One important thing to consider as far as shuttle goes, even though there’s one coming and going about every 20 minutes, It takes over a full hour to get from festival grounds back to campsite at Mary E, and back to festival grounds. So most folks leave in the morning with everything they’ll need for the entire day/night. Bare minimum that’s clothing for three seasons, rain/snow gear and probably chairs. Telluride in June can feel like 90 degrees in the full sun, and it quickly drops to winter coat weather as soon as the sun sets, also it can go from sunny and warm to cold and rain/snow/hail in minutes so you’ll want clothing layers for a variety of weather everyday. If you do have to go back and forth, you will miss parts of or all of whatever sets you leave during, as I said there’s no way to do the round trip in under an hour. Also be sure and meet all your neighbors, both in camp and in festival, you’ll probably make life long friends, I know we have, and those friends are what’s kept us coming back.
Your knowledge share is so very much appreciated!! We will definitely get to know our neighbors! I hate to even be asking this & I hope this isn’t the case, but is theft an issue at the festival?
Also, my husband was curious about how best to pack our food giving the wildlife in the area. Is it best to keep it in our car or storage totes?
Theft isn’t a big problem. I would probably lock my bike if I was going to be gone for the day just to be safe. But it’s never been an issue in the 10 years I’ve been going.
As far as food, I would keep it in plastic tubs or something similiar. The chipmunks and magpies take advantage of any opportunity they can get to snag your bread and snacks. A fellow camper lost 3 pounds of cashews overnight becaue they forgot to zip up their storage all the way. I wouldn’t really worry about bears or larger scavengers too much during bluegrass. Too many people around for them to want to be wandering through the campground.
Thank you soo much, that is super helpful!! 3 pounds overnight is impressive hahah!
Needless to say, they were not very happy to disvover that in the morning. And it was early too, before the first Saturday landrush. No festy cashews for the humans!
You sure it was chipmunks, and not some Run-a-Muck folks looking for a late night snack?
Not really
Uh huh
Regarding ToddG’s comments on weather and clothing: It can get cold at night and sometimes, like last year, in the daytime, too. I live in Wisconsin and I bring my 0-32 degree parka with a down sweater/jacket underneath. Long underwear is always a good choice. And keep in mind that you might be sitting or standing still for a few hours — not generating a lot of body heat. Full disclosure: I’m old (71) and get cold easily. But I come back to TBF every year and have a great time. And you will, too 
Newbie here as well - with Mary E Ilium camping/VP. Cannot wait to get there and meet the folks in the “neighborhood!” Cheers! - Kim
Same here!!
I appreciate it😊 I get cold easily as well so we will definitely make sure we’re prepared!
This video is a bit shaky, but gives you a pretty good idea what to expect at Mary E. https://youtu.be/CTjNPgNPd0E?si=XWzcwr0HcNBS-NbL
Last year I was in rain gear for 3 days straight with lots of layers. In 2021, I barely needed a jacket at night. Hence, pack for all 4 seasons. Welcome!
So far, I’ve not seen a clear answer to whether or not one is allowed to bring a wagon on the shuttle. Please forgive me if it’s been answered and I’ve missed it.
I can’t vouch for this myself but ToddG said it’s doable in a thread a few years back: Mary Illium Camping Tips? - #9 by ToddG
You can bring wagons, shade shelters, bags, ice chests and whatever you can haul. But, at peak times like 8am-10am when there’s most likely lines of folks waiting, it can be frowned upon taking up extra space, but everyones going to be hauling a large amount of stuff. The largest amount of walking with your gear will be from your campsite to the shuttle, the shuttles drop off right outside the main entrance to the festival.
Thank you, I really appreciate the information.