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
Janine P
VerifiedAugust 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: COLL
Great campground. We thought site #33 was the best in the campground. It was private and directly on the creek with three great options for a pretty large tent: two on grass and one right on the creek in the trees and far off the road. The creek was great for fishing. The picnic table area and fire pit had amazing views of the mountains. No water. The hosts were lovely.
Gary T
VerifiedAugust 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: COLL
The roads and sites have lots of issues. Road potholes are very damaging to RVs. Need to be filled in and road grated. Also campsites are very unlevel. Dirt needs to be brought in and leveled off. Hard for seniors to walk around campsite or even to get out of camper.
Rita K
VerifiedJuly 29, 2022 • Stayed at: K, Loop: COLL
Collegiate Peaks campground is one of the nicest Forest Service campgrounds I've ever stayed in. This was our second July camping there and we plan to return many more times. The spaces are generous and well spaced to allow privacy and the restrooms were clean. Campground hosts were quite accommodating and being next to Middle Cottonwood Creek in those sites is a special bonus. The only complaint is the water from the pump. The campground host assured us it is potable, but is is highly mineralized and slightly brownish. We mostly used it for cooking and cleaning.
Rita K
VerifiedJuly 29, 2022 • Stayed at: K, Loop: COLL
Collegiate Peaks campground is one of the nicest Forest Service campgrounds I've ever stayed in. This was our second July camping there and we plan to return many more times. The spaces are generous and well spaced to allow privacy and the restrooms were clean. Campground hosts were quite accommodating and being next to Middle Cottonwood Creek in those sites is a special bonus. The only complaint is the water from the pump. The campground host assured us it is potable, but is is highly mineralized and slightly brownish. We mostly used it for cooking and cleaning.
Katherine R
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
I would give this 4.5 if I could. It’s a great location, and one of the prettiest campgrounds I’ve visited. The camp host is very nice and keeps a very clean camp. Cleanest bathrooms I’ve experienced yet at a National Forest campground. Minus .5 stars for rusty water out of the spigot. Just wished I had brought something to filter it with. Other than that, great stay and would recommend.
Arnie P
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 • Stayed at: P, Loop: COLL
Overall an okay place. Lots of biting bugs even with spray. Roads need work and the camp sites need to be leveled. Had our dogs on a leash as per rules and signs which the camp hosts did not abide by. We had to stop walking by the camp hosts as their dogs (off leash) would come out and get out dogs going. Their golden pooped right in front of our camp and ran off. I had to pick it up. Did go to the top of cottonwood pass and hiked the Colorado trail some, which was nice.
Katherine R
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
I would give this 4.5 if I could. It’s a great location, and one of the prettiest campgrounds I’ve visited. The camp host is very nice and keeps a very clean camp. Cleanest bathrooms I’ve experienced yet at a National Forest campground. Minus .5 stars for rusty water out of the spigot. Just wished I had brought something to filter it with. Other than that, great stay and would recommend.
Arnie P
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 • Stayed at: P, Loop: COLL
Overall an okay place. Lots of biting bugs even with spray. Roads need work and the camp sites need to be leveled. Had our dogs on a leash as per rules and signs which the camp hosts did not abide by. We had to stop walking by the camp hosts as their dogs (off leash) would come out and get out dogs going. Their golden pooped right in front of our camp and ran off. I had to pick it up. Did go to the top of cottonwood pass and hiked the Colorado trail some, which was nice.
Norman D
VerifiedJuly 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL
Great campground!
Norman D
VerifiedJuly 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL
Great 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
