About Collegiate Peaks
Number of accommodations: 44
Nearby Activities & Attractions
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
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Rates, Sites & Availability
44 Sites Available
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Site Details
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44 Sites Available
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Reviews (534)
What Guests Are Saying
Collegiate Peaks is a beautiful, well-maintained campground near Buena Vista, offering large, private sites and exceptionally clean restrooms. Visitors enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to hiking trails and hot springs, as well as the presence of wildlife. While some sites may not be level and there were occasional issues with water quality and host availability, the overall experience remains positive, with many campers eager to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Collegiate Peaks is a beautiful, well-maintained campground near Buena Vista, offering large, private sites and exceptionally clean restrooms. Visitors enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to hiking trails and hot springs, as well as the presence of wildlife. While some sites may not be level and there were occasional issues with water quality and host availability, the overall experience remains positive, with many campers eager to return.
Review Summary
Kim B
VerifiedJuly 17, 2025 • Stayed at: A, Loop: COLL
Enjoyed our time there.
Kim B
VerifiedJuly 17, 2025 • Stayed at: A, Loop: COLL
Enjoyed our time there.
Scarlet S
VerifiedJuly 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: COLL
Beautiful campground however there is much car traffic throughout the loop where all campsites border. This creates a lot of dust and noise (and light at night) most hours of the day. Sites are well-spaced but you can still hear your neighbors easily. Pump water is available although it has sediment and is not chlorinated so needs to be filtered. Host was available for emergencies only, not to answer questions or give recommendations. Recommend not staying in a site near the bathrooms as the sound of the door opening and closing is constant. Sites near the river are lovely however expect people from other sites to walk through your site to access the river. Bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. Location cannot be beat as it's close to multiple trails and a short drive into Buena Vista.
Scarlet S
VerifiedJuly 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: COLL
Beautiful campground however there is much car traffic throughout the loop where all campsites border. This creates a lot of dust and noise (and light at night) most hours of the day. Sites are well-spaced but you can still hear your neighbors easily. Pump water is available although it has sediment and is not chlorinated so needs to be filtered. Host was available for emergencies only, not to answer questions or give recommendations. Recommend not staying in a site near the bathrooms as the sound of the door opening and closing is constant. Sites near the river are lovely however expect people from other sites to walk through your site to access the river. Bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. Location cannot be beat as it's close to multiple trails and a short drive into Buena Vista.
Cynthia S
VerifiedJuly 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: COLL
This is the second time I have stayed in this campground. It is beautiful. The only reason for less of a rating is the host seemed a little lazy. We stayed 4 nights and never saw the bathroom cleaned. Toilet paper remained on the floor. No hand sanitizer.
Cynthia S
VerifiedJuly 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: COLL
This is the second time I have stayed in this campground. It is beautiful. The only reason for less of a rating is the host seemed a little lazy. We stayed 4 nights and never saw the bathroom cleaned. Toilet paper remained on the floor. No hand sanitizer.
Doug D
VerifiedJuly 13, 2025 • Stayed at: C, Loop: COLL
the hosts were great and kept the sites and bathrooms clean
Doug D
VerifiedJuly 13, 2025 • Stayed at: C, Loop: COLL
the hosts were great and kept the sites and bathrooms clean
Karen K
VerifiedJuly 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: COLL
well cleared site, level for tents (which we did not use) . Very clean restrooms. Access to all kinds of stuff. Good weather. Need to adjut your expectations cooking at high altitude but it worked. Would stay again. Jut wish could park additional car at site.
Karen K
VerifiedJuly 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: COLL
well cleared site, level for tents (which we did not use) . Very clean restrooms. Access to all kinds of stuff. Good weather. Need to adjut your expectations cooking at high altitude but it worked. Would stay again. Jut wish could park additional car at site.
Location Collegiate Peaks
Address:
Salida Ranger District Office
Salida, CO, 81201
United States
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 306. At the stoplight, go west for 11 miles
toward Cottonwood Pass. Campground is located on the left-hand side of the
road. Highway 306 is paved on east side of Cottonwood Pass.
Collegiate Peaks Campground is accessed via Highway 306, which connects to the south near Buena Vista and heads west toward Cottonwood Pass.
Latitude & Longitude: 38.8131 / -106.315
Elevation: 3013 feet
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: June 4, 2026
