Take it from the Camping Pros – 10 Camping Hacks for Music Festival Goers
Camping out at your favorite music festival is a great way to absorb the energy and vibes in that environment. Here are some great tips and hacks, so plan ahead and have fun!
1. BYO shower. A quick shower after a long day of dancing under the sun will do wonders. Some festivals provide coin-operated showers, but if yours doesn’t, consider bringing a solar shower.
2. Prepare to watch comfortably. Hours on your feet might sound ok now, but you’re going to want to make sure you have a comfortable way to watch the show when your legs give out. Pack something to sit on, either a blanket for the grass or a camping chair that is compact and easy to carry.
3. Trust me, on the sunscreen. There’s no easier way to ruin your time at a music festival than with a sunburn. Prepare to be without shade all day long, pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen—and actually use it, multiple times. If you plan on spending a lot of time at your campsite and it’s not in the shade, a canopy tent is a good addition that will help keep you cool in the summer heat.
4. Feed your face. Know ahead of time what your options are. Most festivals have food trucks where meals can be purchased. If you want to save money, pack a camp stove and some freeze dried backpacker meals that will provide the energy to keep you dancing all night long. If you don’t want to bother with a stove, peanut butter and jelly, trail mix, cheese and other easy-to-pack snacks will keep you satiated.
5. Human bodies need water, drink some. Bring your own reusable water bottle and, just to be safe, your own drinking water. Most festivals provide drinking water for attendees, but you’ll be happy you have your own stash back at camp for cooking and staying hydrated at night.
6. Get a good night sleep. The campgrounds are designed to keep the party going all night long, and we definitely encourage the community, but sleep is good too. The noise at a music festival can continue late into the night, so pack ear plugs to drown out the clatter. Our best advice, splurge for the tents with real mattresses.
7. Bring a portable charger. Even the most battery-conscious will find that their phone runs out of juice at some point over the weekend, particularly if you’re taking photos or updating social media all the time. While many festivals are offering charging stations now, there’s no guarantee there will be space for you, and you’ll probably have to stand there while it charges. Opt for a portable phone charger and don’t miss any of the show.
8. Keep it compact. Remember that you may be required to carry your camping gear for long distances to reach your campsite. If you pack more than you can carry, be prepared to make multiple trips.
9. Plan for the weather. A hard rain can quickly turn a music festival into one giant mud pit. If rain is in the forecast, pack extra changes of clothes, your rain boots and rain coat, maybe a pack of baby wipes for quick mud cleanup, and prepare yourself for a wet and wild weekend.
10. Know what NOT to bring. Check out the website in advance for details on what you are and are not allowed to bring into the music festival. If anything you pack gets confiscated, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it back at the end of the festival. Be smart and follow the rules. Also, rethink brining valuables and have a plan to safely store things like cash and phones.
Want an easy way to expand your festival living space without buying and setting up multiple tents? Checkout our porch awnings. Add a porch awning and throw entry rug or mat underneath and you’ve got a place for people to throw their shoes before dragging dirt inside. You can also setup a couple camping chairs and enjoy a summer rain without getting wet.
