Penitente Canyon Campground

Blm San Luis Valley Field Office, Monte Vista, Colorado, United States
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Climber in Penitente Canyon adjacent to pictograph of the Virgen de Guadalupe
Penitente Campground Map w/ RV Spur Lengths
Penitente Canyon Camping
Penitente Canyon Recreation Area Map w/ Trails
Camp Host Site

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

About Penitente Canyon Campground

The canyonlands of Penitente Canyon offer a blend of peaceful surroundings and diverse recreation opportunities less than 10 mi from a major highway. Although the BLM manages the 4,552-acre Penitente Canyon primarily for rock climbers, the area also offers opportunities for heritage tourists, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians.

Available sites

17 total sites
Tent Sites 17 sites Check Availability

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

17 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 1, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 10, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 11, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 12, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 13, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 14, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 15, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 2, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 3, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 4, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 5, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 6, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 7, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 8, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 9, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ Group Site 2, Loop: Main Loop Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews

259 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.1

Overall rating

Based on 259 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 47.5% (123)
4 stars 33.2% (86)
3 stars 8.1% (21)
2 stars 3.1% (8)
1 star 8.1% (21)

Showing 259 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Martie S

Verified

October 5, 2023 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop

The DarkSky Colorado Board and guests had a great time! The nght sky was beautiful! The only glitch was that a group -not with the DarkSky Colorado Board- showed up and said they were in campsite 7. This group said that they had booked through rec.gov. Fortunately, the camper from our group was able to camp with a couple in our group at campsite 8. He wanted to resolve the situation in a peaceful way. However, he asked me to bring this double-booking matter to your attention.
The DarkSky Colorado Board and guests applaud the local BLM for working with us to ensure a wonderful campoing experience!
Many thanks!

Helpful

Heather B

Verified

September 11, 2023 Stayed at: 14, Loop: Main Loop

Great campground, I've been here twice. The place is always very clean and quiet. Spots are spaced out. #14 is one of the most private ones.

Helpful

Heather B

Verified

September 11, 2023 Stayed at: 14, Loop: Main Loop

Great campground, I've been here twice. The place is always very clean and quiet. Spots are spaced out. #14 is one of the most private ones.

Helpful

Timothy C

Verified

August 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.

Helpful

Timothy C

Verified

August 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.

Helpful

Marie W

Verified

August 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.

Helpful

Maria S

Verified

August 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

Helpful

Amber T

Verified

August 10, 2023 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop

Enjoyed our stay! Would stay again.

Helpful

Marie W

Verified

August 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.

Helpful

Maria S

Verified

August 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

Helpful

Location & Directions for Penitente Canyon Campground

Blm San Luis Valley Field Office, Monte Vista, CO 81144 United States

Elevation: 2,413 ft

Getting There

From U.S. 285, turn west onto Saguache County Road G. After 6 mi you will pass the La Garita Trading Post. Go another 0.5 mi to a Y intersection; take the left fork (County Road 38A). The entrance to the recreation area is another 0.5 mi, on your ...

Nearest town

Monte Vista, CO - 25 mi

About 28 min to downtown

Highway access

The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 285, which is approximately 6.5 miles away.

Near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The closest entrance is: Great Sand Dunes Entrance Station

Approximate drive: 51.6 mi · over 1 hr (89 min)

Policies & Rules

Pets

  • Pets must always be kept under control.

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Nearby destinations

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City

Last updated: October 24, 2026

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Population: 4,141

Nearby city: Pueblo, CO

Approx. 95 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 7,664 ft

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