Temple View Picnic And Camping Area

For Colorado locals seeking a truly secluded and authentic outdoor experience, the Temple View Picnic And Camping Area offers a unique retreat from the everyday hustle. Nestled along Grape Creek near Cañon City, this spot is less a conventional campground and more a dispersed camping and picnic area, perfect for those who prioritize quiet solitude and rugged natural beauty. While accessing this hidden gem requires a bit of an adventurous spirit due to a challenging road, the reward is a peaceful setting, scenic views, and an opportunity to truly disconnect, as highlighted by visitors who appreciated the "nice view" and "quiet" atmosphere.

Temple View Picnic And Camping Area is ideal for the experienced Colorado outdoor enthusiast who values privacy over extensive amenities. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the sense of being truly "away from it all" is palpable. While some visitors have noted the rough access road and the presence of bugs, these aspects often contribute to the area's wild charm and deter casual visitors, preserving the tranquility for those who seek it. The ability to find a shaded picnic area with a fire pit and trashcan provides essential comforts in a seemingly remote setting, making it a functional and beautiful spot for a day trip or an overnight stay for those prepared for its unique conditions.

This article will provide an in-depth look at the Temple View Picnic And Camping Area, covering its distinct location and accessibility challenges, outlining the basic services it offers, highlighting its key features and what makes it special, and providing essential contact information. We'll also explain why this unique spot is particularly well-suited for adventurous Colorado locals who are prepared for a more rustic and quiet camping experience away from crowded established campgrounds.

The Temple View Picnic And Camping Area is located near Cañon City, CO 81212, with its address primarily listed as Grape Creek Picnic Ground. This places it within the rugged landscape of Fremont County, south of Cañon City, an area known for its dramatic canyons and access to vast public lands. The site is situated along Grape Creek, offering a natural and scenic environment.

Accessibility to Temple View Picnic And Camping Area is a critical factor for prospective visitors, and it's important to note that it can be challenging, as indicated by multiple reviewer comments. The journey involves a "very rough" road, particularly "the last mile," which is characterized by "many potholes and rocks." One reviewer stated it "took us 20 minutes to do 1 mile," emphasizing the slow and careful driving required. While "most vehicles can handle it fine," the road is described as "a little rough and narrow," suggesting that vehicles with higher clearance, such as SUVs or trucks, would be more suitable. It is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles or large RVs.

Despite the challenging access, the "very nice scenic drive" leading to the area is often highlighted, suggesting that the journey itself is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of "great places along the drive for some camping or hiking." Due to the remote nature and challenging road, cell signal is very limited. One reviewer noted that a "cell tower" was "3 miles away, but because of the mountains it's hard to get a signal. Sometimes late at night with a booster it worked, but slow." This reinforces the area's secluded character and the expectation of being largely disconnected. For Colorado locals who own capable vehicles and enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations, the challenging access contributes to the area's quiet and uncrowded atmosphere.

Temple View Picnic And Camping Area, being a more rustic and dispersed camping/picnic site rather than a fully developed campground, offers basic but essential services focused on facilitating a self-sufficient outdoor experience. The provided amenities cater to day-use picnicking and primitive camping.

• Shaded Picnic Areas: Reviewers specifically mention "a shaded picnic area," indicating that designated spots with natural shade are available. This is a crucial amenity in Colorado's sunny climate, providing comfort during daytime use.

• Fire Pits: The presence of a "fire pit" is confirmed by visitor reviews. These are typically basic metal rings or rock-lined pits for campfires, allowing for cooking and warmth (subject to current fire restrictions and bans, which should always be checked prior to visiting).

• Trash Cans: "Trashcan" availability is also noted, which is a valuable service for maintaining the cleanliness of the area and promoting Leave No Trace principles. Visitors should still be prepared to pack out everything they pack in if cans are full or unavailable.

• Designated Camping/Picnic Spots: While not formal campsites with numbers, there are "some spots" along the drive and within the area suitable for "camping or hiking." This suggests informal, designated areas where visitors can set up tents or enjoy a meal.

• No Potable Water: As is common with dispersed or primitive areas, there is no mention of potable water. Visitors should assume they need to bring all their own drinking water for the duration of their stay.

• No Restrooms: There is no mention of restrooms or vault toilets. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions and practice proper waste disposal (e.g., catholes for human waste).

• Limited or No Cell Service: As noted by a reviewer, cell service is extremely limited or non-existent due to the mountainous terrain, even with a booster. This emphasizes the remote nature of the site.

Temple View Picnic And Camping Area's charm lies in its raw, undeveloped beauty and the opportunities it offers for a truly authentic wilderness experience. Its features and highlights appeal to those seeking solitude and a break from crowded recreation areas.

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: A consistent highlight from reviews is the "very quiet" environment and the fact that "not too many people around." This makes it an ideal escape for those who value peace and solitude in nature, away from the hustle of more popular campgrounds.

• Scenic Views: The "nice view" is a noted feature, indicating beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape. The drive itself is described as "very nice scenic," suggesting picturesque surroundings throughout the area.

• Dispersed Camping Opportunities: Unlike traditional campgrounds with designated, numbered sites, Temple View offers a more "dispersed" camping experience along Grape Creek. This allows for greater flexibility in choosing a spot and enhances the feeling of wilderness camping.

• Grape Creek Access: Being located along Grape Creek provides opportunities for creek-side relaxation, exploration, and potentially fishing, depending on local regulations and conditions.

• Hiking Potential: The area offers "some great places along the drive for some camping or hiking," suggesting informal trails or opportunities for off-trail exploration for those who enjoy traversing rugged terrain.

• Shaded Picnic Spots: The availability of "shaded picnic areas" is a practical highlight, offering respite from the sun during warmer months and making day trips more comfortable.

• Fire Pit Availability: The presence of fire pits allows for traditional camping activities like campfires and outdoor cooking, adding to the authentic wilderness experience (always check for fire bans).

• Off-Road Adventure Access: The "rough" and "narrow" road to access the area is a feature in itself for those with capable vehicles. It deters casual visitors, preserving the remote feel, and appeals to locals who enjoy off-road driving as part of their outdoor adventure.

For those adventurous Colorado locals interested in visiting the Temple View Picnic And Camping Area, here is the essential contact information. As this appears to be a more primitive, dispersed camping area, direct phone numbers for the site itself are not typically available. Information regarding such areas is usually managed by the local land management agency.

Address: Grape Creek Picnic Ground, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA

Given its location near Cañon City and likely within public lands (such as Bureau of Land Management - BLM or U.S. Forest Service - USFS jurisdiction), general inquiries about the area, road conditions, or fire restrictions should be directed to the relevant local field office.

For the Cañon City area, this would likely be the Royal Gorge Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Royal Gorge Field Office:Phone: (719) 269-8500

It is highly recommended to contact this office before planning your trip to get the most up-to-date information on road conditions (especially concerning the "rough" sections), any seasonal closures, fire bans, or specific regulations regarding dispersed camping in the Grape Creek area. Since cell service is extremely limited at the site, having this information beforehand is crucial for a safe and enjoyable visit.

The Temple View Picnic And Camping Area is particularly well-suited for Colorado locals who truly embrace the state's rugged, adventurous spirit and desire an escape from crowded, conventional campgrounds. This isn't a place for those seeking extensive amenities or paved access; instead, it appeals to those who are prepared for a more self-reliant and immersive outdoor experience.

For locals, the challenging access road, while a deterrent for some, is part of its charm. It filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who make the effort are rewarded with a "very quiet" environment and "not too many people around." This means more solitude, more opportunities to appreciate the "nice view," and a deeper connection to the untamed beauty of Colorado's wilderness. The ability to find a shaded picnic spot with a fire pit and trashcan provides just enough comfort while maintaining a primitive feel.

Furthermore, for those who value true disconnection, the limited cell service is a feature, not a bug. It forces a digital detox, allowing for full immersion in nature's sounds and sights. The Temple View Picnic And Camping Area is perfect for adventurous Coloradans with capable vehicles who enjoy off-road excursions as part of their journey to a peaceful, scenic, and truly remote camping or picnicking spot. It offers an authentic taste of Colorado's backcountry, making it an ideal choice for a quiet and memorable local escape.

Temple View Picnic And Camping Area

Grape Creek Picnic Ground, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA