Fishing, paddling, and hiking all pull campers to Cottonwood Lake Campground in San Isabel National Forest, where a regularly stocked rainbow trout fishery sits within walking distance of the sites. The lake is roughly a quarter to half mile from camp, close enough for a morning walk but worth knowing if you plan to haul gear like paddleboards or kayaks. Only human-powered watercraft are allowed on the lake, so expect kayaks, SUPs, and canoes rather than motorized boats. A day-use area with fishing docks and a boat launch gives anglers and paddlers a dedicated access point.
The campground sits within an aspen grove mixed with evergreens, which provides moderate shade and some natural screening between sites. Several sites are spacious and spread out, reducing how close neighbors feel even on busier weekends. Some sites sit on hilly, terraced terrain with steps between levels, so it pays to walk a few options before committing. Stella C. notes it "has decent fishing for small rainbow trout and is stocked on the regular," which lines up with consistent mentions of fish activity across multiple visits. Moose, deer, and elk have also been spotted in the area.
Access comes via a dirt road that most sedans can handle under normal conditions, though heavy rain or snowmelt can make it rougher. The road is far enough from the main highway that traffic noise doesn't carry into camp. Sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving midweek or early on weekends improves the odds of finding a good spot. Vault toilets are available both in the campground and near the lake's fishing pier. No pets are permitted. Cottonwood Creek runs nearby, adding a short hiking option beyond the lake itself.
Buena Vista sits roughly nine miles northeast for resupply, and campers who want more flexibility with campgrounds near Buena Vista will find several alternatives in the corridor. Erik S. calls it his favorite on this particular road, noting "the lake was pretty" at sunrise and that traffic noise is absent from camp. Campers who prefer dispersed camping can find Cottonwood Lake Dispersed Camping a short distance down the road from the main campground.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Facilities
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCottonwood Lake Campground is located in Colorado near Buena Vista
Public CampgroundCoordinates
38.782798 N
106.290197 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/28/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 9 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 23 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 32 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 41 min from Boulder, CO
