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Colorado State Parks

Park Facilities

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations near the park

Both locations are accessed off of Exit 11 from Interstate 25 and are approximately 5 miles from the park.

  • Walmart parking lot in Trinidad
  • Wendy’s restaurant parking lot in Trinidad. Visitors note that this site is for Tesla Vehicles only.

Amphitheater

  • Programs provided on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

(Updated: 7/17/2023 1:11 PM)

Boat Ramps

The boat ramp is OPEN for the season.

Boat inspection hours are from 6am-8pm.
Decontamination hours are from 8am-6pm.

Motorboats and sailboats must have an ANS Stamp prior to launching in Colorado since 2019.

Boat owners are required to purchase the ANS Stamp and operators must retain proof of purchase (electronic or printed receipt) on his or her person, the motorboat or sailboat, when operating the vessel (C.R.S. 33-10.5-104.5).

  • Motorboats and Sailboats from Colorado - $25.00
    • Colorado residents will purchase the ANS stamp at the time of registration. If you register/renew your vessel online or via a registration renewal postcard, the cost of the ANS stamp appears as part of your total amount due. You do NOT need to manually add another $25 to your payment for the ANS stamp.
    • Residents with motorboats or sailboats documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or otherwise exempt from in-state registration can purchase the ANS stamp online at cpwshop.com, or at any CPW office, or sales location beginning January 1, 2019.
  • Motorboats and Sailboats from Another State - $50.00
    • Non-residents can purchase their ANS stamp online at cpwshop.com, or at any CPW office or sales location beginning January 1, 2019.

Funding contributes to prevention and management of ANS in the state.

(Updated: 7/18/2024 2:54 PM)

Camper Services Building

The family restrooms in the Camper Services Building are open year-round and offer showers. The main restrooms are open. Laundry facilities are open between mid-May and mid-October. Shower and laundry facilities are for camping guests only.

(Updated: 3/20/2024 3:19 PM)

Campgrounds

There are two campgrounds with a total of 73 modern campsites for RV’s, tents and trailers. The Carpios Ridge campground with 63 sites sits on a ridge above the lake. An additional 10 sites are available in the South Shore Campground. Year-round camping is available in the Carpios Ridge Campground.

Check out the Camping page for additional information.

Check-in time for campsites is 1:00PM and check-out time is 12 noon.

All campsites are available by reservation only. Occupation of a site without a reservation will not be permitted. The 3-day reservation window does not apply at this park; sites are available for reservation 24/7. Self-service camping permits will no longer be valid. But as always, a park pass is required for every vehicle on the park. It is our goal to improve customer service with this change. To make a reservation or to check availability, please call (800) 244-5613 or visit www.cpwshop.com.

(Updated: 5/14/2020 11:32 AM)

Dump Station

The year-round dump station is available just outside the Carpios Ridge campground next to the Visitor Center.

If you are not camping with us, there is a dump fee to use these facilities.

(Updated: 4/26/2024 4:41 PM)

Group Campground

The Piedmont Group Camping Area with eight camping-vehicle sites is located away from the main campground and includes the Piedmont Group Picnic Shelter with all its amenities. There are electrical hookups at three of the camp sites as well as electricity at the pavilion. Vault toilets are also available. Water has been turned off to the Piedmont Group use area for the winter. Dump station facilities, flush toilets, laundry facilities, and showers are accessible in the main campground.

For information about reserving the Group Camping Area, call (800) 244-5613 or visit www.cpwshop.com.

(Updated: 1/2/2024 10:55 AM)

Group Picnic Area

Groups of up to 60 can enjoy great amenities like tables, grills, fireplaces and electricity in lighted shelters.

For additional information, see the Group Picnicking page.

(Updated: 9/24/2021 3:33 PM)

Picnic Sites

Tables, grills, shelters and access to restrooms are on the ridge overlooking the lake. Plus, there are some lakeside tables near the boat ramp as well as lakeside along the South Shore for easy water access.

(Updated: 6/24/2020 3:21 PM)

Playground

A state-of-the-art children’s playground is now available next to the Carpios Ridge Campground.

(Updated: 12/1/2020 8:24 AM)

Retail Store

A retail store, located in the Visitor Center, carries an assortment of items including books, maps, hiking accessories, clothing, firewood, stickers, drinkware, and fishing gear. These items can be purchased year round. Between May and early October, worms are also available.

Check in near the holidays for special deals!

(Updated: 8/17/2023 2:33 PM)

Showers

Showers are available year-round in the family restrooms and in the main camper services building between mid-March and mid-October.

(Updated: 3/20/2024 3:20 PM)

Trails

There are up to 18 miles of trails on the park with 1.6 miles (two trails) being ADA-compliant. Horses are allowed on the South Shore Trail.

(Updated: 8/17/2023 2:37 PM)

Visitor Center

Our Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm.

Stop in for information about the park and the Trinidad area. The Visitor Center is located next to the campground on Carpios Ridge. Visitors can browse the retail store (books, clothes, maps, gear and specialty items) and buy firewood. State Park passes, OHV, boat, & snowmobile registrations, along with hunting and fishing licenses are also available.

The Visitor Center is the only place on the park where a park pass is not required to visit!

(Updated: 4/29/2024 4:32 PM)