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Colorado State Parks

Lathrop State Park

70 County Rd 502
Walsenburg, CO 81089

24-hour access for:

  • active anglers with valid fishing licenses
  • those boating with approved lighting

Visitor Center Hours:
Sunday - Thursday
8 AM - 4 PM

Friday - Saturday
8 AM - 5 PM

Drive Up Window Hours:
Sunday - Thursday
8 AM - 7 PM

Friday - Saturday
8 AM - 8 PM

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Colorado’s first state park, Lathrop State Park, is 1,460 acres of recreational enjoyment nestled in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks in Southern Colorado.

The park’s two lakes offer a variety of boating and angling opportunities for all types of water recreation. Martin Lake offers water skiing, power and sail boating. Because Martin is a warm-water lake, it is great for swimmers. Horseshoe Lake is a peaceful haven for canoeists, kayakers, sailors, and other boaters at wakeless speeds. Catfish, bass, walleye, trout, and bluegill thrive in both lakes. Horseshoe Lake is known for its large tiger muskies.

Camping Opportunities

Camping opportunities abound at Lathrop. Lathrop’s two campgrounds have 103 sites that can accommodate motor homes, trailers, and tents, offering either a basic or improved camping experience. Improved Sites provide 20/30/50 amp electricity at the site but do not provide water or sewer hookups. Pi​​​ñ​on Campground is ideal for large camping units. Click the “Fees” link on the left side of this page for campsite prices.

Winter camping is available.

See pictures of Lathrop’s individual campsites when making reservations online.

Golfing at Lathrop

Lathrop is also the only Colorado State Park with a golf course: the 9-hole Walsenburg Golf Course.

Call (719) 738-2730 or visit golfwalsenburg.com​ for detailed course information.​

NEW Archery Range

Archery Practice Range on Hwy 160, west of the main entrance to Lathrop. This is a no-fee area for archery practice only.

The park includes a Horse Trail and parking area on the west side of Horseshoe Lake. A pass is required to enter the park and horses must stay in approved parking areas and trails. Please clean up after your horse in parking areas.