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Writer's pictureAshley Shreve

The Definitive Guide for a Music Festival Camping Checklist

Experiencing a camping festival is like embarking on a unique journey, creating a transient community unified by a deep passion for music. To make your temporary home comfortable and convenient requires thoughtful preparation, and a well-crafted music festival camping checklist / packing list is the first step. What you pack can vary greatly depending on the location of your festival.

A guide to music festival camping
Tent Camping at Music Festivals

Each festival has its own unique features, and if you're venturing to a mountain-based event, you need to account for the distinctive challenges that come with altitude, landscape, and variable weather conditions. It's crucial to consider the festival's location, the predicted weather, and the campground's characteristics. Depending on the season, you could potentially face snow, sunshine, hail, and rain - all in a day's work at a mountain festival. Therefore, equipping yourself with suitable gear to brave the elements is paramount.

Beyond the right camping equipment, careful choices about food and beverages are also crucial. Leaving food out in the open in forested areas is an invitation for wildlife, which can lead to unwanted encounters. Also, remember that your body exerts more effort at higher altitudes and needs more oxygen than at sea level. A strategy to stay hydrated can help increase your blood oxygen levels. At mountain festivals, the mantra is to prioritize water intake over alcohol consumption.


Music Festival Camping Checklist


Use the topics below to navigate our cmoprehensive suggestions and a few pointers to optimize your camping experience.



 

The Basics


  • Tent: Ensure your tent is clean, functional, and complete by setting it up before the festival.

  • Tent Poles/Rain Fly

  • Tarps: Avoid placing a tarp under your tent as it can gather water. Instead, use it inside your tent.

  • Heavy-duty stakes: Secure your tent and campsite against mountain winds.

  • Mallet

  • Zip ties

  • Scissors

  • Shade (Flags, Tapestries, Tarps)

  • Clamps/Clips

  • Air mattress + Pump

  • Bedding (Pillow, Blanket, Sheets)

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Camping Chairs: Always handy to have a spare.

  • Headlamp

  • Backpack

  • Reusable Water Bottle

  • Towel


Camping Gear


  • Wagon: A lifesaver if you can’t park next to your tent.

  • Canopy

  • Lantern

  • Flashlight

  • Duct tape

  • Bungee Cords

  • Rope/Paracord

  • Drybag

  • Extra Batteries

  • Garbage & Recycling Bags

  • Multi-Tool

  • LED/Solar Lights

  • Pool noodles: Use these to prop up your canopy and prevent rain-induced collapses.

  • Tent marker/Decorations

  • Boot tray: Protect your footwear from the elements and keep your tent clean.


TOILETRIES & FIRST AID


  • Wet wipes

  • Sunblock

  • Aloe

  • Shampoo + Conditioner

  • Soap

  • Earplugs: Vital for loud shows and peaceful sleep. Consider Eargasm earplugs for less than $25.

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Eye Drops

  • Lip Balm

  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Anti-Chafing Cream or Goldbond

  • OTC Medications (Tylenol, Claritin)

  • Vitamins / Vitamin C

  • First Aid Kit


CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES


  • Layers (Jacket, Hoodie)

  • Gloves

  • Bandana

  • Socks: Extra pairs are always a good idea.

  • Hiking boots

  • Shower Sandals

  • Sunglasses: An extra pair can be beneficial.

  • Bathing Suit

  • Rain Coat

  • Hats

  • Costumes

  • Items to Trade (i.e. Candi Braclets)


Meals & Cooking Supplies


  • Collapsible Table: Useful for meal prep and dining.

  • Insulated Containers: Suggest having two - one designated for food, another for beverages. If you're using one for both, consider a grill grate to keep your food from getting waterlogged.

  • Can Holders

  • Eco-friendly Utensils

  • Portable Stove + Fuel

  • Cooking Equipment

  • Food Preservation Bags/Containers

  • Food Storage Box

  • Snack Items

  • Drinks

  • Disposable Towels


Extras & Electronics


  • Hanging Bed: Ideal for relaxation during breaks.

  • Writing Materials: To record memorable experiences or take down new acquaintances' details.

  • Photography Device: To freeze all the wonderful memories.

  • Solar-Powered/Portable Power Bank: Utilize the abundant sunlight at high-altitude festivals.

  • Water Backpack: Essential for maintaining hydration throughout the festival.

It's always beneficial to be ready for anything, but also ensure that you can comfortably transport everything you bring in and out. It's also recommended to review the festival's regulations to identify any prohibited items, typically available on their website's FAQ section. Here are some suggestions on what to avoid bringing.


Avoid Bringing


AVOID BRINGING

  • Glassware: Glass is commonly prohibited at most festivals.

  • Confetti: Unless it decomposes naturally, it's better not to bring it.

  • Glowsticks: These single-use plastics contain harmful substances. Consider substituting them with environmentally friendly LED lights that have a longer lifespan.

  • Firecrackers: They can pose a risk, especially at festivals, without proper safety measures.

  • Open Fire Pit: Many festivals disallow open fires due to safety concerns.

  • Electric Generator: Some festivals prohibit generators, but a power converter is a compact and safer alternative if you need electricity at your site.

  • Precious Items/Valuables: It's not advisable to bring irreplaceable items.

  • Worries: You can probably take a break from these for the weekend.


Camping can be a breathtakingly beautiful experience, even more so when shared with hundreds or thousands of friends at a festival.


Remember, whatever you bring to your campsite, it's your responsibility to take it back. Attendees leaving no trace at outdoor festivals and events can have a significant positive impact on the environment.


While this list isn't exhaustive, it serves as a helpful starting point for your next mountain escapade. Enjoy your camping!


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