Featured amenities
Pet Friendly
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates17 total sites
Tent Sites
17 sites
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
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Reviews (246)
What Guests Are Saying
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.
What Guests Are Saying
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.
Review Summary
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.
Elevation: 2413 feet
25 mi drive to downtown Monte Vista (about 28 min)
Policies & Rules
Pets
- Pets must always be kept under control.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: September 6, 2026
