Lathrop State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lathrop State Park, located just west of the town of Walsenburg, Colorado, is unique among recreation areas in that it features a nine-hole golf course among its amenities. Established in 1962, Lathrop is the oldest state park in Colorado. In addition to golfing, you can go biking, boating, hunting, water skiing, camping, hiking, and horseback riding, among many other activities, all with the towering Spanish Peaks as your background. The park has milder weather than other parts of the state, making it a great destination year-round. Nearby Cities • Rye, CO • La Veta, CO • Trinidad, CO • Pueblo, CO
Spring 42-74 F
Summer 53-84 F
Fall 28-57 F
Winter 24-51 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lathrop State Park
Yucca Campground • Water hookup: No • Electrical hookup: No • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 50 feet • Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, potable water, dump station Pinon Campground • Water hookup: No • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 75 feet • Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, hot showers, playground, amphitheater, trail access
Lathrop State Park Campgrounds
In total, the park has 103 campsites as well as three group campsites. Twenty-one of the individual sites are located in the Yucca Campground and do not have electricity. Their amenities include water hydrants, picnic tables, fire pits, showers and toilets with spots going for $22 per night. The remaining 82 sites are in the Piñon Campground and include electrical hookups, a playground, a dump station and an amphitheater in addition to everything offered at the Yucca Campground. These sites cost $36 per night. Most of the group sites feature similar amenities as the other sites with sizes ranging from six people ($22 per night) to 30 people ($75 per night) to 50 people ($75 per night), though only the Los Alamos Group Camping and Picnic Area ($225 per night) includes electrical hookups.
Circle the Wagons RV Park
This scenic RV park has an Old West feel and a friendly community. There are a ton of options for how to stay, and nightly rates range from $35 to $50. Constants for all spaces include things like full hookups, restroom and shower access, a fire pit, free Wi-Fi, access to a dog park, a community store, various games, and community functions such as potlucks. There are also on-site camper trailers, tent sites, and a cabin for rent.
La Veta Pines RV Park
This quiet campground is located in the forest. One of the park's best features is how close it is to the surrounding businesses, like shops and restaurants, meaning anything you might need during your stay is within walking distance. Community is the focus here with tons of activities to do with other campers. There is also a free DVD rental library and outdoor movie nights. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park as is access to restrooms and showers. Pets are also allowed to join the fun. All sites have full hookups and can be rented for only $35 per night.
What to Do at
Lathrop State Park
Just outside the park's main entrance is the archery range, where you can practice with your bow and arrow. Within the park boundaries are trails open to both hikers and cyclists. There's also a separate trail just for horseback riders. Lathrop State Park also features two lakes, Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake. You can fish in both lakes. Martin is great for swimming, power boating, and water skiing, while Horseshoe is better for kayaking and canoeing. Get out your clubs and hit the links at the Walsenburg Golf Course, the park's nine-hole course that also features a bar and full-service restaurant. Lathrop State Park also offers geocaching, bird-watching, and educational programs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Inside Lathrop State Park
Hiking, biking, backpacking, and other activities are popular among many parkgoers, particularly in the warm-but-not-hot times of the year in late spring and fall. Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake are also incredibly popular places to hang out given all the swimming, boating, skiing, and other activities you can do there. In particular, fishing is one of the best activities since there is a wide variety of different fish to catch, with certain species growing to be up to 25 pounds.
Fishing
You can go fishing on both Horseshoe and Martin Lakes. Species in both bodies of water include walleye, bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout. Try angling for pike in Martin Lake and tiger muskies in Horseshoe Lake. You must have a valid fishing license, which you can pick up at the visitor center or get online before your arrival.
Geocaching
There are 13 caches within the state park you can search for. You can find one by using your smartphone or GPS device. Once you do, you can sign the logbook in the container and take a prize.
Nature Watching
The state park is a prime location for bird-watching. Some of the species you can spot include scrub jays, bald eagles, ospreys, red-tailed hawks, lark sparrows, warblers, herons, and loons.
Flora and Fauna
Lathrop State Park is part of a pinon-juniper woodland, so you'll see trees like junipers and pinon pines. Other plants include yucca, saltbush, and cholla cacti. Stop by the park in the spring to see wildflowers like Mexican hats, Texas bluebonnets, larkspur, and prairie sunflowers. While exploring, you may spot creatures like coyotes, mule deer, ground squirrels, rabbits, and black bears.
Hiking
The Hogback Nature Trail offers 2 miles of moderate hiking that takes you up to the Hogback Ridge. The Cuerno Verde Trail is an easy 3 miles on a paved loop that's handicap-accessible. On the William Henry Jackson Trail, you'll get spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks on a path of 1.2 miles. The park allows pets on the Cuerno Verde and Hogback trails.
Boating
Take your sailboat or power boat out on Martin Lake. You can also go windsurfing and water skiing here. Motorboats are not allowed on Horseshoe Lake. This makes it a perfect place to take your canoe or kayak, paddle its calm waters, and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Swimming
Martin Lake allows swimming, but only in the designated swim beach area. The swim beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Biking
Ride your bike on the 3-mile Cuerno Verde Trail, which loops around Martin Lake. You can also go cycling on the park roads.
How to Get to
Lathrop State Park
Directions from Walsenburg: It's an easy drive of 4.4 miles from Walsenburg—head southwest out of town on US-160 for 4.4 miles. Make a right at the intersection with County Road 502 and go for 1.1 miles to the entrance. Directions from Pueblo: Take Interstate 25 south out of Pueblo to exit 52 for US-160 W/Walsenburg/Alamosa. Merge onto I-25BL S and drive for 2.5 miles. Make a right onto US-160 W/W 7th St and continue for 3.3 miles. At County Road 502, turn right and go for 1.1 miles to the park's entrance.
Entering Lathrop State Park
There's parking at the archery range, horse trailer area, boat ramps, and the visitor center.
Lathrop State Park Per vehicle : $10.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lathrop State Park
Given the mild climate of the region, it's possible to visit the park year-round. The park does offer winter camping but no winter-specific activities like cross-country skiing or ice fishing, so spring through fall is the best time for most outdoor activities.
You may spot black bears, coyotes, mule deer, and rabbits during your visit. Birders can look forward to seeing pinon jays, raptors, finches, and various shorebirds.
The park has 103 sites across its two campgrounds. Pinon Campground has developed sites with electrical hookups. Yucca Campground has basic, non-electric sites. All spots at the park have a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby bathrooms.
You do have to reserve a camping spot. A site with an electrical hookup costs $36 per night, while basic sites cost $28 per night.
Lathrop State Park is pet-friendly, and you can take your four-legged companions on Hogback and Cuerno Verde trails. However, they must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.