Available sites
44 total sitesAbout Collegiate Peaks
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Hiking
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Rates, Sites & Availability
44 Sites Available
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No available sites
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Site Details
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44 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (607)
What Guests Are Saying
Collegiate Peaks campground offers a clean, well-maintained environment with spacious, private sites surrounded by beautiful nature, including a creek and abundant wildlife. Campers appreciate the helpful hosts and the proximity to numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities. While some sites may be unlevel and the water quality could be improved, the overall experience remains positive, making it a favorite destination for many visitors.
What Guests Are Saying
Collegiate Peaks campground offers a clean, well-maintained environment with spacious, private sites surrounded by beautiful nature, including a creek and abundant wildlife. Campers appreciate the helpful hosts and the proximity to numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities. While some sites may be unlevel and the water quality could be improved, the overall experience remains positive, making it a favorite destination for many visitors.
Review Summary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (12.2 ft!)
Location & Directions for Collegiate Peaks
Salida Ranger District Office, Salida, CO 81201 United States
Elevation: 3,013 ft
Getting There
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 306. At the stoplight, go west for 11 mi
toward Cottonwood Pass. Campground is located on the left-hand side of the
road. Highway 306 is paved on east side of Cottonwood Pass.
Highway access
Collegiate Peaks Campground is accessed via Highway 306, which connects to the south near Buena Vista and heads west toward Cottonwood Pass.
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: October 19, 2026