Available sites
44 total sites
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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
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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
Gary W
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
Only problem was the site didn't provide a flat surface to access the camp site but that's not a problem that could be fixed, the area was on a steep incline
Margie S
VerifiedDecember 20, 2025 • Stayed at: J, Loop: COLL
Large private campsite with running river nearby. Easy access from Buena Vista with good hiking trails a short drive away.
Margie S
VerifiedDecember 20, 2025 • Stayed at: J, Loop: COLL
Large private campsite with running river nearby. Easy access from Buena Vista with good hiking trails a short drive away.
Catherine S
VerifiedOctober 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
Campground was conveniently located near Buena Vista and the attractions in the area. We mainly enjoyed relaxing at the site, but there are trails and fishing nearby, as well as one of the hot spring resorts. We saw several deer in the campground and the leaves changing were beautiful! Our site was good sized and the restrooms were exceptionally clean - and I believe they were cleaned multiple times a day. We did not meet our camp host but saw them out and about. I will mention - a neighboring camper ran into car issues with a dead battery - the host did not have the ability to help them. There was no cell service, so while we were able to help jump her car, it is something to be aware of here.
Catherine S
VerifiedOctober 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: COLL
Campground was conveniently located near Buena Vista and the attractions in the area. We mainly enjoyed relaxing at the site, but there are trails and fishing nearby, as well as one of the hot spring resorts. We saw several deer in the campground and the leaves changing were beautiful! Our site was good sized and the restrooms were exceptionally clean - and I believe they were cleaned multiple times a day. We did not meet our camp host but saw them out and about. I will mention - a neighboring camper ran into car issues with a dead battery - the host did not have the ability to help them. There was no cell service, so while we were able to help jump her car, it is something to be aware of here.
David T
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: COLL
Campsite was large and the restrooms were some of the best I've experienced
Leo S
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: K, Loop: COLL
Nice campground, great hosts. My only critique is that some of the spots are smaller than you think. We had a 20’ trailer and couldn’t really park our car well in there also. Some spots are more spacious
David T
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: COLL
Campsite was large and the restrooms were some of the best I've experienced
Leo S
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: K, Loop: COLL
Nice campground, great hosts. My only critique is that some of the spots are smaller than you think. We had a 20’ trailer and couldn’t really park our car well in there also. Some spots are more spacious
Annette S
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: COLL
My new favorite place to camp! Close to Buena Vista where you can enjoy a day exploring town with great food and cute shops, and plenty of great hiking trails close by. Some sites are better for tents than a rig but most would work for either. The hosts are fantastic and knowledgeable of the area.
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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