Purgatoire Campground

For Colorado locals yearning to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the high country, Purgatoire Campground near Weston, CO, offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled at a high elevation (around 9,800 to 10,000 feet) in the stunning Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this primitive campground is celebrated for its profound solitude and minimal light pollution. It's the kind of place where the silence is broken only by the whispers of the wind through aspen and spruce, and the night sky explodes with an unimaginable display of stars. While the journey to get there might involve a "rough" road, the reward is a peaceful mountain sanctuary far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Purgatoire Campground, formerly known as Potato Patch Campground, is laid out across two distinct loops, one a grassy meadow catering to equestrian campers, and the other more wooded. Visitors consistently rave about the "beautiful and peaceful experience" it offers. The remote setting ensures minimal light pollution, allowing for incredibly bright moonlit nights and spectacular stargazing once the moon sets. Anglers will appreciate the opportunities to catch brook trout in the North Fork Purgatoire River, which flows nearby, and Monument Lake, a "great fishing lake," is just minutes away on Highway 12. While the campground is primitive with limited services, its natural beauty, abundant wildlife (including deer and elk), and serene atmosphere make it a cherished destination for Coloradoans seeking a genuine wilderness escape.

Purgatoire Campground is situated in a truly remote and scenic part of Colorado, with its general address listed as Weston, CO 81091, USA. More precisely, it is nestled near the headwaters of the Purgatoire River in the beautiful Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests. This location places it at a high elevation, typically around 9,800 to 10,000 feet, offering a true high-country experience.

For Colorado locals, accessing Purgatoire Campground involves a drive that culminates in a "rough gravel road." From La Veta, Colorado, visitors take State Route 12 south for approximately 25 miles to County Road 34. Turn right onto County Road 34 and follow it for about 4 miles until you reach the campground. While the road is described as "a little rough" or "very rough," reviews from campers indicate that a 25-foot camper can navigate it "with no issues," and some even found it in "very good condition" despite initial warnings. However, it's generally advised that the access road is "not suitable for low-clearance trailers." The journey itself is scenic, winding through mountainous terrain, and often provides opportunities to spot wildlife. This remote accessibility is key to the campground's appeal, ensuring its solitude and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a genuine Colorado mountain escape.

Purgatoire Campground offers a primitive camping experience, focusing on essential facilities to maintain its rustic charm and natural environment. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient stay.

• 23 Campsites: The campground features 23 designated campsites, laid out in two loops. One loop is a large grassy meadow with sites that can accommodate equestrian campers, while the other is more wooded with aspen and spruce.
• Vault Toilets: There are "two vault toilets in the campground that are clean," providing basic, non-flush restroom facilities. Campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Potable Water (Hand Pump): Drinking water is available from a hand pump, indicating a well source. Campers should bring containers for collecting water.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grate for cooking and campfires (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Trash Service: Trash receptacles and service are provided, which is a convenient amenity for a primitive campground. However, practicing Leave No Trace principles is still encouraged.
• Equestrian Sites: Specific sites are designed to accommodate horse trailers and livestock, catering to horseback riders. Hay and feed pellets must be certified weed-free.
• No Electrical or Water Hookups: As a primitive campground, there are no utility hookups for water, electricity, or sewer at any of the campsites. Campers must be fully self-contained.
• No Dump Station: There is no dump station available at the campground.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Bears are common in the area, and a bear closure order is in place. All food and attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner (e.g., in hard-sided vehicles, bear bags, or bear boxes; pop-ups, tents, and open-top vehicles are not safe storage areas).
• Limited Shade: While one loop is wooded, some sites, particularly in the grassy meadow, may offer limited shade. Campers should be prepared for sun exposure.

Purgatoire Campground, despite its primitive nature, offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for Colorado campers.

• Profound Solitude and Peace: A standout feature is the "solitude of this campground" and the "beautiful and peaceful experience." Its remote location ensures minimal noise and a chance to truly escape the crowds.
• Spectacular Stargazing: With minimal light pollution due to its remote setting, the night sky at Purgatoire Campground is a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors describe the moon being so bright it's "almost like daylight" and the "stars just popped out in the clear skies."
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The campground is situated near the headwaters of the Purgatoire River (specifically the North Fork), offering "nice fishing" for brook trout. Additionally, Monument Lake, a "great fishing lake," is only minutes away on Highway 12.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich with wildlife. Campers frequently encounter "deer and a huge elk" on the nearby highway and within the forest, adding to the wilderness experience.
• Scenic Mountain Setting: Nestled in the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at a high elevation, the campground offers stunning mountain vistas and a refreshing high-altitude forest environment of aspen and spruce.
• Access to Hiking and Horseback Riding Trails: The North Fork Trail #1309 trailhead is located on the north end of the campground, providing non-motorized access for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders through forested terrain with mountain vistas.
• Equestrian-Friendly Sites: With specific grassy sites designed to accommodate horse trailers, it's an excellent choice for campers who wish to bring their horses and explore the trails.
• Rustic, Authentic Camping: For those who prefer a genuine, no-frills outdoor experience, Purgatoire delivers. It encourages self-reliance and a deeper connection to nature.
• Cool Mountain Temperatures: At 9,800 feet, summer temperatures are generally mild during the day and can be quite cool at night, providing a refreshing escape from lower-elevation heat.
• "Hidden Gem" Feel: Due to its somewhat rough access road and primitive nature, Purgatoire often feels like a "hidden gem" discovered by those willing to venture off the paved path.

For direct inquiries and the most up-to-date information regarding Purgatoire Campground, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, you should contact the relevant Ranger District.

Address: Weston, CO 81091, USA (within Pike-San Isabel National Forests)

San Carlos Ranger District Phone: (719) 269-8500

Mobile Phone: +1 719-269-8500

While some sites might be available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations for Purgatoire Campground can generally be made through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to check current conditions, especially concerning the access road ("rough gravel road"), fire restrictions (which are common in Colorado's forests), and any wildlife advisories (particularly for bears and elk). Given its high elevation, also inquire about seasonal opening and closing dates, as these can vary based on snowmelt and snowfall. Planning ahead and gathering information from the San Carlos Ranger District will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to this remote Colorado gem.

For Colorado residents, Purgatoire Campground offers a quintessential high-country experience that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of mountain adventure. It’s an ideal destination for those who prioritize solitude, pristine natural beauty, and a genuine escape from the demands of everyday life. Unlike more developed parks, Purgatoire's primitive nature and somewhat challenging access road act as natural filters, ensuring a truly peaceful environment where the sounds of the wilderness prevail.

Locals will particularly appreciate the unparalleled stargazing opportunities afforded by the minimal light pollution; a clear night here is an astronomical spectacle. The chance to catch brook trout in the North Fork Purgatoire River or to cast a line in nearby Monument Lake adds a popular recreational dimension. For hikers and horseback riders, the direct access to the North Fork Trail #1309 opens up miles of scenic exploration into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The frequent sightings of deer and elk around the campground underscore the immersive wildlife experience, connecting campers directly with Colorado's iconic fauna. While the basic amenities require a degree of self-sufficiency, this is often seen as a virtue by seasoned Colorado campers who value authenticity over luxury. Purgatoire Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to embrace the rugged beauty of their home state, offering a profound sense of tranquility and an unforgettable connection to the wild heart of Colorado. It's a place where memories are made under the vast, star-filled mountain sky.

Purgatoire Campground

Weston, CO 81091, USA