Town Park Primitive Camping

[CG5280]

I noticed on the official Telluride campground map ( http://www.telluride-co.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6622/Campground-Brochure-2019?bidId= ) that there are parking spaces for the walk-in sites. Does this mean that primitive campers can leave their cars there, as there are actual designated spaces?

Also, we'd love to hear opinions from anyone who's camped there -- is it a lot quieter? Did you find it inconvenient being so far from the amenities, or is that part of the draw?

We camped in TP a couple times about 20 years ago, but didn't do much exploring of the campground. Also, I'm guessing things might have changed since then. 

Thanks in advance!

[ToddG]

Can't have your car anywhere within that area unless you have a vehicle pass. I didn't camp in the primitive side of TP, but would guess its slightly tamer than the Bear Creek side. Certainly further away and not "on the way" to anywhere else, so probably less traffic too.

[Maggie1B]

We camped Warner Field last year - no parking in the area unless you have a vehicle pass.  We were directed to park outside of town but by the time we unloaded on Wednesday morning those spots were filled up, ended up parking in the parking garage in Mountain Village then rode the gondola back over to Telluride. 

Noise level - can't comment on TP "quiet areas" - honestly I don't think there are any - LOL....there was music, partying till dawn.  The noise didn't bother us - we ended up being so tired by 10-11ish every night that we had no trouble falling asleep when the main stage entertainment stopped.

[dhand]

Stayed in premitive area last year. In the meadow along the river so it was as far away from festival as you can get. The unloading & setup was hard. Wagons hauling items helped. Most nights the noise was not bad. One night music, parade and partying happened  dawn. People were fantastic. Like a big family looking out for one another. My advice is to set up as soon as you can. We setup tents the Friday before Festival and many “prime” spots were taken. We then came home and went back Wednesday. We did the free concert in the Village which was great. There were 4 of us and we had 3 tents and a pop up. We had a very nice retreat but it does get crowded. Tents within 2 feet of each other.  It was a long walk to porta potties and showers. It is an experience I will never forget but will not do it again. Condo living is easier on this old body. We’ve attended the festival off and on for many years. Camped with motorcycles, stayed in condos, RVs and even stayed up all night doing stage security but never town park. So we just needed to try it. Everyone have fun and soak it all in!

[BuckeyeDog]

Stayed in premitive area last year. In the meadow along the river so it was as far away from festival as you can get.

Dhand, that's no meadow. That's just grass covering a huge tailings pile. Being on the other side of Bear Creek is close enough for me, but camping on top of that is not very appealing.

[dhand]

DearBDog, if you are attempting to avoid mill tailings I would suggest avoiding Southern Colorado. I don’t think Bear Creek will protect you. And I did not post here to be chastised for my life choices. I just want to share any newbie knowledge I have. If all newbies are like I was last year they only have Town park on their mind. Jeeeezzzeee!

[CG5280]

Condo living is easier on this old body.

I heartily agree with you about condos vs. camping. I attended TBF every year for the first 12 years I lived in Colorado -- camped the first 2 years, but condo every year thereafter. Haven't been back since 2007, but a friend with Town Park passes invited me along, so I'm giving camping a shot again! I read somewhere on here that families with little kids tend to congregate in the primitive area, and honestly, I'd rather be kept awake by raucous music and partiers than by kids screaming/crying/whining. Which is why I'm trying to get a feel for others' opinions on the area.

Thanks for your input!

[BuckeyeDog]

DearBDog, if you are attempting to avoid mill tailings I would suggest avoiding Southern Colorado. I don’t think Bear Creek will protect you. And I did not post here to be chastised for my life choices. I just want to share any newbie knowledge I have. If all newbies are like I was last year they only have Town park on their mind. Jeeeezzzeee!

Dhand, I am not trying to chastize you for your life choices. The issue is that many folks who camp in Town Park have no idea that they are camping either next to, or on top of, a huge tailing pile that the town chose not to clean up back in the 90's, but decided to just cover over with grass. That's just a little knowledge that I was trying to share. Peace, sir.

[dhand]

There were no toddlers/babies last year. Just a few preteens riding bikes. You will enjoy it! Everybody should do it once.

[MarcyReally]

What is a tailing pile? Scree?

[Maple Al]

The tailings pile is a big pile of rocks and whatever leftover from the gold and silver mining days that the mining companies left for future generations to deal with.

 Listening to: The Tail of the Giant Stoneater by SAHB

[wiebs2334]

I can attest to the amount of rocks in that "meadow", but its nothing that would make me want to camp somewhere else. I end up moving rocks for a good 5-10 min before staking my tarp down. That combined with a air mattress, makes for a nice comfortable sleep, for me at least. 

I can't wait to spend another night in my favorite box canyon! Hope to see you all this summer!

Ryan

[tbock7117]

The tailings pile is a big pile of rocks and whatever leftover from the gold and silver mining days that the mining companies left for future generations to deal with.

So you’re saying there Gold in them rocks? Hot Damn! We’re Rich!!!