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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
December 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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November 30, 2025 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
I was there on a quiet weekend which was great. Excellent hiking nearby in the canyon. Sites are large and spaced out. Bathrooms clean. Beautiful views.
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November 30, 2025 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
I was there on a quiet weekend which was great. Excellent hiking nearby in the canyon. Sites are large and spaced out. Bathrooms clean. Beautiful views.
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November 20, 2025 Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Wonderful campsite
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November 20, 2025 Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Wonderful campsite
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November 13, 2025 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful campground.
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November 13, 2025 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful campground.
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November 3, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Camp hosts are TERRIBLE - families beware and do not camp at site 1 which is next to the camp host site.
The camp hosts have 3 aggressive dogs that will bark until late in the night and if your kids happen to wonder close to their campsite they dogs will attack them. When I kindly went up to them and asked the guy if their dogs would be barking all night because we have 2 toddlers trying to sleep, he cursed me out, saying his dogs will bark at strangers, cars and people riding bikes. He blamed us for his dogs barking and said they wouldn't be stoping it.
The husband yelled at mountain bikers riding by, saying they were antagonizing his dogs. We've been camping for decades and never experienced camp hosts this bad. We had to move campsites.
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November 3, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
Camp hosts are TERRIBLE - families beware and do not camp at site 1 which is next to the camp host site.
The camp hosts have 3 aggressive dogs that will bark until late in the night and if your kids happen to wonder close to their campsite they dogs will attack them. When I kindly went up to them and asked the guy if their dogs would be barking all night because we have 2 toddlers trying to sleep, he cursed me out, saying his dogs will bark at strangers, cars and people riding bikes. He blamed us for his dogs barking and said they wouldn't be stoping it.
The husband yelled at mountain bikers riding by, saying they were antagonizing his dogs. We've been camping for decades and never experienced camp hosts this bad. We had to move campsites.
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November 2, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Main Loop
The camp hosts were extrenely inappropriate. We were staying in site 1.They had dogs barking whenever anyone walked or drove by. You could hear it at every camp site. It was very unpleasant. We left early.
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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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