Camping near Trinidad

Historic Santa Fe Trail town offers access to the plains and mountains of Colorado and New Mexico.

83% (198 reviews)
83% (198 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Trinidad

Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Trinidad

99%
(97)

Coyote Canyon Mountain Base Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Fort Garland, CO
As the Scenic Passenger Train is heard in the distance you'll look up towards Mount Blanca and imagine your next adventure living among the wildflowers of this High Desert Mountain Hipcamp. After recovering from a wildfire, the ancient sage brushes that had previously made the land harsh and unwelcoming are nearly gone, replaced with an abundance of grasses and wildflowers if blessed with rains. Open Land as far as you can go to the East you'll follow the Coyote canyon to high mountain lookouts. There are old logging maintenance roads you could take advantage of, so Hike, Bike or Motor around the local area. Fort Garland and Blanca have a community center (pool), septic dump and water fill and can provide groceries. The Great Sand dunes are about 45 minutes away. The Sand Dunes swimming pool, fed by a very hot artisan well is about an hour away. Mountain Home Lake is also within 1/2 an hour or so for fishing/water sports with a nice boat ramp. Escape from light pollution like never before, a clear night sky will make the whole trip worthwhile! Lots of wild life and you will most likely see some deer, hear the coyotes, and count the different colors of the humming birds. You can book a train ride out of Alamosa, and visit the local historic towns. The views will make it hard to leave the campsite, but there are tons of experiences and things to do in the area so make sure to do some research before you arrive.  The weather and wind can be unpredictable in the mountains, so be prepared.  There are two entrances onto the property, one at the bottom and one at the top. You can avoid some wind by camping near Lewis-Smith Rd at the lowest part of the land.  Also, the site can accommodate large trailers/RV's but just make sure to plan your entrance/exit carefully and don't go to far down the hills.  Just choose a wise spot to park if in a big rig.  There are some small tires around that you can use to sit on or if you dig a hole that you fill in before leaving you can make a temporary toilet.  Make sure to haul out all your trash and leave the site cleaner than it was when you arrived and respect the land.  If you do come across a mess from the previous camper and clean it up, just let us know and we will give you a refund for the night. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
67%
(6)

Secluded Rio Cucharas Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Walsenburg, CO
This 3+ acre property located in the Rio Cucharas Subdivision is situated just north of Lathrop State Park and just west of the town of Walsenburg. The property is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and boasts stunning views of the nearby Sangre de Cristos, Spanish Peaks, Silver Mountains, Sheep Mountain, Little Sheep Mountain and Greenhorn Mountain to name a few. The property is located on Cielo Azul Dr (identified as Cello Azui Dr on Google Maps) and has well-graded dirt/gravel road access. There is a dirt driveway off of Cielo Azul Dr to access the property (2WD accessible). Lathrop State Park is located only 5 minutes south of the property and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, wind-surfing and general relaxation on the beach. The lake features a number of species of fish including rainbow trout, walleye, catfish, blue gills, tiger muskies and the regrettably names crappie. As you drive onto the property it gently slopes upwards and then flattens out for some nice camping spots and beautiful views of the surrounding area. The property is in a very quiet and secluded area where you will not be bothered by noisy neighbors or busy roads.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
90%
(5)

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.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Trinidad guide

Overview

Located just north of the New Mexico border and Raton Pass, Trinidad has a rich history as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, home to trappers and traders, and a Spanish outpost. There’s also a growing arts and culture scene. Outdoor lovers have plenty to do too, from fishing the Purgatoire River, to boating, fishing, and miles of trails at Trinidad Lake State Park, which also offers camping options including lakeside. Surrounded by mesas and mountains, and not far from the plains, there’s plenty of adventure to be had nearby, with camping options as varied as the landscape.

Where to go

Highway of Legends 

Head west on the scenic Highway of Legends, which connects Trinidad with Cuchara, La Veta, and Walsenburg. The scenic byway passes through the San Isabel National Forest and the Spanish Peaks. Camp with your RV or pitch a tent at primitive sites at Purgatoire, Bear Lake, and Blue Lake campgrounds. Or stay at Cordova Pass or East Spanish Peak to be right at the base of the Spanish Peaks. Lathrop State Park, just outside Walsenburg, offers two lakes and two campgrounds. 

Northwest

Head northwest to explore massive sand dunes surrounded by snow capped peaks at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Camp inside the park seasonally, or backcountry camp or 4WD camp in the surrounding national preserve. Camping options can be found nearby in state parks and BLM land. Further north, Westcliffe offers incredibly dark skies, perfect when you’re camping overnight, whether you’re equestrian camping, backcountry camping, or camping with your RV.

Plains and High Desert

 For high desert and plains, head north to Pueblo. Explore the city’s historic connection with steel, get artsy in the creative corridor, or enjoy water activities at Lake Pueblo, where you can camp lakeside. Further east, the city of La Junta sits on Colorado’s southeastern plains. Look for rock art and dinosaur tracks at Comanche National Grassland, where dispersed camping is available in most areas. Or head further east to play and stay at John Martin Reservoir State Park.

New Mexico

Just over the border in New Mexico, Sugarite Canyon State Park offers wildlife and wildflowers, plus outdoor recreation and camping for tents, RVs, and horses. Enjoy bird watching and primitive camping at the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. Further south, drive the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and enjoy land and water activities, and camping, at Cimarron Canyon State Park or Eagle Nest Lake State Park. Further east, see dinosaur tracks and camp at Clayton Lake State Park.

When to go

Summers are popular times to visit Trinidad, when crowds flock to Trinidad Lake. Boating season runs from spring through summer. Several popular festivals are held over the summer and in September, including Santa Fe Days and Artocade. Visit in the spring for wildflowers, and fall for colorful foliage, especially along the Highway of Legends. In the winter, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are popular activities.

Know before you go

  • Trinidad sits at over 6,000 feet. Some recreation areas and campsites in the region are at even higher elevation. Be aware of potential altitude issues.
  • A trolley bus takes passengers around Trinidad over the summer. To explore outside of Trinidad, a car will be necessary.
  • Reservations are required to camp in Colorado state parks.
  • Fishing licenses are required in Colorado for anyone over age 16.

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