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
Raelynn S
VerifiedJune 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 039, Loop: COLL
38 & 39 are CLOSE; good spots for friends/family going together, but I wouldn’t recommend otherwise. Sites were clean, bathrooms were as well, camp host was nice. I’d go back!
Glenda C
VerifiedJune 26, 2022 • Stayed at: G, Loop: COLL
We have been camping here many years and had reservations for "G". From the time I made the reservations until our trip, we traded in our 20 ft trailer for a 26 ft trailer. When I arrived, I quickly realized I was not going to fit into G due to the heavily forested growth (which is beautiful). I went to leave and the camp hosts were so wonderful and helpful. They said they had just sold the first come first serve spot that my trailer would fit in. They ran up to spot #24 and asked the party if they wouldn't mind swapping. They were thankfully happy to swap. We camped in #24 and got to spend the weekend. #24 is the only spot in the entire campground that my 26ft trailer with slides will fit into. We are hoping the forest service will make this a reservable spot in the future so we can continue to enjoy this wonderful peaceful quiet campground with awesome hosts!
Dustin R
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: O, Loop: COLL
Very beautiful and campground was awesome. Highly recommend!
Brooke H
VerifiedJune 17, 2022 • Stayed at: I, Loop: COLL
Such a wonderful place!! All campsites were spaced out so nicely that it felt very private. There were plenty of bathrooms placed throughout so not many people had to share. They were also very clean which was so nice! ;)
Quinn M
VerifiedJune 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: COLL
This is a nice site with pretty trees and peeks at the surrounding peaks through them! The site is next to the bathroom, but not too close. There did not seem to be any potable water at the campground. A few miles to the west is the ptarmigan lake trail, which was pretty and we really enjoyed! We also visited the Cottonwood Hot Springs a bit to the east which were very hot and nice after a day of hiking.
Kristin A
VerifiedJune 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: COLL
Large but quiet campground. Bathrooms were very clean. Hosts were friendly and available to help.
John A
VerifiedJanuary 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: COLL
Amazing campground with great hosts. Absolutely a five star if not for the water. The water is bad, black stuff in it and it smelled funny. Do not count on the hand pump for drinking water.
Emily G
VerifiedDecember 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: COLL
Peaceful and beautiful. Close to offroading and hiking trails.
Katherine T
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2021 • Stayed at: D, Loop: COLL
Beautiful campground with large sites. Lots of shade and the sounds of the river! Saw a deer and her fawn walk through our campsite. Don’t miss going to the top of Cottonwood Pass to view the Continental Divide (12,157 feet!)
Richard S
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 036, Loop: COLL
Great Campground, and wonderful Hosts. Our Site (#36) seemed very private, near the Vault Toilets, but well-isolated. Everyone was quiet, polite, and respectful. Near great hiking, and close to Buena Vista for day-trips into town. Looking forward to going back next year!
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. |
