Tent Sites
Amy K
VerifiedAugust 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.
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
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Closed periods
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Currently open - Apr 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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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
⛺
13, Loop: Main Loop
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺
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
⛺
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
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
Cassandra S
VerifiedJuly 27, 2022 Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Great spot - appreciate having access to water, although it is a tiny drive out of the campground to get it.
Warning, there is no physical means of paying for your campsite here. You must use a smartphone or other device to reserve and pay for your site. Unfortunately, the service at the campsite is also hit and miss.
Helpful
Cassandra S
VerifiedJuly 27, 2022 Stayed at: 11, Loop: Main Loop
Great spot - appreciate having access to water, although it is a tiny drive out of the campground to get it.
Warning, there is no physical means of paying for your campsite here. You must use a smartphone or other device to reserve and pay for your site. Unfortunately, the service at the campsite is also hit and miss.
Helpful
Phillip B
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 Stayed at: 15, Loop: Main Loop
Be sure to explore the area.
Carneros canyon is a hidden gem
Helpful
Phillip B
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 Stayed at: 15, Loop: Main Loop
Be sure to explore the area.
Carneros canyon is a hidden gem
Helpful
Steve O
VerifiedJuly 23, 2022 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Great location and good experience reserving space.
Helpful
Steve O
VerifiedJuly 23, 2022 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Great location and good experience reserving space.
Helpful
Josh F
VerifiedJuly 22, 2022 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful campground.
Helpful
Josh F
VerifiedJuly 22, 2022 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful campground.
Helpful
Bruce N
VerifiedJuly 8, 2022 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Very clean site. Bathroom clean and well stocked. Great signage on the trails. Only 4 hours from Denver. Drove by many times but finally visited and glad we did. Met Michael who maintains site and very informative, friendly and helpful.
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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