About Collegiate Peaks
Number of accommodations: 44
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
44 Sites Available
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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
Shannon B
VerifiedSeptember 8, 2021 • Stayed at: I, Loop: COLL
1st time camping. Loved it. Close to several hiking trails, the reason my son and I went.
mary k
VerifiedSeptember 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: COLL
Beautiful camp sight. We loved the creek running through the back of so many of the sites, the hiking trails nearby, and the wonderfully clean bathrooms.
Darryl D
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2021 • Stayed at: O, Loop: COLL
Available water is questionable. Orange in color full of iron. Supposed to be potable but we went down to Buena Vista water works to get water.
Campground is very pretty. Be aware of bears. Encountered one at very close range on Avalanche trail.
Cheryl M
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2021 • Stayed at: C, Loop: COLL
Great campsites, spaced out nicely.
david s
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2021 • Stayed at: F, Loop: COLL
GOOD CAMPGOUND HOSTS
Jamie M
VerifiedAugust 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL
Very clean and pleasant campsite.
V M
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: COLL
Beautiful scenery, quiet, and full of trees; camp spots are nicely spaced apart, too. Sites #31 and 33 are some of the nicest, I think, set far back enough from other camp spots to be somewhat private. Site 33, and others, are within steps of the creek. Vault toilets are ok (so no running water). Bring your own water, because the only working pump is at site 18. Site 18 isn't far, it's just far more convenient to have your own water. No bear-proof containers, use your car. You're next to a country highway, so you can still hear cars, but it's not too bad. Camp host was very nice. They sell firewood. Some spots have plenty of room for two (even three) cars & two or three tents.
Jacqueline F
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: A, Loop: COLL
One of my favorite campgrounds! Must hike Ptarmigan trail. Enjoyed Mt Princeton hot springs while we were there!
Ed R
VerifiedAugust 27, 2021 • Stayed at: E, Loop: COLL
Clean campground, very clean outhouse
jason b
VerifiedAugust 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
Beautiful setting. Clean and well maintained.
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. |
