Located an hour apart on US-50, La Junta, and Lamar both make a fantastic basecamp for exploring Southeast Colorado’s many fascinating attractions. Sitting between the two towns, John Martin Reservoir offers lakeside campgrounds open year-round.
To the south of La Junta and Lamar is the Comanche National Grassland. It holds free dispersed camping everywhere, except for Picketwire Canyon. This unique landmark holds rock art, historic ruins, and dinosaur tracks. While visiting put Picketwire Canyonlands on your day trip itinerary.
Lamar, La Junta, and Trinidad are all connected via the Santa Fe Trail Byway. This scenic highway traces the old historic Santa Fe Trail, with numerous things to see along the way, including some ghost towns. Plus there are some cool campgrounds on the route to accommodate both tents and RVs.
List of campgrounds by La Junta and Lamar, CO, in order of proximity:
Camping near La Junta
An hour from Pueblo, La Junta is a gateway to the southeast. There are plenty of amenities in this town of nearly 7,000 people. La Junta has its own attractions to see as well, like Bent’s Old Fort. There is a nice KOA Journey right in town, as well as several other campgrounds within a reasonable drive.
La Junta KOA Journey
Set on the historic Santa Fe Trail, this KOA has all the features and amenities the franchise is known for. Just minutes from Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, this oasis on the prairie is a great launching pad for adventures in the Colorado wilderness. A unique mix of modern living with Wifi and shopping a few minutes walk away with the historic backdrop that many travelers seek in a Western adventure.
- Closest town: La Junta (3mi)
- Specs: 54 RV sites, 4 tent sites, water, restroom, open year-round
- Amenities: 50 amp service, summer pool, Wifi, dog park, snack bar, mini golf, recreation room
- Reservations: Yes, at koa.com
- Address: 26680 US Highway 50, La Junta, CO 81050, (Map)
Vogel Canyon Recreation Area
This area set in scenic Vogel Canyon still has petroglyphs and rock art created by the indigenous people who once lived here. Located on a tributary of the Purgatorie River, this is an excellent area to spot wildlife in its native habitat. Camping is allowed in the parking area only. Horseback riding is one of the main attractions with a few amenities in place for equestrian campers. This is a very popular area in spring and late summer.
- Closest town: La Junta (17mi)
- Specs: Dispersed camping, no water, vault toilet, open year-round
- Amenities: Covered picnic tables, fire grates, horse hitching rails, horse trailer parking
- Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
- Address: David Canyon Road, La Junta, CO 81050 (Map)
Lake Meredith
Camping at its minimalist best. This area has a host of natural amenities in Lake Meredith and a few manmade ones in boat ramps, and a swimming beach, but that’s about it. Set near an active cattle operation, you’ll get to know the smell of bovine life well when the wind is right. Free dispersed camping makes this spot worthwhile as does fishing and water recreation on the lake.
- Closest town: Sugar City (3mi), La Junta (27mi)
- Specs: Dry camping, vault toilet, no water, open year-round
- Amenities: Free, boat ramp, swimming beach, water access
- Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
- Address: County Lane 21, Sugar City, CO 81076 (Map)
Lake Henry Campground
A well-stocked lake, known as one of the best catfishing lakes in Colorado. Wide open spaces, clear skies, and almost totally devoid of amenities aside from a toilet. Lake Henry offers the best in dispersed camping in this area. Located just three miles from the small town of Ordway with stores and restaurants available, this might be the perfect place to get off the grid for a few days.
- Closest town: Ordway (3mi), La Junta (27mi)
- Specs: Dispersed camping, vault toilet, no water, open year-round
- Amenities: Free, lake access, good fishing
- Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
- Address: Colorado Canal Road, Sugar City, CO 81076 (Map)
Fowler RV Park
This family-owned RV park has all the amenities you would expect for both summer and winter camping. Its location is adjacent to a public swimming pool and a 9-hole municipal golf course provides recreation for the entire family right at the park. The location also provides easy access to the many recreational opportunities in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and La Junta.
- Closest town: Fowler (0mi), La Junta (28mi)
- Specs: 18 RV sites, 4 tent sites, water, restrooms, open year-round
- Amenities: Full hookups, 15 amp service, showers, laundry, 7 pull-through sites
- Reservations: Yes, at (719) 263-4287
- Address: 501 East Cranston Avenue, Fowler, CO 81039, (Map)
Picket Wire Corrals
What is better than free? This dispersed camping area has the added benefit for equestrian enthusiasts of free horse corrals. You must bring your own water and certified weed-free hay, but the horses have a safe place to stay and not wander when you make your camp near the corrals.
- Closest town: La Junta (28mi)
- Specs: Dispersed camping, vault toilet, no water, open year-round
- Amenities: Horse corrals, free
- Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
- Address: David Canyon Road, La Junta, CO 81050 (Map)
Withers Canyon Trailhead
This area is the origin of Picket Wire Trail, a popular route for hikers, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The views on this trail are described as spectacular. Dispersed camping is permitted in designated areas at the trailhead, but no camping is allowed in the Picket Wire Canyonlands.
- Closest town: La Junta (31mi)
- Specs: Dispersed camping, no water, vault toilet, open year-round
- Amenities: Free, fire grates
- Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
- Address: La Junta, CO 81050 (Map)
Camping near Lamar
Lamar is a tiny bit bigger than La Junta, at around 7,600 people. It has a nice historic downtown with numerous places to eat and shop. There are a trio of RV parks to choose from right in town. The real jewel though is at John Martin Reservoir. Its Hasty Campground is less than thirty minutes from Lamar.
Sundance High Plains RV Park
Set on 4 ½ acres of wide open space, this friendly family RV park is filled with 50’ pull-through sites. With full hookups, and a wide range of amenities, including a camp store, you won’t have to look anywhere else for supplies during your stay. Located close to Lamar, a town with ample restaurants and amenities, this is a great spot to stay on your travels through Colorado.
- Closest town: Lamar (2mi)
- Specs: 31 sites, water, restroom, open year-round
- Amenities: 29 pull-through sites, full hookups, 30/50 amp service, Wifi, laundry, showers, convenience store, propane
- Reservations: Yes, at sundance-highplains.com
- Address: 29151 US Highway 287, Lamar, CO 81052 (Map)
Lamar Sportman’s Campground
A privately owned RV park near Lamar that offers a lot in the way of family amenities. A pool in summer, with laundry, showers, and other amenities makes this a good place to stay. The close proximity to Lamar, with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment creates a welcoming location.
- Closest town: Lamar (4mi)
- Specs: 40 sites, water, restrooms, open year-round
- Amenities: Showers, 30/50 amp service, dump station, laundry, Wifi, pool
- Reservations: Yes, at (719) 336-3623
- Address: 5385 US Highway 50, Lamar, CO 81052 (Map)
Santa Fe RV Park and Horse Motel
A “horse friendly” facility near Lamar, with spacious pull-through RV sites. A full line of amenities awaits the human traveler, with a horse motel attached. The 10×14 stalls have outdoor runs with an oversized 12×14 draft horse stall available for larger animals. A swimming pool, open in the summer adds to the family atmosphere.
- Closest town: Lamar (4mi)
- Specs: 33 sites, water, restrooms, open year-round
- Amenities: Laundry, showers, flush toilets, swimming pool, horse facilities
- Reservations: Yes, at (719) 336-3623
- Address: 5385 US Highway 50, Lamar, CO 81052 (Map)
John Martin Reservoir – Hasty Campground
This is a full-service campground operated by the Colorado Parks Department. Electricity is available at all 109 sites, with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities, along with a fish cleaning station that anglers will find handy. The location on the east shore of John Martin Reservoir makes it a comfortable area to camp, even during the winter months.
- Closest town: Hasty (3mi), Lamar (18mi), La Junta (38mi)
- Specs: 109 sites, water, restrooms, open year-round
- Amenities: 30/50 amp service, laundry, shower, fish cleaning station, dump station, playground,
- Reservations: Yes, at cpwshop.com
- Address: School Street Drive, McClave, CO 81057 (Map)
John Martin Reservoir – The Point
Located on the north shore of John Martin Reservoir, this large campground has just the basics provided for the camper. Amenities such as showers, electricity, water, laundry, and a fish cleaning station are available at the Hasty Campground accessible to the east via a connecting loop. John Martin Reservoir is a popular fishing spot year-round, even during the usually mild winters in the area.
- Closest town: Hasty (2mi), Lamar (20mi), La Junta (38mi)
- Specs: 104 sites, no water, vault toilet, open year-round
- Amenities: One mile away at Hasty campground: showers, laundry, dump station
- Reservations: Yes, at cpwshop.com
- Address: County Road 23 5/10, Hasty, CO 81044 (Map)
Lakeview RV Campground
A privately owned RV park with an accompanying grocery store and bait shop. This facility has low-hanging trees on most of the 20 sites, creating a lot of summer shade, but not a lot of clearance for high profile RVs. Electricity and water at all 20 sites with showers and a laundry facility provide amenities for your stay. Close proximity to excellent fishing at John Martin Reservoir is the main outdoor attraction.
- Closest town: Hasty (<1mi), Lamar (22mi), La Junta (37mi)
- Specs: 20 sites, water, flush toilet, open year-round
- Amenities: 30/50 amp service, restrooms, showers, Wifi, pull-through sites
- Reservations: Yes, at (719) 776-9811
- Address: 31230 County Road 24, Hasty, CO 81044 (Map)
Grant McCormick Memorial RV Park
A small, shady RV park set in the city park of the tiny town of Holly. This RV park is maintained by the city and offers spacious open areas, showers, picnic tables, and ample shade trees. It’s a step back into the past when the roadside table was the place for lunch for traveling families.
- Closest town: Downtown Holly (<1mi), Lamar (28mi)
- Specs: 6 sites, water, restrooms, open year-round
- Amenities: 30/50 amp service, showers, picnic tables, enclosed play yard
- Reservations: Yes, at (719) 537-6622 or (719) 940-1991 (evenings)
- Address: South Main Street, Holly, CO 81047 (Map)
Consider Pueblo or Trinidad
Southern Colorado’s largest city, Pueblo, also makes a convenient basecamp for checking out the southeastern plains. You can day trip to Comanche National Grassland while spending your evening lakeside camping by Pueblo Reservoir.
Tour the Santa Fe Trail from the foothills to the plains, west to east, Trinidad to Lamar. Just like Pueblo, Trinidad is an excellent place to camp to soak in all of southeastern Colorado. There are lakeside campsites next to Trinidad Lake, a beautiful state park just west of town.
Those are top campgrounds from Lamar to La Junta, Colorado! Have a terrific journey through the Great Plains along the historic Santa Fe Trail.
6 Thrilling Lakes for Jet Skiing by Denver