The best camping near Lathrop State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lathrop State Park adventure.

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

Get on the water or tee off at the golf course in Colorado’s first state park.  

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Community favorites near Lathrop State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lathrop State Park

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Mono Loco Flats

3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Fort Garland, CO
Mono Loco Flats sits on a Mesa nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Sangre De Cristo creek and La Veta Pass. Growing up in Southern Colorado I was fortunate to explore this zone as a kid and I feel fortunate that I can share Mono Loco Flats with others. Set up camp and enjoy sweeping views of Mount Blanca and the surrounding Sangre De Cristo mountain range. This 15 acre camp is situated just off highway 160 for easy access, approximately 25 minutes from The Great Sand Dunes Natianal park and Zapata Falls. Mono Loco Flats is an excellent home base for exploring the San Luis Valley. Sangre de Cristo Creek is a short hike or drive to the south. Fort Garland is a 10 minute drive. All three sites provide 360 panoramic views with epic sunrise and sunset views of Mount Blanca. Wild horses and prong horned antelope may wander the Mesa as you enjoy your camp. The natural beauty of these three campsites are worth protecting so please if you pack it in, pack it out. This is a dry camp with no toilet or garbage facilities. Please treat this land with respect so that future campers may enjoy the land free of rubbish. All three campsites are accessible with any type of vehicle and the long driveway and turnaround can accommodate any trailer or RV up to 20'. So please come and enjoy the Sangre De Cristo mountains at Mono Loco Flats:) @monkeypuzzlespace = Mono Loco Flats on Instagram
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$25.20
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Rabbit Hole Ranch

108 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Alamosa East, CO
The Rabbit Hole Ranch offers beautiful unobstructed views of the majestic Blanca Massif and the Great Sand Dunes and is just a (gorgeous) 35 minute drive from both to include Zapata Falls. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see, and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer you a place nearby to set up camp and go exploring. Alamosa, the largest town in the SLV, is just 20 minutes away. With a population of around 9,800 Alamosa has that small town feel and has the goods and services you will need. Camping here at the Rabbit Hole Ranch is primitive and dispersed (no numbered sites) and there 30 acres available for you to use. Typically, you will experience a rare kind of solitude and silence that feels…. other-worldly, with incredible sunrises and sunsets filling the enormous skies. On holidays, however, expect it to be busy. Our two Great Pyrenees are here to help keep you and your pets (and our chickens) safe. Please help make their jobs easier by not leaving any food or trash in or around tents. Please keep your pets on leash or under control until you’re comfortably certain they get along with all three of our dogs. This year we have a new Great Pyrenees to greet you, his name is TheoVon and he is huge! Returning this season is KayLee also a GP and and Finn, who is a little Benji lookin rescue from Alaska who just LOVES everyone. :) Quiet time begins at 10:00 pm. Note: Holidays still offer the excellent location and spectacular views, but are likely to be less quiet and far more busy. We do not strictly enforce quiet time during holidays.
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$33
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Base Camp Family Campground

20 sites · RVs20 acres · Alamosa, CO
Welcome To Your Base Camp Whether your adventure brings you here for just one night, or the entire summer, this is the view you want to wake up to! We have... •Largest Pull Through Sites In The Area-100' x 40' •Big-Rig-Friendly, 60 degree angled sites •Large Private Showers •Best 360 Degree Views •Full Hookups •Free Wi-Fi •Laundry •Close To All Local Attractions •Sandboard & Sand Sled Rentals - https://slv-adventures.square.site •65 Degree Average Summer Temperatures Base Camp Family Campground is operated by the Baker Family. Josh Baker first lived in Southern Colorado in the early 90's as a child, but his parents moved the family away after a short time. His desire to move back here as an adult prompted him to start bringing his own family to Colorado for vacations. They purchased land in the valley in 2014 and moved to Colorado in 2020. They are using all they've learned from years of RVing adventures, to continue the park's mission of providing a clean, affordable, spacious, well-run camping facility, and to be a centrally located "base camp" and hub of information for everything this unique area has to offer. You may feel it when you first enter the valley...this is a special place like no other. You'll be camping on Native American sacred ground, in the shadows of 14,000 ft. mountain peaks, in the largest high-desert alpine valley in the world, that is sprinkled with free-flowing artesian wells, hot springs and wet lands. Water gushes up through the desert floor from aquifers that are continually replenished from the snow that melts from the surrounding mountains. The valley gets 350 days of sunshine each year and less than 8 inches of precipitation, mostly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Bring a sweater, even if you're here in August. Daily summer temperatures average 65 degrees, and it will get down into the 50's at night. That's perfect camping weather! For native American tribes, including the Utes, Apache, Navajos, and others, this valley is considered the source of life, a place where humans and spirit enter and leave this world. This sipapu, or place of emergence, is believed to be near the sand dunes, in the San Luis Lakes area. The valley was considered so sacred, that no war would be waged here. The tribes would pass each other in peace. Blanca Peak is considered the eastern boundary and doorway into Dinetah, the traditional Navajo homeland. Today, 30 spiritual centers, representing religions from all over the world, are located in the Crestone area at the north end of the valley. The ET Connection As if all of the mountains, deserts, hot springs, and sacred ground weren't enough, The San Luis Valley is also known as a UFO hot spot! UFO sightings have been reported as far back as the 1600's. You'll want to visit The UFO Watch tower, on highway 17, "The Cosmic Highway". Owner, Judy Messoline is a wealth of information on the subject. • EXPRESS CHECK IN - We'll send you an email the day before your arrival, with your site number, wifi password, etc. There is no need to check in at the host site when you arrive, unless you have questions. You can follow the yellow signs straight to your camp site! • DURING COLD WATER MONTHS -water faucets may be used for filling RV tanks only. Water hoses must be disconnected after filling tanks. No permanent water hose connections will be allowed. • Check In Time -1:00 PM •Check Out Time -11:00 AM ATTRACTIONS - Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge on the Rio Grande - San Luis Valley Museum - Rio Grande Scenic Railroad - Splashland Hot Springs - Blanca Vista Park - Cattails Golf Course - Luther Bean Museum - Ryan Geology Museum - Fort Garland Museum - Zapata Falls - Colorado Gators Reptile Park - Homelake Veterans' History Museum - Monte Vista History Museum - Transportation of the West Museum - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve - Sanford Museum - UFO Watchtower - Sand Dunes Swimming Pool - Jack Dempsey Museum - Joyful Journey Hot Springs - Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center - Stations of the Cross Shrine - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Antonito Depot - Fransisco Fort Museum - Rio Grande County Museum - Conejos County Museum - Crestone History Museum - Hazard House Museum - Saguache County Museum - Valley View Hot Springs - Creede History Museum - Creede Underground Mining Museum - Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Chama Depot - Taos Pueblo - Hinsdale County Museum
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$51
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Haven Hill

4 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Rye, CO
Address: 7710 State Hwy 165, Rye CO 81004. Thirty-five private natural acres high above Scenic Byway 165. A secluded mountain top with total privacy, NO OTHER CAMPERS! You will be overlooking the beautiful Greenhorn Valley, with wide open views of Greenhorn Mountain and the Spanish Peaks. The stars at night are breathtaking. It feels like you are on a peaceful, remote island in the sky. A great place to fly a kite! It’s conveniently close to lakes, hiking, outdoor activities and supplies, restaurants and gas stations. Several roundabouts exist for turning around large vehicles. RV sites are pull through. For digital Nomads, Cell phone and satellite service is good here. ATV's are welcome on designated roads and trails. The back road of the hill is more of a hiking and ATV trail than a road to drive. You'll take an immediate right into the driveway off of 165When you reach the top the hill turn right and you will have your choice of 2 campsites on the east end of the hill. Fires are allowed. Please check https://www.pueblo.us/2602/Fire-Restrictions. Fires must be in campfire circles ONLY! PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DROWN YOUR CAMPFIRE BEFORE YOU LEAVE. Dead wood on the property is OK to burn. Or Firewood is available to purchase nearby in Colorado City at Ace Hardware. Do not burn trash please. All trash needs to be packed out. Camp ground #1 has a gravel area for an RV/camper/tent/car and a mulch/grass area for tent camping. As well as a fire ring, picnic table and accessible potable water on the west end of the hill. Camp ground #2 has cleared ground and has a fire ring and picnic table. Plenty of room for RV/camper/tent/cars. Feel free to pick your campground! Bring your own toilet for now. There is minimal shade available, so you may want to plan accordingly. Use of firearms is strictly prohibited. No fireworks are allowed. Quiet time is after 10:00 p.m. Please be respectful of neighboring properties. And remember you are on a hilltop so sound can travel :-) THINGS TO DO: *Bishop’s Castle: Built by Jim Biship who recently passed. lt took him 44 years to build this CO land mark. Located 25 minutes up Highway 165, Bishop’s Castle is a stone and iron fortress nestled in the trees of the San Isabel National Forest. Wind your way through the castle’s wrought-iron stairwells through three-stories of towers and bridges. Visitors are always welcome free of charge, and the castle itself is always open. Photos in property pictures. * Lake Beckwith - Lake Beckwith is the perfect place for walking, fishing, and boating. A Colorado Fishing License is required and all dogs must be on a leash. Personal paddleboards, kayaks, and non-motorized boats are welcome. * Lake Isabel / San Isabel 
Just a fifteen-minute drive up Highway 165, San Isabel is a picturesque little community nestled in the mountains alongside Lake Isabel. Lake Isabel is the perfect place to spend the afternoon fishing, kayaking, or hiking. The Lodge at San Isabel, a restaurant and general store is open Mid-May through October. A Colorado Fishing License can be purchased at the gift shop and is required to fish at the lake. Personal paddleboards, kayaks, and small non-motorized boats are welcome. * Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: 
One of the two tallest sand dunes in North America is located two hours west of Colorado City. A perfect place to take a day trip. Pack a lunch and spend the day hiking the dunes, sand sledding, and playing in the creek. * Capulin Volcano National Monument. Located an hour and forty minutes southeast. This is a national monument. * Colorado City Swimming Pool. The pool is open Monday-Saturday from June to early August and is available for open-swim in the afternoon. * Hollydot Golf Course 
Hollydot is Colorado City’s 18-hole public golf course. Tee times can be booked online, by phone, or in person. * Pueblo City-County Library – Greenhorn Valley Branch - The library offers plenty of kid-friendly activities, as well as classes and events for adults and teens. RESTAURANTS: * Three Sisters Tavern * Bolt Burgers and Shakes * High Octane BBQ * Round Table Sports Grill at Hollydot Golf Course * Rye Cafe * Table Mountain Coffee Sho * The Lodge at San Isabel 
(Open Mid-May–October) * Subway HIKING: * Over two miles of hiking on the property * Greenhorn Trail * Bartlett Trail * St. Charles Trail * Wachob Trail * Coal Creek Trail * San Carlos Trail OTHER: * Propane tanks and refills available at Ace Hardware on CO165 * Dump services available at the KOA Campground on I25 and CO165 * Towing and auto repair available at The Service Center in Colorado City * Hack Shack Liquor Store * Fastbreak Food and Liquor * Valley Market * Gas Stations 
Loaf N’ Jug, Sinclair, Circle K * 24 hour ice station near Ace Hardware
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$41.65
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Camp Catori

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Fort Garland, CO
At Camp Catori we specialize in allowing you to reconnect with yourself and believe that wellness combines mental, physical, emotional, spiritual well-being and fun. We provide an off-grid retreat experience for our guests, and a chance to reconnect with nature and find inner peace. Our 6-acre property offers stunning mountain views of the Mt. Blanca range and access to various outdoor activities, including fishing, paddleboarding, and hiking. We are conveniently located 30 minutes from the Great Sand Dunes NP, Zapata Falls, and aim to provide a secluded space to relax and rejuvenate. Here, guests can feel the sacred energy of the land, surrounded by the healing properties of sage and quartz. We invite you to come and explore our grounds, and reconnect with your higher self. We are 100% off-grid. There is no well or septic system. For running water we provide 6 (5) gallon jugs to fill nearby and the tank under the sink for $1 per container. The tank holds 35 gallons. It’s easy and has plenty of water when used conservatively. The shower uses 1.75 gallons per minute so make it fast if you decide to shower. DO NOT allow the tank to fall below 1/4 as it will break the water pump thus creating a very expensive repair. You’ll be able to see the water line to monitor usage. The composting toilet is easy to use. All parties must watch a 2-minute video and agree to use it properly. You must monitor the urine bucket and discard it accordingly. Liquid in the composting bin or using or placing paper or products where it is not allowed will result in a $150 cleaning fee. If you are not willing to discard a bucket of your own urine in a designated spot by the cabin this place is not for you. The primary loft has a comfortable queen-size bed, 4 pillows, and a comforter. The second loft has two twin beds placed together to create a queen-size but can be taken apart. There are also 4 pillows and one queen-size comforter. The sofa is a pull-out that can sleep another small person (5’10 or shorter). Like camping, you must bring your own sheets or sleeping bags. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge/freezer, a Wonderoven, a classic Nespresso machine, a French press, an Italian press, a Tramontina all-in-one pan with steamer grate (great for cooking fish), a medium-sized Dutch oven for the stove (soups, sauces), griddle, utensils, knives, plates, and cooking and grilling utensils. We have a propane stove and outdoor grill. We have an eat-in kitchen for 2, a table outside that seats 6 to 7 people as well as a 2-person outdoor ledge looking out at the mountains. An internet hotspot is available for $10 per day via Solis. We also use our mobile phone hotspot which usually does the trick for both laptop work and watching TV. NOTE: From November through May, the cabin is dry with no running water due to freezing temperatures. GROUP CAMPING OR A RETREAT? In addition to the cabin we also have 3 generously sized cleared camping spots each with gorgeous mountain views making it a great option for group camping (4x4 vehicle required to access) or to host a retreat. Contact me, Catori to inquire at 720-474-0779.
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$107.10
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Remote Site - Sangre de Cristos

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · San Luis, CO
Secluded from it all! This private 7 acre land sits at 10,500 feet in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Surrounded by blue spruce and aspen trees with wide-open views of the skies for maximum star gazing. Roads in are graded dirt best accessed by 4x4 or all-wheel drive. It can get muddy during rain storms and snow is possible during the summer. Drive right in to access multiple flat spots to setup your site. Views are plentiful! This is as rugged as it gets. This high alpine location provides stunning views and endless chill time. This location is smack-dab in the middle of one of the largest elk herds in the world. There are plenty of deer, bear and the occasional moose. This is steep country - bring your trekking poles! There is plenty to explore on the land, plus miles of hiking on Forbes road. You'll be roughly and hour away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, 40 mins from Ft Garland, under 2 hours to Taos, NM, and Mountain Home Reservoir is just down the road - great fishing! Ideal tent spot with room for multiple families.
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$20
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Manifest Ranch Tranquility Camp

1 site · Lodging125 acres · Pueblo, CO
Are you looking for a weekend getaway in nature? How about next week? Our brand new turnkey campsite at Manifest Ranch is the perfect destination for you. With a comfortable sleeping capacity of four, you can enjoy a peaceful and secluded camping experience. At Manifest Ranch, you'll have the entire 125 acres of green rolling hills to yourself. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, you can truly escape the city crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Plus, we welcome small kids and pets at no extra cost, so the whole family can join in on the adventure. When was the last time you had a spontaneous getaway, far away from traffic and long lines? Our campsite offers quick and easy access to a beachfront swimming area at a large, laid-back lake known for great fishing and endless good times. Whether you've never experienced such a getaway or it's been a long time, all you have to do is click "Book Now" and get ready to have fun and clear your mind. We've made camping hassle-free for you. Just bring your own food and water, and we'll take care of the rest. However, if you want to take it one step further and make your camping experience even more comfortable, you can choose our Pamper Camper add-on package. This package includes additional amenities to enhance your stay. So, why wait? Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous adventure to Manifest Ranch. Click "Book Now" and get ready to enjoy nature, relaxation, and endless good times. Thank you for considering our campsite, and if you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. Sincerely, Micki B Manifest Ranch
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$32
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The best camping near Lathrop State Park guide

Overview

About

Framed by the snow-hatted mountains of the Spanish Peaks, Lathrop’s two lakes provide plenty of ways to get on the water. At Martin Lake, water-skiing and powerboating are the activities of choice, or you can cool off with a swim. Over at Horseshoe Lake, the tranquil waters are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, or wakeless boating, and both lakes are teeming with catfish, bass, and trout. Land activities are just as varied—explore the park’s trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback; go bird-watching; hit the archery range; or tee off at the only state park golf course in Colorado. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for mountain views: Yucca Campground has 31 sites for tents or small RVs and a backdrop of the Spanish Peaks.  
  • Best for RVs: Pinon Campground has 82 pull-through and back-in paved sites, all with electric hookups, fire pits, and picnic tables.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s 103 campsites or three group camping areas via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. All campsites must be booked in advance, but same-day bookings are allowed.
  2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance. 
  3. Campsites can book up quickly, especially for holiday weekends and during peak season (June through August)—make your reservation as soon as possible.

When to go

Lathrop State Park is busiest from May through September, and this is peak season for camping, swimming, and water sports. Land activities are enjoyable through all seasons with the right clothing, and autumn is the ideal time to dodge the crowds and admire the park’s cottonwood trees with their colorful foliage. Winter campers can stay at the Pinon Campground—Loop D stays open year-round—but boating is restricted to hand-launched boats from November through February.  

Know before you go

  • Lathrop State Park is located 53 miles south of Pueblo or about a 50-minute drive.
  • Park entrance fees are payable in addition to camping fees.
  • Facilities in the park include restrooms, picnic areas, two boat ramps, and a dump station. The Visitor Centre sells fishing bait, soft drinks, and firewood. There are pay showers and a children’s playground at Pinon Campground.
  • There are wheelchair-accessible campsites available at Pinon Campground.
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