Tent Sites
Lena M
VerifiedJune 3, 2023 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Great campground. Hiking trails nearby. Just make sure to get the water 1 mi before the campground. And watch for the rattlesnakes. Yes, they are really there!
Helpful
Featured amenities
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 sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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Currently open - Apr 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
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
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1, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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10, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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11, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
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12, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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13, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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14, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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15, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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2, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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3, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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4, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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5, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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6, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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7, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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8, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
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9, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
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Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
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Group Site 2, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
No sites found matching your criteria.
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
17 Sites Available
Site
Price
⛺
1, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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10, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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11, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
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12, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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13, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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14, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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15, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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2, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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3, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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4, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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5, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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6, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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7, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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8, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
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9, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
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Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺
Group Site 2, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
259 reviews
Summary
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
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
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!! 😎
Helpful
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!! 😎
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 24, 2026
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Explore Monte Vista, CO
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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