Cottonwood Lake Boating Site

Area Status: Open

Cottonwood Lake is an 40 acre, man-made lake that serves as one of the water sources for the town of Buena Vista, Colorado. A large picnic area with handicapped accessible fishing docks is located on the east side of the lake.A gravel boat ramp is located on the west side of the lake. Non-motorized boats and canoes are allowed.

Motorized boats, both gasoline and electric, are prohibited.

At a Glance

Rentals & Guides:	No boat rentals are available.
Fees:	No fee is charged for use of the boat ramp.
Permit Info:	Remember to check fishing regulations before fishing at any body of water. For stocking reports and more information on regulations or fishing licenses, check out the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.
Usage:	Medium
Busiest Season:	May-September
Restrictions:	No motorized boats allowed on Cottonwood Lake.
Closest Towns:	Buena Vista, CO
Water:	No
Restroom:	Available in nearby picnic area. Fee required at picnic area.
Passes:	Senior and Access passes are honored for the day use fee at the picnic area.
Information Center:	Salida Ranger District

General Information

Accessibility:

Accessible fishing docks are available at the Cottonwood Lake Picnic Area on the east side of the lake. An accessible toilet and pathways to the docks are also available.

Directions:

From the stoplight in Buena Vista, Colorado, travel west for about 4 blocks on West Main Street. This street continues west outside of the town limits and becomes County Road 306. Stay on CR 306 for about 6 miles to County Road 344 and the sign that indicates a left turn to Cottonwood Lake. Stay on this road for 3 miles to the lake. The boat ramp is located about .5 miles west of the picnic area along the north shore of the lake.

Parking:

Parking is provided across the road from the boat ramp. Parking is restricted along the lake shore and anglers are encouraged to park near the boat ramp.