cottonwood lake

We went there twice on our stay in Buena Vista. So relaxing and we enjoyed an excellent picnic accompanied by some cute local blue jays and amazing views.

This is a great lake to take the family for a time of fishing and picnicking. There is a nice campground with hookups close by the lake.

First of all, this lake is not in downtown Buena Vista as the TripAdvisor App map indicates. It is about 10 miles outside of town. To get there take CR 306 (Main Street), which is paved, west out of Buena Vista. Go about 7 miles to come to CR 344 to the left. This road is not paved and can be wash-board and rutted, but any car can make it if you take your time. Do not let your GPS guide you down CR 343 which is much rougher. The lake itself is small and seems to be popular with fishermen. The scenery is wonderful, particularly in the fall when the aspen leaves turn. There is a campground, Cottonwood campground, which is very nice and even has spots for fairly large RV's.

This is a great lake for fishing or kayaking. It is in a quiet area which is part of the San Isabel National Forest. There are lots of hiking trails, picnic facilities available. It also appeared that there was a boat launch and pier. We had a lovely morning here with our family just fishing from the docks.

The tranquility of Cottonwood Lake is incredible. I have never gone to this lake and not caught a fish - although some fish have definitely been small!

Stopped here for a moment to watercolor - what a fantastic setting! I would recommend this - popular fishing hole too.

Beautiful area with a stocked lake. Many camping areas, both formal and boondocking. Hiking, 4x4ing, jeeping with a town ( Buena Vista) fairly close. Two fee areas. One for camping and one day use.

We spent four nights at the Cottonwood national Forrest campground. The fishing at cottonwood lake was great, the senery was breathtaking. The primitive toilets were clean and well kept. The campground very nice and peaceful at night.

Been to Buena Vista MANY, MANY, MANY times, and this is our first time to visit Cottonwood Lake! Very beautiful setting! We camped up the road in the campground, and enjoyed our site very much. Quiet campground!

Quiet and not far from Buena Vista. Choice of pay sites or where I camped to the west side of the lake with free tent and rv camping.

A short drive down an unpaved road takes you to this cute little lake. There were several people fishing when I visited, so it must be a good fishin' hole. I believe that it must be very pretty in that area in the fall.

Very nice high country lake for fishing. About 20 minutes west of BV. It was windy on the day we visited, but that is common in Colorado

Road going in is a bit bumpy but the scenery is nice and deer plentiful. A lot of people fishing and enjoying the lake.

With the Arkansas river being so high, spent a day fishing on Cottonwood Lake. Nice size rainbow trouts, pretty lake, and easy to get to.

Liked: fun fishing, gorgeous scenery, not too crowded, clean "outhouse" (for a park service variety)Disliked: bumpy roads getting there (only way in), no running water anywhere besides the lake, more restrooms would be nice for a lake that large