Pet Friendly
Pet friendly
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
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.
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
November 2, 2025 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
I love this campground and have been here 10+ times, but was very disappointed by the recent camp host. The camp hosts were rude, unhelpful, and had 3 aggressive dogs (tied to trees) that barked excessively. I actually had friends camped at site 1 near them that had to move because of their dogs. I definitely expected better for such a lovely and well-established site. Would not recommend.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
November 2, 2025 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Main Loop
I love this campground and have been here 10+ times, but was very disappointed by the recent camp host. The camp hosts were rude, unhelpful, and had 3 aggressive dogs (tied to trees) that barked excessively. I actually had friends camped at site 1 near them that had to move because of their dogs. I definitely expected better for such a lovely and well-established site. Would not recommend.
Helpful
October 29, 2025 Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Great spot right by the gorgeous Penitente Canyon, which we enjoyed exploring more than the sand dunes. We paid a couple bucks more for a group site for some privacy and couldn’t see anyone from our campsite. Vault toilet was as clean as they come, trash cans serviced. Hosts made sure we’d made a reservation, so it seems less likely you’ll show up and find someone in your spot. They do have dogs at their spot by the entrance (never off-leash) who bark some when you pass, etc. Our dog wasn’t a fan, but it wasn’t a big deal.
FYI, there are free campsites on the nearby Witch’s Canyon Rd/Cr G40 if you are ok without toilets and trash bins.
Helpful
October 29, 2025 Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Great spot right by the gorgeous Penitente Canyon, which we enjoyed exploring more than the sand dunes. We paid a couple bucks more for a group site for some privacy and couldn’t see anyone from our campsite. Vault toilet was as clean as they come, trash cans serviced. Hosts made sure we’d made a reservation, so it seems less likely you’ll show up and find someone in your spot. They do have dogs at their spot by the entrance (never off-leash) who bark some when you pass, etc. Our dog wasn’t a fan, but it wasn’t a big deal.
FYI, there are free campsites on the nearby Witch’s Canyon Rd/Cr G40 if you are ok without toilets and trash bins.
Helpful
October 26, 2025 Stayed at: 14, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful spot
Helpful
October 26, 2025 Stayed at: 14, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful spot
Helpful
October 21, 2025 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Each time I come to Penitente, I find some magic. The place is sacred and meditative. This time it poured furiously, but provided exceptional views of the Sangres with low lying clouds, and double or triple rainbows everywhere.
Helpful
October 21, 2025 Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Main Loop
Beautiful and comfortable group site. We had about seven people and were able to spread out. We had a great time.
Helpful
October 21, 2025 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Main Loop
Each time I come to Penitente, I find some magic. The place is sacred and meditative. This time it poured furiously, but provided exceptional views of the Sangres with low lying clouds, and double or triple rainbows everywhere.
Helpful
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
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Population: 4,141
Nearby city: Pueblo, CO
Approx. 95 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 7,664 ft
Monte Vista, CO
Tent Sites
