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259 reviews
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
Based on 259 reviews
Showing 259 reviews
August 27, 2026 Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
No water is available in the campground, so be sure to bring enough. If you're hiking the Penitente Canyon loop, be aware that while much of the trail is fairly easy, there is a very difficult stretch after 1.1 mi if you're traveling counter-clockwise on the trail.
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August 21, 2026 Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
Great campsite in a beautiful spot with amazing night skies. The campsites were spacious, not too close, and bathrooms were very clean.
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August 15, 2026 Stayed at: 7, Loop: Main Loop
Quiet and beautiful! Sunsets are gorgeous! Not tons of shade so bring your own. Clean bathrooms and well stocked. Keep in mind that the ground is very rocky and you’ll likely only get a couple stakes in. Just being some big rocks and anchor your tent as it can get breezy.
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August 15, 2026 Stayed at: 12, Loop: Main Loop
Gorgeous!
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August 11, 2026 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Super special place! The rock formations and canyons are wonderful- great for rock climbing though we didn’t do that. La Garita store/ restaurant is nearby. There is no water at the camp so prepare for that. A very low key self guided hike takes you through the main canyon. Not crowded even on a Friday/ Saturday visit.
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August 8, 2026 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful area: rock formations, pines and junipers. Sites feel secluded. Beautiful views of stars and the outline of the Sangre's at night. Nice hike through the narrow canyon with lot's of foliage. Water available. Bring a flyswatter and/or Yard Guard spray however.
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August 7, 2026 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Hidden gem of a campground. Our spots (1-5) each were enclosed by large boulders / cliffs, providing a private amphitheater for each site. Plenty of hiking and mountain biking with views of the San Luis Valley and the mountains across the valley. High enough in altitude to escape the summer heat. We will be back.
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July 17, 2026 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful, quiet, amazing night sky. Great mt biking.
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July 15, 2026 Stayed at: 7, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful spot, clean facilities. Not much shade for tent, but otherwise setup was fine. Very few other campers when we were there, so if you want quiet, this is great place!
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July 12, 2026 Stayed at: Group Site 2, Loop: Main Loop
This was a great group campsite, with access to hiking trails and well maintained toilets. The area is beautiful. We appreciated that there are no RV hookups at this campground.
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Blm San Luis Valley Field Office, Monte Vista, CO 81144 United States
Elevation: 2,413 ft
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 ...
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 right. Elevation = 7.9 ft.
The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 285, which is approximately 6.5 miles away.
The closest entrance is: Great Sand Dunes Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 51.6 mi · over 1 hr (89 min)
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
Monte Vista, CO
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