Collegiate Peaks

Collegiate Peaks Campground is located 11 miles 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 miles 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. Collegiate Peaks campground is heavily wooded with 56 campsites arranged along 3 loops. This campground offers visitors an opportunity for a quiet camping experience with plenty of space between campsites. The Middle Fork of Cottonwood Creek flows along the south side of the campground. Nearby hiking trails include Ptarmigan Lake and the Denny Creek Trail. The Ptarmigan Lake trailhead is located about 2.75 miles west of Collegiate Peaks campground. Denny Creek is located 1 mile west of the campground and accesses the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area.