RV Sites
Barbara S
August 24, 2022
Beautiful spot. Uncrowned.
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About Purgatoire Campground
Purgatoire Campground is nestled near the headwaters of the Purgatoire River in the beautiful Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The primitive campground is laid out on two loops. One is a large grassy meadow with sites that accommodate equestrian campers and one that is wooded with aspen and spruce.
Constructed by the Youth Conservation Corp in 1976, Purgatoire was originally named Potato Patch Campground. The river provides nice fishing and a trailhead attracts hikers and horseback riders.
Available sites
13 total sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Closed periods
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Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
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Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
13 Sites Available
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02, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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04, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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06, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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07, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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08, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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09, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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11, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Equestrian
8 guests · Pet Friendly
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14, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🏕️
15, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Equestrian
8 guests · Pet Friendly
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18, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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20, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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21, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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22, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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Site Details
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13 Sites Available
Site
Price
🚐
02, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
04, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
06, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
07, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
08, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
09, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🏕️
11, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Equestrian
8 guests · Pet Friendly
🚐
14, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🏕️
15, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Equestrian
8 guests · Pet Friendly
🚐
18, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
20, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
21, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
22, Loop: PURGATOIRE
RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
138 reviews
Summary
Purgatoire Campground offers a serene and remote camping experience, surrounded by beautiful pine and aspen trees, and features well-maintained sites with bear-proof lockers and picnic tables. Mark, the camp host, is friendly and ensures cleanliness throughout the campground. While the vault toilets are a bit far and some sites may not accommodate larger RVs, the peaceful atmosphere, excellent hiking trails, and proximity to fishing and boating make it a highly enjoyable destination for nature lovers.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Overall rating
Based on 138 reviews
5 stars
66.7% (92)
4 stars
23.9% (33)
3 stars
7.2% (10)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
2.2% (3)
Showing 138 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
hope V
VerifiedAugust 5, 2022 Stayed at: 21, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Nice, shady with lots of hikes in the surrounding area. I only wish it was a bit quieter as some of the nearby sites let their kids scream and slam trailer doors way after the sun went down.
With the other nearby campgrounds closed for the season I can understand this area being full but control the kids who scream at each other like banshees
Helpful
hope V
VerifiedAugust 5, 2022 Stayed at: 21, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Nice, shady with lots of hikes in the surrounding area. I only wish it was a bit quieter as some of the nearby sites let their kids scream and slam trailer doors way after the sun went down.
With the other nearby campgrounds closed for the season I can understand this area being full but control the kids who scream at each other like banshees
Helpful
Kenny M
VerifiedJuly 30, 2022 Stayed at: 08, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Really nice campground at the end of a 4-mile unpaved road. The road can be a bit rough in spots, but we did not have any problems pulling our 29' fifth wheel up it. There are three distinct loops at the campground. Four sites right on the river are really nice but limited to tents and very small RVs. The center loop has numerous campgrounds with meadow and forest spots. Say's it's an equestrian loop, but we've not seen any horses in our three trips to the campground. The upper loop is where we stayed. Great views of the meadow below. Lots of wildlife in the area - deer, bears, birds. The river is small at this elevation, but full of wild brook trout that readily take dry flies. Several sites are reservable and are the best bet if you are pulling a travel trailer or driving a motor home. Be sure you know the dimensions of the site. We've seen folks on more than one occasion struggle to get their rig to fit the site they had. All in all, one of our favorite campgrounds in southern Colorado. An easy drive into Cuchara or La Veta for a meal too.
Helpful
Kenny M
VerifiedJuly 30, 2022 Stayed at: 08, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Really nice campground at the end of a 4-mile unpaved road. The road can be a bit rough in spots, but we did not have any problems pulling our 29' fifth wheel up it. There are three distinct loops at the campground. Four sites right on the river are really nice but limited to tents and very small RVs. The center loop has numerous campgrounds with meadow and forest spots. Say's it's an equestrian loop, but we've not seen any horses in our three trips to the campground. The upper loop is where we stayed. Great views of the meadow below. Lots of wildlife in the area - deer, bears, birds. The river is small at this elevation, but full of wild brook trout that readily take dry flies. Several sites are reservable and are the best bet if you are pulling a travel trailer or driving a motor home. Be sure you know the dimensions of the site. We've seen folks on more than one occasion struggle to get their rig to fit the site they had. All in all, one of our favorite campgrounds in southern Colorado. An easy drive into Cuchara or La Veta for a meal too.
Helpful
Robert L
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 Stayed at: 14, Loop: PURGATOIRE
no issues.
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Robert L
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 Stayed at: 14, Loop: PURGATOIRE
no issues.
Helpful
David S
July 18, 2022
Great host
Clean
Got to have fire in fire ring
Helpful
David S
July 18, 2022
Great host
Clean
Got to have fire in fire ring
Helpful
Frances G
VerifiedJuly 10, 2022 Stayed at: 20, Loop: PURGATOIRE
Campground was empty when we were there because snow was expected. We loved it.
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Location & Directions for Purgatoire Campground
San Carlos Ranger District, 3028 East Main Street, Canon City, CO 81212 United States
Elevation: 2,959 ft
Getting There
From La Veta, Colorado, take State Route 12 south for 25.3 mi to Purgatoire campground sign. Turn right onto gravel Route 34. Go 0.2 mi to "T" intersection. Turn right and drive 4 mi on rough gravel road to campground.
Near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The closest entrance is: Great Sand Dunes Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 48.4 mi · over 1 hr (83 min)
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.
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Last updated: October 23, 2026
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Explore Canon City, CO
Population: 17,122
Nearby city: Pueblo, CO
Approx. 75 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 5,335 ft
Canon City, CO
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service