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
Timothy C
VerifiedAugust 22, 2023 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Great campsites and we're sure to go back and explore more of the trails. One suggestion would be to have a sign stating the quiet hours prominently, as we had a camper running their generator late into the night.
Timothy C
VerifiedAugust 22, 2023 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Great campsites and we're sure to go back and explore more of the trails. One suggestion would be to have a sign stating the quiet hours prominently, as we had a camper running their generator late into the night.
Marie W
VerifiedAugust 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Nice campground with scenic campsites and hiking trails, but watch out for rattlers! Saw one at our site and another at the trail head.
Maria S
VerifiedAugust 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful campground, the boulders are great for kids to explore and climb, beautiful hike nearby, absolutely great experience
Amber T
VerifiedAugust 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Enjoyed our stay! Would stay again.
Marie W
VerifiedAugust 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Nice campground with scenic campsites and hiking trails, but watch out for rattlers! Saw one at our site and another at the trail head.
Maria S
VerifiedAugust 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful campground, the boulders are great for kids to explore and climb, beautiful hike nearby, absolutely great experience
Amber T
VerifiedAugust 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Enjoyed our stay! Would stay again.
Jason H
VerifiedAugust 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: Main Loop
Nice quiet campground that does not attract families, but more a crowd who wants peace and quiet. Reviews about the rattlesnakes are true, but they keep to themselves and are cool to see (just watch your step, otherwise they have no interest in you). No camp host, but was not needed. Sites had ample privacy compared to most campgrounds. Was there on a full moon, but would imagine stargazing would be amazing here. Will be back.
Jason H
VerifiedAugust 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: Main Loop
Nice quiet campground that does not attract families, but more a crowd who wants peace and quiet. Reviews about the rattlesnakes are true, but they keep to themselves and are cool to see (just watch your step, otherwise they have no interest in you). No camp host, but was not needed. Sites had ample privacy compared to most campgrounds. Was there on a full moon, but would imagine stargazing would be amazing here. Will be back.
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
