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
Katherine T
VerifiedJune 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL
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.
Katherine T
VerifiedJune 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL
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
VerifiedJune 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: COLL
Great place. Big campsite. Super helpful camp host
russ d
VerifiedJune 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: COLL
Great place. Big campsite. Super helpful camp host
Amanda E
VerifiedJune 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: COLL
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.
Amanda E
VerifiedJune 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: COLL
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
VerifiedJune 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: COLL
Nice campground. The spot we got this time (#32) didn’t have as much shade as other spots.
Tony L
VerifiedJune 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: COLL
Nice campground. The spot we got this time (#32) didn’t have as much shade as other spots.
Carolyn W
VerifiedJune 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: COLL
We love it so much, that this was our 4th time to this campground.
Astrida P
VerifiedJune 17, 2021 • Stayed at: J, Loop: COLL
Great campground. Will be back!
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
