Featured amenities
Pet Friendly
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 (228)
What Guests Are Saying
Penitente Canyon Campground offers a clean and well-maintained environment with friendly camp hosts and excellent access to beautiful hiking and biking trails. Many campers appreciate the spacious sites, amenities like clean toilets, and the unique rock formations in the area. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with the camp hosts' behavior and poor cell phone reception, suggesting that visitors may want to make reservations in advance.
What Guests Are Saying
Penitente Canyon Campground offers a clean and well-maintained environment with friendly camp hosts and excellent access to beautiful hiking and biking trails. Many campers appreciate the spacious sites, amenities like clean toilets, and the unique rock formations in the area. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with the camp hosts' behavior and poor cell phone reception, suggesting that visitors may want to make reservations in advance.
Review Summary
John M
VerifiedMay 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Arrived Sunday late afternoon. Cell coverage was good enough to reserve an Excellent site (# 11) for one night.
Hit Rec.gov
Loved sunset & sunrise. Hiked the left fork up P Canyon, past the painted Virgin, the next day. Magical. Go!! 😎
John M
VerifiedMay 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Arrived Sunday late afternoon. Cell coverage was good enough to reserve an Excellent site (# 11) for one night.
Hit Rec.gov
Loved sunset & sunrise. Hiked the left fork up P Canyon, past the painted Virgin, the next day. Magical. Go!! 😎
Paul S
VerifiedJanuary 31, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
We were the only ones iun the entire campground! We loved the experieince and hope to do it again.
Paul S
VerifiedJanuary 31, 2023 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
We were the only ones iun the entire campground! We loved the experieince and hope to do it again.
Thinh T
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
The campsite was clean and relaxing. This was the second time we had been here, and we will return. We use this camp as our resting point from Dallas, TX, to Moab, UT.
Thinh T
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
The campsite was clean and relaxing. This was the second time we had been here, and we will return. We use this camp as our resting point from Dallas, TX, to Moab, UT.
Cory G
VerifiedOctober 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Great site. Large sites offered decent separation and privacy. Clean bathrooms and smokeless firepits. Access to trails and climbing can't be beat. Minimal cover, so guessing weather could be a bit harsh in the right season (windy or very hot in summer?). Would be very concerned about snakes with kids if season was right.
Cory G
VerifiedOctober 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Great site. Large sites offered decent separation and privacy. Clean bathrooms and smokeless firepits. Access to trails and climbing can't be beat. Minimal cover, so guessing weather could be a bit harsh in the right season (windy or very hot in summer?). Would be very concerned about snakes with kids if season was right.
Genevieve J
VerifiedOctober 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
The hiking was great. Most people mountain bike or climb here. Our campsite was private and quiet. You need to pre-book before arriving as cell service is very spotty.
Genevieve J
VerifiedOctober 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
The hiking was great. Most people mountain bike or climb here. Our campsite was private and quiet. You need to pre-book before arriving as cell service is very spotty.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 37.8418 / -106.28
Elevation: 2413 feet
Policies & Rules
Pets
- Pets must always be kept under control.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 4, 2026
