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Penitente Canyon Campground

Penitente Canyon Campground

50%

13 sites · RV, Tent

“Climb on!” This should be a well-echoed dialogue while camping at Penitente Canyon Campground. Populated with over three-hundred “sporty” rock climbing faces, your adrenal glands will thank you!

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

Explore 814 campgrounds near Rio Grande National Forest

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Rio Grande National Forest

Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground

99%

(247)

49mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 17 sites

Nestled in a small valley in the San Isabel National Forest along the south fork of the Arkansas River, Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground is at 8,620 feet above sea level – literally in the Heart of the Rockies. We offer free Wi-Fi access*, clean laundry and shower facilities, and a camp store with last-minute supplies, snacks & souvenirs. Most of our large tent campsites are right on the south fork of the Arkansas river offering a peaceful & relaxing setting. *Cell Service/Internet: We are located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains right on the South Arkansas River surrounded lots of shady trees, amazing nearby hikes, fishing & much more. This is the perfect environment to relax and be immersed in nature but not so perfect to be fully connected like you are at home as there is no Cell Service provided by any of the large carriers, (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc…). We do provide free WIFI that will help send a text, make a call or check an email, but that is about it. The free WIFI works best near the camp store and some of the closer RV sites. It does not work at all at the tent sites. We highly suggest you bring your own internet (Your personal Starlink will work great here) if you are wanting stay fully connected, work remotely or do other heavy internet tasks. We want your stay to be as enjoyable as possible so please do not come here and have the unrealistic expectation that our free WIFI will meet your streaming, remote working or internet heavy needs.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Agora Adventure Salida

91%

(16)

49mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 71 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Cabins. RV. Camping From cozy riverside cabins to full-hookup RV spots and peaceful creekside tent sites, A-Lodge Salida offers a variety of stays for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking for comfort or a more primitive experience under the stars, our property gives you direct access to nature without sacrificing location—just minutes from historic downtown Salida.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

99%

(210)

30mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing. Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching. New for 2024, The flushable toilet and shower are now operational. The shower house is located in the center of the loop with sites 1,2,3 on the south side of the building. It has an on demand water heater, there is also a a flushable toilet located in the same space. An important note about the toilet, Do Not flush anything other than toilet paper please. DO NOT flush feminine hygiene products, napkins or hand wipes or anything other than toilet paper. These type of things plug and burn up the pump while pumping out the tank. This will cause the toilet to be unusable. ATTENTION: THE SHOWER HOUSE AND TOILET WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN AND GETTING WINTERIZED OCTOBER 1ST UNTIL MAY 1ST. No fireworks are permitted at any time.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

96%

(84)

1.2mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 5 sites

Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley at the entrance to Penitente Canyon and Special Recreation Management Area and 50 minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors welcomes all guests to come and enjoy their cabins at Tin Can Camp. Tin Can Camp is located within 200 acres of Colorado State Trust Land at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. The landscape is arid high desert with scattered groves of piñon and juniper trees. The camp serves as a convenient home base for launching adventures across the San Luis Valley to various local Hot Springs, archeological sites, and other small town local attractions. For the more adventurous guests, there is recreation right from Tin Can Camp with The Valleys largest trail system and climbing area less than a mile away and access to the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest. The cabins are "micro homes" outfitted with modern conveniences. Each cabin has solar power, a propane heater, a compact kitchen with a sink, water jugs, and pump, two full size loft beds, a small table with chairs, and a covered porch. Guests should know there is no water available on the property. You will need to bring water for all your needs. This includes cooking, washing, drinking, and for putting out fires. Guest should plan 2 gallons of water per person per day. A public well/pumphouse is at the intersection of County Road 38A and Road 40G (37.836363, -106.271551) Tin Can Camp is adjacent to the future Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve, and the property has spectacular views of the Milky Way Galaxy. Each cabin has a fire ring for guests to relax and enjoy the dark nighttime sky. Wood collecting on the property is not permitted, so guests must bring their own firewood. As mentioned, the property is located at the entrance to Penitente Canyon. Penitente Canyon is a Nationally-renowned climbing destination with more than 400 climbing routes. Penitente Canyon also has 30+ miles of non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian activities and guest have direct trail access from camp! Guests can ride mountain bikes directly from the property. There are numerous recreation, sightseeing, historical and cultural, and agricultural tourism opportunities in the nearby Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Gas, ice, water, and some groceries can be found nearby at the La Garita Trading Post, which has operated since 1913. The La Garita Trading Post is in a historic log cabin and serves the best local-beef burgers in the San Luis Valley.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Pleasant Valley RV Park

95%

(19)

49mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Discover Pleasant Valley RV Park, the premier family-friendly campground just 15 minutes from downtown Salida, Colorado. Located on the scenic banks of the Arkansas River in Howard, our RV campground offers full hook-up RV sites with direct river access, tent sites, cozy riverside cabins, and a unique Airstream rental. Enjoy unparalleled outdoor adventures steps from fishing and rafting, plus easy access to hiking trails and ATV riding nearby. Experience modern amenities, stunning mountain views, and a peaceful riverside setting perfect for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. Book your stay today at Pleasant Valley RV Park—your gateway to Colorado’s best outdoor recreation.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Creekside Chalets

97%

(136)

49mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Creekside Chalets Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location. Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings. We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year. Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

High Peaks Campground

97%

(495)

29mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the largest Alpine Valley in the world! San Luis Valley is a region in south-central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico. The valley is approximately 122 miles long and 74 miles wide, making it the largest alpine valley in the world. It extends from the Continental Divide on the northwest rim into New Mexico on the south. This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. I encourage binoculars or even a telescope to view wildlife and check out the Rockies and then the night sky views! Looking to submerse yourself in nature? The Sangre de Cristo Range in Colorado contains the following 14ers: Blanca Peak, Challenger Point, Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, Culebra Peak, Ellingwood Point, Humboldt Peak, Kit Carson Peak, Mount Lindsey, and Little Bear Peak. Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, even Meteor showers!!! History: this land was originally part of a large cattle ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing! My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! You will be surrounded by BLM land, BACA land, and Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Be sure to bring extra bug spray and protection needed against biting insects such as flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. For those bringing your pets, they MUST be on a leash/lead at all times. While I do not have much cactus on my property, I do have an abundance of greasewood (Chico brush) which is very thorn-like if stepped on. Accommodations for those with livestock or horses, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message. Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Tomichi Creek Trading Post

100%

(6)

41mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 24 sites · RVs, Lodging

Make the Most of Your Next Outdoor Adventure If you would like to request a same-day reservation after 4 pm, please call the Tomichi Creek Trading Post (we can be found on Google) to ensure your request is seen. Whether you're looking for an action-packed week of outdoor adventures, or a relaxing weekend away where you can breathe clear mountain air and observe beautiful wildlife, Tomichi Creek Trading Post is the place you want to be. We are located in one of the most scenic areas of Colorado and the year-round list of things to do is limitless. If you're new to the area, we'll be happy to answer your questions and offer our recommendations for activities during your stay. Our property is ride-in, ride-out to hundreds of miles of off-road trails, so you can unload at your site, and get out into the wild right away. And when you're at your site, you'll have just about everything you need close at hand. Gas and fuel, a well stocked store with gifts and souvenirs, a restaurant and bar, and even an EV charging station. We'll take great care of you!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Cutty's Hayden Creek Resort

98%

(25)

44mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 54 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Cutty’s offers a camping experience you won’t find anywhere else. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, you and your loved ones can enjoy an abundance of activities while surrounded by incredible scenic views. We offer many activities and amenities to keep the whole family entertained. Go swimming in the indoor or outdoor pool. Play a round of mini golf. Shoot some hoops on the basketball court. Try your hand at poker in the adult lounge upstairs in the lodge. Throw some horseshoes. Rent a golf cart and cruise around the resort with ease. Take a walk next to Hayden Creek. Take in the views. Or just relax at your campsite. Cutty’s Resort will provide the vacation you desire and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Coyote Mountain, Crestone Open Sky

94%

(42)

31mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Hi! We are a bright family in a small community, developing our 42 acres in Crestone, Colorado. The land backs up to the north side of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Our property features a host of cottonwood trees, a seasonal creek, a creative outdoor bath house with hot running water, claw foot bath tub and a 1.5 acre mini farm in progress. You’ll usually catch us in some project. We host folks in a bell tent with a cozy king bed. Or you can choose the Bring Your Own option for your tent or vehicle camping location. There is no shore power for vans/rvs or wifi near the camp sites. We don’t have too many neighbors, and it is home to abundant wildlife including a Great Horned Owl, Coyote packs, Elk, Deer, Woodpeckers, Hummingbirds, Bobcats, Bats and Frogs, and the neighbors farm animals. Crestone is a beautiful, remote, high desert wilderness surrounded by classic Colorado (almost) 14-ners with high alpine lakes, rivers, hot springs, rock climbing, mountain biking, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Crestone is also known for its 30 diverse spiritual centers, incredible star gazing as a official dark sky community, alien sightings, and it's beautiful, unique housing community that focuses on building with reclaimed and natural building methods. Our home, like many of the homes here, is creatively made from recycled materials, using two train cars for the body of the house. The property also hosts a 1200 square foot Dojo, built by the previous owner, a Qi Gong master lineage carrier. We are completely off grid, using solar power, wood heat and some propane when needed. We aren't on sewer or septic, so this is an opportunity for the understanding of composting toilet and humanure systems. Our goals on the property are to enhance our lives, and those in our community, with everything we do here. Our home and community provides an opportunity to learn about natural living and building methods, composting, the beauty and challenge of living off grid, and ample opportunities to be in nature. We host seasonal events that have roots in our ancient humanity. It is an opportunity to experience the deep quiet of the community of nature, while still having modern cleanliness and coziness.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Rio Grande Forest Private Basecamp

100%

(4)

24mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV

Escape to our private two-acre sanctuary at the doorstep of the Rio Grande National Forest in South Fork, Colorado. Our beautiful property borders Beaver Creek Road for easy access and backs right up to millions of acres of pristine wilderness—your launchpad for epic hikes, wildlife spotting, and off-grid bliss. Perched on an elevated clearing approximately 30 feet above Beaver Creek Road, our boondocking spot is tailor-made for self-reliant adventurers: vans, small trailers, and tents fit snugly with room to breathe. No hookups or amenities here—just pure, unfiltered nature. Wake to birdsong, scramble over dramatic rock outcroppings, and hit the trails seconds from camp. Beaver Mountain Trailhead and Church Creek Trailhead are within walking distance. ATV enthusiasts, rejoice: unload your machines on-site and ride straight into the forest via Beaver Creek Road. Plus, Million Reservoir and Beaver Creek Reservoir are just a few miles away. Ideal for solo wanderers, couples, or small groups (max 8), this is boondocking at its finest—quiet, starry nights, and that rare thrill of private land connected to a national forest. Pack your portable toilet, follow Leave No Trace, and leave restored. Fire bans? We will inform you. And, even though you're in the forest, cell service is fairly reliable here, and you’re only two miles from town. We’ve recently added an access gate and private property signage to make sure you won’t have any unexpected visitors (except for the deer that may wander through the property). The gate access code will be provided before you arrive. Welcome to your forest-edge retreat—where the adventure begins at your bumper.

Pets

Campfires

Secluded San Luis Valley Campsite

100%

(23)

43mi from Penitente Canyon Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV

5 off-grid acres down the road from Great Sand Dunes National Park! The property will be marked with painted sticks, spaced about 30ft apart from one another. You will need to access the property by turning onto Highway 150, then left onto 3rd St. Next, take the first right onto Ash St, then the first right onto 4th St. Go down the road and locate our property on the left side of the road. The approximate coordinates for the front of our lot are 37.4932, -105.6076. We recommend using Google Maps to get there. Apple Maps does not do as well with coordinates. No fires allowed because the grass is too dry. You are more than welcome to cook on any propane or gas equipment that you bring with you. We are so sorry for the inconvenience. Feel free to take your vehicle off the driveway, just be mindful of our land! Do not leave any trash or food after you leave. Even though this is primarily a Tent site, RVs and Campers are welcome. However, there is no electricity or any water hookups on the property, but the views and privacy make up for it! You are about 15 minutes south of the Great Sand Dunes and 20 minutes from downtown Alamosa.

Pets