Available sites
44 total sites
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About Collegiate Peaks
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Hiking
Year-round
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
Rates, Sites & Availability
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44 Sites Available
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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
david s
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2021 • Stayed at: F, Loop: COLL
GOOD CAMPGOUND HOSTS
Cheryl M
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2021 • Stayed at: C, Loop: COLL
Great campsites, spaced out nicely.
Darryl D
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2021 • Stayed at: O, Loop: COLL
Available water is questionable. Orange in color full of iron. Supposed to be potable but we went down to Buena Vista water works to get water.
Campground is very pretty. Be aware of bears. Encountered one at very close range on Avalanche trail.
Jamie M
VerifiedAugust 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL
Very clean and pleasant campsite.
Jamie M
VerifiedAugust 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL
Very clean and pleasant campsite.
Jacqueline F
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: A, Loop: COLL
One of my favorite campgrounds! Must hike Ptarmigan trail. Enjoyed Mt Princeton hot springs while we were there!
V M
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: COLL
Beautiful scenery, quiet, and full of trees; camp spots are nicely spaced apart, too. Sites #31 and 33 are some of the nicest, I think, set far back enough from other camp spots to be somewhat private. Site 33, and others, are within steps of the creek. Vault toilets are ok (so no running water). Bring your own water, because the only working pump is at site 18. Site 18 isn't far, it's just far more convenient to have your own water. No bear-proof containers, use your car. You're next to a country highway, so you can still hear cars, but it's not too bad. Camp host was very nice. They sell firewood. Some spots have plenty of room for two (even three) cars & two or three tents.
Jacqueline F
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: A, Loop: COLL
One of my favorite campgrounds! Must hike Ptarmigan trail. Enjoyed Mt Princeton hot springs while we were there!
V M
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: COLL
Beautiful scenery, quiet, and full of trees; camp spots are nicely spaced apart, too. Sites #31 and 33 are some of the nicest, I think, set far back enough from other camp spots to be somewhat private. Site 33, and others, are within steps of the creek. Vault toilets are ok (so no running water). Bring your own water, because the only working pump is at site 18. Site 18 isn't far, it's just far more convenient to have your own water. No bear-proof containers, use your car. You're next to a country highway, so you can still hear cars, but it's not too bad. Camp host was very nice. They sell firewood. Some spots have plenty of room for two (even three) cars & two or three tents.
jason b
VerifiedAugust 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
Beautiful setting. Clean and well maintained.
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
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Population: 5,861
Elevation: 7,051 ft
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