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Map showing campground location near Buena Vista, Colorado
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NatureMap showing campground location near Buena Vista, Colorado

South Cottonwood Lake

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Road 344 turns rough and unmaintained about a mile past the established fee area, so high-clearance vehicles are a practical requirement rather than a suggestion. The dispersed sites sit roadside rather than tucked into the woods, and on a busy Saturday the area fills quickly, with several rigs sharing a tight 500-foot stretch. The lake is roughly a five-minute drive from the free camping zone and not visible from most sites. Anglers and paddlers will want to stage closer to the water at Cottonwood Lake Campground, which has picnic tables, fire rings, and a restroom for a $20 nightly fee. Campers with longer rigs should scout the turnaround situation before committing to the road. For a broader look at campgrounds around Buena Vista, the surrounding area has additional options at varying access levels.

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Map & DirectionsSouth Cottonwood Lake is located in Colorado near Buena Vista

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

38.77538687 N
106.3063921 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
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Features

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DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - South Cottonwood Lake

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4.0

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2024

South Cottonwood Creek

Boondocking. South of Cottonwood lake campgrounds. Must travel one mile past the FS campground. On road 344. I would recommend to stop at the lake and scout the area. You cannot turn around on the road with a long rig. The road will turn into a high clearance FS unmaintained.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Cottonwood Creek
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Reviewed Aug. 14, 2023

Gorgeous view, average camping spot at best.

Took the lady and the doggo out to this nice spot over the weekend. It’s the perfect area if you’re looking to go kayaking or fishing on the lake that’s settled nicely in the mountains. The area is visually very beautiful and peaceful as it wasn’t too crowded on a regular weekend which was a bit shocking considering how nice of a spot this is.

There are two parts to this campsite, one more established pay-to-camp area ( 20 dollars over night ) that’s much closer to the lake. It has picnic tables and established metal fire pits as well as a restroom and dumpster if that’s the type of camping you like.

The second part (at least this is as far as we went) is further down the road where it’s dispersed free camping areas. I would rate this part a 5/10. The area is about a 5 minute drive from the lake which isn’t in view from the campsite. The road is very rocky at some parts but no issues getting through with my old Jeep grand cherokee. Every site is very close to the next and they’re all right on the side of the road. It was packed on a regular Saturday and all the “decent” spots were taken, they’re not out in the woods nestled in the wilderness if that’s what you’re expecting. We were surrounded by about 4 other campers in a 500 foot radius. The view is gorgeous if you’re able to secure a spot and stick it through all the minor set-backs. Overall, given the negatives to this site, our experience was actually pretty great and I hope this helped!

SiteDispersed area
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of South Cottonwood Lake by michael , August 14, 2023
  • Review photo of South Cottonwood Lake by michael , August 14, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping at South Cottonwood Creek?

Dispersed camping at South Cottonwood Creek follows standard Forest Service regulations. You must camp in previously established sites, practice Leave No Trace principles, and properly dispose of all waste. There are no designated facilities, so campers need to be self-sufficient. Large rigs should use caution as the road has limited turn-around options. It's advisable to scout the area first before bringing in a camper or RV. Always check with the local Forest Service office for current fire restrictions and specific regulations before your visit.

Where is South Cottonwood Creek dispersed camping located?

South Cottonwood Creek dispersed camping is located approximately one mile south of the Cottonwood Lake established campground on Forest Service Road 344. The dispersed camping area sits in a beautiful mountain setting near the lake. The area is accessed by continuing past the main Cottonwood Lake campground, where the maintained road eventually transitions into an unmaintained Forest Service road that requires high-clearance vehicles.

How far is South Cottonwood Creek dispersed camping from Cottonwood Lake and Buena Vista?

South Cottonwood Creek dispersed camping is approximately one mile south of Cottonwood Lake, making it very accessible for those wanting to enjoy fishing or kayaking on the lake. The site is situated within the beautiful mountain backdrop that surrounds the lake area. While the exact distance to Buena Vista isn't specified, the town is within reasonable driving distance, allowing campers to access supplies and amenities as needed while still enjoying the peaceful, less crowded mountain setting.

Can I hike from South Cottonwood Creek dispersed camping to the trailhead?

Yes, you can hike from the South Cottonwood Creek dispersed camping area to nearby trailheads. The area is positioned in a scenic mountain setting that offers good access to hiking opportunities. The South Cottonwood trailhead can be reached from the dispersed camping area, allowing you to enjoy day hikes without needing to drive. The beautiful surroundings make this an excellent base camp for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the trails in the area. Bring appropriate hiking gear as trails may vary in difficulty.

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