This high-altitude campground sits in a subalpine setting with 56 sites scattered among Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Most sites can handle RVs up to 40 feet, though the elevation and mountain weather make this strictly a summer operation. The campground serves as base camp for climbers tackling Mount Harvard, Mount Columbia, and other nearby fourteeners, so expect company during peak season.
Access is via paved Cottonwood Pass Road from Buena Vista, though the final stretch climbs steadily through switchbacks. The campground typically opens in late May or early June depending on snowpack and closes by mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended for July and August weekends.
High-altitude basecamp for Sawatch Range fourteeners.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Collegiate Peaks Campground Road, Colorado Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 9900 ft |
| Nearest town | Buena Vista, Colorado |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 56 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $28.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | June-September |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |