If you’re willing to invest in a camping pass, bring your tent, or rent an RV, you can save money by staying on-site. Plus, you won’t have to worry about ordering Lyft for a DD or driving across a few states a few times during the weekend.
Getting to the festival is an important factor for many people. Not worrying about traffic, waiting for a ride, or dealing with an Uber will make the whole experience much easier. Camping also allows you to be prepared for the event by arriving early to set up camp. Many festivals also allow you to arrive a day before with an early arrival pass. This will allow you to prepare your campsite and be well rested for the music when it starts.
If you’re camping at a festival, it’s best to bring a tent that’s large enough for the number of people who will be staying in it. Sleeping in a tight squeeze is uncomfortable and not very fun. It’s a good idea to buy a waterproof tent too, as there are bound to be some rain showers during the festival.
Other items to include in your festival camping checklist are a torch (or headlight) and some reusable water bottles. These will come in handy if it gets dark at night or you need to go to the toilet. You’ll also want some toiletries such as wet wipes and a toothbrush. Some festival-ready snacks are a must-have too, like energy bars, nuts and raisins.
A good sleeping bag and pillow is essential for comfort. A mat to sleep on is also helpful, especially if it’s a bit muddy or grassy where you’re camping. If you have a lot of people going to the festival with you, it’s a good idea to create a list of who is responsible for what so everyone knows what they need to bring.
A map of the festival site is also useful. This will help you plan where to pitch your tent and how close it will be to the stages. Ideally, you’ll want to be close to the stages, but not too close so that the music is too loud for your tent. You should also consider bringing some ear plugs just in case. Another essential item is a portable power bank to charge your phone during the day. This will save your battery and give you more time to dance. If you want to be a little more eco-friendly try buying one of the old school ‘dumb’ phones that let you text and call, but won’t break your heart if it gets dropped in the mud.
Community
The best part of festival camping is meeting new people, getting away from your day-to-day routine and taking in amazing music. Festivals can also be exhausting, especially if you’re not well-rested. That’s why it’s important to set up camp in a way that maximizes comfort and ensures a good night’s sleep.
This will require a tent that is large enough to accommodate all of your group members comfortably and with room to move. It’s also essential to bring first aid kits, a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and comfortable and other basic camping necessities. If you’re traveling to the festival, make sure your car has enough room for all of your belongings as well as any gear you’ll be using at the campgrounds.
If you’re planning on eating at the festival, consider bringing your own food and cooking supplies instead of purchasing meals there. You’ll need a few essentials, including a camping table and chairs, a cooler and a two-burner propane camp stove. A few simple recipes can make for a fun and easy campfire dinner, such as hamburgers, fajitas, pancakes or pasta.
Remember to respect your fellow campers and be mindful of noise levels after the music ends. Festivals are loud and crowded, but being courteous to your neighbors will help everyone stay safe and happy. Lastly, be sure to clean up after yourself. You’re on borrowed land, and leaving a mess will only spoil the experience for others. Make a habit of properly disposing of waste and ensuring your campsite is tidy before leaving each day.
Amenities
There are a lot of great amenities available to festival-goers when camping. From markets selling food and drinks to showers for hygiene purposes, you’ll find everything you need at the event without having to venture off-site for anything.
Having a few key items in your camping bag can make the world of difference at your festival experience. You’ll often see festival veterans tooling around with a stockpile of water in a backpack or on their shoulders, and it’s not for nothing; this can save you a big headache when you’re stumbling through the dark to your tent at the end of a long day.
Another popular item that’s sure to improve your camp is a tarp, which can protect your tent and gear from harsh elements like wind, rain, dirt, and sun. Adding a few tarps to your camping kit can be the best investment you’ll make when preparing for your next festival.
Wet wipes are also a must-have for any festival-goer, whether you’re going to the toilet or just want to freshen up from a hot day of partying. Look for face-specific wipes that have gentle cleansers or body-specific ones that can attend to layers of dust, sweat, and grime.
If you’re not a fan of loud music, you can always bring a pair of noise-canceling headphones to help block out the sounds of the crowd and focus on your tunes. And, if you have a smartphone, you can download a white noise app to play offline (to avoid draining your battery) and drown out the roar of the festival.
Remember to pace yourself, as you’re likely to be on your feet for 12+ hours a day, and you don’t want to burn out before seeing your favorite bands. Be sure to take breaks when you can, and get plenty of sleep — your body and mind will thank you for it.
Another tip is to mark your campsite with some sort of marker or landmark so you can find your way back in the dark. This can be as simple as a flag, RV camper, totem, or even just a picture of your tent printed out on a piece of paper. This will save you from having to run back and forth to your car or having to ask people for directions when you’re exhausted from a night of dancing.
Weather
Festival camping is a whole different ball game to standard tent camping in the great outdoors. Whether it is a squabble over who has the best shower, a stagnant whiff of chemical toilets or mini lakes of ankle-deep mud separating you from the main stage, there are always unforeseen challenges that can turn your camping trip into a survival situation (albeit a fun one).
If rain is predicted, you will want to ensure you have a waterproof tent and a waterproof sleeping bag. Also, you will want to set up your tent in a shady area to avoid overheating. It is also a good idea to invest in some sturdier shoes that can take on the wet and muddy ground, such as wellington boots or hiking boots. Flip-flops are also useful for lounging at the campsite and taking short walks around the festival grounds.
Sun protection is another important aspect of festival camping, especially for those attending a summer music festival. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen should be on hand. You will also want to keep a water bottle or hydration reservoir handy so you can stay hydrated while enjoying the music and mingling with other campers.
The temperature at a music festival can soar during the day and drop drastically at night, so it is important to be prepared for both conditions. If it is a hotter festival, you will want to bring a camping fan and a sleeping bag with a high rating of warmth. You should also consider using a solar camping mat to provide an extra layer of insulation.
Colder festivals require a camping jacket and an extra blanket or sleeping bag. You will also want to make sure you have warm clothes and a change of socks for when it gets chilly. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a warm thermos of your favourite drink on hand so you can enjoy a cosy cup of tea in the middle of the day. A shawl or scarf is also a great way to add a touch of personality and style to your outfit.
