Collegiate Peaks

About

Collegiate Peaks Campground is located 11 miles west of Buena Vista, Colorado, near the top of Cottonwood Pass in San Isabel National Forest. At 9,800 feet elevation, the campground sits in a dense stand of mixed conifers and aspen, with some sites along Middle Cottonwood Creek and others tucked back in the woods. The 56 well-spaced campsites are arranged across three loops, offering a quiet experience with scenic mountain views. Hiking and fishing are the primary draws. The Denny Creek Trailhead is less than a mile away, accessing Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and destinations like Kroenke Lake and Mount Yale. Ptarmigan Lake Trail, about 3 miles west, features vivid wildflowers. Middle Cottonwood Creek holds brook trout, with rainbow and cutthroat in the beaver ponds west of the campground. A commercial hot springs is about 5 miles east. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. The campground has vault toilets and drinking water via hand pump. Maximum occupancy is 8 people per site with 2 tents and 2 vehicles or 1 RV up to 50 feet. Dogs must be leashed. Firewood is available for purchase at the host site. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months.

Directions

From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 306. At the stoplight, go west for 11 miles toward Cottonwood Pass. Campground is on the left side of the road. Highway 306 is paved on the east side of Cottonwood Pass.