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Established Camping

Penitente Canyon Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Penitente Canyon Campground is located near Monte Vista, Colorado, featuring rocky terrain and rugged landscapes. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Rio Grande National Forest, offering opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.

Fee Info

___ Individual Sites = $11/night Group Tent Sites = $20/night 14 day max stay

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Location

Penitente Canyon Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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. Elevation = 7,930 ft.

Address

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

Coordinates

37.84181 N
106.28002 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2025

Awesome gem

Amazing proximity to Penitente Canyon rec area, perfect for climbers especially! Great access to bathrooms from all sites, however the bathrooms are overrun with flies (even the person cleaning the bathrooms in the morning was unhappy with this) so that’s the only reason it’s not getting 5 stars. Otherwise, excellent camping! Sites are good distance apart, drive is super easy. Beware—you must reserve on Recreation.gov prior to arrival, unless you believe you’ll have good service there. We now have AT&T and were able to do it, but not when we still had Verizon.

Site13
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 23, 2025

Great Views, Wonderful Trails

The views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and sand dunes are fabulous. This is a quiet campground very close to the mouth of the canyon. There are so many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and climbing. The view from site 11 is incredible but it would be hard to get a trailer or RV in and out. Site 12 worked well for our casita camper trailer, and our kids made lots of “forts” amongst the rocks and piñons.

Site12
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Penitente Canyon Campground by Elena C., May 23, 2025
  • Review photo of Penitente Canyon Campground by Elena C., May 23, 2025
  • Review photo of Penitente Canyon Campground by Elena C., May 23, 2025
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2022

My favorite campground so far

This campground is absolutely stunning. The road to get to it is unpaved and bumpy, so I would recommend all wheel drive/ high clearance, but it is absolutely worth it. Very secluded campsites with stunning views. No water but pretty clean toilets. There is a little restaurant on the way in that is family run and definitely worth the stop. Very friendly and helpful staff and delicious food.

Site2
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Penitente Canyon Campground by Anne W., June 5, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2018

Beautiful red rocks and boulders!

This this site offers primitive camping, I do not know if they have hookups or not for campers. It's a very beautiful area! Very desert, Western, with Incredible rock formations throughout. If you're into rock climbing you will love it here! There are many many campsites, but they each seemed private enough. We were there in July and only saw a handful of other campers. I was very pleased to find this place. We'll definitely Camp there again! There are composting toilets, no showers, and no access to River water.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 20, 2018

small campground but great area

Penitente Canyon is known for world class rock climbing. Even if you're not a climber it is fun to go and watch sport. The campground is very basic and small but if you're looking to be close to the action it's a great place to set up camp. Penitente also has great hiking and mountain biking trails. Around "the corner" (20 min drive) is Crystal Mine for anyone looking for good rock hounding sites.

No amenities at campground. Bring anything you will need.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Penitente Canyon Campground located and how do I get there?

Penitente Canyon Campground is located near the mouth of Penitente Canyon with beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and sand dunes. To access the campground, you'll need to travel on an unpaved, bumpy road, which can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. All-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the journey. There's a small restaurant along the route that serves as a landmark when traveling to the site. The somewhat remote location contributes to the quiet, secluded nature of this camping area.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy at Penitente Canyon?

Penitente Canyon is renowned for world-class rock climbing, making it a paradise for sport climbers. Even if you're not climbing, watching others tackle the routes can be entertaining. Beyond climbing, the area offers excellent hiking trails with spectacular views of unique rock formations and desert landscapes. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails to explore through the scenic terrain. The campground's proximity to these activities makes it an ideal base camp for outdoor adventures, and the views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains provide a stunning backdrop for all activities.

Are reservations required for Penitente Canyon Campground?

Information about reservation requirements for Penitente Canyon Campground isn't explicitly stated in available resources. The campground is small with limited sites, so planning ahead is advisable, especially during peak climbing seasons. Site 11 offers incredible views but may be difficult to access with larger RVs or trailers. For the most current information on reservation policies, fees, and availability, contact the managing agency (likely Bureau of Land Management) before your trip.

What amenities and facilities are available at Penitente Canyon Campground?

Penitente Canyon Campground offers primitive camping with basic amenities. The facilities include clean vault toilets, though they can sometimes have fly issues. There is no running water available at the campground, so visitors should bring their own supply. The campsites are well-spaced for privacy and feature stunning views of the surrounding landscape. While the campground is rustic in nature, the beautiful setting and proximity to outdoor recreation make it an attractive option for those seeking a more natural camping experience.