Is Lathrop Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lathrop Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lathrop Campground before I book?

Yes! Lathrop Campground has 28 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Lathrop Campground?

Lathrop Campground is open Year-round operation with peak season in late spring through early fall (May–September). Piñon Campground Loop D is noted as open year-round. Boating is seasonally restricted (hand-launched boats only November–February).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lathrop Campground?

Yes, Lathrop Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Lathrop Campground?

Cell phone service at Lathrop Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lathrop Campground have?

Lathrop Campground has 103 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lathrop Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lathrop Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lathrop Campground?

Lathrop Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lathrop Campground?

Popular activities at Lathrop Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lathrop Campground

4.22

172 reviews

Lathrop Campground

Top 25% in COSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,398 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Colorado State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

6,398 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Colorado State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Lathrop Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Day-use fee reported as $9. The park offers two campgrounds with a total of 103 sites, including basic tent sites and improved RV sites with electric...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Colorado State Parks

Provider

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Campground Map

Lathrop Campground

37.6047, -104.8386

Weather at Lathrop Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lathrop Campground

Summer is when Lathrop truly comes alive—from late May through September, the lakes buzz with swimmers, boaters, and anglers soaking up the warm sunshine (just be ready for those signature high-plains breezes). If you prefer a quieter escape, autumn paints the landscape in golden hues and thins the crowds considerably. Hardy winter campers can even stake their claim in parts of Piñon Campground's Loop D, though you'll trade some amenities and lake access for peaceful solitude under crisp, starry skies.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

“Summer is when Lathrop truly comes alive” with swimmers, boaters and anglers; peak season May–Sept.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Year-round operation with peak season in late spring through early fall (May–September). Piñon Campground Loop D is noted as open year-round. Boating is seasonally restricted (hand-launched boats only November–February).

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Lathrop Campground

Perched on the sun-swept shores of two sparkling lakes, Lathrop Campground delivers the perfect blend of high-plains adventure and Rocky Mountain grandeur. Wake up to sweeping views of the iconic Spanish Peaks and Wet Mountains, with Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake at your doorstep for swimming, boating, and fishing. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find year-round sites and summer fun that keeps campers coming back season after season.

The park includes multiple campgrounds with a mix of basic tent sites and improved RV sites with full hookups.

Historical Significance

Lathrop State Park is historically significant as Colorado’s first state park and is associated with Harold Lathrop, the first Director of Colorado State Parks.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is when Lathrop truly comes alive—from late May through September, the lakes buzz with swimmers, boaters, and anglers soaking up the warm sunshine (just be ready for those signature high-plains breezes). If you prefer a quieter escape, autumn paints the landscape in golden hues and thins the crowds considerably. Hardy winter campers can even stake their claim in parts of Piñon Campground's Loop D, though you'll trade some amenities and lake access for peaceful solitude under crisp, starry skies.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryTwo pristine lakes anchor this scenic wonderland—Martin Lake with its inviting sandy beach perfect for splashing and sunbathing, and the quieter Horseshoe Lake for those seeking tranquil waters. The dramatic volcanic ridge of Walsen Ridge carves across the northern skyline, while the Spanish Peaks and Wet Mountains create a breathtaking backdrop that transforms with the light throughout the day. This is high-plains landscape at its finest: wide-open spaces where sky meets earth, punctuated by the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountainous horizon.

Geological RegionHigh Plains near the Spanish Peaks and Wet Mountains; includes two lakes (Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake) and Walsen Ridge, a volcanic dike formed during Eocene–Oligocene activity.

Scenic ViewsNotable views include the Spanish Peaks and the Wet Mountains rising above Martin and Horseshoe lakes; Walsen Ridge provides a distinct volcanic ridge feature on the park boundary.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsColorado State Parks reservation system (UseDirect)

Total Campsites103 campsites

Best CampsitesPiñon Campground is frequently mentioned as the winter-capable campground with Loop D open year-round. Sites with piñon trees or bushes are recommended for added shade and privacy; Piñon offers back-in and pull-through paved sites with electric hookups.

Need help booking Lathrop Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Colorado State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Facilities at Lathrop include picnic tables, fire pits, potable water, flush toilets and showers, electric/water/sewer hookups at improved RV sites, boat ramps and an accessible kayak/canoe launch, a sandy swim beach, and a visitor center/fee station.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Lathrop Campground

Lathrop State Park offers lake-based recreation, trails, and general outdoor activities centered on Martin and Horseshoe Lakes with scenic mountain views.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 8% in Colorado

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Calm lakes, wakeless Horseshoe Lake and boat launches make it well suited to paddlecraft.

Biking3.5/5

Overview references a paved bike path around the park and general bike access.

Hiking3.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5High‑plains elevation (~6,398 ft) and rural setting imply decent night skies; not explicit.

Photography4.0/5Framed lakes, Spanish Peaks, Wet Mountains and Walsen Ridge provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited natural shade in many sites, potential for hot summer temperatures and strong winds, some sites close to roads. Seasonal boating restrictions (hand-launched only Nov–Feb) and possible reduced amenities in winter. Cell coverage may be inconsistent.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

172 reviews

Satisfactory

Lathrop Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor sentiment is strongly positive overall: reviewers praise clean facilities, scenic mountain and lake views, a sandy swim beach, and good boating/fishing opportunities. Common criticisms focus on limited natural shade, some sites being close together, and that certain tent loops have only pit toilets.

Review Summaries

Based on 172 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, well-maintained campsites, electric hookups (including 50-amp in improved RV sites), a sandy swim beach at Martin Lake, boat ramps/accessible launch, paved bike path...

Based on 172 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve well in advance (peak season fills early); bring sun protection or shade due to sparse tree cover; choose sites with piñon cover for more privacy; Piñon campground/Loop D is noted for...

Based on 172 reviews

Camper Quotes

“The swim lake was clean, sand and not a bunch of bugs.” — “Beautiful park. 2 lakes. Good fishing in Horseshoe Lake, which is wake free.” — “Showers, restrooms, water spigot nearby and fishing.”

Based on 172 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Lathrop Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Day-use fee reported as $9. The park offers two campgrounds with a total of 103 sites, including basic tent sites and improved RV sites with electric...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Colorado State Parks

Provider

Go if

Families, anglers, and RVers who want Martin Lake, Horseshoe Lake, showers, flush toilets, hookups, and a sandy swim beach will get a lot out of it. Loop D in Piñon also stays open year-round.

Skip if

Heavy shade, roomy privacy, and a quiet tent-only feel matter most. Reviews call out exposed sites, close neighbors in some loops, and tent areas that may rely on pit toilets while the better baths sit by the RV sites.

Nearby Campgrounds

70 County Road 502, Walsenburg, Colorado, 81089, United States

Lathrop State Park, Colorado's first state park since 1962, spreads across 1,594 acres surrounding Martin and Horseshoe Lakes near Walsenburg. The park offers 103 campsites for tents and RVs, with fees ranging from $28 to $40 per night. Sites vary from spacious electric hookup spots that accommodate 40-foot rigs to more basic tent areas, though highway noise and limited shade are common tradeoffs.