About Collegiate Peaks
Number of accommodations: 44
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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44 Sites Available
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Reviews (267)
What Guests Are Saying
Collegiate Peaks is a beautiful, well-maintained campground near Buena Vista, offering large, private sites and exceptionally clean restrooms. Visitors enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to hiking trails and hot springs, as well as the presence of wildlife. While some sites may not be level and there were occasional issues with water quality and host availability, the overall experience remains positive, with many campers eager to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Collegiate Peaks is a beautiful, well-maintained campground near Buena Vista, offering large, private sites and exceptionally clean restrooms. Visitors enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to hiking trails and hot springs, as well as the presence of wildlife. While some sites may not be level and there were occasional issues with water quality and host availability, the overall experience remains positive, with many campers eager to return.
Review Summary
Deb L
VerifiedDecember 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: COLL
Buenna Vista is a true mountain town, and Collegiate Peaks is a great, quiet campground to explore the area.
Gary W
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
Only problem was the site didn't provide a flat surface to access the camp site but that's not a problem that could be fixed, the area was on a steep incline
Margie S
VerifiedDecember 20, 2025 • Stayed at: J, Loop: COLL
Large private campsite with running river nearby. Easy access from Buena Vista with good hiking trails a short drive away.
Catherine S
VerifiedOctober 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
Campground was conveniently located near Buena Vista and the attractions in the area. We mainly enjoyed relaxing at the site, but there are trails and fishing nearby, as well as one of the hot spring resorts. We saw several deer in the campground and the leaves changing were beautiful! Our site was good sized and the restrooms were exceptionally clean - and I believe they were cleaned multiple times a day. We did not meet our camp host but saw them out and about. I will mention - a neighboring camper ran into car issues with a dead battery - the host did not have the ability to help them. There was no cell service, so while we were able to help jump her car, it is something to be aware of here.
Leo S
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: K, Loop: COLL
Nice campground, great hosts. My only critique is that some of the spots are smaller than you think. We had a 20’ trailer and couldn’t really park our car well in there also. Some spots are more spacious
David T
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: COLL
Campsite was large and the restrooms were some of the best I've experienced
Annette S
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: COLL
My new favorite place to camp! Close to Buena Vista where you can enjoy a day exploring town with great food and cute shops, and plenty of great hiking trails close by. Some sites are better for tents than a rig but most would work for either. The hosts are fantastic and knowledgeable of the area.
Kristin S
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2025 • Stayed at: C, Loop: COLL
Beautiful campground. I stayed at site C. It was across from the river that even in September was quite loud. It was really nice! The site itself is a fabulous tent site. Maybe not the best for my small teardrop trailer. It’s on a bit of an angle and it rained a ton that weekend so there was lots of water the pooled in the driveway more than any of the other sites. Campground was super clean. Fabulous location!
Kirstie N
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL
Beautiful campground that is well-maintained by the camp host. Sites are well spaced, some may not be suitable for trailers. Enjoyed the wildlife. Great hikes nearby.
Sharon M
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2025 • Stayed at: D, Loop: COLL
The campsites at Collegiate Peaks are lovely. The sites are large, private and well maintained. As of 9/25, there is only one pump for water and the water that comes from that pump is rusty. It's safe to drink but not pleasant. If you are visiting Collegiate Peaks plan to bring drinking water.
Location Collegiate Peaks
Address:
Salida Ranger District Office
Salida, CO, 81201
United States
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 306. At the stoplight, go west for 11 miles
toward Cottonwood Pass. Campground is located on the left-hand side of the
road. Highway 306 is paved on east side of Cottonwood Pass.
Latitude & Longitude: 38.8131 / -106.315
Elevation: 3013 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Please disinfect waders and boots when fishing in beaver ponds; this will help protect endangered toads from the spread of chytrid fungus |
| General |
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating |
| General |
This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations |
| General |
No hookups available |
| General |
Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. |
| General |
If reservations are not available, some campsites are first come-first served, also called "Walk-up" sites. First-come, first-served sites must be occupied the SAME NIGHT they are paid for. Due to the remote nature of campgrounds, calling to check availability prior to arrival is not possible. |
| General |
About 15 minutes from the Collegiate Peaks campground is Cottonwood Lake Campground, a first come-first served, no reservation facility which is located on County Road 344. It is a very popular site for campers, as well as anglers. Campsites fill up quickly on weekends. Camping and campfires are restricted in on County Rd 344 to developed campgrounds only. Starting at about 1 mile west of Cottonwood Lake campground dispersed, primitive camping is allowed. |
| General |
Two vehicles or one RV/Trailer and tow vehicle per site is included in the camping fee. $10.00 for a third vehicle. |
| General |
Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle. |
