Camping At A Festival And What To Bring

Camping Essentials For Any Festival!

What better way to help our community than to give some tips and tricks for camping that can apply to both veterans and first-time campers?

What To Bring

Tent – Depending on the situation and whether you’re flying or driving, as well as how many people are in your group, your needs may vary. I often get the instant tents that are as simple as opening up and maybe adding a few extra stakes. For those flying luggage fees can be expensive, and one of our fellow writers recommends the Wolfwise 2-person tent with built-in LED which he’s used on his backpacking trips; check out his article “How To Fly With Everything You Need For A Camping Festival”, which covers that subject a bit better.

Hygiene And Basic Essentials – Remember there is no housekeeping or fresh linens upon arrival so pack your towel, soap, washcloth, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, shower shoes (as in sandals) so you can be ready to use the shared on-site showers.

In addition to these standard items, something else to not forget is your blanket and pillow! Some of these camping festivals can reach lower temperatures at night than one might be accustomed too, and being prepared for extreme cold or heat makes a world of difference.

Air Mattress – When picking a mattress, it’s important to be aware of your tent size so you don’t have your air bed hanging outside your tent due to size differences. Make sure you grab an air pump as well, if you need it.

Food –  Some people may just buy food at the festival but financially that isn’t always the option for every single meal. If you are able to keep things fresh with a cooler and dry ice there are a bit more options. If you are looking for more simple meals, peanut butter and jelly never hurts and beef jerky can be your best friend against hunger. Make sure to pack some multi-vitamins too.

Hydration – Nutrients and hydration are crucial for any weekend-long activity. Vibedration has a wide selection of hydration packs approved by most festivals which allow you to refill your water both in the campgrounds and inside the event. Although water is important, it also never hurts to pack Pedialyte or Gatorade to restore some of your lost electrolytes after a night of dancing.

Ticket And ID – Probably the most important thing to remember, especially if you’re driving to the festival, is to make sure you have your ticket and ID. Although replacing a ticket is usually a doable process with the proper information, if you arrive without any form of ID entry won’t be granted regardless of the ticket being valid.

It Doesn’t Hurt To Also Pack The Following….

  • Sunblock
  • Chapstick
  • Portable Showers (check the festival guidelines as some may not allow their use)
  • Small lock (to lock tent when inside the festival)
  • Lanterns/Headlamps
  • Grill Lighter
  • Manual Air Pump (or batteries if you have an electric air mattress)
  • Baby Wipes
  • Ear Plugs
  • Portable Charger
  • Fanny Pack
  • Toilet Paper
  • Trash Bags
  • Baby Wipes
  • Nasal Decongestant
  • Bug Repellant

Be Sure To Check Camping Guidelines Before Arriving

Most festivals I’ve been to have limited check-in times so it is good to know what time you can start arriving and also the latest you can show up before you’ll have to wait until the following day.

For those merely tent-camping it is similar to a standard festival security check; both you and your property will be checked before you can walk to the camping area to set up.

Car-camping can sometimes be a long process since staff are very thorough with searches to ensure nothing dangerous gets inside the festival. When you’re at the search spot, everyone in the car will be patted down by security guards in most cases and the car will be completely emptied out so be mindful of that when packing the car since you’ll need to repack.

Half The Fun….

Any other day of the year, I find myself typically surrounded by the city of Los Angeles, so it’s always a nice change of pace to breathe in some fresh air and spend time with my fellow SoCal rave family. If you haven’t camped before consider doing it next year and it may just become part of your festival routine.

To the many that will be traveling to festivals the rest of this festival season, enjoy your trip and be safe on your travels. Next stop… Nocturnal Wonderland!

 

 

Photo Credits:

Lightning In A Bottle

Nocturnal Wonderland

Tomorrowland