Camping Music Festival Previews and Reviews

This is your source for camping music festival insight.  There is no reason to "rough-it" when you're camping at a Music Festival.  Bring what will make you comfortable.  A couple extra items, and few extra minutes of setup time will pay off - especially if you're going to camp multiple nights.

If you think you might need it (e.g. extra batteries), bring it.   Bring extra.  After a couple trips, camping can be almost as comfy as home.  

Bedding:  Be sure to place bedding on level ground  (fighting gravity does not bode well for good rest) and ideally, get off the ground.  I've grown to like my cot with a vinyl camping self-inflatable mattress on that.  Bring an extra blanket.  If things get moist (and they always do), be sure to dry bedding out during the day.

Shoes:  Rain boots are key to having a good time in bad conditions.  Bring extra shoes.  Things can get really muddy.

Clothes:  Bring more than you think you need, especially socks.  Don't forget the rain-jacket - shows usually proceed even during rain.    I pack an  extra suitcase of clothes that (hopefully) never leaves my car.  

Cooler:  Freeze water bottles before departure.  Most festivals sell ice.  

Food: I eat as much festival food as the next person, but there are times and items that are best filled by your own means.  I like to make breakfast.  Lunch and dinner can be bought at the venue.  Breakfast can be relaxed - there is usually no music all morning.  I have to have my coffee as soon as I awake so I plan accordingly.  If you always have a need for your favorite comfort food, bring it.  Bring late-night snacks.  Any chocolate should be kept in cooler.    I find fruit (especially chilled  strawberries) to be a real joy on a hot afternoon.  Sometimes I marinate (jerk spice) the chicken 24-48 hours, and pre-cook the morning special home fries.

Accessories:  A table, ample lighting, and a micro-fiber towel are nice.  The towel can bail out any puddles or moisture that collect in the tent.  I love my outdoor portable Bluetooth speaker/charger.  I can play my music anytime I want, and charge my phone.   Phone charging cable.  Portable stove, fuel for stove, lighter, pan(s). 

Canopy: Almost a must have, as they allow you still have fun even in bad conditions.  I can add side walls depending on weather.  Tapestry, beads, and lights to decorate.  I learned (the hard way) that 10x10 canopies are better than 12x12s because the 10x10s actually withstand heavy winds better.  The 12x12s simply don't have enough structural support for heavy winds.  Be sure to add tapestry, lights, or other decorations.

Chairs:  Bring extras - one to leave at camp-site, one to leave at venue, spare for new friends.

Bathrooms:  If you are stuck with porta-potties, here;s how to minimize the discomfort.  Know that most festivals will clean (and restock paper) those nasty things around 7:00 - 8:00 am.   You will want to time your visits around the sun (i.e. go before or after the sun heats them to 100+ degrees.  Know where the shady ones are.  

Things people tend to forget:  You can usually buy these at the venue's "General Store".  Stakes, mallet, cups, plates, utensils, paper-towels, trash bags,  jugs of water, sunscreen, and hat.