Featured amenities
Pet Friendly
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates17 total sites
Tent Sites
17 sites
About Penitente Canyon Campground
Number of accommodations: 17
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
17 Sites Available
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Site Details
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17 Sites Available
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Reviews (246)
What Guests Are Saying
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.
What Guests Are Saying
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.
Review Summary
Matthew L
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Will not return if the same hosts are there.....
Judith B
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful hiking! Great camping!
Judith B
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful hiking! Great camping!
Steve H
VerifiedDecember 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Penetente campground is pretty unique with it's rock formations. Every time we've camped there it's been great - camp spots are well separated, the toilets are clean and supplied with TP. Close to hiking and Mt biking trails. What more could you ask for?
I'd suggest coming in from US285 as opposed to the southern route from 112. The road from 112 is dusty washboard.
Steve H
VerifiedDecember 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Penetente campground is pretty unique with it's rock formations. Every time we've camped there it's been great - camp spots are well separated, the toilets are clean and supplied with TP. Close to hiking and Mt biking trails. What more could you ask for?
I'd suggest coming in from US285 as opposed to the southern route from 112. The road from 112 is dusty washboard.
Craig P
VerifiedDecember 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Stayed one night doing the GDMBR. water source at entry road and location is on the route
Craig P
VerifiedDecember 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Stayed one night doing the GDMBR. water source at entry road and location is on the route
Roberta S
VerifiedDecember 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: Main Loop
Campsite 12 was awesome. However it looks like 11 would be amazing for a future visit. We camped in November and we were the only ones. Bathroom was clean and the campground was well taken care of. Will be back for sure. Nice hiking and biking trails to work off Thanksgiving dinner!
Roberta S
VerifiedDecember 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: Main Loop
Campsite 12 was awesome. However it looks like 11 would be amazing for a future visit. We camped in November and we were the only ones. Bathroom was clean and the campground was well taken care of. Will be back for sure. Nice hiking and biking trails to work off Thanksgiving dinner!
Jennifer M
VerifiedNovember 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
I was there on a quiet weekend which was great. Excellent hiking nearby in the canyon. Sites are large and spaced out. Bathrooms clean. Beautiful views.
Location Penitente Canyon Campground
Address:
Blm San Luis Valley Field Office
Monte Vista, CO, 81144
United States
From U.S. 285, turn west onto Saguache County Road G. After 6 miles you will pass the La Garita Trading Post. Go another 0.5 miles to a Y intersection; take the left fork (County Road 38A). The entrance to the recreation area is another 0.5 miles, on your right. Elevation = 7,930 ft.
The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 285, which is approximately 6.5 miles away.
Elevation: 2413 feet
25 mi drive to downtown Monte Vista (about 28 min)
Policies & Rules
Pets
- Pets must always be kept under control.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: September 9, 2026
