Dispersed camping options extend along the North Fork Purgatoire River near Weston, Colorado, where campers find free sites alongside a developed camping area with amenities. The region includes both primitive spots in San Isabel National Forest and established campgrounds like Monument Lake Resort, which offers cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups. Trinidad Lake State Park provides additional developed camping opportunities with full hookup RV sites and tent camping areas approximately 25 miles southeast of Weston along Highway 12.
Roads leading to dispersed camping areas often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall when dirt routes become rutted or muddy. A recent visitor noted, "Little bumpy coming in but not bad. Really pretty getting here. Site is flat-ish and fine for what it is." Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with some closing during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures. Elevations ranging from 6,500 to 8,000 feet create cool nights even during summer months, making proper cold-weather gear essential year-round. Cell service remains limited throughout much of the area, especially at dispersed sites along forest roads.
Wildlife viewing opportunities represent a significant draw for campers in the Weston area. Deer regularly pass through campgrounds at dusk, and fishing access to lakes and streams provides recreation options. According to one camper at Monument Lake Resort, "Fishing was well above expectations, catching 14 large trout over the 2-night stay between the two of us." The North Fork Purgatoire River area receives positive reviews for its riverside camping experience and hiking trails. Campers seeking quieter experiences typically prefer weekday visits, as one reviewer mentioned, "We prefer Sun-Thur to miss the crowds." Primitive sites generally offer more seclusion than developed campgrounds but lack amenities like showers, potable water, or electrical hookups.
$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."
$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."
"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."
$28 - $250 / night
"Nice to be that close to the lake. One thing to keep in mind, from the campsites there isn’t great access to the lake, you’ll need to come in From the East entrance to the park for lake access."
"As is typical of Colorado State Parks, Trinidad Lake is clean, well thought out, and beautiful."
$45 - $50 / night
"Fair pricing, play area for kids(needs supervision), liqueur store in walking distance, laundry is walking distance. And in a great town with nice people."
"Deer walking thru the campground at dusk was a neat site."
"This lake is in an absolutely beautiful part of the country. The campsites are all situated around the lake and each has a great lake view. Fishing is good as well."
"When you first drive in there are secluded tent spots, then small cabins. There are many spots all around the lake, with large tenter sites on the opposite bank of the lake."
"Drive past the wildlife area sign that says no camping. That sign is only for the entranced area. On down the road you will see the entrance and pay station for the campgrounds. Gorgeous!"
"We stayed right next to the river. We sat by the fire and just enjoyed the sounds of the river."
$25 / night
"The area surrounding Purgatory is GORGEOUS. It’s straight out of a movie or picture book."
"No access to electric or water. Road to camp is rough. Beautiful scenery. Short drive to Chucara and Stonewall."
$15 / night
"This campground has 3 walk in tent campsites, a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire pits and great access to West Spanish Peaks trailhead. Very clean & quite. Great Mountain View’s."
"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."
"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."
$25 / night
"Beautiful place in Southern Colorado. It is a busy (small), very pretty campground Southern CO (not all spots are shaded). Great Hosts with clean vault toilets. "
"The views driving up from the main road are absolutely stunning. I was here when the leaves were changing in the fall and I’m not sure there are many places in Colorado more beautiful than up here."
ScoutSmall park. Stayed 10 days in early May. With another couple we camp with. Mostly level sites with gravel. And a clean Rec Room with bath and shower. Enjoyed the beautiful lake and surrounded by mountains.
RangerVery spacious, definitely rocky - i used 4wd but probably could have gotten away with 2wd if needed. Lots of good spots to tuck into
GuideBrand new campsites, new bathrooms with new showers and hot water. All sites are new tables with nice roof covers. 50 amp, 30amp and 110. Water fill site but no dump station Nice hiking trails around the lake. Campground road is gravel, campsites are gravel, handicap site is concrete. Boat ramp, kayak ramp, picnic area Camp host is very helpful, Ranger is helpful and visible in the campground Visitors Center is okay.
It’s high elevation, pack your blankets
TravelerSuch an awesome spot and only 15 minutes to the dunes. The road can get pretty rocky but I made it up in a minivan just fine. Great views and the fourth campsite had a line of trees in the shape of a c and I parked my car at the opening to close us off from the wind. Absolutely loved it
ScoutBeautiful spot a few miles before getting to GSDNP on right "San Luis Public Lands" drive down road 1/4 mile. Plenty of spaces.
GuideThe views are awesome. Pretty windy the first day we came, which can be annoying. But the second day wasn’t windy at all. Little bumpy driving to the site but I have an older vehicle. Great service too.
ScoutIt’s a nice spot. Be mindful of cacti, although there weren’t any in the immediate campsite area. It’s quite rocky, we got up to the third site in our Subaru, but 4WD may have been better:)
GuideEasy to find right off of the road to the Great Sand Dunes entrance. Quite a few sites but only a couple for larger RVs. If traveling with a dog please be aware there are lots of cactus so keep an eye on your dogs feet.
At&t had 2-3 bars of service.
Beautiful sunsets across the open landscape.
ScoutA simple open parking lot with easily vaccine pull through sites in center and sites around the rim.
Dispersed camping near Weston, Colorado spreads across San Isabel National Forest at elevations between 7,000 to 11,000 feet. The North Fork Purgatoire River area serves as a central hub for both free and paid camping opportunities. Nights typically drop below 40°F even in summer months due to the high elevation, and afternoon thunderstorms occur regularly from July through September.
Fishing at Monument Lake: Monument Lake Resort provides trout fishing opportunities with license requirements. One camper noted, "I saw people catch trout. There is a good restaurant. 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."
Hiking to waterfalls: Blue Lake Campground offers access to mountain trails with waterfall views. A visitor shared, "This is the stuff postcards are made of!! Limited sites available and most are right off the road/trail to the waterfall so privacy is out. I was surprised by the volume of hikers passing thru to view the falls and surrounding area, literally every 5-15 mins someone was walking by."
Mountain wildlife viewing: Cordova Pass Campground provides opportunities to spot local wildlife along hiking trails. "Great campsites great trails this is a hidden gem," reported one camper, while another mentioned the abundance of birds, stating "I won. Camp robbers (the birds) lost."
High elevation camping: Blue Lake Campground sits above 11,000 feet with alpine views. A camper advised, "It took me a day to acclimate to the 11,000+ altitude. All in all I'd go back but it's difficult to find a site, especially on the weekends."
Creekside sites: North Fork Purgatoire River dispersed camping offers streamside sites. "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," wrote one visitor.
Star viewing: Trinidad Lake State Park provides dark skies for astronomy. A camper commented, "Really nice camp ground, cool play ground for the kids, fire place, picnic table and she'd with great views. Views where great from ever angle. We stayed right after Christmas and the snow was an added bonus."
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have limited or no connectivity. At Blue Lake Campground, campers noted, "No cell phone service. No water, toilets, bring your own food and water and disconnect from the internet."
Early arrival recommended: Competition for prime spots requires morning arrival. "We arrived at 8:30am and found a spot but the rest filled up shortly after," stated a Blue Lake Campground visitor, while another warned, "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!"
Weather preparedness: Rapid temperature changes occur year-round. A camper at Monument Lake Resort explained, "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."
Bear safety: Bear activity requires proper food storage. One camper at Blue Lake Campground advised, "Bear cannisters are not required for this area but the local ranger station highly recommends keeping all food packed away in your vehicle or hanging from a tree."
Playground access: Trinidad Lake State Park features dedicated children's areas. A visitor mentioned, "Really nice camp ground, cool play ground for the kids, fire place, picnic table and she'd with great views."
Geocaching opportunities: Family-friendly treasure hunting exists near campgrounds. One camper at Trinidad Lake State Park noted, "Beautiful view and fun stuff for the kids to do! Hiking, playground, geocaching. We will definitely be back!"
Dish washing stations: Trinidad Lake State Park offers dedicated cleaning areas. "Camper center: Amazing! Laundry, clean restrooms and showers(coin operated, but so worth it) and even a dedicated place to wash kitchen dishes. Wow!" shared a visitor.
Limited electrical hookups: Many campgrounds offer minimal power options. At Monument Lake Resort, a camper stated, "My sight had 20 amp only but I didn't need to run AC. Actually used heater in the morning to break the chill."
Narrow forest roads: Access requires careful navigation on unpaved routes. A Blue Lake Campground visitor cautioned, "Oh and 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, especially if you decide to continuing driving up to the dam (past the first parking lot area). That section of the road gets very narrow."
Campground facilities: Purgatoire Campground requires self-sufficiency. "I can understand rating this campground low if you were hoping to find a Ritz Carlton at the end of the 4-mile rough road, but if you're looking for a beautiful high altitude forested campground that offers solitude and great hiking, you've come to the right place!" explained one RV camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Weston campground located in Colorado?
Weston is located in southern Colorado, near the New Mexico border. While Weston itself is a small community, nearby camping options include Bear Lake Campground (CO) in the southern Colorado mountains and Blue Lake Campground, which sits at 11,500 feet elevation about two hours west of Trinidad in the Spanish Peaks area along scenic Highway 12. The region offers spectacular mountain views and access to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.
What amenities are available at Weston campground?
Campgrounds near Weston offer various amenities. Soda Pocket Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park provides covered picnic tables at every site with relatively level ground. Many sites offer spectacular views. At Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park, you'll find paved roads suitable for biking. Other area campgrounds typically provide basic facilities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some have access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and nearby lakes for recreation.
When is the best time of year to camp in Weston, Colorado?
The best time to camp in the Weston area is late spring through early fall (May-September). Summer offers warm days and cool nights with lush greenery, especially at places like Rio Costilla Park, which features beautiful mountain landscapes. Early fall provides pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. At Raton Pass Camp & Cafe, which sits near the Colorado border, visitors enjoy outstanding views during these peak months. Winter camping is possible but facilities may be limited, with some campground loops closing for the season.
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