About Collegiate Peaks
Number of accommodations: 44
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
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Rates, Sites & Availability
44 Sites Available
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Site Details
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44 Sites Available
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Reviews (534)
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
Alicia W
VerifiedJuly 15, 2024 • Stayed at: G, Loop: COLL
Such a beautiful site! It was a perfect, peaceful, gorgeous haven.
Amanda B
VerifiedJuly 15, 2024 • Stayed at: G, Loop: COLL
Wonderful camp site! We were at site G which is right on the river and set back a little from the road. One of the most private spots from what I could tell. The camp host was nice and always willing to help and answer any questions, the bathrooms were clean, and the campsite was quite overall. Close to Buena Vista which is always fun to mosey around, close to hikes and hot springs as well. I would highly recommend this campsite!
Briana M
VerifiedJuly 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL
Campground was very clean and campsites were spread apart more than other places so it didn’t feel like you were camping on top of each other. Overall this campground was exactly what we were looking for.
Briana M
VerifiedJuly 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL
Campground was very clean and campsites were spread apart more than other places so it didn’t feel like you were camping on top of each other. Overall this campground was exactly what we were looking for.
Steven S
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: A, Loop: COLL
The campground was very quite and very relaxing with the creek running near some of the campsites.
Steven S
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: A, Loop: COLL
The campground was very quite and very relaxing with the creek running near some of the campsites.
Ronald M
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: COLL
The host was friendly and always checking on things. Peaceful place to camp
Ronald M
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: COLL
The host was friendly and always checking on things. Peaceful place to camp
Scott A
VerifiedJuly 9, 2024 • Stayed at: 036, Loop: COLL
Great campground location in terms of access to multiple trailheads (including multiple 14ers), and easy access to Buena Vista if you need or want to get into town. Campground host was very helpful. I don't fish but a friend who does met us for a night and caught several small brookies right next to the campground.
Scott A
VerifiedJuly 9, 2024 • Stayed at: 036, Loop: COLL
Great campground location in terms of access to multiple trailheads (including multiple 14ers), and easy access to Buena Vista if you need or want to get into town. Campground host was very helpful. I don't fish but a friend who does met us for a night and caught several small brookies right next to the campground.
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.
Collegiate Peaks Campground is accessed via Highway 306, which connects to the south near Buena Vista and heads west toward Cottonwood Pass.
Latitude & Longitude: 38.8131 / -106.315
Elevation: 3013 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- Please disinfect waders and boots when fishing in beaver ponds; this will help protect endangered toads from the spread of chytrid fungus
- 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
- This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations
- No hookups available
- Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Two vehicles or one RV/Trailer and tow vehicle per site is included in the camping fee. $10.00 for a third vehicle.
- Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
