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
Tammynite M
VerifiedJuly 5, 2026 • Stayed at: P, Loop: COLL
I love this campground! The sites are large with many trees.
Please know there is ONLY one place to get water and it is yellow with sediment. We will bring water with us next time.
Deborah H
VerifiedJuly 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: COLL
Our second trip here. Love it. Would recommend that lack of potable water be clearly defined for new comers.
Amazing views at the divide at cottonwood pass! Sunset beautiful.
Jamie M
VerifiedJuly 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL
The Hosts were great.
Peg Boyle S
VerifiedJuly 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: COLL
We had one of the most beautiful campsites ever. The facilities were really clean-thanks to the campsite hosts, who were really nice. The only complaint was that the pump water had iron in it. Overall great site!
Susan L
VerifiedJuly 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 036, Loop: COLL
Collegiate Peaks is a beautiful campground with many nicely shaded sites. The campground hosts did a great job of keeping the bathrooms and campground very clean. We enjoyed hiking to Hartenstein Lake from the Mount Yale trailhead - the wildflowers were spectacular at the end of June. Our site (#36) was short, but good for our van. There are not many sites at this campground that could accommodate a larger rig, but the sites have great spots for tents.
Janece K
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: N, Loop: COLL
The camp was clean and well marked. The toilets were also clean and well stocked. Finally, the camp hosts were very friendly and helpful.
Kara O
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: COLL
Great location - loved that out site backed up to the water. The sites in the trees felt very private and spacious.
Bathrooms were very very clean. Will be back!
Caitlin O
VerifiedJune 19, 2026 • Stayed at: B, Loop: COLL
The campsite was clean and well-maintained. We loved the creek along the campground and the beautiful hikes nearby!
Patrick G
VerifiedJune 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: COLL
The site was absolutely gorgeous, the hosts very helpful and the outhouses were actually clean! The only problem was the roads! The potholes rival the craters on the moon!! Nerve racking for pulling a trailer.
Paul W
VerifiedJune 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: COLL
We reserved a spot for our 22 ft RV trailer and when we arrived there was no way we could fit into the spot. Then to make things worse we had to drive down this narrow road that had countless vehicles parked on the narrow road because they did not fit into their site either. I have tent camped there before and loved it. We tried to get into one of the sites that had a reservation for the night before through the day after but never showed up but was denied.
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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