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
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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
Danielle S
VerifiedJune 21, 2020 • Stayed at: L, Loop: COLL
Beautiful, clean campground!
Kirsten B
VerifiedJune 18, 2020 • Stayed at: H, Loop: COLL
Large campsites, great shade, lots of trees. Hosts were friendly and kept the bathrooms very clean. Will absolutely camp here again!
Kirsten B
VerifiedJune 18, 2020 • Stayed at: H, Loop: COLL
Large campsites, great shade, lots of trees. Hosts were friendly and kept the bathrooms very clean. Will absolutely camp here again!
Pam B
VerifiedJune 15, 2020 • Stayed at: E, Loop: COLL
Beth and Bob were great campground hosts. Pit toilets were always clean, they came around every evening to check on things.
Shannon K
VerifiedJune 15, 2020 • Stayed at: N, Loop: COLL
Beautiful, spacious campsite; not crowded at all. Super close to Buena Vista for mountain biking day trips and a beer at Eddyline Brewery. This will be one of my go-to spots.
Pam B
VerifiedJune 15, 2020 • Stayed at: E, Loop: COLL
Beth and Bob were great campground hosts. Pit toilets were always clean, they came around every evening to check on things.
Shannon K
VerifiedJune 15, 2020 • Stayed at: N, Loop: COLL
Beautiful, spacious campsite; not crowded at all. Super close to Buena Vista for mountain biking day trips and a beer at Eddyline Brewery. This will be one of my go-to spots.
Melissa S
VerifiedJanuary 30, 2020 • Stayed at: O, Loop: COLL
We had fun even though the campground was infested with yellow jackets. We had to eat inside after it got so bad. The river running through the campground is pretty. Next time I'm not staying near the host. They had a bright spot light on late at night that shined into our site. Not very nice.
Melissa S
VerifiedJanuary 30, 2020 • Stayed at: O, Loop: COLL
We had fun even though the campground was infested with yellow jackets. We had to eat inside after it got so bad. The river running through the campground is pretty. Next time I'm not staying near the host. They had a bright spot light on late at night that shined into our site. Not very nice.
Traci G
VerifiedJanuary 27, 2020 • Stayed at: G, Loop: COLL
We've stayed at Collegiate Peaks for the last few years in the same campsite. It's a lovely campsite right next to the creek.
we've never encountered any issues with recreation.gov, the camp hosts or anything like that.
This last year (2019) was such a big snow year that the "canyon" or Cottonwood Pass experienced some avalanches that most definitely pushed some debris, logs, etc down creek, and the bees/wasps were way more present than in previous years. We couldn't even cook our meals without a swarm! So just be aware!
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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