Picnic table with aspen trees with fall foliage
Campsite with view of aspen trees with fall foliege
Campsite with shade and picnic table
Campsite surrounded by trees
Shaded campsite with picnic table and fire pit

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms

Available sites

44 total sites

About Collegiate Peaks

Collegiate Peaks Campground is located 11 mi west of Buena Vista, Colorado, along Middle Cottonwood Creek near the top of Cottonwood Pass. The campground offers well-spaced campsites and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails. A commercial hot springs inn and spa is located about 5 mi east of the campground. "First come, first served" does not necessarily mean that the site will be available when you get there. Someone may get there before you. This is a popular campground and is normally full starting on Friday, sometimes as early as Thursday, so plan accordingly.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

44 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 003, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 46 × 10 ft · Gravel
🚐 004, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 26 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 005, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 006, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐 007, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 29 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐 008, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 57 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 009, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 010, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 25 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐 011, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 28 × 13 ft · Gravel
🚐 012, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 22 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐 013, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 33 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐 014, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 58 × 13 ft · Gravel
🚐 015, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 22 × 11 ft · Gravel
🚐 016, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 017, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 024, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 52 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐 025, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 60 × 9 ft · Gravel
🚐 026, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 10 ft · Gravel
🚐 031, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 26 × 31 ft · Gravel
🚐 032, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 34 × 16 ft · Gravel
🚐 033, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 25 ft · Gravel
🚐 034, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 035, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 37 × 10 ft · Gravel
🚐 036, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 11 ft · Gravel
🚐 037, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 52 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 038, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐 039, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐 040, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐 A, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 31 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 B, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 25 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 C, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 29 × 10 ft · Gravel
🚐 D, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 42 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 E, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 10 ft · Gravel
🚐 F, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 34 × 11 ft · Gravel
🚐 G, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 13 ft · Gravel
🚐 H, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 42 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 I, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 26 × 11 ft · Gravel
🚐 J, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 33 × 11 ft · Gravel
🚐 K, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 26 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 L, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 M, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 10 ft · Gravel
🚐 N, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 13 ft · Gravel
🚐 O, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 62 × 13 ft · Gravel
🚐 P, Loop: COLL RV
Pet Friendly · 38 × 11 ft · Gravel

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.

Review Summary

4.5
607 reviews
5
71.7%
435
4
16.5%
100
3
6.9%
42
2
3.3%
20
1
1.6%
10

Annette S

Verified

September 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: COLL

5

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.

Kristin S

Verified

September 21, 2025 • Stayed at: C, Loop: COLL

4

Beautiful campground. I stayed at site C. It was across from the river that even in September was quite loud. It was really nice! The site itself is a fabulous tent site. Maybe not the best for my small teardrop trailer. It’s on a bit of an angle and it rained a ton that weekend so there was lots of water the pooled in the driveway more than any of the other sites. Campground was super clean. Fabulous location!

Kristin S

Verified

September 21, 2025 • Stayed at: C, Loop: COLL

4

Beautiful campground. I stayed at site C. It was across from the river that even in September was quite loud. It was really nice! The site itself is a fabulous tent site. Maybe not the best for my small teardrop trailer. It’s on a bit of an angle and it rained a ton that weekend so there was lots of water the pooled in the driveway more than any of the other sites. Campground was super clean. Fabulous location!

Kirstie N

Verified

September 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL

5

Beautiful campground that is well-maintained by the camp host. Sites are well spaced, some may not be suitable for trailers. Enjoyed the wildlife. Great hikes nearby.

Kirstie N

Verified

September 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL

5

Beautiful campground that is well-maintained by the camp host. Sites are well spaced, some may not be suitable for trailers. Enjoyed the wildlife. Great hikes nearby.

Sharon M

Verified

September 11, 2025 • Stayed at: D, Loop: COLL

4

The campsites at Collegiate Peaks are lovely. The sites are large, private and well maintained. As of 9/25, there is only one pump for water and the water that comes from that pump is rusty. It's safe to drink but not pleasant. If you are visiting Collegiate Peaks plan to bring drinking water.

Sharon M

Verified

September 11, 2025 • Stayed at: D, Loop: COLL

4

The campsites at Collegiate Peaks are lovely. The sites are large, private and well maintained. As of 9/25, there is only one pump for water and the water that comes from that pump is rusty. It's safe to drink but not pleasant. If you are visiting Collegiate Peaks plan to bring drinking water.

John M

Verified

August 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: COLL

5

The campsites were clean, hosts were awesome, and it was the perfect location. I’d stay here anytime!

John M

Verified

August 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: COLL

5

The campsites were clean, hosts were awesome, and it was the perfect location. I’d stay here anytime!

Jordan E

Verified

August 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: COLL

5

Great little spot, the creek is a short walk away and there is a wonderful Aspen grove directly to the back of the site. We had three tents, 1 small, 1 big and 1 BIG and we had ample space. Would highly recommend if you're looking for camping with solid privacy without total seclusion. Bathrooms were well upkept as well which is always nice.

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.

Nearest town

Salida, CO - 36 mi

About 46 min to downtown

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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Explore Salida, CO

Population: 5,861

Nearby larger city

Colorado Springs, CO

Approx. 80 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 7,051 ft

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