Trinidad Lake State Park

4.16

137 reviews

32610 Highway 12, Trinidad, Colorado, 81082, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,129 ft

Price

$28 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,129 ft

Price

$28 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Trinidad Lake State Park

$28.00 - $36.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $28 to $36 per night depending on location and amenities. A $9/day vehicle pass is required, and showers are coin-operated...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America

Provider

7198466951trinidad.lake@state.co.us

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 137 reviews

1246 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikingstafffriendly

Some mention

crowdedsmall

"User reviews of Trinidad Lake State Park are predominantly positive, highlighting its beauty, range of activities, and well-maintained facilities. Common themes include the scenic views, clean facilities, and friendly staff."

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Campground Map

32610 Highway 12, Trinidad, Colorado, 81082, United States

Trinidad Lake State Park

32610 Highway 12, Trinidad, Colorado, 81082, United States

Driving directionsFrom either direction on I-25, take Exit 13-B to West Main Street. At the first four-way stop, turn left onto Nevada Ave. Go through the roundabout and continue west onto Highway 12 for 3.5 miles. The first sign you will see on Highway 12 directs you to the entrance to the boat ramp and then the South Shore. Stay on Highway 12 west until the next entrance (second entrance) which is where the visitor center and Carpios Ridge Campground is located.

Roadways leading to the campground are paved and recently repaved according to reviews. Seasonal closures affect certain campground sections. Narrow roads with tight turns may present challenges for larger RVs.

Nearby places

Trinidad (approximately 15 miles, user-reported proximity), other nearby cities are not explicitly mentioned.

Nearby supplies

Walmart is located nearby, approximately 15 miles away according to reviews. The town of Trinidad offers additional supplies and services.

Best Time to Camp at Trinidad Lake State Park

Experience Colorado's dynamic weather personality at Trinidad Lake, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer afternoons bring dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the mountains, creating spectacular light shows before giving way to star-filled evenings. Fall arrives with a gentle touch, wrapping the park in comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter transforms the lake into an angler's frozen paradise, with abundant sunshine glinting off the snow-covered peaks, inviting ice fishers and snow enthusiasts to explore this crystalline wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season with boating/fishing; afternoons bring thunderstorms and can be buggy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as a great off-season time with mild weather and good views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring can bring muddy trails and fluctuating water levels; mixed reviews.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Some campsites open year-round; reviewers call winter a good off-season though limited services noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season likely corresponds to summer months, though specific dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campsites 1-23, 62, and 63 on Carpios Ridge are open year-round. Campsites 24-61 on Carpios Ridge and the entire South Shore campground are closed from mid-October to mid-March or mid-May.
Current Alerts: Seasonal closures and fire restrictions are in place. Visitors are advised to check current conditions.

About Trinidad Lake State Park

Perched high on the ridges of southern Colorado, Trinidad Lake State Park beckons adventurers to discover its two distinct campground experiences. Whether you choose the panoramic vistas of Carpios Ridge or the lakeside charm of South Shore, you'll find the perfect basecamp for your Colorado adventure. From spacious RV sites to secluded tent spots, this year-round destination transforms with the seasons, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation even as winter brings partial closures to some areas.

Trinidad Lake State Park offers a mix of camping accommodations, including options for tent camping, RVs, and group sites.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you camp along the legendary Santa Fe Trail corridor, where wagon wheels once carved paths through this rugged landscape. Trinidad Lake State Park serves as your gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of Western history, with cultural landmarks and historic sites scattered throughout the region. Each trail and overlook tells stories of traders, settlers, and Native peoples who shaped this frontier crossroads into the vibrant cultural landscape it is today.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Colorado's dynamic weather personality at Trinidad Lake, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer afternoons bring dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the mountains, creating spectacular light shows before giving way to star-filled evenings. Fall arrives with a gentle touch, wrapping the park in comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter transforms the lake into an angler's frozen paradise, with abundant sunshine glinting off the snow-covered peaks, inviting ice fishers and snow enthusiasts to explore this crystalline wonderland.

ElevationRising 150 to 200 feet above the shimmering waters of Trinidad Lake, the campgrounds offer a commanding perspective that feels like nature's own observation deck. This elevated vantage point not only provides cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes but also delivers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views that will become the highlight of your camping memories.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom your ridgetop perch overlooking Trinidad Lake, watch as the landscape unfolds in layers of natural beauty. The sparkling reservoir below reflects the surrounding mountain peaks, creating an ever-changing canvas as water levels rise and fall with the seasons. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout the campgrounds, while native vegetation attracts an impressive array of wildlife. Keep your camera ready for encounters with graceful deer, majestic elk, wild turkeys strutting through camp, and the occasional coyote silhouetted against the evening sky.

Geological RegionNestled in the dramatic mountains of southern Colorado's Southeast Region, Trinidad Lake State Park showcases the raw beauty of this geological wonderland. The campground's ridge-top setting, carved by ancient forces and now overlooking the modern reservoir, offers a front-row seat to the region's stunning topography. As the reservoir's water levels fluctuate throughout the year, they reveal and conceal different aspects of the landscape, ensuring that no two visits are quite the same in this dynamic mountain environment.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period on a single park.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Family of 8 stayed in South Shore. Reviews suggest sites accommodate typical family sizes but no explicit maximum is provided.

Groups

Group sites are available but specific capacities are not detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCarpios Ridge and South Shore are the two main campground sections. Sites are described as closer together in some areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via www.cpwshop.com or ReserveAmerica.com (with limited functionality).

Walk-in AvailabilityReservation-only campground per authoritative sources and user mentions. Walk-up availability does not appear to be an option.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies include billing for the full reservation if canceled within 5 days prior (per user reviews).

AccessibilityThe park includes disability-only campsites, and facilities are described as accessible. One reviewer appreciated 'excellent facilities and disability-only campsites.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, including options for larger RVs and smaller tent sites. Some sites are described as tight, while others offer ample space.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some areas offer semi-private sites with natural shade, while others are described as being close together.

Total Campsites73 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended sites include upper 40s for views and site #50 for its location. Site #6 has full hookups including water, electricity, and sewer.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of recreational activities is available at Trinidad Lake State Park, catering to different interests and skill levels. These include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and more.

HikingThe park offers numerous well-marked hiking trails, ranging from easy to steep. 'The trails are well marked and many start from the campground for easy access,' said one reviewer. Another mentioned, 'We did two hiking trails, one of which warned it was steep.'

FishingFishing at Trinidad Lake is popular, with species such as bass, trout, and walleye present. One reviewer noted, 'Fishing at the cove by the archery range was awesome; we easily had 8 catches the first evening.'

BikingBiking trails are available within the park, though specific details about terrain and difficulty are not mentioned.

BoatingBoating is a key activity, with opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The park provides a boat ramp for easy access.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to various wildlife, including turkey, coyote, deer, and elk. One user highlighted, 'We saw a full-grown and two smaller mountain lions cross the road.'

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park hosts interpretative programs, although specific topics and schedules are not detailed.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wind gusts, mud during wet seasons, and wildlife encounters (e.g., mountain lions per user review).

Active AlertsSeasonal closures and fire restrictions are in place. Visitors are advised to check current conditions.

Fire PolicyCharcoal or wood fires are allowed only in designated grills or fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not explicitly mentioned. Visitors are advised to contact the park for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, although specific locations and schedules are not detailed.

Water FeaturesSites do not have direct access to Trinidad Lake due to location on a ridge. South Shore sites offer closer proximity but still require walking.

Camp HostPark hosts are described as friendly and helpful. Hosts sell firewood and assist campers.

Weather at Trinidad Lake State Park

Reviews

4.2

137 reviews

Satisfactory

Trinidad Lake State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Trinidad Lake State Park are predominantly positive, highlighting its beauty, range of activities, and well-maintained facilities. Common themes include the scenic views, clean facilities, and friendly staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include 'beautiful views,' 'well-maintained campground,' and 'friendly and helpful staff.' Many users appreciated the hiking trails and fishing opportunities.

Based on 137 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of swimming areas, coin-operated showers, and the additional vehicle entrance fee. Some users also noted that sites are close together and that vault toilets can be...

Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers, use mosquito repellent, and consider hiking trails based on skill level. One reviewer advised, 'Make sure you take cash for quarters to use the shower,' while another...

Based on 137 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall and winter are described as great off-season times due to mild weather. Summer can be buggy, and spring may see muddy trails.

Based on 137 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is a wonderful place in SE Colorado. The lake is low and we were unsuccessful fishing. However, the campground was beautiful and we had great views of Fisher's Peak." – Jonathan Werner. "The...

Based on 137 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in the upper 40s have great lake views. Site 34 is described as beautiful and spacious, and Site 6 offers full hookups.

Based on 137 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are appreciated, with one user noting the 'excellent facilities and disability-only campsites.'

Based on 137 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many trails are dog-friendly. One reviewer mentioned, 'Most trails are dog-friendly.'

Based on 137 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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