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
Melissa C
VerifiedNovember 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
I love this campground and have been here 10+ times, but was very disappointed by the recent camp host. The camp hosts were rude, unhelpful, and had 3 aggressive dogs (tied to trees) that barked excessively. I actually had friends camped at site 1 near them that had to move because of their dogs. I definitely expected better for such a lovely and well-established site. Would not recommend.
Raisa S
VerifiedOctober 29, 2025 • Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Great spot right by the gorgeous Penitente Canyon, which we enjoyed exploring more than the sand dunes. We paid a couple bucks more for a group site for some privacy and couldn’t see anyone from our campsite. Vault toilet was as clean as they come, trash cans serviced. Hosts made sure we’d made a reservation, so it seems less likely you’ll show up and find someone in your spot. They do have dogs at their spot by the entrance (never off-leash) who bark some when you pass, etc. Our dog wasn’t a fan, but it wasn’t a big deal.
FYI, there are free campsites on the nearby Witch’s Canyon Rd/Cr G40 if you are ok without toilets and trash bins.
Raisa S
VerifiedOctober 29, 2025 • Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Great spot right by the gorgeous Penitente Canyon, which we enjoyed exploring more than the sand dunes. We paid a couple bucks more for a group site for some privacy and couldn’t see anyone from our campsite. Vault toilet was as clean as they come, trash cans serviced. Hosts made sure we’d made a reservation, so it seems less likely you’ll show up and find someone in your spot. They do have dogs at their spot by the entrance (never off-leash) who bark some when you pass, etc. Our dog wasn’t a fan, but it wasn’t a big deal.
FYI, there are free campsites on the nearby Witch’s Canyon Rd/Cr G40 if you are ok without toilets and trash bins.
Michael T
VerifiedOctober 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful spot
Michael T
VerifiedOctober 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful spot
Kim A
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Each time I come to Penitente, I find some magic. The place is sacred and meditative. This time it poured furiously, but provided exceptional views of the Sangres with low lying clouds, and double or triple rainbows everywhere.
Lares F
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 • Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful and comfortable group site. We had about seven people and were able to spread out. We had a great time.
Kim A
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Each time I come to Penitente, I find some magic. The place is sacred and meditative. This time it poured furiously, but provided exceptional views of the Sangres with low lying clouds, and double or triple rainbows everywhere.
Lares F
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 • Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful and comfortable group site. We had about seven people and were able to spread out. We had a great time.
emmy k
VerifiedOctober 19, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Very cool trails and stunning landscape.
Do not neglect to visit the Garita Cafe. Best plain coffee ever!
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
