it's a tightly packed campground"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Not much to look at really, but the people are nice, and Trinidad is a great little city. The Park and motel are 420 friendly for those interested."
from $41 - $75 / night
Check Availability"We've stayed at the park several times traveling between New Mexico and Colorado."
"Near highway but I didn’t hear it."
from $35 / night
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LegendThe spots can feel tight without any privacy if it's busy. But the views are great, the location is convenient, the staff is super friendly and the bathrooms are very clean. Site 11 is one the largest and has awesome views, but you have to be able to back in and can't arrive after dark because it's right on the cliff. Highly recommend it if you can get it though. Also, laundry is only $1.50 per wash and $1.50 per dry!
ScoutWe camped at site #1 with full hook ups for 2 nights. The grounds were very clean and well shaded. We tagged along last minute with a group of friends who had already booked so had limited options on site choice. The site we had was super close to the restaurant and was pretty loud with karaoke one night and a band the next. There are several different site locations throughout, many with much more privacy that would have suited our family better if we had more time to plan. We also happened to be there the same weekend as a local fire department fishing tournament. I enjoyed that the community had such a great turnout, but it made recreational use significantly more crowded. The park rangers strictly patrol the grounds so if you have any teens who have the hybrid dirt bike/e-bike then leave those at home. Overall it was a pleasant experience for a campground resort (we prefer national forest or dispersed typically) and it had clean/unique amenities.
GuideThis place is a great place to camp disperse camping. There’s a few areas that have free campgrounds and then further up is a campground that is $25 a night in the beginning if you go past the main entrance where it’s a wildlife area that says campsites are prohibited. You go past that and there are campgrounds and campsites that you could stay overnight. Perfect little area. We were there with our family great place.
TravelerFYI: The coordinates are actually 37.6179275, -104.7560854 off of Exit 49. The RV section is a little bit farther from the Interstate than the gas station part, which is nice for noise. Easy access to downtown Walsenburg as well.
ScoutCouldn't have picked somewhere more peaceful and perfect. My radio & doesn't bother anyone. campers can customize their own experiences (nudists, peppers, Military hunters, hiking and biking.. etc). It's impossible not to be comfortable
GuideI would recommend staying here.The people are very polite, nothing fancy, but it's really good place.Stop for a couple of nights , nice camp sites , all pull through
TravelerTo establish an account to camp in a Colorado state park you are REQUIRED to submit your Social Security number even though it is only needed for hunting licenses. Wake up bureaucrats and fix your account system. I will NEVER provide my SS #/for campsites. Take a look outside your cubicle to see how your unwieldy lengthy account interface is rude and a time waster. I lost two sites while trying to get through the many many required fields.
GuideWe seem to always be here in the winter. It’s fantastic and free. Just pull in and pick your favorite spot.
This place can get cold. If the forecast is for 15° plan on 0.
TravelerMany of the loops weren’t open in March, but Pinion was. We were able to swap spots as our first choice wasn’t super level. Bathrooms were very nice (and heated). Fishing was fantastic!
Trinidad Lake State Park offers camping options with easy access to the Rocky Mountains at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet. Temperatures range from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows below freezing, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for many visitors. The area features pinon pine forests interspersed with open grasslands, creating a transition zone between mountain and plains ecosystems.
Hiking trails with lake views: Carpios Ridge Campground has well-marked trails with scenic vistas. "Nice hiking trails, which I always appreciate. Outer loop sites seemed best, but if you have young kids, consider that some outer loop sites with water views have a very steep drop off," notes Allison B. about Carpios Ridge Campground.
Stargazing at higher elevations: The lack of light pollution makes for exceptional night sky viewing. "At night there is zero light pollution and you can see so many stars," shares Kayla M. about South Shore Campground.
Geocaching with kids: Several parks offer this modern treasure hunting activity. "Beautiful view and fun stuff for the kids to do! Hiking, playground, geocaching. We will definitely be back!" says Ali C.
Historical exploration: Visit the remnants of coal mining towns within the state parks. "Hiking trails from the Ranger Headquarters offer a history lesson with the remnants of the 1920's coal mining town that prospered in this canyon," according to visitor reviews.
Panoramic vistas: The views from higher campsites offer spectacular scenery. "We stopped here on our way in to Estes park and really enjoyed our stay. I wasn't expecting much but the campground is beautiful, we were right on the lake and a walking trail," shares Hannah F. about Carpios Ridge Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept amenities. "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, and there's a change machine so you can get quarters," notes Dave L.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes are less pressured than those near larger cities. "The lake is fished nearly as much as Denver. Fish are bigger and easier to catch," reports Kayla M.
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to see native animals in their habitat. "You can see plenty of wildlife walking around the campground and trail," shares Nick U.
Weather extremes: Prepare for sudden temperature changes and strong winds at higher elevations. "Very nice Pinon Pines and other small trees for cover. Up on the top of a hill next to the lake, so not much access to the water. Nice place to stay, but gets VERY HOT. And can also have some unpredictable weather roll through with high winds," warns Thomas B.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak season. "Reservations required but can make them by phone or internet upon arriving. Phone number is posted," explains Barbara P.
Limited water access: At some sites, reaching the lake requires effort. "Up on the top of a hill next to the lake, so not much access to the water. One year, when the water was low, it took about 15 min both ways up/down pretty rough and rugged trails," notes Thomas B.
Gate closing times: Some parks restrict after-hours access. "Gates close at dark so if you are arriving after dark you will not be able to get in," cautions Kassi S. about Raton Pass Camp & Cafe.
Playground facilities: Some sites offer dedicated play areas. "Really nice camp ground, cool play ground for the kids, fire place, picnic table and shed with great views," Jason S. shares about his experience.
Bear safety practices: Teach children proper food storage. "Bear boxes provided, deer walked through campground often. I did see bear tracks while hiking but host said they've never been a human issue," reports Callie C. about Lake Alice Campground.
Educational ranger programs: Check for special events during your stay. "The ranger came by one night and showed a group of kids a mountain lion pelt and a bear pelt," notes Matt B. about Soda Pocket Campground.
Covered picnic areas: Protection from sun and rain improves the experience. "Every site had a covered picnic table and was relatively level," shares a visitor at Soda Pocket Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require adjustment due to terrain. "We paid $45 for one night which was a steep price for the condition of the Park. On the plus side they had availability and full hookups with no prior reservation," notes Jamie F.
Fill water tanks first: Not all sites with electric have water hookups. "No water at the sight, you need to fill your holding tank before you park. Electric only and dump site provided," advises Charyle C.
Hookup orientation: Check the layout before reserving. "The utility hookups for Site 06 are on the Wrong (i.e. the passenger) side of the rig, given the orientation of the driveway for backing in," warns Jeff T.
Cell service availability: Coverage varies significantly by location. "Verizon 6.5 down / 1.6 up. Know that you'll lose some reception on the way up (coming from Colorado) so make sure your navigation is preset," suggests C.W.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free camping near Trinidad, Colorado?
Free and dispersed camping options can be found on BLM land surrounding Trinidad. While specific free sites aren't mentioned in reviews, the areas west of Trinidad along Highway 12 toward the Spanish Peaks offer potential dispersed camping opportunities. For those willing to drive further, the National Forest Service areas near Bear Lake Campground (CO) might have dispersed options. This campground is about two hours west of Trinidad via scenic Highway 12, requiring navigation up a steep dirt and gravel road with multiple switchbacks. Before setting up camp on public lands, check with the local BLM office in Trinidad for current regulations and fire restrictions, as these can change seasonally.
Are there cabins available for rent in Trinidad, Colorado?
While traditional camping cabins are limited within Trinidad itself, there are accommodation options that offer cabin-like experiences. Raton Pass Camp & Cafe, located near the Colorado-New Mexico border just south of Trinidad, offers cabin rentals. For those willing to drive a bit further, Sugarite Canyon State Park in nearby New Mexico (about 30 minutes from Trinidad) has cabin options. In Trinidad proper, the Tower 64 Motel provides motel accommodations for those wanting a roof over their head without bringing camping gear. For a wider selection of cabin rentals, check Trinidad's tourism website or vacation rental platforms that may list private cabins in the area.
What campgrounds are available in Trinidad, Colorado?
Trinidad offers several camping options to suit different preferences. Carpios Ridge Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park features spread-out sites among piñon and juniper trees with stunning views of the lake and mountains. The campground offers fire pits, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, fishing, and boating. South Shore Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park is another excellent option with beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. For RV travelers, Tower 64 Motel & RV Park provides full hookups conveniently located off the highway, though spaces are tight. Additional options include Summit RV Park and Gears RV Park and Cafe, both offering services for larger rigs.
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