Cottonwood Lake Campground
USFS · Campground · Dispersed · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- Check out: 12 pm (noon)'Quiet hours: 10 pm to 6 am
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Taylor Lagoons Dump Station · 11.5 mi
- Coordinates
- 38.7828, -106.2902
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
The campground is situated on a gently sloping hillside surrounded by aspen trees, within walking distance to the lake. It is a popular campground for anglers and sites fill up quickly on weekends. If the campground is full, dispersed camping is permitted along road 344 half-mile west of Cottonwood Lake.Prior to Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day, camphosts may not be on site.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Cottonwood Lake Campground free?
No. Cottonwood Lake Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Cottonwood Lake Campground?
From Buena Vista, Main Street will leave the city limits and will continue west 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 for about 3 miles.
What are the rules at Cottonwood Lake Campground?
Maximum 8 persons per site. Vehicles must park on the parking pads provided. Dogs must be leashed. No discharge of firearms or fireworks. Most national forests and grasslands are open, free of charge. Fees and permits may be required for some activities and locations.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
