About Purgatoire Campground
Number of accommodations: 13
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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13 Sites Available
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Reviews (119)
What Guests Are Saying
Purgatoire Campground is praised for its peaceful, remote setting and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a favorite among campers. The camp host, Mark, receives consistent commendation for his attentiveness and cleanliness of the facilities. While the road can be rough and some sites are not suited for larger RVs, the overall camping experience is described as wonderful, with access to great hiking and fishing opportunities.
What Guests Are Saying
Purgatoire Campground is praised for its peaceful, remote setting and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a favorite among campers. The camp host, Mark, receives consistent commendation for his attentiveness and cleanliness of the facilities. While the road can be rough and some sites are not suited for larger RVs, the overall camping experience is described as wonderful, with access to great hiking and fishing opportunities.
Review Summary
nick r
VerifiedJuly 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Private- remote- rustic-altitude- flies
Lisa C
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: PURGATOIRE
The vault toilets were completely full and really gross. There are no pictures of the sites on the website, so we had to reserve them 'blind'. The three sites we reserved looked close to each other on the map but in reality, were quite separated by trees and terraine. We weren't able to gather as a family like we thought we could. Our camper barely fit in the space and took some creative placement (and a lot of work) to make it fit. There was no dumpster and we had to pack out all of our trash. The small trash cans provided were not adequate. On the bright side, the campground was clean, the cute little towns nearby had gas and supplies, and the lake provided lots of water fun for our family. The access road is described on recreation.gov as not passable by RVs/Campers but we found the road in very good condition and not a problem at all. With better attention to the toilets, trash and online pics, I would be able to give the campground a higher rating.
Lisa C
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: PURGATOIRE
The vault toilets were completely full and really gross. There are no pictures of the sites on the website, so we had to reserve them 'blind'. The three sites we reserved looked close to each other on the map but in reality, were quite separated by trees and terraine. We weren't able to gather as a family like we thought we could. Our camper barely fit in the space and took some creative placement (and a lot of work) to make it fit. There was no dumpster and we had to pack out all of our trash. The small trash cans provided were not adequate. On the bright side, the campground was clean, the cute little towns nearby had gas and supplies, and the lake provided lots of water fun for our family. The access road is described on recreation.gov as not passable by RVs/Campers but we found the road in very good condition and not a problem at all. With better attention to the toilets, trash and online pics, I would be able to give the campground a higher rating.
Stacy H
VerifiedJuly 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: PURGATOIRE
The campground was clean and quiet. It is easily accessed from the highway. The vault toilets were clean and the drinking water was centrally located in the camp. The area was beautiful and well-maintained. I will definitely stay here again!
Stacy H
VerifiedJuly 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: PURGATOIRE
The campground was clean and quiet. It is easily accessed from the highway. The vault toilets were clean and the drinking water was centrally located in the camp. The area was beautiful and well-maintained. I will definitely stay here again!
VS B
VerifiedJuly 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Camp host, Mark, was super nice.
VS B
VerifiedJuly 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Camp host, Mark, was super nice.
Noah McGehee
June 30, 2023
I had a handful of questions about the area, rules and regs for our trip. The ranger I spoke with on the phone was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and patient. Never had an interaction with one in person, but over-the-phone it was a great experience.
Michael O
VerifiedJune 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Many fellow tent campers. Sites are widely spaced apart. Not really any tent pads but the parking areas can be used. We were there over Memorial day weekend and the nearby trails were wet or covered in snow. The birds were out though. Happy to have hummingbirds at our site! Lots of small trees available for hammock-ing. Overall, this area is remote. And thats a good thing!
Michael O
VerifiedJune 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Many fellow tent campers. Sites are widely spaced apart. Not really any tent pads but the parking areas can be used. We were there over Memorial day weekend and the nearby trails were wet or covered in snow. The birds were out though. Happy to have hummingbirds at our site! Lots of small trees available for hammock-ing. Overall, this area is remote. And thats a good thing!
Location Purgatoire Campground
Address:
San Carlos Ranger District, 3028 East Main Street
Canon City, CO, 81212
United States
From La Veta, Colorado, take State Route 12 south for 25.3 miles to Purgatoire campground sign. Turn right onto gravel Route 34. Go 0.2 miles to "T" intersection. Turn right and drive 4 miles on rough gravel road to campground.
Latitude & Longitude: 37.2525 / -105.109
Elevation: 2959 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- For real-time information, contact the San Carlos Ranger District at (719) 269-8500.
Site capacity
- Campsite capacity is limited to 8 people, with options for 2 tents and 2 vehicles or 1 RV.
Wildlife & food storage
- Secure food and cooking utensils to prevent bear encounters and maintain cleanliness.
- Only certified weed-free hay and feed pellets are allowed.
Safety & rules
- Fireworks and firearms are strictly prohibited in the campground.
Site types & loops
- Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
General
- For more information on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, click here
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Fees & deposits
- The camping fee covers 2 vehicles; an extra fee of $10 applies for additional vehicles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 5, 2026