Camping near Trinidad
Historic Santa Fe Trail town offers access to the plains and mountains of Colorado and New Mexico.
86% (350 reviews)
- Trinidad
86% (350 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Trinidad
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
12 top campgrounds near Trinidad
99%
(88)
Coyote Canyon Base Camp
3 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.
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$24
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93%
(415)
Purgatory Riverbottoms
8 sites · Tents5 acres · Trinidad, CO
If camsites are full, contact me. There is tons of space. Upon arrival, come straight down Cottonwood Avenue past the private signs where the asphalt ends and straight to the Teepee. We are on a Peninsula with the river on one side and an irrigation creek down the other. We own 1/4 stretch along the river across from the riverwalk and downtown. The "Trinidad" lights shine down from atop Simpsons Rest which is a public area. It has an incredible view of Trinidad ans hidden caves and areas to explore as well. The area we own is Picketwire Valley. It was renamed Picketwire because the French couldn't pronounce Purgatory. The French retreated to Simpsons Rest are were surrounded by Indians and were starved etc. The large caves they hid in, have since covered over.
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$30
/ night
99%
(43)
Earth Mountain Education Farm
30 sites · Tents40 acres · Weston, CO
In 2002, Earth Mountain was vacant land that offered itself to us in a way of a calling. It is an unforgettable experience whether camping here or participating in a program. Earth Mtn. is a 40 acre basecamp with 480 surrounding acres of forest. It is a high vibration place with lots to offer. The stars are completely amazing, we are so far off the beaten path that there is no light pollution! We welcome you to share in this wonderful sacred space.Learn more about this land:Earth Mtn. is a working permaculture, off-grid farm at 8000' in the backcountry of the beautiful Sangre De Cristo Mtns. We are located 1 hr. from Trinidad, CO. We have a private wooded campground area close to a small pond. Camping here will give you a wonderful sacred space to rest, learn and enjoy. Organic food is available to pick and pay during farming season. A great place for the whole family!
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$35
/ night
100%
(20)
RADZ Retreat
3 sites · RVs35 acres · Walsenburg, CO
RADZ Retreat is our personal get away and we long to be good stewards of the land and share it with you. There are 2 full RV hooks ups with 30, 50, and 20 Amps each with water and dump. There is also 1 dry camping spot and you can use water and dump on site. There are 35 acres to hike and watch wildlife. We are a short 5 min drive to Lathrop and into Walsenburg. There is a 200 ft elevation hike to enjoy beautiful views of the Spanish Peaks and Cuchara river valley. Be on the look out for elk, deer, turkey and more.
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$30
/ night
100%
(1)
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
/ night
Booked 1 time
Streamside
1 site · Tent30 acres · Trinidad, CO
Conveniently located near several restaurants and dispensaries, souvenirs and nightlife, off Main Street in Trinidad CO. Come experience the Beautiful mountain view. Camp right near a picturesque stream and appreciate the beauty of the southern Colorado night sky. Portoilet on site and water access.
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$30
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92%
(13)
Gonzo’s Grove
2 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Aguilar, CO
Learn more about this land:A secluded high desert oasis with over 1,000 feet of elevation change. Piñon pines and junipers cover the ranch with tons of hiking trails and old mines
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$44
/ night
100%
(1)
Cedar Hills Oliva Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents105 acres · Walsenburg, CO
Cedar Hills Oliva Ranch is a 105-acre ranch with nine 11.6-acre campsites, each of them on beautiful and varying heights and terrain, with a secluded feel as each is located out of view from the other campsites. They are excellent for "primitive" camping year-round, and comprise wildlife (deer, elk, bear, hawks, antelope, etc.), grassy meadows, cedar-covered hills both gradual and steep, sandstone rock formations, seasonal white sand arroyos, and the occasional cattle wandering through. Because of its southern Colorado geography, snow typically does not accumulate deeper than 3"-4", even in the deepest winter months, so it makes camping just as easy and pleasant from November through March.
Each campsite has its own character and unique views of nature, so nine camping trips on each of our sites will feel different from the previous adventure, each presenting a distinctly intimate feel.
Additionally, a great benefit of Cedar Hills Oliva Ranch is while campers may enjoy deafening silence and see every star in the Milky Way Galaxy on a clear night, just 10 minutes from the ranch south on CR 69 lies a 24-hour gas station and three fast food restaurants. From there, another 5 minutes south, is the historic town of Walsenburg, where you may find expanded restaurant choices, a Safeway, and hardware store for other provisions - and more!
In case of a "medical mishap," Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is approximately 18 minutes from any of our campsites, and open 24 hours.
Lastly, while not visible from the ranch, a new cell tower was erected approximately 2 miles northeast and is very reliable from anywhere on the ranch when having a clear view of the eastern horizon.
We look forward to hosting you and your fellow campers at Cedar Hills Oliva Ranch. It is beautiful, private and secluded, and provides a great environment for all ages and levels of spirit. And if needed, the anchors of modern convenience and necessities are not far. If not heaven itself, we feel our ranch is at least in the same zip code. See you soon!
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$52
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58%
(6)
Campground at Jamail Ranch
5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Trinidad, CO
5 campsites on 40 acres with Liberty coal mine
Unique raw land close to Trinidad, Colorado, USA.
5 unique campsites available
This area was involved in the Colorado Coalfield War and has many artifacts to explore. The old Liberty mine site is available to explore. Near the infamous Ludlow, Colorado.
I have 40 acres of raw land for camping use. Surrounded by BLM land. No hunting on property. Defunct Liberty coal mine ruins and other Coalfield mine wars ruins onsite to explore.
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$26
/ night
Booked 2 times
A creek runs through it
1 site · Tent5 acres · San Luis, CO
Learn more about this land:5 acres of beautiful land in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains with lots of Aspen trees and an abundance of wildlife. Seasonal creek runs through property. Mountain Home Reservoir is approximately 12 miles from property with great fishing. Calm, relaxing and secluded area. Just 30 minutes from Walsenberg
In Sangre De Cristo Ranches
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$40
/ night
Booked 1 time
CGW Basecamp
3 sites · Tents10 acres · San Luis, CO
Just under ten acres of pristine pines and aspens with a beautiful view of Blanca Peak and Mt Lindsey. Property is a short distance to fishing at Mountain Home Reservoir as well as the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center. Located in Game Management Unit 83, which holds elk, mule deer, turkey, bear, and small game, this property is also adjoining over 500ac of County land.
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$20
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100%
(6)
Bayly's Treehouse Retreat
1 site · Lodging5 acres · La Veta, CO
My land is located in the Sangre de Cristi Mountain Range in southern central Colorado. The elevation is 9840 ft. I have 5.6 acres of beautiful land that is half meadow and half forest. There is a spring that runs year round through the property.
There is a treehouse for two that sits on a 20' x 20' deck, there is a picnic table on the deck and another one at the bottom of the stairs leading to the treehouse. There are 3 lounge chairs by the spring pond.
This is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. There are lots of native birds (tanager, steller jays, red shafted flicker, nut hatch, wood peckers, and chickadees) just to mention a few. We also have mule deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, bob cat, lynx, squirrels and chipmunks.
If you are looking for peace and quiet, you will enjoy your visit. Perfect for meditation.
Taos is 75 miles south. The quaint town of Cuchara is a 5 mile hike to the east. Bear & Blue Lakes are about the same distance away. The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is 60 miles to the west.
Inside the cabin (120 sq. ft.) there is a small space heater, & USB outlets.There is a loft with a cherry wood rocker & library.
Outside on the deck (280 sq. ft.) there is a Gas One 2 burner propane stove connected to a 5 gal. tank, a 5 cubic ft. refrigerator, and a 14" in diameter charcoal barbeque hibachi. with metal charcoal starter, Coffee grinder, Malita #4 filters & cone (BYOBeans) & electric hot water heater.
There is a 10" griddle, and an 8" omelette skillet, 8" Wagnerware skillet with a Wagnerware Drip Drop Roaster Lid all are cast iron. There is an 8" orange Le Creuset pot & lid with a silicon vegetable steamer rack inside. Some cooking utensils (spatula and basting spoon), 2 ceramic plates, 2 oriental ceramic bowls & spoons, 2 ceramic coffee cups, 2 silver plated forks, salad forks, knives, tablespoons, teaspoons & stainless steel steak knives. One sharp 8" knife , 1 - 8" bread knife with chopping board and paper towels with dispenser. There is also a sterdy wash bucket with handle to wash dishes in with dish soap and scrubby sponge provided. There is a 6 gal. water tank with pour spout on the deck for cooking & drinking. There are two coolers on the deck, and I provide block ice for them.
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There is a private toilet and sink a short walk from the treehouse. No shower, but sponge bath from sink.
Excellent WIFI connection.
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$150
/ night
Under $50
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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