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Established Camping

Purgatoire Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Purgatoire Campground, near Canon City, Colorado, is a peaceful spot that offers a true escape into nature. With its beautiful high-altitude forest setting, it’s perfect for those seeking solitude and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This campground features basic amenities, including pit toilets and drinking water, but don’t expect any frills like electric hookups or showers. Visitors have noted the stunning starry skies and the tranquility of the area, making it a great choice for stargazers and nature lovers alike. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful star viewing,” highlighting the clear nights you can enjoy here.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the campground is a gateway to fantastic hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains. The road leading in can be a bit rough, but it’s worth it for the serene environment and the chance to explore nearby attractions like the Spanish Peaks. As one reviewer put it, “If you’re in the vicinity of the Spanish Peaks and looking for some great mountain camping, this is your place!”

While the campground is basic, it’s clean and well-maintained, thanks to the camp host. Just remember to pack in what you need, as there are no markets nearby. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Purgatoire Campground offers a refreshing retreat into the heart of Colorado’s wilderness.

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Location

Purgatoire Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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.

Address

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT 3028 EAST MAIN STREET
Canon city, CO 81212

Coordinates

37.2525 N
105.1091667 W

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2022

Hidden gem!

Easily navigable fire road leads to great creekside campground. Nice facilities. Incredible mountain and creek views. Only complaint is we couldn’t stay longer.

Site3
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Patrick W., July 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Patrick W., July 1, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2022

Purgatoire Site #8

This was a beautiful peaceful camp ground. Very quiet. It has a pit toilet which was decent - better than having to use or portable. No cell phone service.

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Kathy W., June 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Kathy W., June 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Kathy W., June 15, 2022
Reviewed May. 28, 2022

Fantastic high mountain FS campground

I can understand rating this campground low if you were hoping to find a Ritz Carlton at the end of the 4-mile rough road, but if you're looking for a beautiful high altitude forested campground that offers solitude and great hiking, you've come to the right place!  The worst we can say about it was that we visited in the height of mud season and it made leveling our rig a little tricky as the levelling blocks kept sinking in the soft Dyrt under the weight of our wheels, but we eventually figured it out.  There was snow on the ground and snow flurries during our visit.  We basically had the whole campground to ourselves on a mid-week evening, maybe two others in the entire campground.  Our rig is 28' long, and if the place had been more crowded we may have had trouble finding a spot long enough for us, but given how empty it was we had our pick of multiple sites that worked.  Overall a very cool spot off the Highway of Legends.  If you're in the vicinity of the Spanish Peaks and looking for some great mountain camping, this is your place!

Site13 (labeled as an "Equestrian" site)
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Jeff T., May 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Jeff T., May 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Jeff T., May 28, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2021

Good camping spot

Liked the camp spots (ours was 14). Mark (the camp host) kept everything clean. Beautiful star viewing. 4 mile dirt road was a bit rough bringing my camper. Verizon coverage had 1 bar at the south end.

Site14
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Greg K., August 30, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2019

Average at Best

Didn’t stay here but visited it while in the area to review and also scout for next trip to the area. Not sure how the listing can state fresh water when there isn’t any. This is a very basic and primitive campground so don’t expect too much.

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2019

Secluded, but rough terrain

The area surrounding Purgatory is GORGEOUS. It’s straight out of a movie or picture book. The roads to get to the campsite were pretty rough and many of the lower campsites had standing water on or near them. Our site was steep to get to, but level and felt separated from the other sites.

The nearby towns are VERY small and don’t have much to offer for activities, restaurants or supplies if you forget something. Several beautiful small lakes nearby though!

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2019

Mountain Isolation

No access to electric or water. Road to camp is rough. Beautiful scenery. Short drive to Chucara and Stonewall.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2017

Elk hunt camp

Camp site is basic. Simple sites, some with a better set up for tents than others. It was late in the season but the outhouse was still open. There is water from the stream, I didn't see a fresh water spigot.

  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Mike S., October 19, 2017
  • Review photo of Purgatoire Campground by Mike S., October 19, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos of Purgatoire Campground to view before booking?

Photos of Purgatoire Campground are available online through various camping platforms and the managing agency's website. These images typically showcase the campground's natural setting, which features beautiful mountain scenery, forest surroundings, and creek views. Photos can help prospective campers get a sense of the primitive nature of the sites, the surrounding landscape, and what to expect regarding the rustic facilities before making a trip.

What amenities and facilities are available at Purgatoire Campground in Colorado?

Purgatoire Campground is a primitive, basic campground with limited amenities. The facility includes pit toilets that are maintained by a camp host. There is no access to electricity or running water, though the campground is located near a creek. Some campsites have better tent setups than others, with varying levels of privacy and terrain. The campsites are situated in a forested area with beautiful mountain and creek views, offering a truly rustic camping experience.

What do visitor reviews say about Purgatoire Campground?

Purgatoire Campground generally receives positive feedback for its gorgeous mountain scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Many appreciate the campground's secluded nature and proximity to hiking trails. Visitors consistently mention the beautiful creek views and forest setting. Common concerns include the rough 4-mile dirt access road, which can be challenging for larger vehicles and campers, and the very basic facilities. The campground appeals most to those seeking a primitive, quiet camping experience away from crowds and modern conveniences.

How close is Purgatoire Campground to Trinidad, Colorado?

While the exact distance from Trinidad isn't specified, Purgatoire Campground is within driving distance of Trinidad, Colorado. The campground is accessible via a 4-mile rough dirt road that requires careful navigation, especially with trailers or RVs. The location offers a short drive to nearby communities like Stonewall and Cuchara. For those looking to camp near Trinidad while enjoying a remote mountain experience, Purgatoire provides a wilderness option without being too far from town services.