Collegiate Peaks
4.53191 reviewsSALIDA RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA
Quick Facts
9,800 ftPrice
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Open season from May...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
9,800 ftPrice
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Open season from May...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsCollegiate Peaks
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $25.00 per night for standard nonelectric sites during peak season (May 23 - September 20). Additional fees apply for a third vehicle...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$25.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider1-877-444-6777
What Campers Say
4.53
Top-Rated
Based on 191 reviews
61 Google reviews
Most mentioned
privacycleanshadehiking
"User reviews for Collegiate Peaks Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the cleanliness of facilities, scenic surroundings, and attentive camp hosts. Common praises include the peaceful ambiance, proximity to hiking trails, and creekside campsites."
Fees & Passes at Collegiate Peaks
$25/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. No-shows are assessed a $2...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Collegiate Peaks
Summer brings a delightful rhythm to these mountains—warm, golden mornings perfect for adventure give way to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, filling the air with electricity and the scent of rain-soaked pine. At nearly 10,000 feet, evenings turn refreshingly cool, inviting cozy campfires and stargazing under crystalline skies. The high elevation demands respect—give yourself time to adjust to the thin air.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 20, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season from May 23 to September 20; some first-come, first-served availability from June 20 to June 24.
About Collegiate Peaks
Nestled at 9,800 feet where Middle Cottonwood Creek whispers through stands of shimmering aspen and towering conifers, this high-country haven serves as your gateway to Colorado's spectacular Sawatch Range. Wake to the sound of rushing water and spend your days exploring legendary hiking trails, casting lines into pristine mountain streams, or simply breathing in the crisp alpine air beneath the shadow of Cottonwood Pass.
Collegiate Peaks Campground offers a range of camping experiences, including tent camping and RV sites. It caters to both reservable and first-come, first-served campers, with specific loops for each type.
Historical SignificanceThis campground sits in the heart of the legendary Sawatch Range, where generations of adventurers have tested themselves against the Continental Divide. The nearby Cottonwood Pass has long served as a crucial mountain crossing, while the imposing Mount Yale—one of Colorado's famous fourteeners—beckons ambitious hikers. These trails tell stories of mining boom days, Native American passages, and the enduring call of the high country.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings a delightful rhythm to these mountains—warm, golden mornings perfect for adventure give way to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, filling the air with electricity and the scent of rain-soaked pine. At nearly 10,000 feet, evenings turn refreshingly cool, inviting cozy campfires and stargazing under crystalline skies. The high elevation demands respect—give yourself time to adjust to the thin air.
ElevationPerched at 9,800 feet above sea level, this campground offers a true high-altitude experience. The thin mountain air here contains about 30% less oxygen than at sea level, creating that distinctive lightheaded feeling newcomers often notice. Take it slow your first day or two—drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol initially, and let your body adjust to this rarified atmosphere where the stars seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of emerald conifers and golden aspens creates an enchanting canopy overhead, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze. Middle Cottonwood Creek threads through the campground, its crystal-clear waters providing a soothing soundtrack and glimpses of native trout. Summer afternoons often bring nature's own light show as thunderclouds build over the peaks, painting the sky in shades of steel and violet before releasing brief, refreshing showers that leave the forest sparkling.
Geological RegionDeep in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, this campground occupies a stunning pocket of the Sawatch Range, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of soaring peaks and verdant valleys. At 9,800 feet, you're camping in a transition zone where dense forests of spruce, fir, and aspen gradually give way to alpine meadows. From here, Cottonwood Pass climbs toward the Continental Divide, offering sweeping vistas that reveal millions of years of mountain-building written in stone and snow.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has some sites that are described as easier to access, but the rugged terrain and uneven ground at certain sites may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues. Users have not specifically reviewed accessibility features for disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating both small and large setups. Specific sites like #24 are noted for fitting trailers up to 26 feet, while others, like sites #13 and H, are described as tight for larger trailers.
Sites PrivacySites are well-spaced and wooded, providing a good level of privacy. Some sites along the creek, such as #31 and 33, are highlighted for their secluded nature. However, a few reviews mention that certain sites are less private due to their proximity to roads or other campsites.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers with large trailers should avoid sites like H and #13 due to tight access and trees. Creekside sites are preferable for views and sounds of running water.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests allowed per site include two vehicles or one RV/trailer and tow vehicle. A third vehicle incurs a $10 fee.
Groups
No group-specific camping areas or details about group accommodations are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree loops with well-spaced individual campsites. Some sites near the creek; others tucked in the forest.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season from May 23 to September 20; some first-come, first-served availability from June 20 to June 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites #1 and 18-30 are first-come, first-served. Site #2 hosts mid-May through September, available as walk-up afterward.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. No-shows are assessed a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's rate. Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of reservation end date.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Collegiate Peaks offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trailheads, such as Denny Creek and Ptarmigan Lake, provide opportunities for both casual hikes and challenging backcountry exploration. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout in Middle Cottonwood Creek and nearby beaver ponds.
Hiking
The campground is close to prominent trailheads like Denny Creek Trailhead, less than a mile away, leading into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area with destinations like Kroenke Lake and Mt. Yale. The Ptarmigan Lake Trailhead, about 3 miles away, features scenic views of wildflowers and alpine landscapes.Fishing
Fishing opportunities abound in Middle Cottonwood Creek, where anglers can catch brook trout. Beaver ponds west of the campground are known for rainbow and cutthroat trout.Wildlife viewing
Campers have reported sightings of moose and deer, and the surrounding forest provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing smaller wildlife species.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned, as the campground primarily operates during the summer season.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned for this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated rings only. Firewood is sold onsite for $10 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are From 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area; multiple sightings reported. Fly and ant presence noted. Potholes in roads can damage vehicles.
Weather at Collegiate Peaks
28
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 19.8 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Closest hospital and emergency services are in Buena Vista, 11 miles away. Salida may also serve as an option for emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection dumpsters are conveniently located throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned in the available information.
Proximity to water featuresMiddle Cottonwood Creek flows through the campground. Creekside sites offer easy access. Beaver ponds nearby provide fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsIssues with water quality (rusty, high iron content). Potholes in roads and uneven ground reported. Bear presence and insect infestations noted.
HostHosts praised for cleanliness and helpfulness; sell firewood onsite for $10 per bundle.
Campground Map
SALIDA RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Highway 306 is paved on the east side of Cottonwood Pass. Some reviews noted potholes on campground roads, which can be damaging to RVs.Nearby places
Buena Vista (11 miles, approx. 15 minutes), Salida (approx. 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Buena Vista, 11 miles away, has groceries and camping supplies. Water jugs can be filled at Buena Vista Water Station. Hosts sell firewood onsite for $10 per bundle.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
191 reviews
Collegiate Peaks is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Collegiate Peaks Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the cleanliness of facilities, scenic surroundings, and attentive camp hosts. Common praises include the peaceful ambiance, proximity to hiking trails, and creekside campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 191 reviews
What Campers Love
- "Vault toilets are cleaned regularly."
- "Hosts were very friendly and helpful."
- "Beautiful surroundings with well-spaced sites."
- "Close to excellent hiking trails and town amenities."
- "Lots...
Based on 191 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- "Water pumps are unreliable, and the water is rusty or high in iron."
- "Some campsites are uneven, making RV parking difficult."
- "Roads within the campground have large potholes."
- "Frequent...
Based on 191 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own drinking water due to concerns about the on-site water quality.
- Reserve campsites in advance, especially during weekends, as the campground fills quickly.
- Choose creekside sites...
Based on 191 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are the most popular due to the pleasant weather and accessibility of nearby trails. However, afternoon thunderstorms are common during this time. Fall is noted for beautiful aspen...
Based on 191 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "The cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen."
- "Hosts were wonderful and accommodating."
- "Watching the stars at night was incredible."
- "Beautiful location right by the river."
- "Highly...
Based on 191 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site #13: "Fairly level, next to clean bathrooms, peaceful with aspen and pine trees."
- Site #24: "The only spot that fits a 26-ft trailer with slides, peaceful and spacious."
- Site #31 and #33:...
Based on 191 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Few reviews specifically address accessibility features, but uneven terrain and tight turns at some sites may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues or larger RVs.
Based on 191 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, and many reviewers mention bringing their pets. However, some complaints were noted about camp hosts' own dogs being off-leash and causing disturbances.
Based on 191 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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