Available sites
44 total sites
RV Sites
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
44 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
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
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.
Zach M
VerifiedJuly 12, 2021 • Stayed at: B, Loop: COLL
Great hosts, lovely setting
Zach M
VerifiedJuly 12, 2021 • Stayed at: B, Loop: COLL
Great hosts, lovely setting
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!!
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
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Explore Salida, CO
Population: 5,861
Elevation: 7,051 ft
From our Travel Guides
