Trinidad Lake State Park – Trinidad, CO | Boating, Camping, Fishing, Geocaching, Hiking

This scenic 2700 acre state park is centered around Trinidad Lake, near the historic town of Trinidad. The park lies at the base of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Water sports dominate the summer season and camping is available year round. The park makes a great base for exploring southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. It’s convenient to access from I-25, yet tucked away perfectly at the base of the Rockies.

Activities at Trinidad Lake

Picnic area overlooking Trinidad Lake. Photo: Will-travel

Biking: Street and mountain biking are popular year round. 9+ miles of bike trails, in addition to paved and unpaved access roads.

Boating: Open to motor boats seasonally, closed December 1 and reopens in the spring. One boat ramp and several docks. Jet and water skiing permitted.

Camping: Yes, 73 modern sites over 2 campgrounds. Open year round

South Shore campground – 10 non-electric sites for RV/tent, walking distancing to the lake.
Carpios Ridge Campground – 63 electric sites. Perched on a ridge, high above the lake.
Group Camping – The Piedmont Group Campground can accommodate up to 60 people.
Read about the camping near Trinidad, Walsenburg and La Veta.

Fishing: Boat and shore fishing. Warm and cold water fish, including channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, trout, largemouth bass, saugeye, walleye and wipers. Stocked with trout annually. Numerous tournaments are hosted each year. Ice fishing if conditions permit.

Trinidad Lake State Park Colorado — Trinidad Lake State Park from atop dam. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall

Upstream of Trinidad Lake, there is some good trout fishing along the Purgatoire River. The headwaters begins west of Weston and flows into Trinidad Lake, eventually joining with the Arksansas River on the plains,

Geocaching: A modern game of treasure hunting. 7 geocache sites are located within the park. Pick up a geocache brochure from the visitor center for coordinates or go to geocaching.com. GPS rentals are available at the visitor center.

Hiking: 10 miles of trails, several are ADA-accessible. Explore grasslands, forests, cliffs, ponds, and other ecosystems within the park.

Horseback Riding: Permitted on the South Shore Trail of Trinidad Lake.

Hunting: Permitted in posted areas between Labor Day and Memorial Day during legal seasons. Only shotguns or bow and arrow permitted. See park map for hunting area.

Swimming: Not permitted in the lake.

Volleyball: Available to group picnickers.

Winter Recreation: Ice fishing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing if conditions permit. Winter camping open with electricity, water, restroom and paid showers available year round.