The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Telluride, Colorado
Camper submitted image from Mary E Campground - Norwood RDView 10 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Telluride, Colorado

Mary E Campground - Norwood RD

10 ReviewsAdd Review

Twenty sites spread along the San Miguel River make Mary E Campground a convenient base for exploring the Telluride area. Located on County Road 63L about 25 minutes from town, this US Forest Service campground transitioned from dispersed camping to a managed facility with established sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

The river flows directly through the campground, providing fishing access and water sounds that mix with highway noise from nearby Route 145. Sites sit relatively close together with some tree coverage for partial privacy. Kendall C. notes that "sites are close together but have some trees for privacy." Portable toilets serve the campground, and firewood sells for $10 per bundle when the host is available.

Cell coverage reaches 3G levels in this valley location, though signal boosters can improve connectivity. The campground typically fills by 8 PM during peak season, making early arrival advisable. Highway 145 runs close enough that traffic sounds carry throughout the area, particularly noticeable for sites near the front. For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore campgrounds around Telluride.

Sites in the back offer closer river access for fishing, while front sites provide easier vehicle access but more road noise.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Loneliest Road Road Trip

The Loneliest Road Trip

The Loneliest Road Road Trip Segment: Pueblo to Delta

Pueblo to Delta: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsMary E Campground is located in Colorado near Telluride

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Telluride, travel approximately 6 miles west on Highway 145 towards Placerville. Turn left on County Road 63L (Ilium Road) and drive 1.5 miles to the Mary E Camping Area.

Coordinates

37.93998 N
107.897201 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 5/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 26 users
    Last on 5/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/19/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 5/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 26 users
    Last on 5/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/19/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Colorado Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews10 Camper Reviews - Mary E Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
0%
10%
10%
30%

3.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2022

Basic but nice

The campground is on the south side of highway 145 on C.R. 63L Ilium Rd. Dyrt description says 15 sites, there are 20. #16 was only one left (did not have reservations) and has a large mud hole if it rains but we were able to position our truck with rooftop tent that was of no consequence. The campground host from Michigan was very kind. The sun set between the two mountain ridges over the stream and was beautiful. Cellular coverage was only 3G, being down in the valley, but our WeBoost added strength. Fire ring, picnic table and port-a-potty

Site16-if it rains there is mud
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mary E Campground - Norwood RD by Timothy F., August 17, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2022

Close to telluride, great price, close sites but feels private.

For the price it’s a great place to camp near telluride. Sites are close together but have some trees for privacy. Porta potty’s have seen better days but are there for use. Don’t trust the Apple Maps directions took us to a wrong site but following written directions on website got us there. Spots filled up by 8pm so recommend getting there earlier.

Site17
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

Basic but well maintained

We just live up the road and decided to have a little staycation now that Mary E is being operated by USFS. The host was friendly, firewood was available for sale, sites were clean (albeit close together) and all setup with fire rings and picnic tables. It was a great home base for a fishing trip. Nothing fancy - bathrooms are just porta potties - but it was perfect for us for the weekend. We had a great spot in the back, near the river so we could just walk from camp to fish. There was more highway noise than you’d expect, but that’s really the only con.

Site8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mary E Campground - Norwood RD by Anna W., September 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Mary E Campground - Norwood RD by Anna W., September 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Mary E Campground - Norwood RD by Anna W., September 27, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2021

Ok for a cheap stay near telluride

Sites are close together. Porta johns instead of bathrooms. Wood for sale but no host to sell it to you. Felt dirty being there (not the good earth dirt). This campground is NOT free, $14 a night. Close to road so you hear traffic. Close to industrial park.

Site7
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Mary E Campground - Norwood RD by Jeff K., August 17, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2021

Beautiful River Access

This campground was just taken over by the forest service. It used to be dispersed camping, but now it is $14 per site. Picnic table provided at every site and large fire ring at most sites. Bring your own fire wood or buy a bundle for $10. One portable toilet near the entrance. Campground host is super friendly!! The campsites are a little close, so not a ton of privacy, but a beautiful river flows right through the campground. Easy to access, about 25 minutes from Telluride.

Site16
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mary E Campground - Norwood RD by Gillian C., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Mary E Campground - Norwood RD by Gillian C., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Mary E Campground - Norwood RD by Gillian C., July 6, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2019

Close to town

Free. Close to town which is awesome. No fire pits so camp fires are not allowed. It is small so expect neighbors but it’s excellent if you just need a place to sleep and explore telluride conveniently

Showing results 1-10 of 10 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Mary E Campground?

Mary E Campground offers basic amenities including picnic tables at every campsite and large fire rings at most sites. The campground has portable toilets near the entrance rather than permanent bathroom facilities. Firewood is available for purchase at $10 per bundle. The campground is managed by the US Forest Service and provides a simple, no-frills camping experience close to Telluride. While amenities are limited, the campground's proximity to town makes it convenient for exploring the area.

How do I make reservations at Mary E Campground in Telluride?

Mary E Campground operates with a $14 per night fee. The campground is managed by the US Forest Service and typically has a campground host on-site. While some sites may be available first-come, first-served, it's advisable to check with the Forest Service for current reservation policies and availability. Given its popularity due to proximity to Telluride, securing a reservation in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Contact the local USFS office for the most up-to-date reservation information.

Can RVs access Mary E Campground, and what are the restrictions?

Mary E Campground can accommodate RVs, but with limitations. The campground has approximately 20 sites, which are relatively close together. Access is via County Road 63L (Ilium Road), and the road conditions are generally suitable for RVs. However, there are no hookups available, and the campground only offers basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. The tight spacing between sites may make maneuvering challenging for larger RVs. For specific size restrictions, it's best to contact the US Forest Service before planning your trip.

Where exactly is Mary E Campground located in relation to Telluride?

Mary E Campground is located close to Telluride, making it a convenient option for visitors to the area. The campground is situated on the south side of Highway 145 on County Road 63L (Ilium Road). It's important to note that some navigation apps may provide incorrect directions, so following written directions from official sources is recommended. The proximity to town is one of the campground's main advantages, allowing easy access to Telluride's attractions while providing a more affordable overnight option.

What do campers say about their experience at Mary E Campground?

Experiences at Mary E Campground are mixed. Many appreciate its affordability and convenient location near Telluride, making it an excellent base for exploring the area. The campground offers basic accommodations with fire rings and picnic tables. Some visitors mention that sites are positioned close together with limited privacy, though there are trees that provide some separation. The portable toilets receive mixed reviews. Overall, visitors value the campground primarily for its location and price point rather than its amenities or atmosphere.

Keep Exploring