OutReserve

Collegiate Peaks

Picnic table with aspen trees with fall foliage
Campsite with view of aspen trees with fall foliege
Campsite with shade and picnic table
Campsite surrounded by trees
Shaded campsite with picnic table and fire pit

About Collegiate Peaks

Collegiate Peaks Campground is located 11 miles west of Buena Vista, Colorado, along Middle Cottonwood Creek near the top of Cottonwood Pass. The campground offers well-spaced campsites and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails. A commercial hot springs inn and spa is located about 5 miles east of the campground. "First come, first served" does not necessarily mean that the site will be available when you get there. Someone may get there before you. This is a popular campground and is normally full starting on Friday, sometimes as early as Thursday, so plan accordingly.

Number of accommodations: 44

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 15

Sites & Availability

44 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 003, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 007, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 014, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 016, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 017, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 025, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 026, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 031, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 032, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 033, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 034, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 035, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 036, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 037, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 038, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 039, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 040, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 A, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 B, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 C, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 D, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 E, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 F, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 G, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 H, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 I, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 J, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 K, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 L, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 M, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 N, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 O, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 P, Loop: COLL
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.5
267 reviews
5
71.9%
192
4
15.4%
41
3
7.5%
20
2
3.7%
10
1
1.5%
4

Katherine T

Verified

June 25, 2021 Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL

5

One of my favorite Colorado campgrounds! New host, Jolene, who was very friendly and helpful.
Interesting point of this trip was a black bear in the campground ( went right under my picnic table canopy! A first for me). I wasn’t afraid because someone was calling out BEAR before it appeared so I closed my camper door. When it walked into my campsite I called out loudly to the campsites towards which it was headed- until I knew they had heard. No one was hurt.
SO- lock up your food in your vehicle!
I highly recommend this campground. It’s lovely and the new host was great.

russ d

Verified

June 24, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: COLL

5

Great place. Big campsite. Super helpful camp host

Amanda E

Verified

June 22, 2021 Stayed at: 037, Loop: COLL

5

Overall: Super quiet and pleasant campground. Site 37. Close to toilet and closer than most to road, but spaced from side neighbors (though neighbors behind were actually closer, we were higher- got lucky and not a big issue. Road noise at night was nil. Toilet didn't send bad smells in our direction. Stars gorgeous at night. The only site better were a handful along the river. Only negatives were no firewood on day we arrived (sold out and none available any closer than town) and the supposedly potable water from spigot looked undrinkable. We hesitantly used it for dishwashing only. This should be addressed. Close to nearby trailheads and Cottonwood pass. One of our favorite campgrounds ever...in large part due to quietness, politeness of neighbors and tranquil wooded setting.

Tony L

Verified

June 19, 2021 Stayed at: 032, Loop: COLL

4

Nice campground. The spot we got this time (#32) didn’t have as much shade as other spots.

Carolyn W

Verified

June 17, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: COLL

5

We love it so much, that this was our 4th time to this campground.

Astrida P

Verified

June 17, 2021 Stayed at: J, Loop: COLL

5

Great campground. Will be back!

sheryl k

Verified

June 13, 2021 Stayed at: N, Loop: COLL

5

Very clean (there was even an air freshener in the bathroom :) , wood available for fires, quiet--shaded--great location--

Jim T

Verified

October 4, 2020 Stayed at: H, Loop: COLL

1

We have a 34 ft fifth wheel. Very tough to maneuver throughout. Facility needs a lot of work clearing trees at turns. Couldn't get into site that was rated at 42 ft. Greater than 90° turn and too many trees in the way to maneuver into site H. Had to cancel reservation.

Felecia D

Verified

October 2, 2020 Stayed at: 040, Loop: COLL

5

This campground is very pretty, it seemed that every camping space was well set up and placed. You are near a road but the traffic isn't horrible for noise at all.

Jessica J

Verified

September 16, 2020 Stayed at: 010, Loop: COLL

5

Beautiful location, while the campground was full, there was enough space between sites to maintain privacy. Facilities were clean and hosts were friendly.

Location Collegiate Peaks

Address:
Salida Ranger District Office
Salida, CO, 81201
United States

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations