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Collegiate Peaks Campground
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 for RVs. 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.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Check out: 12 p.m. (noon) Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. |
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| Reservations: | Sites may be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 at least 4 days in advance. (Friday and Saturday 2-night minimum required stay for weekend reservations. Three-night minimum for holiday weekend reservations). Prior to Memorial Day weekend, sites may be first-come, first-served and hosts and water may not be available |
| Area Amenities: | Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
| Fees: | $25 per site for overnight camping. Two vehicles or one RV per site is included in the camping fee. $10.00 for a third vehicle. $10.00 fee for day use if not camping overnight. Fees are payable by cash, check or money order. Self-servicing fee tube is available. Sites must be occupied the first night of payment. Interagency Senior/Access passes valid for 50% discount to the camping fee for one site. |
| Open Season: | May 17, 2024 - Sept. 22, 2024 |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | Buena Vista, CO |
| Water: | Drinking water from hand pump. |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet |
| Operated By: | Concessionaire |
| Information Center: | For general information, contact the Salida Ranger District. Campground does not have phone service; it is not possible to check availability prior to arrival. |
General Information
Directions:From Buena Vista, CO, take Highway 306. At light, go west for 11 miles toward Cottonwood Pass. Campground is located on the left-hand side of the road.
Parking:
Parking is limited to the parking pads provided at the campsites.
Activities
Campground Camping
| Status: | Open |
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River and Stream Fishing
Middle Cottonwood Creeks flows along the southern boundary of the Collegiate Peaks campground. The stream is small but fairly well stocked with brook trout. Beaver ponds west of the campground can prove to be successful for the determine angler.
Due to the presence of endangered boreal toads (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) in the beaver ponds, anglers are asked to disinfect their waders and boots with a bleach and water solution. This is to prevent the spread of a chytrid fungus that can kill the tiny toads. Do not remove or injure the toads, their eggs or tadpoles.
General Info:
Safety InformationAfternoon thundershowers are common in the high country.
Day Hiking
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.
| Open Season: | May-October |
|---|---|
| Permit: | Special use permits are required for all commercial activities including outfitting and guiding. For more information, contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591 |
| Best Season: | Summer |
Backpacking
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.
Backpackers will enjoy the hike to Hartenstein Lake from the Denny Creek trailhead. The trail continues to Browns Pass and can be hiked as a 3-4 day backpacking trip to Kroenke Lake, Horn Fork Basin and exits at the North Cottonwood trailhead. Detailed maps of this area can be purchased at the Salida Ranger District office.
| Open Season: | June-November |
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| Best Season: | Summer |
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
This campground serves as a wonderful cross-country ski and snowshoeing area during the winter months. The terrain is relatively level. Driving access to the campground during the winter depends on snow levels. Gate closures are possible at Avalanche and Denny Creek trailheads. Check with the Salida Ranger District for current conditions.
Highlights
- 'Queen of the 14ers'
She is the agency’s Colorado Fourteeners Program manager; others simply refer to her as ‘Queen of the 14ers’.
Location