Cottonwood Lake Campground

Camping beneath the canopy of Pike-San Isabel National Forest, Cottonwood Lake Campground in Nathrop offers a gateway to the Salida Ranger District’s 440,000 acres of public land. Established by the U.S. Forest Service in 1905, this facility sits near Salida, Buena Vista, and Poncha Springs, providing access to seven 14,000-foot peaks known as fourteener, including Harvard and Shavano. The grounds support a wide array of outdoor pursuits, from day hikes and mountain biking to horseback riding and motorized boating on the lake. Visitors can explore 289 designated day hikes, ride OHV trails, or enjoy winter activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The campground features free Wi-Fi, ample parking, and wheelchair accessibility, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby wilderness areas such as Browns Canyon National Monument and the Collegiate Peaks. Whether seeking solitude or social recreation, guests find picnic spots for groups, interpretive exhibits, and scenic views of wildlife and flora. This USFS-managed site balances conservation with recreation, offering everything from ice fishing to target shooting within easy reach.