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
Connie C
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2024 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Main Loop
We took the Penitente Canyon loop trail which was very enjoyable. We saw rock climbers scaling the rocks, the interesting rock formations from the volcanic activity from long ago, the changing plant life as the altitude increased and saw some scat big enough to be bear. Highly recommend this trail.
Connie C
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2024 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Main Loop
We took the Penitente Canyon loop trail which was very enjoyable. We saw rock climbers scaling the rocks, the interesting rock formations from the volcanic activity from long ago, the changing plant life as the altitude increased and saw some scat big enough to be bear. Highly recommend this trail.
Robert S
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2024 • Stayed at: Group Site 2, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful, remote location nearby a picturesque rock canyon paradise.
The campground is nicely spread out. The only issue we've found there was no host on duty during our stay.
Also, water pump is outside the campground- a short drive away
Robert S
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2024 • Stayed at: Group Site 2, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful, remote location nearby a picturesque rock canyon paradise.
The campground is nicely spread out. The only issue we've found there was no host on duty during our stay.
Also, water pump is outside the campground- a short drive away
Stan H
VerifiedAugust 19, 2024 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Very interesting and well managed campground. Geologically unique, with trails from the campground area to observe the volcanic rock formations. Peaceful in the evenings, not too many RVs with motorized generators when we were there. Fortunately most of the sites have small parking areas. Be snake aware/prepared when hiking or climbing. Trails are grown up in places, hard to see what is there.
Stan H
VerifiedAugust 19, 2024 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Very interesting and well managed campground. Geologically unique, with trails from the campground area to observe the volcanic rock formations. Peaceful in the evenings, not too many RVs with motorized generators when we were there. Fortunately most of the sites have small parking areas. Be snake aware/prepared when hiking or climbing. Trails are grown up in places, hard to see what is there.
Phillip B
VerifiedJuly 30, 2024 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
campground was immaculate and gorgeous area
Phillip B
VerifiedJuly 30, 2024 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
campground was immaculate and gorgeous area
Emily C
VerifiedJuly 27, 2024 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Great location. Trails could be better marked, I did get lost. But the amenities were great and the pit toilets didn't smell too bad.
Emily C
VerifiedJuly 27, 2024 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Great location. Trails could be better marked, I did get lost. But the amenities were great and the pit toilets didn't smell too bad.
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 6, 2026
