Pet Friendly
Pet friendly
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
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.
259 reviews
Penitente Canyon Campground is praised for its stunning rock formations, beautiful sunsets, and quiet, secluded atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for stargazing and hiking. The campground features clean facilities, well-stocked bathrooms, and ample hiking and biking trails nearby. However, some visitors reported issues with aggressive dogs from the camp hosts and challenges in finding certain campsites, which may detract from the overall experience.
Based on guest feedback
4.1
Based on 259 reviews
Showing 259 reviews
October 2, 2026 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
There was a few CS I would rather have been at. But reserved and sadly never occupied, but site was full per NPS. Glad I called and got 1. Nearby Witches canyon was my alternative , for my usual dispersed ideas. But in general pleased
Helpful
September 27, 2026 Stayed at: 8, Loop: Main Loop
Great sites - very clean and well kept restrooms. Thank you.
Helpful
September 26, 2026 Stayed at: 15, Loop: Main Loop
The canyon trail is beautiful! Watching the climbing activity was fun lots of hikes available high desert type with scenery.
Helpful
September 23, 2026 Stayed at: 13, Loop: Main Loop
My spot was private and with good views. The pit toilets were very clean too.
Helpful
September 23, 2026 Stayed at: 8, Loop: Main Loop
Bathrooms clean as well as whole area. Much improved trail guide pamphlet available and on trail markers.
Helpful
September 8, 2026 Stayed at: 12, Loop: Main Loop
NOISY AND NOT VERY CLEAN BATHROOMS
ROCK CLIMBERS AKA VAN DWELLERS
PARTY LATE AT NIGHT THEN OCCUPY THE BATHROOMS ALL MORNING LONG
Helpful
September 4, 2026 Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
Phenomenal site (#3) - so much privacy and space! Only con is that’s it’s a bit of a walk to the bathroom. But otherwise fantastic. The loop hike is great too!
Helpful
August 30, 2026 Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
No camp host ! Site was beautiful but couldn’t drive my tent stakes into the ground too much Rock - very peaceful and gorgeous views. Hiking us close buy well worth it.
Helpful
August 30, 2026 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
The campsite was beautiful, pit toilets very clean, not many people camping when we were there most likely because it was very hot. Our site had some shade but a lot of them did not so definitely bring a shade tent or umbrella. The bike trails were fun! Again, pretty exposed and hot but we rode in the mornings and greatly enjoyed the trails. We saw one rattlesnake at the campsite who was just chilling and keeping an eye on us, so just be aware of them and don't bug them.
Beautiful sunsets, great night skies, cool stormy clouds. We will be back!
Helpful
August 27, 2026 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
I had a great stay here, it’s beautiful and quiet, the facilities were clean. Can’t wait to go back!
Helpful
Blm San Luis Valley Field Office, Monte Vista, CO 81144 United States
Elevation: 2,413 ft
From U.S. 285, turn west onto Saguache County Road G. After 6 mi you will pass the La Garita Trading Post. Go another 0.5 mi to a Y intersection; take the left fork (County Road 38A). The entrance to the recreation area is another 0.5 mi, on your ...
From U.S. 285, turn west onto Saguache County Road G. After 6 mi you will pass the La Garita Trading Post. Go another 0.5 mi to a Y intersection; take the left fork (County Road 38A). The entrance to the recreation area is another 0.5 mi, on your right. Elevation = 7.9 ft.
The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 285, which is approximately 6.5 miles away.
The closest entrance is: Great Sand Dunes Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 51.6 mi · over 1 hr (89 min)
Last updated: October 24, 2026
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Population: 4,141
Nearby city: Pueblo, CO
Approx. 95 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 7,664 ft
Monte Vista, CO
Tent Sites
