Nestled in Buena Vista, Colorado, Collegiate Peaks Campground is a peaceful hidden gem surrounded by beautiful aspen trees. The spacious sites are well-kept, making it the perfect spot to kick back and soak in nature. In this blog, we’ll dive into everything that makes this campground a must-visit for your next family camping adventure!
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Location of Collegiate Peaks Campground
Just a 2.5-hour drive from Denver, Colorado, you’ll arrive at this beautiful campground. The drive itself is breathtaking, as you pass through mountains and along rivers. The nearest town is Buena Vista, just a quick 20-minute drive from the campground. It’s the perfect spot to relax in nature while still being close enough to enjoy the charm of a nearby town.
Entrance to Collegiate Peaks Campground
Camp Host
When you arrive at Collegiate Peaks Campground, you’ll see the camp host right on your left, but there’s no need to check-in.
We had a little hiccup when we arrived—I realized I forgot to take a screenshot of our reservation email! With no cell signal in the mountains, I couldn’t check my email to find our site number. Thankfully, the camp host was super helpful and got us sorted out right away.
It’s nice that the camp host is easy to find, right at the entrance. At some campgrounds, it can be tricky to track them down, so this was really convenient.
At the entrance, there’s a whiteboard with info on available campsites for the day, so you can easily check what’s open. For example, here’s what was available on Sunday. We stayed on Saturday, and it was completely booked. If you’re planning to visit during the peak season from late May to mid-September, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
Firewoods are available at the campground
The camp host also sells firewood right at their site for $8 a bundle. You’ll need cash to pay—there’s a can where you drop your money. We didn’t realize the campground had firewood for sale, so we ended up buying some at a grocery store in Buena Vista. It would’ve been so much easier to grab it at the campground!
Quick tip: Firewood can carry bugs or eggs that might harm the local ecosystem, so it’s best to buy your firewood close to your campsite.
Collegiate Peaks Campground Map
This campground is really spacious, so getting around entirely on foot can be a bit challenging. Especially at night, when it gets really dark, we found it easier to drive to fetch water or take out the trash. Additionally, since the size of each campsite varies, it’s worth checking the official website for more details before you reserve a spot.
Middle Cottonwood Creek: The Campground’s Tranquil Stream
A peaceful little stream runs through the campground, adding a touch of nature’s soundtrack to your stay. Now, it’s not the kind of river deep enough for tubing—more like a gentle creek that’s about ankle-deep for adults. The sites near the creek have plenty of shade, and the sound of the water is incredibly soothing. We stayed at site 32, and while it was a great spot, we couldn’t hear the creek at all from there. So, if you’re hoping to fall asleep to the sound of flowing water, I’d recommend choosing a site closer to the stream!
Campsite #32 at Collegiate Peaks Campground
Here’s a look at the spot our family stayed at—Site 32. It was so convenient because we could set up our tent right next to where we parked. Most of the other sites are laid out like this too, with plenty of room to spread out. There’s actually enough space for two families to camp together comfortably!
The neighboring sites are well-spaced, with plenty of trees in between, so you’ve got lots of privacy. The aspen trees, with their beautiful white bark, added a really nice touch. When the wind blows, the leaves rustle, making it a super relaxing spot to camp.
Campsite Amenities
Each site comes with a picnic table and a BBQ grill. Since this is a bear country, not all sites have food storage lockers. We made sure to store our food in the car overnight for safety. The picnic table at our site was pretty worn out, but it still did the job!
The mountain view from Site 32 is simply breathtaking—pure relaxation at its best.
Weather and Elevation at the Collegiate Peaks Campground
Even in July, you can enjoy stunning views at this campground, but the snow on the peaks is a reminder that you’re at a pretty high elevation. If you’re sensitive to altitude, bringing an oxygen booster might be a good idea. Make sure to stay hydrated and be mindful of altitude sickness.
During the day, it feels warmer than the actual temperature, so don’t forget your sunscreen. However, once the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly, so be prepared with layers to keep warm at night.
Also, due to the high altitude, regular lighters can be tricky to use. A rechargeable electric lighter can come in handy.
Facilities at Collegiate Peaks Campground
Restrooms
Collegiate Peaks Campground doesn’t have showers, and the toilets are non-flush. But don’t worry—they’re kept really clean! One thing to note is that there’s no electricity in the restrooms. So, if you need to use them after dark, make sure to bring a headlamp or lantern.
Water Access
With just one spigot in the campground, it’s smart to bring plenty of water or have a water jug on hand for convenience.
Dumpster at Collegiate Peaks Campground
There’s just one dumpster at the campground, and it’s right by the entrance. Since bears are around, make sure to toss your trash before bedtime. Our site (Site 32) was a bit of a hike from the entrance, so getting to the dumpster took some effort. During the day, it wasn’t a big deal, but after dark, it got a little spooky with how dark it was. If you’re staying far from the trash bins, I’d recommend driving over or handling it before the sun goes down.
Nearby Towns from Collegiate Peaks Campground
A 20-minute drive from the campground takes you to the nearest town, Buena Vista. This charming little town has a quaint downtown area with restaurants, gift shops, and lovely brick buildings. Buena Vista also has a grocery store, so you can stock up on supplies like food and firewood. Since we arrived late, we grabbed takeout from a Mexican restaurant in Buena Vista and enjoyed our meal back at the campground.
Hot Springs near Collegiate Peaks Campground
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Just a 10-minute drive from the campground, you’ll find a riverside hot spring surrounded by nature. It’s a swimsuit-required spot, and the natural setting makes it a beautiful place to relax. Photos aren’t allowed inside, so you can fully unwind without distractions. However, when we visited in the summer, there were quite a few bugs and pollen floating in the water, which was a bit disappointing. Honestly, I wouldn’t rush back in the summer, but on a better day, it could be an amazing spot.
The showers and changing rooms are a bit small, and they could use some improvement in cleanliness. The changing rooms are separated by gender but aren’t private.
Cottonwood Hot Springs
18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211
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Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Another option, about 30 minutes from the campground, is the Mount Princeton Hot Springs, which is also a swimsuit-required facility. This hot spring is highly recommended and well worth the trip! For more details, check out this article.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
21810 Hancock Ln, Nathrop, CO 81236
Final Thoughts
This campground offers a truly stunning experience, with snow-capped mountains in view and a gentle creek providing a soothing backdrop—even in the height of summer. The sites are spacious, and the tall trees provide plenty of privacy, making it a quiet retreat where you can fully immerse yourself in nature.
Keep in mind, though, that there’s only one water spigot, so choosing a site near it can be convenient. Also, the lack of shower facilities might make extended stays a bit challenging, but the nearby hot springs are a great alternative for staying fresh. If you’re looking to relax and unwind in a beautiful natural setting, this campground is a fantastic choice.
Cost: $25 per night
Reservation Period: Late May to Late September
Collegiate Peaks Campground
Ranger District, Salida, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Reservation: Recreation.gov
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2 thoughts on “Why We Love Collegiate Peaks Campground in Colorado”
素晴らしい自然の連続ですね。
日本在住なので、コロラドの事は殆ど知りませんでしたが、このブログを見てコロラドが好きになりそうです。
次回アメリカ旅行の時は、是非コロラドに行きます。
コメントありがとうございます！コロラド州は州全体が国立公園のような景色の連続です。これからもコロラド州の魅力をお伝えしていきます！