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
Jeremy D
VerifiedJuly 8, 2025 • Stayed at: N, Loop: COLL
Nicely spaced sites situated in tree cover and near an audible creek. Bathrooms are clean.
Jeremy D
VerifiedJuly 8, 2025 • Stayed at: N, Loop: COLL
Nicely spaced sites situated in tree cover and near an audible creek. Bathrooms are clean.
Roger W
VerifiedJuly 7, 2025 • Stayed at: F, Loop: COLL
Beautiful campground for smaller RVs in general. It would help if Forest Service would fix the broken pumps as only one works. Near hiking trails, and short drive to fishing.
Roger W
VerifiedJuly 7, 2025 • Stayed at: F, Loop: COLL
Beautiful campground for smaller RVs in general. It would help if Forest Service would fix the broken pumps as only one works. Near hiking trails, and short drive to fishing.
Ben B
VerifiedJuly 4, 2025 • Stayed at: M, Loop: COLL
Sites provide plenty of space. Many aren't perfectly level which could be an issue for tent camping. The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained. When I was there the hose bib was out of service and the only other one was a manual pump a good walk away so doing dishes was tricky. The highlights were the robin songs (though they did get started at about 4am) and the three moose that came through in the morning.
Ben B
VerifiedJuly 4, 2025 • Stayed at: M, Loop: COLL
Sites provide plenty of space. Many aren't perfectly level which could be an issue for tent camping. The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained. When I was there the hose bib was out of service and the only other one was a manual pump a good walk away so doing dishes was tricky. The highlights were the robin songs (though they did get started at about 4am) and the three moose that came through in the morning.
David N
VerifiedJuly 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: COLL
This has been one of my favorites for years but Forest Service is kind of letting it go. Terrible roadway. Water is undrinkable and pump barely works. Bear bins are just randomly placed on a few sites. More suitable for smaller RVs and tents as many of the sites are barely large enough for an RV and tow vehicle. Hosts seemed nice.
Mark L
VerifiedJuly 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: COLL
Space 26 relatively secluded with easy access to bathroom. It was also nice and level for my VW Vanagon.
Mark L
VerifiedJuly 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: COLL
Space 26 relatively secluded with easy access to bathroom. It was also nice and level for my VW Vanagon.
David N
VerifiedJuly 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: COLL
This has been one of my favorites for years but Forest Service is kind of letting it go. Terrible roadway. Water is undrinkable and pump barely works. Bear bins are just randomly placed on a few sites. More suitable for smaller RVs and tents as many of the sites are barely large enough for an RV and tow vehicle. Hosts seemed nice.
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
