Trinidad Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
Colorado
The lake at Trinidad Lake State Park is stocked with 50,000 trout annually, making it a popular spot for fishing tournaments in southern Colorado. However, many casual anglers and recreational boaters also enjoy playing at this park, which is located just off Interstate 75 near La Veta, Trinidad, and Agular. Trinidad Lake State Park is a great place to go snowshoeing in the winter while the on-site archery range attracts visitors during the warm months. Additionally, geologists flock to this region from all around the globe to study the K-T boundary, which separates the age of reptiles from the age of mammals. While you're exploring the park's hiking and bike trails, you'll want to watch for unique rocks and minerals.
Spring 32-64 F
Summer 52-85 F
Fall 45-76 F
Winter 45-76 F
La Veta, CO
Trinidad, CO
Agular, CO
RV Resorts & Campsites in Trinidad Lake State Park
With so many fun things to do at this state park, like fishing, hiking, biking, and archery, you'll want to bring your RV so that you don't miss out on a second of the fun. If you don't have an RV of your own, then rent one on RVshare.com.
Trinidad Lake State Park Campground
You will love the lake views from the Trinidad Lake State Park Campground. In fact, you can easily walk to the lake from many of the campsites. Some sites are only open from March through mid-October while others are open year-round. Camping starts at $28 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Lake, group picnic areas
Cawthon R.V. Park & Motel
Owners Rusty and Michelle Goodwin welcome you to visit Cawthon R.V. Park & Motel, their motel and mobile home park that was started in the 1920s. You will love the views of Fishers Peak and the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range from this campground. Rates start at $35 per night with weekly and monthly rates available.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Long-term rates available
Purgatoire Campground
Purgatoire Campground is an excellent bare-bones camping area where rates start at $21 per night. If you closely listen while going to sleep, you may hear the headwaters of the Purgatoire River flowing by your camper. Choose to camp in the grassy meadow or the aspen-and-spruce-wooded campground.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Equestrian camping allowed, fire rings, picnic tables
Circle the Wagons RV Park
Situated at the base of the Spanish Peaks, Circle the Wagons RV Park features many convenient amenities. Here, you can play outdoor games or just bring your lawn chair and relax on the banks of the Cuchara River. Borrow books and DVDs from the lending library, do your laundry, join the fun around the central fire ring, or play in the gaming room at this campground where rates start at $40 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Indoor and outdoor games, lending library, some organized activities
What to Do at
Trinidad Lake State Park
Inside Trinidad Lake State Park
Practice your archery by attaching targets to the five target butts. Jump on your bike to explore the more than nine miles of trails or launch your boat or Jet Ski from the boat dock. You can also fish from the shore. Keep alert, and you may see a roadrunner, deer, elk, or some smaller mammals.
Outside Trinidad Lake State Park
After you've played on the water, eaten your favorite campfire meals, made a bullseye, or gone hiking, you may want to consider exploring the surrounding area. This park is in a region that has many historical sites. You'll also love shopping and eating in this area as it is just across the border from New Mexico.
Restaurants
Tees me Treat me
At Tees me Treat me, you can get fresh salads and sandwiches, like the turkey-green chili sandwich, piled high with turkey breast and covered with homemade green chili, or the Reuben and leave room for the fresh-baked coconut bars.
Type: Diner
Location: 105 W Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Nana & Nano Monteleone's Deli & Pasta House
You may have trouble deciding between the spaghetti, ravioli, gnocchi, fettuccini alfredo, or a freshly made deli sandwich, but no matter which tasty dish you choose, make sure that the waiter adds a slice of caramel granny apple pie to your ticket.
Type: Italian
Location: 418 E Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Wonderful House Chinese Restaurant
Start with a light and fragrant bowl of wonton soup before moving on to the main entrée served with an egg roll at this order-off-the-menu restaurant.
Type: Chinese
Location: 415 University St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Sita’s Kitchen
The organic, homemade, gluten-free bread at Sita’s Kitchen is a great appetizer before moving on to a vegan main entrée, like the barbecue jackfruit. This relaxing restaurant is filled with green plants and is a very chill and healthy option.
Type: Vegan
Location: 107 E Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Mission at the Bell Restaurant
Southwest tacos, salads, and veggie wraps are just a few of the items that you will find on the menu at this restaurant where you can get all-you-can-drink mimosas on the weekends.
Type: Mexican
Location: 134 W Main St. #14, Trinidad, CO 81082
Shopping
Big R Stores
Find clothing for the whole family, the latest hardware gadgets, automotive supplies, and outdoor gardening stuff at Big R Stores, a Trinidad institution.
Location: 2208 Freedom Rd., Trinidad, CO 81082
Francesca’s Gifts and Furniture
You can easily haul home a load of stained-glass lamps, hanging chandeliers, mid-century furniture, collectibles, and more that you will be proud to own when you visit this antique and vintage shop.
Location: 200 N Commercial St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Purgatoire River Trading Co.
Beautiful silversmith jewelry, pottery, rugs, woven baskets, and leather crafts are available at Purgatoire River Trading Co., and they are made by over 500 Native American artists at this shop located on the original Santa Fe Trail.
Location: 113 E Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Rocky Mountain Trading Co.
Select electronics, firearms, ammunition, tools, and much more can be found at this store where new and used items are available.
Location: 255 N Commercial St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Teresa’s Antiques
You can never be sure what you will find at this store, but you might discover concrete statues, antique furniture, vintage automobiles, glassware, and more.
Location: 162 E Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Sightseeing
Trinidad History Museum
Trinidad History Museum is a one-block facility that features the Santa Fe Trail Museum, Baca House, and Kitchen Garden. Additionally, Bloom Mansion and Heritage Garden are open for exploring on a self-guided tour.
Location: 312 E Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082
A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art
Be amazed at the collection of art amassed inside of the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, constructed in 1906. The collection includes over 150 pulp-art magazine pieces created by A.R. Mitchel along with Native American art and artifacts, Hispanic religious and traditional art, and Western art and collectibles.
Location: 150 E. Main St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum
Discover fossils and artifacts collected by archeologists at the Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum on Trinidad’s junior college campus. You can also view mosasaur skeletons, mammoth tusks, and fossilized dinosaur tracks.
Location: 600 Prospect St., Trinidad, CO 81082
Art Cartopia Museum
See the collection of over 25 cars that have been turned into works of art by owners in the Trinidad area at the Art Cartopia Museum, and you may be able to help build a new car art project or be inspired to create one at your home.
Location: 2702 Freedom Rd., Trinidad, CO 81082
Fisher’s Peak
This peak standing 9,633-feet tall is the highest peak in the Raton Mesa and has been part of the Crazy French Ranch, but the state has acquired the land, also home to elk and black bears, to make another state park, which should open in early 2021.
Location: Las Animas County, Colorado
How to Get to
Trinidad Lake State Park
If you are in the city of Trinidad, it is only about five miles to Trinidad Lake State Park. Head southwest on County Road 12W. When the road turns sharply to the right, then look to your left and you'll see the state park.
Entering Trinidad Lake State Park
Per vehicle : $9
$80 annual pass available
Located along the historic Santa Fe Trail, this state park offers plenty of fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and other opportunities. If you've been to Trinidad Lake State Park, we would love to hear about your favorite things to do there. Post it to your social media feed and be sure to tag RVshare. You can also send your stories and photos to [email protected]