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
No available sites
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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
Rachel C
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Main Loop
It was very easy to pay for camping. We scanned the QR code and paid upon entry. The only issue was that the sign says $11 for a single site and we paid $19, I guess because of the service charge. This didn't feel good and should be fixed. We ran the Big Sky Loop and the Penitente Canyon Loop then climbed a few easy pitches. It was a nice day despite the chilly temps.
Rachel C
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Main Loop
It was very easy to pay for camping. We scanned the QR code and paid upon entry. The only issue was that the sign says $11 for a single site and we paid $19, I guess because of the service charge. This didn't feel good and should be fixed. We ran the Big Sky Loop and the Penitente Canyon Loop then climbed a few easy pitches. It was a nice day despite the chilly temps.
David B
VerifiedNovember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
The good: Beautiful place, with impressive rock formations. Lots of trails. Campsites are nice and well-spaced. Good privacy.
The bad: Washboard roads provide a bone-jarring ride in that's hard on equipment. Online reservations only, so if you want to check out the sites first you have to drive back out to get a cell signal to make a reservation. Dusty when dry and muddy when wet.
David B
VerifiedNovember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
The good: Beautiful place, with impressive rock formations. Lots of trails. Campsites are nice and well-spaced. Good privacy.
The bad: Washboard roads provide a bone-jarring ride in that's hard on equipment. Online reservations only, so if you want to check out the sites first you have to drive back out to get a cell signal to make a reservation. Dusty when dry and muddy when wet.
Nicole G
VerifiedNovember 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Great campground; nice and quiet (midweek). Beautiful view of sky & stars! Restrooms, campsites, and trails were very very clean!
Nicole G
VerifiedNovember 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Great campground; nice and quiet (midweek). Beautiful view of sky & stars! Restrooms, campsites, and trails were very very clean!
Edward B
VerifiedNovember 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 6, Loop: Main Loop
Great campground in a quiet location with great scenery.
Edward B
VerifiedNovember 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 6, Loop: Main Loop
Great campground in a quiet location with great scenery.
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
