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Cottonwood Lake - Psicc

Closed

The campground is currently closed for the season and reopens May 15, 2026. Season runs May through September with exact dates weather dependent. Camp hosts may not be on site before Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day.

Flash Flood Watch issued August 31 at 1:49PM MDT until September 1 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

1:49 PM — 10:00 PM

* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall continue to be possible over the Willow burn scar. * WHERE...A portion of central Colorado, including the following areas, Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet, Central Lake County Below 11000 Feet and Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Willow burn scar will be possible up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Willow burn scar should prepare for potential debris flow. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall over the burn scar, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Locations in and near the Willow Burn Scar, and the Chalk Cliffs. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

San Isabel National Forest

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

San Isabel National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

About

Cottonwood Lake Campground sits at approximately 9,600 feet elevation in the San Isabel National Forest, offering 25 campsites on a gently sloping hillside surrounded by aspen trees. The campground is within easy walking distance of Cottonwood Lake, making it a favorite destination for anglers targeting stocked trout. Sites fill quickly on summer weekends, so early arrival is recommended. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only with no advance reservations. Visitors must physically arrive to claim and pay for a site using the self-service fee tube (cash, check, or money order) or QR code payment via the Recreation.gov mobile app. Each site accommodates a maximum of 8 people with 2 tents and either 2 vehicles or 1 RV. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed at all times. This is a primitive campground with no potable water available. Campers should bring sufficient drinking water and enough to fully extinguish campfires. Two accessible vault toilets serve the campground. Firewood is available for purchase at the camphost site. If the campground is full, dispersed camping is permitted along County Road 344 starting about half a mile west of the campground.

Directions

From Buena Vista, travel west on Main Street which becomes County Road 306 (Cottonwood Pass Road). Continue for about 6 miles, then turn left onto County Road 344 and travel approximately 3 miles to the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $22

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (661) 702-1420

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

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