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Cottonwood Lake Campground (Pike – San Isabel)

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Things To Do

Cottonwood Lake Campground is a great spot to set up camp in the Buena Vista area. The 25-site campground sits among stands of young aspen just above sparkling Cottonwood Lake at over 9,500 feet of elevation. To get there, head west on Main Street from U.S. 24 (the only traffic light in Buena Vista), which turns into County Road 306. After six miles, turn left onto County Road 344 at the sign for Cottonwood Lake, and continue along a rough road about three more miles to the campsite. Vault toilets and drinking water are available, and RVs up to 35 feet can be accommodated. Cottonwood Lake Campground is not universally accessible, although the restrooms are. Reservations are not accepted here, and the campground can become busy in the summer, particularly on weekends.

Pro Tips

  • This first-come-first-served campground sees lots of traffic during the summer; be prepared to have to a backup camping plan. Several other public campgrounds exist nearby, and primitive camping is available beyond the campground toward the lake.
  • This is a popular area for fishing. Try your luck at Cottonwood Lake, where human-powered craft are allowed, or check the stream-fishing scene on the South Fork of Cottonwood Creek just south of the campground.
  • If hiking is more your speed, many trailheads are located a short drive from Cottonwood Lake Campground, including Segment 13 of the Colorado Trail and several 14,000-foot peaks, including Mount Yale and Mount Princeton.
  • Recommended season(s): Summer.

    —Brett Green & Stewart M. Green



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