Cottonwood Lake

38.78,-106.29
27080 County Road 344 Nathrop Colorado 81236 US

Cottonwood Lake Campground is a very popular site for campers, as well as anglers. Campsites fill up quickly on weekends. Weekdays can be less busy, and campsites may be much more available. This facility has 24 campsites. The campground is situated on a gently sloping hillside surrounded by young stands of aspen trees.

Water is provided by a solar-powered pump. RV’s and camp trailers cannot fill their water tanks from the campground faucets due to the poor recovery of the well. Water tanks should be filled up in Buena Vista prior to visiting the campground.

No showers are available and restrooms are simple vault toilets.

Reservation Information

This is a first-come, first-served campground.

Campground Information
 Fees are payable by cash, check or money order. Self-servicing fee tube is available.
First-come, first-served sites must be occupied the SAME NIGHT.
Golden Age and Golden Access Cardholder: 50% discount off the camping fee only.

The following restrictions apply to this campground:

  • Maximum 8 persons per site: 2 tents and 2 vehicles or 1 recreation vehicle (RV).
  • Maximum RV length is 35 ft.
  • Vehicles must park on the parking pads provided.
  • ATV’s are not allowed in the campground unless on trailers.
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • No discharge of firearms or fireworks.
  • Only licensed vehicles can operate inside campground.
  • Camping is NOT ALLOWED behind a LOCKED GATE.

Due to the presence of endangered boreal toads in the area, anglers are asked to disinfect their waders and boots with a bleach and water solution to prevent the spread of the chytrid fungus that can kill tiny toads. Do not remove or injure the toads, their eggs or tadpoles.

Services & Facilities

2 accessible toilets and water available.

Directions

To get to Cottonwood Lake, travel north on Highway 24 to the only stoplight in Buena Vista. Turn left at the stoplight and travel west on Main Street. Main Street will leave the city limits of Buena Vista and will continue as County Road 306, also known as the Cottonwood Pass road. Stay on this road for about 6 miles then turn left at County Road 344 and the sign that indicates Cottonwood Lake, 3 miles. This road can be rough so drive slowly.