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Penitente Canyon Tin Can Camp

96%

· Center, Saguache, Colorado

200 acres hosted by Slv G.

5 lodging sites

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

SLV is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

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, an incinerator toilet, and a covered porch. Incinerating toilets are self-contained waste management systems that burn human waste instead of flushing it into a sewer or septic system. These toilets use propane gas to incinerate waste at high temperatures, reducing it to a small amount of sterile ash. Incinerating toilets are commonly used in locations where traditional plumbing is impractical, such as remote cabins and environmentally sensitive areas. They are valued for their efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the elimination of the need for water or chemical treatments. There is odor associated with the incineration process. 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)(inoperable as of 7/11/2024- BLM working to fix it). 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.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Climbing

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Cave

Desert

Canyon

Field

96%

28 ratings · 28 reviews

Emily M.recommends

October 24, 2024

#5 Conejos Cabin

Clean, easy booking, host was helpful! Would book again!

Deirdre K.recommends

October 17, 2024

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

Tiny home

It was the perfect base camp for my adventures. Sometimes you just want a bed after a day of hiking. The tiny home was cozy and had everything I needed.

Melanie O.recommends

October 14, 2024

#1 Costilla Cabin

The cabins are in a beautiful desolate area with some good hiking. I misplaced the key for a bit during my stay, and an alarm went off in the cabin, so our host came to help us get back in and turn it off. He was very kind and prompt. The only downside was we were there during fly season and they were swarming in and out of the cabin the whole time, but I think it’s just this time of year. Good price for the extra amenity to not have to set up your tent for a night while camping

Katy J.

October 7, 2024

#1 Costilla Cabin

Great idea - needs improvement

I like the idea, however I think the loft or sleeping space could be more comfortable if there was some more head room. The full sized mattress was comfortable; it was the space it was in that was too tight. I liked having a couple of burners, a sink, and pans, dishes and cutlery; unfortunately the unit we were in had a dining table that would not stay extended. The incinerating toilet was one to get used to; as the smell was horrid! I think the bathroom would be better outside. The bathroom area would make a better bedroom. The area is a great place to explore! The stars and the milky way was a lovely sight.

Mick D.recommends

September 6, 2024

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

These cabins are great little retreats. Just far enough apart to be private, incredible views, c

Erin B.recommends

September 6, 2024

#2 Saguache Cabin

Great tiny home for a night

Super cute place to spend a night close-ish to the sand dunes! Definitely was very tiny, but had enough room for two of us and our pups. The toilets were having issues prior to us coming (we could have used them per the owner, but we didn’t want to run into any issues) so that was unfortunate since the convenience of a toilet in the home is one reason we booked it! But there were super clean portapotties a few houses down to use at least. There was a lot of cacti around the fire pit and the picnic table so we didn’t feel safe using it at night (especially with dogs) which was a bummer, but we understand that it’s nature, we just wish we would have known it wasn’t cleared of cacti prior to booking.

Location

Center, Saguache, Colorado, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Diné Bikéyah and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking