Mary E. or Lawson Hill? Pros and Cons please?

[sarrygarcia7]

2nd TBG and wasn't upset this year when we didn't get the lottery because I didn't expect to. We thought about a condo, but too late and too expensive. We did Mary E. last year and liked it. The shuttles were plentiful and not as long as I heard. We are thinking of Lawson Hill this year. Closer, shorter shuttle, bike path to town. Input....

[carty]

Camped there last year, got into town early and almost had the whole field to ourselves. The only regret I had about staying there was that we camped in the shade and we never got sun during the morning so it was freezing whenever we were at our campsite. Great camp site and like you said, it has lots of access to bikes and walking paths to town

 Listening to: Jeffery's Hell: The Boxcars

[Auntie Hope]

You are camping in one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL places on this earth. No cons. 

Auntie Hope 

[sarrygarcia7]

That's what I realized last year Auntie Hope, though Town Park would be nice, everywhere is amazing. Just wanted to know the pros and cons of Mary E. vs Lawson Hill. 

[skyrunner]

 I love Mary E. But I would rather be out in the woods over anything else. The scenery at Mary E. is really hard to beat. 

 Listening to: Steep Canyon Rangers, Telluride 2013

[Brigid]

Hi!  First time festival goer.  Does anybody know if you camp at Lawson Hill, if you are able to get access the $4 showers at the high-school since there are no showers available at Lawson?

[completejohn]

Yes. the bus going to the fest will drop you off at the HS

[Brigid]

<Yes. the bus going to the fest will drop you off at the HS>

Great - thank you!!

[aaronacp15]

This past year they had showers available at Lawson Hill as well which was amazing! I believe it was 5 dollars per shower. Enjoy!

[skyrunner]

 Although there is not that much for privacy at the high school. From what a coach told me, we fund a great part of their sports program from the showers. Thought that was kind of cool.   

 Listening to: Sam Bush, Telluride 2010

[Hot Sugar]

For anyone interested: I spent my first two TBFs camping at Illium and had a great time. As an avid skiier, backpacker, hiker, fisher and basic outdoors-man, you can't beat the scenery and vibe at Illium with a Lawson pass. Neither is ideal (compared to on site camping), but I would much rather stay at Illium than Lawson. The scenery alone makes it worth it.

[petefrane]

This past year they had showers available at Lawson Hill as well which was amazing! I believe it was 5 dollars per shower. Enjoy!

Hi I was hoping you could help me with some info about lawson hill camping.
You said that last year they had showers there? How did they have them set up? Is there a shower building? Seems odd that they may or may not have showers? Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks

Pete

[sarrygarcia7]

We choose Illium last year to be more in nature. Trying Lawson Hill this year because it's closer and has a bike path to Town, which will be key. Plus the scenery is beautiful everywhere and you spend most of your time on fest grounds anyway. Definitely going to take advantage of the showers this year at the high school which anyone can use for the fee (would be nice if they were at Lawson, but doesn't say on PB site). Last year I took one bath in the river at Illium and I was gross. As only a second timer I do have some recommendations, or things I will be doing different. Thicker, warmer tent with much more cold weather camping gear as well a serious outdoor clothing gear for night. AND the # 1 thing I will do different for camp is a community party tent. It was so cold and dark (fire ban) when you got back after the show that all we could do is retire to our separate quarters and go to sleep. We are setting up a big easy up with sides completely closed in with lights and an electric heater so we can all hang out after at our site. 

[skyrunner]

  Well if anything else. I usually set up right by the main road with my little solar panel system, and let people charge their phones. It's just right down the road from
Sir. Richard the free coffee in the morning. Social spot of the campground from 7-9 in the morning. Just like any campground, the family community spirit is definitely out at      Mary E.    

[greg_from_aa]

Definitely going to take advantage of the showers this year at the high school which anyone can use for the fee (would be nice if they were at Lawson, but doesn't say on PB site).

Lawson Hill had 4/5 shower trailers this year. They were great, although the hours were limited (so plan carefully).
No need to try to get to the HS showers.

 Listening to: WDVX: live online from Eastern Tennessee's own