Best Campgrounds near Walsenburg, CO

The area around Walsenburg, Colorado has several good camping spots within a short drive. Lathrop State Park contains two main campgrounds - Piñon and Yucca - where campers will find decent-sized sites with the basics like tables and fire rings. These work well for families. Lake Isabel typically draws campers but remains closed for now, though many people like its good views and hiking access. If you want more shade, Davenport Campground sits among trees that block the sun and create some privacy between sites. Many campers come to this part of Colorado for the mountain views and outdoor activities. The Colorado River runs nearby, making it a solid spot for trout fishing. You can also drive to the Great Sand Dunes from here, which look pretty different from the mountains that dominate most of the landscape. Most campgrounds have bathrooms and drinking water, but it's smart to check what each place offers since services vary. Weather changes a lot in this area - cooler up high and warmer in the valleys. Many campers find spring or fall gives the best weather for camping here. Just remember to pack out what you pack in to keep these camping areas nice.

Best Camping Sites Near Walsenburg, Colorado (91)

    1. Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park

    31 Reviews
    Walsenburg, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 738-2376

    $36 / night

    "Lovely weather while I was here very early December 2021. 60s for highs and close to freezing at night. the dry camping loop and loops A B and C are closed for the season."

    "The campground provides a nice visitors center, two small lakes (one non-wake), a sand beach, paved and unpaved bike trails, fishing, a kids fishing pond, trails, and electric or no-hook-up camping."

    2. Yucca Campground — Lathrop State Park

    6 Reviews
    Walsenburg, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 738-2376

    $28 - $225 / night

    "(Nice towns close by.)"

    "You need to pay for site, $9 entrance fee, and showers (50 cents for 4 minutes, etc.).

    Lake for fishing, jetskiing, swimming. Hogback Trail and other trails."

    3. Dakota Campground

    3 Reviews
    Walsenburg, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (719) 738-9912

    4. Lathrop State Park

    1 Review
    Walsenburg, CO
    3 miles

    "Just outside Walsenburg, CO, 2 small lakes."

    5. Hummingbird Ranch

    6 Reviews
    Rye, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    $30 - $33 / night

    "My husband was a little concerned when we left the highway for a dirt county road, but his concerns quickly changed as we enjoyed the beauty and wonder of the Colorado mountains!"

    "Large area to park away from others!"

    6. Pueblo South-Colorado City KOA

    14 Reviews
    Colorado City, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 676-3376

    "My relatives live in nearby Trinidad, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs. This site is convenient to all three."

    "Although placed next to the highway the campground is relatively quiet. Everyone is respectful of other campers. The staff are friendly and helpful. Amenities are accurately described."

    7. Blue Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed

    36 Reviews
    La Veta, CO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "The site is about two hours west of Trinidad Colorado in the Spanish Peaks Area along scenic highway 12."

    "This area has everything Colorado at 11,500’. There is a waterfall, a lake, some marsh land and plenty of views! Up on the adjacent mountainside are a few old mining locations and some caves."

    8. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    93 Reviews
    Gardner, CO
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $20 - $80 / night

    "It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."

    "Access to dunes trails, and off road track. Dump station nearby visitor center with free air station. T-Mobile available at most sites, but good by the visitor center and primitive road access."

    9. Circle the Wagons RV Park

    3 Reviews
    La Veta, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 988-6190

    $44 - $51 / night

    "Easy spot over the border in Colorado. We were there as a jump off to head further West from North Texas area and made it well before dark to hook up. Nice clean park with all the amenities."

    10. Greenhorn Meadows Park

    7 Reviews
    Colorado City, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 676-3059

    "Its as small Campground outside Colorado City. There electric hook ups at your site; however the water is across the path and you need to port it to your rig."

    "We found GMP in Colorado City and was told they never turn away a tenter. There are a number of spots aligned below a bluff, and a large open field for additional tents."

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Recent Reviews near Walsenburg, CO

688 Reviews of 91 Walsenburg Campgrounds


  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Northern Plains Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park

    Great place for boating and fishing and decent facilities

    A little old in the tooth in terms of the showers and no soap is provided but there are garbage receptacles and every site has a shelter and picnic table and fire pit. There isn't much shade to speak of in most sites, nor is there much privacy between sites. Unfortunately you have to come here to look through the ones that have some shade but the Yucca Flats campground is very close to the water and my site has a direct View

  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Aspen Acres Campground

    Water from the hookup was disgusting

    All fine for a night except we filled our tank with the most disgusting undrinkable water imaginable. I’d not come back for that reason.

  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Ophir Creek Road

    Ophir Creek won’t be free for long!

    It’s an easy drive from Westcliff. Too easy. I expected crowds of out of state tourists and maybe a few locals. But to my surprise it was virtually empty.i grabbed a cozy site right next to the creek. Lovely sounds.

    The environs where I camped was a dense mix of deciduous and conifer trees., and on either side of the road and campsites, there were very steep, heavily wooded slopes. But a confusing feature are the No Trespassing signs as you enter the campground. I don’t know where the hiking is.

    My phone and WiFi (through my phone) worked very well. I have AT&T currently and there was no one here to ask about other carriers.

    In the late afternoon there was one of the biggest storms I’ve ever experienced. The thunder was loud, extended and close! Leaving did cross my mind. But two hours later it was quiet again. Glad I stayed.


Guide to Walsenburg

Camping near Walsenburg, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails. Campers have enjoyed hikes around Blue Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed, where one reviewer mentioned, "Excessive trails for hiking the mountain sheep love to hang around this reservoir."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park, provide access to fishing spots. One visitor shared, "The park is accommodating with toilets and showers at the campgrounds and has hiking trails and plenty of lake to fish from."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Carpios Ridge Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park noted, "The stars are incredible at night but I think my favorite part was the herd of mountain goats and their babies!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One reviewer at Aspen Acres Campground said, "Great scenery and amazing night sky view."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor remarked, "Clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. A review for Ophir Creek Campground mentioned, "Such a nice campground! Many sites are right along the creek and it was really flowing and creating some nice 'white noise.'"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Davenport Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "There is only one hand pump near sites 6/7 that takes forever to get water from."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at South Shore Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park mentioned, "The campground was full and busy."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds take reservations, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Blue Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed advised, "I arrived on a Friday around 3pm and drove the whole way up to the lake."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. A reviewer at Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park cautioned, "Don’t attempt with anything over 25’."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Stonewall Lodge & RV Park offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper noted, "Full hook up. Great value."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV sites can be cramped. A visitor at Stonewall Lodge & RV Park mentioned, "Tight spaces. Should have privacy fence from the place next door."

Camping near Walsenburg, Colorado, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Walsenburg, Colorado?

Walsenburg offers excellent access to some of southern Colorado's finest camping. Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park stands out for its proximity to Walsenburg and offers beautiful views with great biking opportunities on paved roads. For those seeking stunning mountain scenery, Bear Lake Campground (CO) provides a more remote experience with pristine lake views, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Other notable options include Dakota Campground for RV travelers and the campgrounds at Lake Pueblo State Park, both within reasonable driving distance from Walsenburg.

What amenities are available at Walsenburg campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Walsenburg offer varied amenities to suit different camping styles. Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park provides electric hookups, clean bathhouses with showers, and convenient water spigots throughout the campground. Juniper Breaks Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park features level parking areas and covered picnic tables at most sites, offering good privacy between campsites. Many campgrounds in the region include basic facilities like vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities decrease at more remote locations. For full hookups and more developed facilities, check the RV parks closer to town.

What is the best season for camping in Walsenburg, Colorado?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather in the Walsenburg area. Zapata Falls Campground provides beautiful experiences with comfortable temperatures from May through September. For those seeking fewer crowds, early December can offer surprisingly mild weather at locations like Raton Pass Camp & Cafe, which sits near the Colorado border with outstanding views. Summer brings the most reliable weather, though higher elevation campgrounds near Walsenburg stay cooler. Fall camping offers spectacular colors, especially at sites like Blue Lake Campground when the aspens change. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for cold conditions, with many campgrounds closing their water systems.