Glade Park & Piñon Mesa Camping
The reward for a pleasant hike from Miracle Rock campground is to find the rock itself, still defying gravity. This photo is the lazy person's view, taken from the road. It looks much more interesting up close. I did not want to spoil it for you! Links and camping information below, after my jewels of wisdom. Camping and Karma(Or the Golden Rule, metaphysics, or whatever you want to call it)The quality of the camping experience is not just based on the campsite itself. It also depends on your state of mind, and what you are after. Maybe you just want to get away from the routine, breathe fresh air, and relax in a canvas chair with a cold one. In that case, you probably want a place that is quiet, scenic, not too crowded. Or maybe camping is part of some other outdoor activity, like horseback riding, mountain biking, ATVing, hiking, fishing or hunting. Then you will be looking for a site that is reasonably close to trails or bodies of water that accommodate that activity. If you have a handicap, or physical limitations it might be important to check out some sites ahead of time to be sure they will accommodate your needs. A developed, or designated, campsite provides more comfort and ease, but tends to be more crowded, and less secluded. Potable water on site, or hauling plenty with you? Picnic tables or lap? Outhouse or “cathole”? It depends on your needs and what is important to you. If you decide to find a “dispersed” or undeveloped site on BLM or Forest Service, there are guidelines to follow. They help ensure that the whole forest doesn’t end up looking like one continuous campground. If you find that the Pigpen’s were there first, you have 3 obvious options. Move on hoping to find a pristine place you can make your mark on. Camp in their mess and be pissed off at them. OR enter into a transcendent state and pick up their litter. Yes, you heard me right. When it is done, you will probably enjoy the campsite more, and will feel connected to principles beyond yourself. Whether or not you call it karma, metaphysics, “passing it on”, or the Golden Rule, your good acts will return to you and your fellow campers. If you are the Pigpen's, wise up. Your actions will also come back to you. The good news is that there is still time left to change your ways. Below are some links and information on designated campsites, or leaving civilization behind (to the extent that is still possible.)
Glade Park Designated CampingMiracle Rock Campground - BLM Miracle Rock - time lapse photography by Cosmotions
Piñon Mesa CampgroundsMud Springs Campground "Fruita Picnic Area" - Forest ServiceThe locals used to call this spot the “Ranger Station Campground.” It is located just below Fruita Reservoir #2. As the name indicates, the Forest Service currently considers it a picnic area rather than a camp ground, but it is not illegal it camp there. It just has parking areas rather than campsites, and you need to pack trash out. It does have some facilities. It has outhouses. A well provides potable water. The Forest Service indicates that at times a sign may recommend boiling the water, if testing is not current. I am not aware of bear problems, but take precautions with food. This area also has a small amphitheater with podium and surrounding benches, for meetings, speakers, weddings, etc. Groups of 75 or more need to get a permit by contacting the Grand Valley Ranger District, Grand Mesa National Forest Service, 970-242-8211. Current contact person is Ryan Fricke.
"Haypress" Picnic Area - Forest Service“Haypress” Picnic Area – Forest Service This area is just below Fruita Reservoir #3. Though it has had picnic tables and a restroom in the past, I am told they may be removed. The Forest Service says that it is now considered open camping, which means that it has no facilities (restrooms, trash cans, or water.) It is a popular campground for people fishing at Fruita Reservoir #3, but campers should be prepared to bring their own potable water, possibly a portable toilet, and pack out trash. Black bears have been known to visit campsites here, so care should be taken to secure food.Enochs Lake – City of FruitaPhotos taken at Enochs Lake"Dew-drop" by Imer "Driftwood" by Imer The City of Fruita owns 80 acres surrounding and including Enochs Lake. Actually it is a large reservoir, surrounded by quakie and spruce. City of Fruita has put in a few concrete picnic tables, and fire rings. There is one outhouse, but many of the campsites are a little hike away (plan ahead.) Most who camp here are fishing. There is some hillside terrain, so if you need level ground this may not be the best spot for you. The City of Fruita asks that minimum impact camping be observed. Please do not create new fire circles; do not use fire circles to dispose of trash; and pack out trash. Take precautions to secure food so that bears are not attracted.
How to not get cozy with black bears!
Please let us know about your Glade Park/Piñon Mesa camping experiences. Write a review of a campground, or impart your knowledge. Get Away From the Maddening Crowds Experience a "crowd-free" vacation! Choose a place from our list of getaways to create special memories for couples and families, whether your preference is hiking, camping, cozy cabins, hot springs, romantic getaways, national parks, etc www.whistler-outdoors.com Whistler BC.- Skiing, hiking, heli and cross country skiing, camping, parks, travel maps, renting motorhomes, accommodations, golf courses, history. Everything a visitor will need to have a memorable vacation in the mountains! www.travel-trailer-rvcamping.com With travel trailers, the sky's the limit. Your travel trailer has no boundries on where and how long you stay. From an RV park to the backwoods, you can do it. Come on, let's go RVing!
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