Purgatoire Campground

4.56

152 reviews

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA

Featured in:Camping Near Great Sand Dunes National Park Primitive Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

9,800 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens San Carlos Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Quick Facts

9,800 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens San Carlos Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Purgatoire Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$25 per night for all site types (standard nonelectric, RV nonelectric, equestrian nonelectric). Additional vehicle fee is $10. Taxes and other fees...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

(719) 269-8500

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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 152 reviews

79 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietlocationhiking

"Purgatoire Campground receives largely positive reviews for its scenic beauty, remote location, and peaceful atmosphere. However, it has received criticism for lack of modern amenities (e.g., no showers, limited water access) and occasional issues with cleanliness of vault toilets during busy periods. The lack of cell service is seen as a drawback by some but appreciated by others for enhancing the rustic experience."

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Campground Map

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA

Purgatoire Campground

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA

Nearby places

Stonewall (approx. 30 mins), Cuchara (approx. 30 mins)

Nearby supplies

Towns of Stonewall and Cuchara offer basic supplies, restaurants, and fuel (approx. 30 mins).

Driving directionsFrom La Veta, Colorado, take State Route 12 south for 25.3 miles to Purgatoire campground sign. Turn right onto gravel Route 34. Go 0.2 miles to "T" intersection. Turn right and drive 4 miles on rough gravel road to campground.

Road access is challenging; the final 4 miles are on a rough gravel road with some potholes and washouts. Accessible by trailers and RVs but requires slow driving.

Best Time to Camp at Purgatoire Campground

Summer brings a delightful mountain climate where warm, sun-filled days give way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Pack layers for those crisp nights when temperatures dip and stars shine brilliantly in the thin mountain air. July transforms the afternoons with dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, painting the sky with nature's theater. Early season visitors should note that winter's grip can linger here, with occasional snow dustings surprising late spring campers well into May.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open May 16–Sept 20; reviews cite pleasant summer climate and peak-season hiking/fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 to September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16 to September 20 (reservable), September 21 to September 27 (first-come, first-served).
Current Alerts: No specific current alerts noted.

About Purgatoire Campground

High in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where the Purgatoire River begins its journey as a crystal-clear mountain stream, Purgatoire Campground offers two distinct camping experiences. Choose between the sun-dappled grassy loop perfect for horse camping adventures, or retreat into the shaded embrace of the wooded loop, where towering aspen and spruce create a natural cathedral. Whether you're casting a line into the pristine waters, exploring mountain trails on foot or horseback, or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air, this high-altitude haven promises authentic Colorado wilderness immersion.

Purgatoire Campground offers primitive and equestrian camping options. Campsites are available for tents, RVs, and trailers in a serene forested or meadow environment.

Historical Significance

Born from the dedicated hands of young conservationists in America's bicentennial year of 1976, this campground carries a legacy of environmental stewardship. The Youth Conservation Corps members who carved this retreat from the wilderness originally christened it 'Potato Patch Campground,' a nod to the area's ranching heritage. Today, their vision lives on in every carefully placed campsite and thoughtfully preserved natural feature, creating a lasting testament to youth empowerment and conservation ethics.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings a delightful mountain climate where warm, sun-filled days give way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Pack layers for those crisp nights when temperatures dip and stars shine brilliantly in the thin mountain air. July transforms the afternoons with dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, painting the sky with nature's theater. Early season visitors should note that winter's grip can linger here, with occasional snow dustings surprising late spring campers well into May.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,800 feet above sea level, Purgatoire Campground delivers that coveted high-country experience where the air is thin, the views are endless, and summer temperatures remain blissfully moderate. This elevation gifts visitors with nature's own air conditioning, where even the warmest July afternoons stay comfortable, and morning coffee comes with a side of crisp mountain air that awakens all your senses.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where golden aspen groves dance alongside dark evergreen sentinels, creating a stunning tapestry of color and texture. The young Purgatoire River tumbles through camp as an intimate mountain creek, its gentle music providing the perfect soundtrack for your stay. Towering peaks frame distant vistas while intimate forest glades offer quiet spots for reflection. This diverse landscape shifts from sun-splashed meadows to cool forest shadows, ensuring every campsite offers its own unique window into Colorado's mountain majesty.

Geological RegionCradled within the dramatic Culebra Range of the legendary Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Purgatoire Campground sits at the birthplace of its namesake river. This geological wonderland showcases the raw beauty of Colorado's southern spine, where ancient peaks rise sharply from the valley floor and pristine watersheds nurture forests of quaking aspen and stately conifers. The interplay of elevation, water, and time has sculpted a landscape that captures the essence of the Southern Rockies, offering campers a front-row seat to millions of years of Earth's artistic handiwork.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00AM

Check-out

12:00PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per campsite.

Groups

No specific group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops: one grassy meadow for equestrian use, one wooded with aspen and spruce trees.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or via phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityAfter peak season, sites available on a first-come, first-served basis during September 21 to September 27.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before reservation start date incur $10 cancellation fee. Day-of cancellations forfeit first night's fee plus taxes. No-shows incur $20 fee and forfeit first night. Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of reservation end date.

AccessibilityLimited information about accessibility features. Vault toilets and hand pumps for water may be challenging for some individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, small RVs, and horse trailers. Some sites are spacious enough for large travel trailers, while others are more suited for small setups.

PrivacyCampground sites offer varying levels of privacy. Some loops provide open meadow sites, while others offer more secluded spots surrounded by trees. "The upper loop gets good views," while "the lower loop gets the sound of the babbling North Fork.

Total Campsites34 campsites

Recommended SitesEquestrian sites located in grassy meadow loop; ideal for horse trailers. Sites near the river provide best ambiance, while upper loop offers expansive meadow views.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Purgatoire Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities centered around its natural surroundings. "The North Fork Trail #1309, located on the north end of the campground, offers non-motorized access to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders." The Purgatoire River provides fishing opportunities, and nearby attractions include the charming towns of Stonewall and Cuchara.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bears, rough gravel roads with potholes, and occasional thunderstorms.

Active AlertsNo specific current alerts noted.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated rings unless under fire restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced after 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesSan Carlos Ranger District (Canon City), approx. 2 hours away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash service is provided, and campers are expected to pack out what they bring. Some reviews indicate that "small trash cans provided were not adequate" during busy periods.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the North Fork River; good for fishing and hiking.

Camp HostHosts generally helpful but reviews vary. Some campers express dissatisfaction with host attitudes.

Weather at Purgatoire Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

152 reviews

Top-Rated

Purgatoire Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Purgatoire Campground receives largely positive reviews for its scenic beauty, remote location, and peaceful atmosphere. However, it has received criticism for lack of modern amenities (e.g., no showers, limited water access) and occasional issues with cleanliness of vault toilets during busy periods. The lack of cell service is seen as a drawback by some but appreciated by others for enhancing the rustic experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 152 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the "beautiful and remote" location, excellent hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the campground host and the...

Based on 152 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback centers on the "rough gravel road" leading to the campground, "stinky" vault toilets during peak times, and the lack of running water or convenient trash disposal options. Some...

Based on 152 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, as the only source is a hand pump. Be prepared for bears by locking away food securely. Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid potential issues with vault toilet...

Based on 152 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer is the peak season for camping, with many visitors enjoying the pleasant weather and hiking trails. Fall brings quieter times but colder temperatures and occasional snow....

Based on 152 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is spacious and lovely, in a bowl between a few mountains covered in aspens." - Laura Bishop. "The river is magic. The campsites are only steps away from shady cool riverside...

Based on 152 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3: "Next to the river and loved it." - Kristi Samaniego. Site #22: "Great, out-of-the-way campground. Beautiful area, cool and quiet." - Glen K. Site #12: "In the open field and was great for...

Based on 152 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited accessibility information is available, though vault toilets and water hand pumps may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. User reviews do not specifically address...

Based on 152 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is noted as pet-friendly. However, leash rules are enforced by the host, and some users mentioned incidents where the host checked compliance.

Based on 152 reviews

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Last updated March 8, 2026

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