If you’re like me and you love camping, music festivals are the perfect way to combine your two favorite pastimes.
But when it comes to actually surviving a camping music festival, there are a few things you need to know.
After all, it’s not exactly like going on a weekend camping trip in the woods! I’ve put together a list of tips that will help you prepare for your first or next camping music festival experience. So without further ado…
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Plan ahead and make a checklist of essential items you’ll need for the festival. |
| Set up your campsite strategically, considering factors like proximity to amenities and noise levels. |
| Stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water and using a refillable water bottle. |
| Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. |
| Pack versatile and comfortable clothing suitable for various weather conditions. |
| Bring earplugs and a sleep mask to ensure a good night’s rest amidst the festival atmosphere. |
| Familiarize yourself with the festival rules and regulations to avoid any issues. |
| Embrace the communal spirit and engage with fellow festivalgoers to enhance your experience. |
| Prioritize personal safety by securing your belongings and being aware of your surroundings. |
| Take breaks and pace yourself to avoid exhaustion during the festival. |
| Have a backup plan for emergencies or unexpected situations. |
| Enjoy the music, atmosphere, and unique experience that a camping music festival offers! |
Rent An Rv Or Stay In A Hotel
The average cost of renting a camper van at festivals is usually around $200 per night. The advantage to this option is that you have more space and more amenities than if you’re tent camping.
You can even cook inside the vehicle, if desired. The downside is that the cost adds up quickly when considering how many nights you’ll be staying at different sites over the course of several weeks.
Hotel rooms are another option for festivalgoers who want a comfortable place to stay but don’t want to spend all their time in an RV or under canvas.
Hotels tend to be more expensive than tents or campers, but they also come with lots of extras like free breakfast and laundry services as well as room service for those mornings when everyone needs extra sleep after partying too hard!
A hotel might not be right for groups who want lots of privacy; however if your family travels together often then it may make sense financially by avoiding paying separate hotel bills (plus there’s always room service available).
When preparing for a camping music festival, it’s essential to know what you need. Our comprehensive guide on camping essentials for festivals provides valuable information and a checklist to ensure you’re well-equipped for a memorable experience.
Pack Only The Essentials
- Pack only the essentials.
- Leave behind anything you don’t need.
Make sure your bag is small enough to carry around all day and night, no matter where you are and what time of day it is.
It’s important not to overpack for a camping music festival because there will be plenty of opportunities for you to buy things in between shows or at the festival itself (e.g., food).
If you’re bringing something that has value or sentimental meaning only bring it if it can fit in a pocket or two (or one side pocket on your backpack). Otherwise, leave it at home!
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Tent | Shelter for sleeping and protection from the elements |
| Sleeping Bag | Insulated bag for warmth and comfort during sleep |
| Backpack | Carry and organize belongings while on the go |
| Water Bottle | Hydration on the move |
| First Aid Kit | Basic medical supplies for emergencies and minor injuries |
| Portable Stove | Cooking meals and boiling water while camping |
| Headlamp | Hands-free lighting for navigating in the dark |
| Multi-tool | Versatile tool with various functions for convenience |
| Rain Jacket | Waterproof outer layer for protection against rain |
| Extra Clothing | Spare clothes for comfort and changing weather conditions |
| Food | Non-perishable items and snacks for sustenance |
| Maps | Navigation aid for exploring outdoor areas |
| Sunscreen | Protection against harmful UV rays |
| Insect Repellent | Keep bugs and mosquitoes at bay |
| Cash | Emergency money and payment for facilities |
Simplify and Efficiently Pack for Your Adventure
This table highlights the essential items you should pack for your adventure, ensuring you have the necessary equipment and supplies while keeping your load manageable. Remember to prioritize functionality, versatility, and practicality when selecting your camping gear and essentials.
Plan Ahead And Be Flexible
Have you ever gone camping, only to find out that the weather forecast is wrong? Or maybe you’re someone who overpacks because they want to be prepared for anything.
You could also think about your plans and make sure everything will go according to them before heading off on your trip. If you plan too much, however, this may cause stress or even ruin your trip!
When planning for a music festival camping experience—and any other kind of music festival experience—it’s important not to overpack and also not forget the essentials.
Your survival kit should include: food/water; first aid kit; flashlight/headlamp; sunscreen (don’t forget SPF); bug repellent (make sure it contains DEET); rain gear (if camping in rainy weather), extra warm clothes if necessary; extra shoes just in case yours get wet or dirty during the day’s activities (I recommend sneakers).
Pick Your Campsite Wisely
So you’ve decided to go camping at Glastonbury. Awesome! But how do you survive? Well, it’s best to start by choosing your campsite wisely.
When picking a site, it’s important to be as close as possible to the festival itself. This will save you time in getting there and back each day and will allow you more time to enjoy yourself during the event itself.
You may even be able to get some of your camping gear delivered right to your tent—and if so, that’s an added bonus!
Make sure that wherever you camp has access to electricity and water, as well as good security (or perhaps even police presence) if needed; no one wants their stuff stolen or damaged while they’re away enjoying themselves at Glastonbury or other music festivals like Coachella or Lollapalooza!
Dealing with wet shoes during a camping music festival can be challenging. Discover effective tips and tricks for drying shoes for camping to keep your feet comfortable and dry throughout the event.
Beware Of Fellow Campers
You’re going to be in a crowd of people who are, for the most part, on vacation and intoxicated. They may not be thinking about your safety and well-being as much as you are. In fact, many of them are probably thinking about their own enjoyment at the expense of yours.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times and make sure it isn’t easy for people to steal from your tent or campsite without being noticed by someone else in your party.
Also keep an eye out for any suspicious activity around you; don’t travel alone if possible, especially at night!
If you do find yourself with an issue where someone has stolen something from you or harassed another person at the festival (or even just created a dangerous situation), I highly recommend that you report it immediately so security can remove them from the premises before anything worse happens.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Respect Boundaries | Be mindful of others’ personal space and privacy. |
| Noise Levels | Keep noise levels in check to avoid disturbing fellow campers. |
| Campsite Cleanliness | Maintain cleanliness and dispose of trash properly. |
| Shared Facilities | Be considerate when using communal facilities and resources. |
| Social Etiquette | Engage in polite and friendly interactions with fellow campers. |
| Group Activities | Participate in group activities and foster a sense of community. |
Make Friends On The Road
One of the great things about camping festivals is that you’re forced to talk to people. This can be especially rewarding if you’re one of those introverts who doesn’t like meeting new people (me).
When you first arrive at your campsite, ask around if anyone else is going to the festival and what bands they recommend.
If no one at your site seems interesting or familiar with it, go find some friends elsewhere! While searching for new friends, keep an eye out for anyone who seems friendly—strike up a conversation with them and see if there’s anything in common between you two.
The more people you talk to about music festivals and their favorite bands, the better prepared you’ll be for when it comes time to choose which artists’ performances are worth making time in your schedule for.
Properly packing a blanket and pillow is crucial for a comfortable camping experience at a music festival. Our guide on packing a blanket and pillow for camping offers practical advice to maximize comfort and relaxation during your festival adventure.
Use Earplugs At Night
Earplugs are a must for most people, but if you’re especially sensitive to sound or have trouble sleeping with them in your ears, try using a white noise machine instead.
It’s also important to be mindful of what kind of fan you use—some fans have more power than others and can make an already loud environment even noisier. If possible, ask your neighbors before turning up their fan at night.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Earplugs | Noise-blocking devices for a peaceful sleep |
| Sleep Mask | Blocks out light and promotes better sleep |
| White Noise | Soothing sounds that mask background noise |
| Noise-cancelling Headphones | Provides isolation from surrounding noise |
| Quiet Hours | Respect designated quiet hours to minimize disruptions |
Ensure a Restful Night’s Sleep
This table highlights various measures to manage noise at night while camping. By using earplugs, sleep masks, or employing white noise techniques, you can create a peaceful sleeping environment, allowing you to rest and recharge during your camping experience.
Drink Lots Of Water
When you’re about to embark on a long journey, it’s important to hydrate beforehand. Drinking water every time you get thirsty is crucial—if you wait until that point, it might be too late.
Water bottles are an excellent way of keeping your fluids replenished throughout the day; try bringing one with some fruit juice or lemon so that even if the taste of plain old H2O gets boring after awhile, there will still be something tasty mixed in! 2. Drink more water than usual if camping in a hot climate
Wear Sun Protection And Stay Hydrated
Wear sun protection. This is a no-brainer, but it’s important to have and use your sunscreen.
Drink lots of water. Water is the best way to stay hydrated, so make sure you drink plenty throughout the day as well as before you go to bed at night (if possible).
Bring refillable water bottles and/or reusable cups so you can get refills easily when filling up at a station or fountain.
It’s always good practice to carry around your own refillable bottle rather than buying single-use plastic bottles from vendors because they take up more space in landfills than necessary and aren’t biodegradable!
Weather conditions can greatly impact your camping music festival experience. Stay prepared and informed by checking out our tips on being aware of weather conditions when camping to ensure a safe and enjoyable time amidst changing weather patterns.
Stay Healthy by Brushing Teeth
If you’re camping out of a tent, then brushing your teeth is going to be an adventure. But it’s still important to clean your teeth as much as possible even if you’re drinking a lot of beer and wine.
Brushing with toothpaste can help kill off some bacteria and prevent bad breath, while flossing keeps food from getting stuck between teeth and causing cavities or gum disease. Here are some tips for staying healthy when camping:
Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time (though even one minute will suffice). The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste to promote strong enamel, which helps protect against cavities.
Look for fluoride-free formulas in cases where you know the water around camp isn’t safe to drink; otherwise, stick with regular varieties that contain fluoride.
- Use soft-bristled brushes so as not to damage sensitive gums or irritate any existing sores on your mouth.
Check Out The Band Schedule Early On And Make A Game Plan For The Weekend
It’s important to plan out your weekend before you get there. Check out the band schedule early on and make a game plan for the weekend.
Make a list of the bands you want to see and use the app or website to find out when they’re playing, so you can then check out their set times compared with other bands that may be more appealing in order to build your schedule.
The festival app will also list all of the stages in one place and provide details about each stage (e.g., its capacity).
If a particular group is playing at a time when it might not be feasible for everyone else in your group or family, just make sure someone knows where everyone else is going so that no one gets lost!
Ladies, are you wondering what to wear for a camping music festival? Our article on what girls wear for camping provides style tips, outfit ideas, and practical suggestions to help you look and feel your best during the festival.
Create A Packing Checklist
As anyone who has ever packed a bag knows, there’s always something you forget. And as any camping music festival attendee also knows, it’s also possible to pack too much stuff.
To avoid both scenarios—and save yourself from having to run back and forth between your tent and car at 3 am when the concert ends—make a packing list beforehand.
To make sure you have everything you need for an all-night music fest in the woods, create your own checklist by following these steps:
Write down everything that could be considered “essential.” This includes food items (like snacks), drinks (like water), toiletries (like toothpaste) and additional supplies (like candles). Make sure to include anything else that might come in handy while camping out at the festival grounds.
Write down what order everything should go into each backpack/bag/suitcase section so nothing gets lost or broken during transportation.
If something is fragile or expensive, put it inside another container so it doesn’t get crushed during travel time! You can even add extra packing space with some of these cool gadgets if needed too!
Conclusion
Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a great time at your next music festival. Remember to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated, as well as sun protection, so that you can enjoy the experience.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on camping at music festivals:
- Ultimate Survival Guide to Camping at a Music Festival: Discover expert tips and tricks for a successful camping experience at music festivals, including advice on gear, camping setups, and festival essentials.
- Camping at Music Festivals: Your Essential Guide: Learn everything you need to know about camping at music festivals, from choosing the right tent to packing tips and campground etiquette.
- Music Festivals Camping Tips: A Complete Guide: Get insider tips and advice for camping at music festivals, including information on camping gear, food and cooking, safety, and maximizing your festival experience.
These articles provide valuable insights and in-depth information to help you make the most of your camping experience at music festivals.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about camping at music festivals:
What should I pack for camping at a music festival?
When camping at a music festival, it’s important to pack essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, portable charger, flashlight, and toiletries. Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle.
Can I bring my own food to a music festival?
Most music festivals allow attendees to bring their own food. It’s a good idea to pack non-perishable snacks, easy-to-prepare meals, and plenty of water. Check the festival’s guidelines to ensure you comply with any restrictions on outside food and beverages.
Are there shower facilities at music festivals?
Many music festivals provide shower facilities for attendees. These are often communal showers where you can freshen up during your camping experience. However, keep in mind that there may be long lines and limited availability, so plan accordingly.
How can I ensure the safety of my belongings while camping at a music festival?
To keep your belongings safe, invest in a lockable tent or secure your valuables in a locked car if possible. It’s also wise to keep important items with you or use a locker service provided by the festival. Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your tent or campsite.
What are some tips for getting a good night’s sleep at a music festival?
Getting quality sleep at a music festival can be challenging due to noise and excitement. Consider using earplugs and an eye mask to block out distractions. Also, choose a campsite away from high-traffic areas and bring a comfortable sleeping pad or air mattress for added comfort.
Hellen James is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and hiker. She loves to explore the world around her by immersing herself in nature and visiting new places.
