Whiteside Picnic Area
00 reviewWhiteside Picnic Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees were mentioned, suggesting the sites may be free.
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About this campground
Perched high in the Colorado Rockies at 8,905 feet, Whiteside Picnic Area offers an intimate mountain escape with just four primitive camping sites. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round, inviting adventurous souls to claim their spot among the clouds. While the site embraces simplicity—no water facilities are available—it rewards visitors with unfiltered access to alpine wilderness and the kind of solitude that's increasingly rare in our connected world.
The Whiteside Picnic Area is a small, first-come, first-served site with limited facilities suitable for day-use picnicking rather than overnight camping.
Weather and SeasonsWhiteside's high-altitude location creates a dramatic seasonal tapestry that transforms the landscape throughout the year. Winter arrives with authority, blanketing the area in snow for weeks on end while temperatures hover between a bone-chilling 6°F at night and a crisp 28°F during the day. As spring gradually loosens winter's grip, the mercury climbs to more hospitable ranges, with summer days reaching a pleasant 73°F—perfect for alpine exploration—though nights remain refreshingly cool at 47°F. Visitors should pack layers regardless of the season, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to snow flurries in a heartbeat.
ElevationAt nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, Whiteside Picnic Area sits in the realm of thin air and expansive views. This significant elevation places the campground well above the tree line in many areas, where the atmosphere contains roughly 30% less oxygen than at sea level. Visitors ascending from lower elevations should plan for a gradual adjustment period, staying well-hydrated and taking it easy for the first day or two. The altitude that challenges your lungs also rewards your eyes with crystal-clear air and star-filled nights that seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within the vast expanse of Pike-San Isabel National Forest, Whiteside Picnic Area showcases the raw beauty of Colorado's alpine ecosystem. This mountainous sanctuary presents a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and painted with hardy wildflowers that burst through rocky soil each summer. The surrounding terrain offers a masterclass in high-altitude adaptation, where wind-sculpted pines give way to expansive meadows and granite outcroppings that have stood sentinel for millennia. Wildlife watchers may spot mountain goats navigating impossible cliffs, while overhead, golden eagles ride the thermals in search of prey.
Geological RegionThe campground rests atop the geological backbone of Colorado within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, where tectonic forces have thrust ancient seafloors skyward to create today's majestic peaks. This 8,905-foot perch places visitors squarely in the alpine zone, a harsh yet beautiful environment where exposed granite faces tell stories of volcanic activity and glacial carving that span millions of years. The surrounding peaks and valleys showcase classic Rocky Mountain geology, with mineralized veins that once drew prospectors and dramatic formations that continue to draw photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe source does not provide information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe picnic area consists of four small individual sites.
Sites PrivacyThere is no information about the privacy or secluded nature of the individual sites.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
There are no group sites available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of four basic sites in a compact layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. No specific mention of how quickly they fill.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy since the sites are first-come, first-served.
Activities you can enjoy
The Whiteside Picnic Area is primarily suited for picnicking. No other recreational activities are explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Winter Activities
The source does not provide any information about winter activities at this site.Water Sports
There is no information about water sports at this picnic area.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific campfire policies mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThere is no potable water available, and visitors must prepare accordingly. Typical alpine hazards such as rapid weather changes and wildlife are possible.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services details are unavailable.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of trash or recycling facilities in the provided materials.
Proximity to water featuresThere are no notable water features nearby.
Common complaints"There is no water available at this site."
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive southwest from Denver on US 285 approximately 40 miles to Grant. Turn right (north) onto Park County Route 62 (Guanella Pass), and drive 2.5 miles to the Threemile Trailhead/Whiteside Picnic Area on the left (west) side of the road.
The campground is accessed via Park County Route 62 (Guanella Pass), which is likely paved for most of the stretch. No specific mention of seasonal closures or terrain challenges.Nearby places
Denver (approx. 40 miles, driving southwest)
Grant (approx. 2.5 miles, driving north).
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations are in Grant (approx. 2.5 miles north). Detailed information is unavailable.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Whiteside Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive highlights from user reviews are available.
Common Concerns
No common complaints from user reviews are noted.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
There are no user-provided tips or recommendations in the source materials.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends have been identified based on user reviews.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews addressing specific sites are available.
Accessibility Features
There are no user reviews discussing accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews related to pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025