Cottonwood Lake Picnic Area

Cottonwood Lake Picnic Area is located on the eastern shore of Cottonwood Lake. The picnic area has 17 sites with picnic tables and grills. Anglers can access the lakeshore through the picnic area or walk along the lakeshore to a find a fishing spot.

Reservations

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

General Information

Remember to check fishing regulations before fishing at any body of water. For stocking reports and more information on regulations or fishing licenses, check out the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.

This facility is open year-round. A fee is charged May to September unless camping within a Salida Ranger District developed campground.

Open sunrise to sunset. Day use only; no camping allowed.

A valid Colorado fishing license is required. Remember to check fishing regulations before fishing at any body of water. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Learn to Fish webpage includes stocking reports and more information on regulations and fishing licenses.

No overnight camping is allowed at the picnic area.

This facility is open year-round. There is a $10 fee to use the site from May to September unless camping within a Salida Ranger District developed campground.

Pets must be leashed at all times.

Address: 5575 Cleora Road Salida, CO 81201
Phone: 719-539-3591
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 38.78116626

Longitude: -106.27705376

Elevation

11,640 feet

Directions

From Buena Vista, follow Main Street out of the city limits; this road becomes County Road 306 (Cottonwood Pass Road). Stay on this road for 6 miles to County Road 344 and a sign that indicates "Cottonwood Lake." Stay on County Road 344 for 3 miles to the lake and picnic area.

Parking

Parking is available for 20 vehicles at this site.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

There are accessible fishing docks located along the lakeshore. A hardened trail passes the accessible restroom (at the entrance to the picnic area) and meanders down to the fishing docks. An accessible picnic site is located just across the pathway to the toilet.