Penitente Canyon Campground

Star4.34
209 reviews
BLM San Luis Valley Field Office, 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E., Monte Vista, CO 81144
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Quick Facts

7,930 ft

Price

$11 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM San Luis Valley Field Office site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Penitente Canyon Campground
$11.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual sites are $11/night, and group tent sites are $20/night. Additional fees apply for online reservations, including an $8 reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$11.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$20.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
719-852-7074
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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 209 reviews

93 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanspaciouswell-maintained

Some mention

reservation

"The campground receives generally positive reviews, with users praising its scenic beauty, proximity to climbing areas, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users criticize the new online reservation system and lack of on-site management."

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Campground Map

BLM San Luis Valley Field Office, 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E., Monte Vista, CO 81144

Penitente Canyon Campground

BLM San Luis Valley Field Office, 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E., Monte Vista, CO 81144

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Improved gravel roads lead to the recreation area, with clear road signs from the highway. Roads are not paved, and conditions can worsen during wet weather. User reviews mention washboard sections and deep ruts in places.
Nearby places
Monte Vista (24 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Del Norte (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
La Garita Trading Post, 2 miles away, provides food, gas, and small store essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Penitente Canyon Campground

Experience the best of Colorado's high-country climate, where brilliant sunshine greets most mornings and crisp, star-filled nights invite cozy campfire gatherings. Summer afternoons often bring dramatic thunderstorms that roll through the canyon, painting the sky with spectacular cloud formations before giving way to rainbow-kissed evenings. While peak season offers warm, comfortable days perfect for exploration, winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland where only the heartiest adventurers venture forth into the chilly embrace of the canyon.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: activities (climb, bike, hike) praised; reviews note high heat and bugs in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Peak season extends into fall; crisp nights and scenic views likely favorable though direct detail is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Peak season begins Apr 1; spring offers trails and climbing but water availability starts in May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round and quieter in winter but drinking water unavailable and no winter-sport infrastructure.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 - October 31 (Peak Season). November 1 - December 31 (Extended peak pricing applies.). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but drinking water is only available from May to October.
  • Current Alerts: No reported active alerts.

About Penitente Canyon Campground

Escape to Penitente Canyon Campground, where 15 thoughtfully designed campsites await your arrival. Choose from 3 secluded tent-only sites perfect for backpackers seeking solitude, or settle into one of 12 versatile RV/tent sites that welcome all types of adventurers. Larger groups can gather at two spacious tent camping areas or reserve the group picnic shelter for memorable outdoor celebrations. Each site comes equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: sturdy tables for camp meals, level tent pads for restful nights, fire rings for evening storytelling, and secure food storage lockers to keep wildlife at bay.
Penitente Canyon Campground offers a blend of primitive camping and designated sites suitable for tents and RVs. Additionally, group camping areas are available, making it suitable for a variety of camping styles.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay per reservation.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Penitente Canyon Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and cultural exploration. The area is renowned for its world-class sport rock climbing with routes starting as close as 0.1 miles from the campsites. The extensive trail network is popular among hikers and mountain bikers. Additional activities include birding, wildlife viewing, photography, and star gazing.
HikingAn extensive trail network is available and includes options for beginner and advanced hikers. Trails are well-marked and connect to climbing spots. Some notable trails include the Big Sky Loop and Penitente Canyon Loop.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
BikingThe campground provides direct access to singletrack trails designed for mountain biking. These trails are described as extensive and suitable for various skill levels.
Wildlife viewingWildlife watchers can enjoy observing local species, though some campers note the presence of rattlesnakes. "Watch out for cactus and rattlesnakes," one user recommends.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention strong winds, rattlesnakes, goat head burrs, and dusty conditions during dry weather.
Active AlertsNo reported active alerts.
Food Storage RequiredIncluded at all campsites as part of standard amenities, suitable for bear safety.

Weather at Penitente Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.3
209 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Penitente Canyon Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives generally positive reviews, with users praising its scenic beauty, proximity to climbing areas, and well-maintained facilities. However, some users criticize the new online reservation system and lack of on-site management.
Review Summaries
Based on 209 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly highlighted positives include clean and spacious sites, proximity to climbing and biking trails, and stunning scenery. "The campsites are clean, spacious, and well-maintained," says one...
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Based on 209 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback often focuses on the lack of a camp host, issues with the online reservation system, and occasional maintenance problems. "The reservation system is frustrating, and without a camp...
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Based on 209 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing ample water, as the on-site drinking water system is seasonal and unreliable. Other tips include securing reservations early and preparing for potential wind and heat.
Based on 209 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention high heat and bugs but praise the climbing and biking opportunities. In winter, the campground is quieter, and visitors enjoy solitude.
Based on 209 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathroom was nice as far as campsites go." "The sites give the impression that you're alone and have reasonable privacy." "Bring your own water. The water point is 0.5 miles away."
Based on 209 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 11 is frequently praised for its spaciousness and privacy. Group Site 1 is noted as preferable to Group Site 2. Sites 1-4 and 15 also received positive mentions.
Based on 209 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback on accessibility features was found. Gravel roads and vault toilets may limit access for some users.
Based on 209 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users are reminded to keep them under control. One camper mentioned cleaning up 'five pounds of dog poop' left by others.
Based on 209 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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