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
Kay N
VerifiedJuly 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: COLL
Great campground. Only half full even though mostly reserved. Definitely drive up Cottonwood Pass and walk up to the viewing area at the top.
Kay N
VerifiedJuly 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: COLL
Great campground. Only half full even though mostly reserved. Definitely drive up Cottonwood Pass and walk up to the viewing area at the top.
Emily H
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: COLL
It was lovely! But our reserved campsite was occupied when we arrived. Luckily there were several spots open, but it was stressful to arrive and not have had our site held. Later in the season when its busier that could have been a really bad situation.
Emily H
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: COLL
It was lovely! But our reserved campsite was occupied when we arrived. Luckily there were several spots open, but it was stressful to arrive and not have had our site held. Later in the season when its busier that could have been a really bad situation.
Julie R
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: COLL
This is a beautiful campground. Sites are roomy and just the right mix of shade and sun. Camp-host kept everything clean and was friendly but wasn’t intrusive. It’s sad though how many reservations go unused. Really annoying that you can’t get in when sites go unused.
Julie R
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: COLL
This is a beautiful campground. Sites are roomy and just the right mix of shade and sun. Camp-host kept everything clean and was friendly but wasn’t intrusive. It’s sad though how many reservations go unused. Really annoying that you can’t get in when sites go unused.
Jean W
VerifiedJuly 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: COLL
This was our second visit and we enjoyed this beautiful, well cared for campground. It was a bit crowded by the weekend but we went on Sunday so relatively quiet. Lots of trees and beautiful views. This is right off the road to Cottonwood Pass. We decided to finally go over this spectacular pass... gorgeous views and ended up at the Taylor Reservoir. We were fishing so quite exceptional there. Then on the other side of the Pass, there's Cottonwood Hot Springs. Just a great finish to a six day camping trip. Love this campground and we will return - maybe not during the rainy season!!
Jean W
VerifiedJuly 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: COLL
This was our second visit and we enjoyed this beautiful, well cared for campground. It was a bit crowded by the weekend but we went on Sunday so relatively quiet. Lots of trees and beautiful views. This is right off the road to Cottonwood Pass. We decided to finally go over this spectacular pass... gorgeous views and ended up at the Taylor Reservoir. We were fishing so quite exceptional there. Then on the other side of the Pass, there's Cottonwood Hot Springs. Just a great finish to a six day camping trip. Love this campground and we will return - maybe not during the rainy season!!
Buddy F
VerifiedJuly 2, 2021 • Stayed at: J, Loop: COLL
Camp sites were well spaced. Lots of privacy. Our trailer is only 20' long and we were able to level easily. Longer rigs could have problems.
Buddy F
VerifiedJuly 2, 2021 • Stayed at: J, Loop: COLL
Camp sites were well spaced. Lots of privacy. Our trailer is only 20' long and we were able to level easily. Longer rigs could have problems.
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
