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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
September 15, 2022 Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Penitente is a gem! However, noxious weeds are taking over the Penitente area. It's a big problem but certainly the BLM has the knowledge to address the issue and undoubtedly citizens could be engaged in the effort.
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September 12, 2022 Stayed at: 13, Loop: Main Loop
We booked site #13 through Recreation.gov. When we got to the campground we could not get our truck camper up the very rutted and rocky road to the campsite. We walked to #13 and there was no reserved placard on the post for that site. Anyone could have already been in that site that we reserved and paid for in advance. There was no host. There were no payment envelopes at the entrance station and the slot to accept payments was taped off, so why did I bother to reserve online when anyone can stay anywhere in that campground for free? It was a total fiasco all around.
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September 12, 2022 Stayed at: 13, Loop: Main Loop
We booked site #13 through Recreation.gov. When we got to the campground we could not get our truck camper up the very rutted and rocky road to the campsite. We walked to #13 and there was no reserved placard on the post for that site. Anyone could have already been in that site that we reserved and paid for in advance. There was no host. There were no payment envelopes at the entrance station and the slot to accept payments was taped off, so why did I bother to reserve online when anyone can stay anywhere in that campground for free? It was a total fiasco all around.
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September 4, 2022 Stayed at: 6, Loop: Main Loop
The canyon was beautiful! Much greener than expected. The roads are a mess! Made it through with my old 2WD Camry Wagon with some interesting driving. Campers beware: you can ONLY pay for a campsite online, which is not stated anywhere online! There is NO way to avoid the excessive $8 fees for the reservation on an $11 campsite (or $5 if you read the general information online until you get the reservation system and find out it will cost $19). I don't object to the $11, it's the $8 in fees for reserving online that I really don't understand. If there is no way for me to only pay $11, then the site costs $19 and that is that. I had planned to pay cash on arrival, and was lucky my companion had enough signal to make the reservation as we stood at the kiosk that previously accepted cash.
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September 4, 2022 Stayed at: 6, Loop: Main Loop
The canyon was beautiful! Much greener than expected. The roads are a mess! Made it through with my old 2WD Camry Wagon with some interesting driving. Campers beware: you can ONLY pay for a campsite online, which is not stated anywhere online! There is NO way to avoid the excessive $8 fees for the reservation on an $11 campsite (or $5 if you read the general information online until you get the reservation system and find out it will cost $19). I don't object to the $11, it's the $8 in fees for reserving online that I really don't understand. If there is no way for me to only pay $11, then the site costs $19 and that is that. I had planned to pay cash on arrival, and was lucky my companion had enough signal to make the reservation as we stood at the kiosk that previously accepted cash.
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September 1, 2022 Stayed at: 7, Loop: Main Loop
Great campground super close to climbing at Penitente. Upper loop is quieter, with a more remote feeling. Beware the road might be pretty rough. August 2022 it had deep ruts and large washed out sections. One negative about this campground: all sites are reserve only - no walk in sites, even in off-season times. You can book same day, but there is no service at the campground, so check before you lose service; or drive back down the road a bit for service.
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September 1, 2022 Stayed at: 7, Loop: Main Loop
Great campground super close to climbing at Penitente. Upper loop is quieter, with a more remote feeling. Beware the road might be pretty rough. August 2022 it had deep ruts and large washed out sections. One negative about this campground: all sites are reserve only - no walk in sites, even in off-season times. You can book same day, but there is no service at the campground, so check before you lose service; or drive back down the road a bit for service.
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August 21, 2022 Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
Arrived and our reserved site was taken. There was nothing at the site that said we had it reserved. Uncomfortable conversation but they finally moved out of our site. Dumpsters were locked and road into campground was very washout.
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August 21, 2022 Stayed at: 3, Loop: Main Loop
Arrived and our reserved site was taken. There was nothing at the site that said we had it reserved. Uncomfortable conversation but they finally moved out of our site. Dumpsters were locked and road into campground was very washout.
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August 12, 2022 Stayed at: Group Site 2, Loop: Main Loop
this is a great campground near Del Norte with clean facilities. Great rock formations in a quiet area.
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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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