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
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!
Midge K
VerifiedOctober 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: Main Loop
we got lost and had to be rescued by sheriff office after we called 911. The sign almost at the end of the penitente canyon trail has arrows pointing both ways with no indication which way is out. we took the wrong one and ended up at a cliff but there was a trail all the way. You need better signs and more of them along the trail.
Midge K
VerifiedOctober 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: Main Loop
we got lost and had to be rescued by sheriff office after we called 911. The sign almost at the end of the penitente canyon trail has arrows pointing both ways with no indication which way is out. we took the wrong one and ended up at a cliff but there was a trail all the way. You need better signs and more of them along the trail.
Jacqueline L G
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful spot! We always have a great time here. The campground is in great shape and there are trails all around. Highly recommended camping here!
Jacqueline L G
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful spot! We always have a great time here. The campground is in great shape and there are trails all around. Highly recommended camping here!
Russell M
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Sweet place, weirdest camp host I’ve ever seen. The camp host site looks like a homeless camp and had 3-4 dogs tied up that bark at every car bike or person that goes by. Reservations are not being posted to reserved sites so my friends had to kick out some tent campers who were in their spot when they arrived.
Very cool area with big sandstone features on the trails. Nicely graded road and rv/tent camp sites.
Russell M
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Sweet place, weirdest camp host I’ve ever seen. The camp host site looks like a homeless camp and had 3-4 dogs tied up that bark at every car bike or person that goes by. Reservations are not being posted to reserved sites so my friends had to kick out some tent campers who were in their spot when they arrived.
Very cool area with big sandstone features on the trails. Nicely graded road and rv/tent camp sites.
Angela C
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
Camp hosts don't put up reservation tags, so when we got there we had to tell someone they were in our spot. Camp hosts have lots of dogs(3-4?) that bark constantly when someone walks by. Dumpsters not unlocked.
Angela C
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
Camp hosts don't put up reservation tags, so when we got there we had to tell someone they were in our spot. Camp hosts have lots of dogs(3-4?) that bark constantly when someone walks by. Dumpsters not unlocked.
John S
VerifiedAugust 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
It’s my new favorite camping spot. I was lucky and got an excellent site. It was very quiet and clean. I ran out of water but couldn’t find a tap so drove to town - a pleasant side trip. The area surrounding the campground is quite beautiful!
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
