Best Campgrounds near Trinidad, CO

Camping in Trinidad, Colorado sits right along Interstate 25, with several good spots to pitch a tent or park an RV. Trinidad Lake State Park has two main camping areas - Carpios Ridge and South Shore. Both have basic amenities like picnic tables, bathrooms, and spots near the water for fishing or launching boats. The park stays open all year, though winter can bring snow and much colder temperatures. If you're looking for Blue Lake Campground, it's currently closed, so you'll need to check if it's reopened before heading there. The Rocky Mountains close by have hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs. Keep an eye out for deer and mountain sheep while hiking, and store your food properly at camp to keep wildlife away. Summer gets pretty warm and draws the most campers, while spring and fall have nicer temperatures that many hikers prefer. Some of the camping areas require vehicles with higher clearance, especially if it's been raining recently. The Great Sand Dunes aren't too far away if you want a day trip. Before driving out, check current road conditions since weather can make some roads difficult to travel.

Best Camping Sites Near Trinidad, Colorado (45)

    1. Carpios Ridge Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park

    24 Reviews
    Trinidad, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 846-6951

    $36 - $41 / night

    "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."

    2. South Shore Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park

    22 Reviews
    Trinidad, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 846-6951

    $28 - $250 / night

    "As is typical of Colorado State Parks, Trinidad Lake is clean, well thought out, and beautiful."

    "Trinidad is a charming town. Just perfect!"

    3. Raton Pass Camp & Cafe

    14 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 445-8500

    "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."

    4. Lake Alice Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park

    18 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 445-5607

    $10 - $35 / night

    "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. "

    5. Soda Pocket Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park

    9 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 445-5607

    $15 / night

    "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"

    6. Tower 64 Motel & RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Trinidad, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 846-3307

    $41 - $75 / night

    "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."

    8. Cawthon Motel and Camp Ground

    1 Review
    Trinidad, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (719) 846-3303

    9. Summit RV Park

    1 Review
    Trinidad, CO
    3 miles
    +1 (719) 846-2251

    10. Gears RV Park and Cafe

    2 Reviews
    Aguilar, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 680-0861

    $35 / night

    "We've stayed at the park several times traveling between New Mexico and Colorado."

    "Near highway but I didn’t hear it."

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Recent Reviews near Trinidad, CO

279 Reviews of 45 Trinidad Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lathrop State Park

    Clean quiet, well managed

    Just outside Walsenburg, CO, 2 small lakes. We had electric but did not use, loop D spots had some nice views of Spanish Peaks in distance (youngest peaks in Rockies), several small playgrounds for kids, SMALL shower stalls (coin op with changers available), some flush, some pit, toilets (all clean), 1 bar Verizon but were able to watch Chiefs/Chargers game on phone. Gift shop, paved trail around lake, some other hiking paths, quiet hours were kept by campers. Noticed staff made regular trips through grounds. Hogback trail moderate (perhaps on side of harder moderate, tough for older large dog--wouldn't take him on it again). Electric sites available (chose one but did not use the hookup). Did not notice ANY hwy noise in loop D.  Water spigots available at SOME sites and/or spots in campground with one designated water fill-up spot near entrance. Most if not all sites appeared level.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

    Quiet, peacefull.

    Just a small open area, three picnic tables, a couple of pit toilets, trash cans. Lots of birds, a couple of deer, lots of coyotes off in the distance. Fishing is allowed but I didn't see any.

  • Brittany M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    Well Maintained

    Beautiful area and site. There are multiple sites, and all seem to have been recently cleared and maintained. There is a sign right where the sites start. The specific site that is the coordinates on Dyrt is right next to the creek and a great spot. The road is somewhat busy for being so far back. Don't go too far or you will hit the campsite that you have to pay for.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Carpios Ridge Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park

    Beautiful view

    Some spots shady, some not. Fresh water available, but not at each site. I am here on Labor Day weekend and although the campground is full, it is pretty peaceful. Make sure you stop and pay for an entrance permit even if you paid for your campsite.

  • D
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Cordova Pass

    Astonishing views

    Had my gear and saw a sign, so decided to drive up the mountain to this campsite from the Highway of Legends. There’s a six mile drive up a dirt road with some great vistas on the way up. It was totally manageable in my sedan.

    There are only a handful of sites and they are first-come-first-serve. Only three sites were taken when we arrived and the available sites were still great.

  • Julissa M.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    I wish I had more time to stay

    Words can't begin to describe this place. Simply beautiful, peaceful, and one with nature. We stayed right next to the river. We sat by the fire and just enjoyed the sounds of the river.

  • e
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park

    Would recommend!

    Great spot for our first RV stay. Good views of Spanish peaks and site was very quiet. Bathrooms with showers and toilets were close by. Electric hookup at our site, and the communal water hookup was across from us. We generally prefer more seclusion and privacy which we had for the most part with trees, etc. at this site. Some sites didn’t have that.

    Lathrop State Park is a gem - good hiking / views, a golf course, and swimming / water activities.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Carpios Ridge Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park

    Glad to have found this place.

    To keep it succinct, this place was so nice I decided to book another day before I fully unpacked my gear. Perhaps it was the perfect weather conditions, but with a view of the lake, not too far away, if just only a short walk, I knew that this would be a place for prime relaxing. What’s more, if you have a pull-behind vehicle or a small rig like me, you can go into town.


Guide to Trinidad

Camping near Trinidad, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to unwind in nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, like those around Blue Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed. One camper mentioned, "Excessive trails for hiking the mountain sheep love to hang around this reservoir."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Monument Lake Resort, where one visitor caught "14 large trout over the 2-night stay." It's a great spot for both beginners and seasoned anglers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. A reviewer at Raton Pass Camp & Cafe noted, "The views are the best part about this campground!"

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bear Lake Campground (CO), lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "No phone reception (YEAH)... and a bit off the beaten path."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at South Shore Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park mentioned, "The campground was full and busy."
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A camper at Soda Pocket Campground said, "The road was a typical dirt road, and not in bad shape at all."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Piñon Campground, which has "toilets and showers at the campgrounds and has hiking trails and plenty of lake to fish from."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. One family enjoyed "bike riding, fishing, and swimming" at Piñon Campground.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Lake Alice Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park mentioned, "Bear boxes provided, deer walked through campground often."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. A reviewer at Blue Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed advised, "Don’t attempt with anything over 25’."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Raton Pass Camp & Cafe offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A visitor noted, "All the sites had very well-groomed gravel and all hookups were well maintained."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can fill up quickly. A camper at South Shore Campground mentioned, "Sites were a little too close for comfort."

Camping near Trinidad, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

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.