Tent Sites
David M
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2026 Stayed at: 5, Loop: Main Loop
A Very Cool Place! We were there in Febuary all by our selves. :)
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
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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
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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
⛺
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
Matthew L
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2026 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Will not return if the same hosts are there.....
Helpful
Matthew L
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2026 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Will not return if the same hosts are there.....
Helpful
Judith B
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful hiking! Great camping!
Helpful
Judith B
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful hiking! Great camping!
Helpful
Steve H
VerifiedDecember 20, 2025 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Penetente campground is pretty unique with it's rock formations. Every time we've camped there it's been great - camp spots are well separated, the toilets are clean and supplied with TP. Close to hiking and Mt biking trails. What more could you ask for?
I'd suggest coming in from US285 as opposed to the southern route from 112. The road from 112 is dusty washboard.
Helpful
Steve H
VerifiedDecember 20, 2025 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Penetente campground is pretty unique with it's rock formations. Every time we've camped there it's been great - camp spots are well separated, the toilets are clean and supplied with TP. Close to hiking and Mt biking trails. What more could you ask for?
I'd suggest coming in from US285 as opposed to the southern route from 112. The road from 112 is dusty washboard.
Helpful
Craig P
VerifiedDecember 15, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Stayed one night doing the GDMBR. water source at entry road and location is on the route
Helpful
Craig P
VerifiedDecember 15, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Stayed one night doing the GDMBR. water source at entry road and location is on the route
Helpful
Roberta S
VerifiedDecember 7, 2025 Stayed at: 12, Loop: Main Loop
Campsite 12 was awesome. However it looks like 11 would be amazing for a future visit. We camped in November and we were the only ones. Bathroom was clean and the campground was well taken care of. Will be back for sure. Nice hiking and biking trails to work off Thanksgiving dinner!
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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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