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
Brian W
VerifiedAugust 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: COLL
Very clean vault toilets. Nice quite campsites other than the road traffic
Jean N
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: I, Loop: COLL
No water. They say there’s potable water but it’s orange and tastes horrible. Also, the nearest town, Buena Vista has licked up all of its spigots so campers have no access to water. There is a place to get water but it’s set up for people with accounts and we couldn’t get it to work. The hosts had a tank provided for their own water. They should not say there’s water available when there’s not. Great hosts.
John H
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: K, Loop: COLL
Collegiate Peaks is one of our favorite campgrounds. You have access to many beautiful trails, hot springs 6 mi away, and the town is close enough to pick up supplies or have a dinner out. What's not to like?
Jean N
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: I, Loop: COLL
No water. They say there’s potable water but it’s orange and tastes horrible. Also, the nearest town, Buena Vista has licked up all of its spigots so campers have no access to water. There is a place to get water but it’s set up for people with accounts and we couldn’t get it to work. The hosts had a tank provided for their own water. They should not say there’s water available when there’s not. Great hosts.
John H
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: K, Loop: COLL
Collegiate Peaks is one of our favorite campgrounds. You have access to many beautiful trails, hot springs 6 mi away, and the town is close enough to pick up supplies or have a dinner out. What's not to like?
Jordan V
VerifiedAugust 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL
I booked this campsite well in advance as my now fiancé and I planned to get engaged over the weekend. We booked one site and the host was wonderful and kind and flexible; she allowed a number of family and friends to come and celebrate our engagement with fire cooked kabobs that night. We exceeded the vehicle capacity of the site for a couple of hours, but it meant the world to us at this special time to be able to do that. Ultimately everyone left before tucking in for the night, but we couldn't be more thankful to have the space and freedom to host everyone (campers and noncampers) at the site for celebrations. Thanks again! Will definitely revisit this beautiful location.
Proposed at the lost lake hike, a 3 mi out and back, easy hike for family and people from out of state as well. Mind the short muddy section. Trail head is on the south side of cottonwood pass about 12mins up the pass from the collegiate peaks campsite. Also reccomend ptarmigan lake hike if you have more time, in the same area, a 6mil round trip I believe.
Jordan V
VerifiedAugust 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL
I booked this campsite well in advance as my now fiancé and I planned to get engaged over the weekend. We booked one site and the host was wonderful and kind and flexible; she allowed a number of family and friends to come and celebrate our engagement with fire cooked kabobs that night. We exceeded the vehicle capacity of the site for a couple of hours, but it meant the world to us at this special time to be able to do that. Ultimately everyone left before tucking in for the night, but we couldn't be more thankful to have the space and freedom to host everyone (campers and noncampers) at the site for celebrations. Thanks again! Will definitely revisit this beautiful location.
Proposed at the lost lake hike, a 3 mi out and back, easy hike for family and people from out of state as well. Mind the short muddy section. Trail head is on the south side of cottonwood pass about 12mins up the pass from the collegiate peaks campsite. Also reccomend ptarmigan lake hike if you have more time, in the same area, a 6mil round trip I believe.
Deb L
VerifiedJuly 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: COLL
Quiet, shaded campground in a serene mountain location. Close to trailheads and town.
Deb L
VerifiedJuly 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: COLL
Quiet, shaded campground in a serene mountain location. Close to trailheads and town.
Sallie V
VerifiedJuly 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: COLL
Big campground in a great location with lots of trees & scenery. The hosts were very helpful and friendly.
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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