The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Penitente Canyon Campground is a popular recreation spot for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers and equestrians. Situated in the 4,552-acre Penitente Canyon in southern Colorado, this campground gives you access to world-class rock-climbing routes, historic painted rock art and ample birding opportunities. Penitente Canyon Campground is protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency that oversees more than 8 million acres of Colorado land. The facilities here are open throughout the year. There is also an abundance of interpretive and informational signs about the area's frontier history.
Rio Grande National Forest is less than 30 minutes away. Head an hour and 17 minutes east, and you'll find Great Sand Dunes National Park. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is two hours and 56 minutes to the northwest. Stock up on necessary supplies at nearby Del Norte or La Garita Trading Post.
This one-of-a-kind hiking experience in Del Norte, 24 minutes southwest of Penitente Canyon Campground, promises a stunning vista of the Colorado wilderness. Make your way up the arch while being mindful of the many loose rocks. You'll likely have to scramble toward the end to reach the top.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Get your steps in while enjoying the lovely lakes. This out-and-back trail in Saguache, 19 minutes northeast of Penitente Canyon Campground, is kid-friendly and perfect for some light hiking. There's a bathroom at the trailhead, making it a convenient place to stop and picnic.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
About a half-hour south of Penitente Canyon Campground, this trail is rugged with large rock formations. Be aware that there are several tight, short, twisty loops. At some points along the path, you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding valley and mountain ranges.
Length: 7.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Anglers can expect to find brown trout and cutthroat trout in the Rio Grande, a half-hour south of Penitente Canyon Campground. Fly-fishing for trout is also popular in Carnero Creek, which is just 10 minutes to the northwest. Be sure to follow state regulations concerning fish that should be caught and released. Great Sand Dunes National Park has more fishing, tubing and rafting opportunities on the Rio Grande and Medano Creek.
Penitente Canyon is home to rocks that were created millions of years ago during several volcanic explosions. Visitors today use the area's natural landscape for sport rock climbing. Inside Rio Grande National Forest, you'll find peaks like Eagle Mountain, Lone Rock, Cyclone Mountain, Elephant Rock and East Butte.
Colorado's vivid landscape makes it the perfect place for bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, elk and deer. Bird-watchers should keep an eye out for eagles, hawks, falcons and other birds of prey. There are 25 species of snakes in Colorado, but only two are venomous. You may even spot a black bear or mountain lion in the local woods and foothills.
Each of the camping spots at Penitente Canyon Campground has a picnic table and fire ring. There are also trash cans sporadically placed in the area. You'll find several bathrooms and plenty of parking spaces at the Blanca Wetlands, an hour southeast of Penitente Canyon Campground. Picnicking is freely allowed on BLM lands as long as you clean up after your group. Practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential for every responsible BLM visitor.
This site's extensive singletrack trail system is perfect for mountain bikers looking for a challenge. Enjoy outstanding views of the canyons, rivers and forests. Bike your way up the steepest paths to find exceptional photography opportunities and hidden pictographs.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds generally come with few, if any, amenities and are usually free to stay at. Penitente Canyon Campground has 15 individual sites that come with a tent pad, parking spot and food storage locker. You'll also have access to the five vault toilets and public drinking water from May through October. All the camping spots at this campground are nonelectric. Individual sites cost $11 a night while group sites are $20. If you want to go RV camping somewhere with more amenities, Ute Bluff Lodge in South Fork, 34 minutes southwest of Penitente Canyon Campground, offers more modern features like a hot tub, a community room, cabins and full RV hookups with Wi-Fi. Also in South Fork, Alpine Trails RV Park provides convenient laundry facilities, a recreation hall and on-site showers.
As you search for “BLM camping near me,” consider staying at a Bureau of Land Management free camping site. Primitive camping is a great way to personalize your camping trip to fit your interests. Free spots are available at Alamosa Campground near Monte Vista, an hour and seven minutes south of Penitente Canyon Campground. This site has five spots, a restroom and picnic tables. Rock Creek Campground, which is also in Monte Vista, is another option that can accommodate motorhomes up to 40 feet.
If you plan to do a lot of hiking and climbing, pack plenty of extra water. Wear long pants to protect your legs from ticks and snakes. It's important to book your camping spot as soon as possible to avoid losing out on vital amenities. The weather can change quickly, so wear layered clothing to keep comfortable. Download any useful trail maps or information before you venture out in case you lose cell reception. Bug spray, sunscreen and a first-aid kit are camping essentials no matter where you plan to explore. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Constantly monitor your campfires to minimize any potential safety risks. Establish your camp where others have camped before to lower your environmental impact. Never cut down living trees to gather firewood. It's also important to avoid touching or otherwise disturbing the painted rock art in the Canyonlands.
From Del Norte, take State Highway 112 north for about three miles. Turn left onto County Road 33. Stay on this road for another nine miles before turning left again onto County Road 41G. Look for an unpaved road on your right.
Address: County Road 38A, Del Norte, CO 81132
Ready to visit Penitente Canyon Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
