Trinidad Lake State Park

If you find yourself in southern Colorado exploring the foothills of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you might come across Trinidad Lake State Park. Covering 2,700 acres teeming with native wildlife, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, this beautiful state park is a great spot for a camping getaway.

Sitting at an elevation of 6,300 feet, the 800-acre lake provides opportunities galore for boating and fishing. Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and more, while those who just enjoy being on or in the water can do just that.

On the shore, you'll find individual picnic shelters and group picnic facilities, as well as a whole lot more to see and do. Highlights include an archery range, interpretive displays, a functional horno (beehive-shaped adobe oven used by the Spanish and Native Americans for cooking), and an archeological site that features the remains on Native American dwellings.Throw in four hiking and nature trails and you've got plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

The park has two campgrounds and a total of 73 sites. The Carpios Ridge Campground, which sits on a ridge 150 feet above the lake, is home to 63 of those sites. It can accommodate RVs, trailers and tents, and boasts a host of modern features. The remaining 10 sites are found at the South Shore Campground, within walking distance of the shoreline.

Pets are welcome at all campsites, but you'll need to remember to abide by the park rules and regulations when staying with your pet. This means you'll need to keep your pet on a leash of six feet or less and under your control at all times. You're also responsible for cleaning up after your dog and ensuring that they don't become a nuisance to other park users.

If you can take care of these simple tasks, you and your furry friend can enjoy a relaxing camping trip you'll never forget.