what to bring to a festival camping

Essential Festival Camping Checklist: What to Bring

Planning to attend a music festival? Don’t forget to pack the essentials for your camping adventure! A well-prepared camping checklist ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience amidst the excitement of the festival grounds. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, having all the necessary items will make a world of difference. Let’s dive into the festival camping essentials and learn what to bring for a memorable and stress-free experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prepare a comprehensive checklist to cover various categories of camping supplies, food and cooking supplies, toiletries and personal items, road trip must-haves, and clothes and gear.
  • Ensure you have essential camping supplies like tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and lighting tools to create a comfortable camp setup.
  • Pack food that is easy to snack on and can be easily prepared at the campsite, along with cooking supplies like a camping stove, utensils, and plates.
  • Take care of personal hygiene with toiletries like shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer.
  • Make your road trip hassle-free by organizing your car, considering weather conditions, and bringing necessary items like backpacks or Camelbak for carrying essentials.

The camping supplies section of the Ultimate Music Festival Packing List includes all the essential items you’ll need for a comfortable camping experience at the festival. It’s important to come prepared with the right gear to ensure a stress-free adventure. Here’s a checklist of camping supplies you should bring:

  1. Tent: A sturdy and waterproof tent is crucial for providing shelter and protection from the elements.
  2. Sleeping Bags: Pack warm and comfortable sleeping bags to ensure a good night’s sleep.
  3. Extra Blankets and Pillows: Stay cozy with extra blankets and pillows for added comfort.
  4. Air Mattresses: Invest in air mattresses for a more comfortable sleeping surface.
  5. Headlamps and Lanterns: Illuminate your campsite with reliable headlamps and lanterns.
  6. Tarp: Bring a tarp to protect your tent from moisture and create extra shade or cover.
  7. Hammer and Pocket Knife: These versatile tools are essential for setting up and maintaining your campsite.
  8. Extra Toilet Paper: Make sure you have an ample supply of toilet paper for your camping adventure.
  9. Bath Towels: Don’t forget to pack towels for bathing and swimming.
  10. Chairs: Comfortable camping chairs are a must for relaxing at your campsite.
  11. Coolers and Jugs of Water: Keep your food and drinks cool with reliable coolers and bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the festival.

festival camping supplies

Additionally, consider bringing a stereo or music player to enjoy your favorite tunes, a car inverter for charging electronics, jumper cables for emergencies, tent locks for security, and hand warmers for chilly nights. You can also enhance your campsite’s ambiance and make it easy to find with flag or tiki torches. Optional items like a fold-out table and a hammock can add extra convenience and relaxation to your camping experience. Remember to keep all your devices charged with a Goal Zero Yeti to stay connected throughout the festival. Lastly, don’t forget to practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning and maintaining your campsite.

Food & Cooking Supplies

When it comes to festival camping, packing the right food and cooking supplies can make a significant difference in your camping experience. Having a well-stocked culinary setup ensures that you’ll have delicious meals and snacks throughout the festival. With the right supplies, you can easily prepare tasty dishes at your campsite without missing out on the festivities.

Here are some essential items to include in your festival camping packing list:

Food:

  • Chips
  • Sandwiches
  • Granola bars
  • Grilled cheese
  • Soups
  • Easy-to-prepare meals

Having these portable food options will keep you energized throughout the festival. They are convenient and require minimal preparation, allowing you to fully enjoy the music and activities.

Cooking Supplies:

  • Camping stove
  • Extra gas canisters
  • Biodegradable dish soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pots and pans
  • Pot holders
  • Spatulas
  • Silverware
  • Plates
  • Napkins
  • Cups
  • Straws
  • Ice
  • Condiments
  • Shot glasses
  • Flasks
  • French press for coffee
  • Coffee or instant hot chocolate and cider
  • Bottled water
  • Coozies

The camping stove and cooking supplies ensure that you can prepare hot meals or beverages whenever you want. Make sure to pack enough gas canisters to last throughout the festival. Don’t forget to bring condiments, shot glasses, and flasks to add some fun to your camping experience.

Here’s an example of a food packing checklist for a music festival weekend:

Food Quantity
Chips 5 bags
Sandwiches 10
Granola bars 15
Grilled cheese 8
Soups 10 cans
Easy-to-prepare meals 5 packets

Remember to pack enough food for the entire festival weekend. It’s always a good idea to prepare a variety of easy-to-make meals that require minimal cooking time.

To stay healthy at a festival, make sure to bring plenty of water and opt for nutritious snacks and meals. Combine your food packing list with the right cooking supplies, and you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy delicious meals and snacks throughout your festival camping adventure.

festival camping food

Toiletries & Personal Items

The toiletries and personal items section of the festival camping packing list focuses on essential products to maintain personal hygiene and stay clean throughout the event. It’s crucial to pack these items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Hygiene Essentials

  • Travel shampoo/conditioner: Bring travel-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner for easy hair care.
  • Solar shower: A portable and environmentally friendly option for showering at the campsite.
  • Face wipes: Convenient for quick cleansing and refreshing during the festival.
  • Baby wipes: Multipurpose wipes for brushing teeth, freshening up, and maintaining cleanliness.
  • Toothpaste/toothbrush: Oral hygiene is essential, so don’t forget to pack these items.
  • Mouthwash: Keep your breath fresh with travel-sized mouthwash.
  • First aid kit: Be prepared for minor injuries and accidents with a well-stocked first aid kit.
  • Pain medicine: Pack pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for any discomfort.
  • Pepto and antacids: These can provide relief from digestive issues that may arise during the festival.
  • Cold medicine: Prepare for potential cold or flu symptoms with over-the-counter medication.
  • Vitamins: Boost your immune system with necessary vitamins to stay healthy.
  • Emergen-C or airborne: These supplements can help support your immune system.
  • Cotton swabs: Useful for various cleaning and personal care purposes.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
  • Lotion: Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated with a travel-sized lotion.

Personal Care

  • Razors or shaving kit: Don’t forget to pack your preferred method of hair removal.
  • Condoms (if desired): Practice safe intimacy by bringing condoms if needed.
  • Hairbrush, clips, ties, bobby pins, headbands: Keep your hair organized and styled with these accessories.
  • Deodorant: Stay fresh and odor-free throughout the festival.
  • Feminine hygiene products: Pack tampons, pads, or menstrual cups to manage your period.
  • Contact lenses/solution: If you wear contacts, ensure you have enough pairs and solution for the duration of the festival.
  • Hand sanitizer: Maintain hand hygiene by using hand sanitizer regularly.
  • Chapstick and lip balm: Keep your lips moisturized and protected from dryness.

Remember, personal hygiene is essential for your overall well-being during the festival. These toiletries and personal care items will help you stay fresh and comfortable throughout the event.

Toiletries & Personal Items Checklist
Travel shampoo/conditioner
Solar shower
Face wipes
Baby wipes
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Mouthwash
First aid kit
Pain medicine
Pepto and antacids
Cold medicine
Vitamins
Emergen-C or airborne
Cotton swabs
Sunscreen
Lotion
Razors or shaving kit
Condoms (if desired)
Hairbrush, clips, ties, bobby pins, headbands
Deodorant
Feminine hygiene products
Contact lenses/solution
Hand sanitizer
Chapstick and lip balm

Road Trip Must Haves

When embarking on a festival road trip, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and equipped with the necessary essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Here are some must-have items recommended by the Ultimate Music Festival Packing List:

  • Thule Roof Rack: Ensure you have ample space for all your gear by utilizing a reliable roof rack like Thule. It allows you to safely transport bulky items, such as tents and camping gear, without sacrificing interior space.
  • Inverter: Keep your electronics powered up during the road trip with an inverter. This device allows you to charge devices like laptops, smartphones, and cameras directly from your car.
  • Car Seat Organizer: Stay organized on the road by using a car seat organizer. This accessory provides convenient storage for smaller items like snacks, maps, and sunglasses, keeping them within easy reach.
  • Seat Trunk Organizer: Maximize your trunk space with a seat trunk organizer. This versatile organizer allows you to separate and store various items, ensuring a tidy and clutter-free trunk.
  • Ceiling Cargo Net: Securely store additional items on the ceiling of your car with a ceiling cargo net. This netting system provides a convenient storage solution, especially for lightweight and bulky items.
  • Trunk Organizer: Keep your camping supplies and other essentials neatly organized in your trunk with a trunk organizer. It prevents items from shifting during travel and provides easy access when needed.
  • Seat Organizer: For smaller essentials like water bottles, sunglasses, and travel documents, a seat organizer can keep everything within arm’s reach. It attaches to the back of the front seats, providing convenient storage options.

When preparing for a festival road trip, it’s important to consider certain factors that can enhance your experience:

  • Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast for the duration of your road trip to ensure you pack appropriate clothing and gear. Be prepared for various weather conditions, including rain, sun, and temperature changes.
  • Choosing Appropriate Shoes: Opt for comfortable and durable shoes suitable for both driving and walking around the festival grounds. Consider footwear that can handle various terrain and weather conditions.
  • Securing a Camping Spot: Arrive early at the festival grounds to secure a desirable camping spot. This allows you to choose a location that is convenient and suits your preferences.
  • Evaluating Car Capacity: Before packing, assess your car’s capacity to accommodate all your necessary items. Avoid overloading the vehicle, as it can affect safety and fuel efficiency.
  • Backpacks or Camelbak: Bring backpacks or Camelbak for carrying essential items during the festival. These convenient bags allow you to keep your hands free and easily transport your belongings.

By following these road trip must-haves and considering these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to hit the road and enjoy your festival adventure to the fullest.

festival road trip essentials

Clothes & Gear

When it comes to festival camping, choosing the right clothes and gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. You want to be prepared for various weather conditions and have outfits that are both stylish and functional. Here are some key items to consider packing for your festival camping trip:

Clothing:

  • Hats and bandanas to protect yourself from the sun
  • Comfortable shoes for long hours of walking and dancing
  • Rain shoes or crocs in case of wet weather
  • Socks to keep your feet cozy
  • Skirts, jeans, shorts, and tanks for versatile outfit options
  • T-shirts and hoodies for layering
  • Jackets for cooler evenings
  • Sleeping clothes and sweatpants for comfort
  • Bathing suit for pool parties or quick dips
  • Belts to accessorize and keep your pants in place
  • Underwear and bras for everyday wear
  • Scarves, gloves, and skull caps for chilly weather
  • Raincoat to stay dry during unexpected showers
  • Jewelry and sunglasses to complete your festival look

Gear:

  • Backpacks or Camelbak to carry your essentials
  • Hula hoops, glow sticks, Frisbees, and playing cards for extra fun

Remember to pack clothes and gear that you’re comfortable wearing and that reflect your personal style. Festivals are a great opportunity to express yourself, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your outfits and accessories.

Extras

The extras section of the Ultimate Music Festival Packing List offers a range of additional items to amp up your festival experience. To add a touch of fun and decoration to your campsite, consider bringing tapestries, ashtrays, trash bags, and dry bags. Portable speakers are also a great accessory for enjoying music throughout the festival grounds.

For practicality and comfort, flags or tiki torches can be used to mark your campsite, while hammocks provide a relaxing spot to unwind. Shade awnings are essential for protecting against the sun and rain, ensuring you can enjoy the festival without any weather-related concerns. Don’t forget to bring a few personal entertainment items like books, paper, pen, and instruments to keep you entertained during downtime.

Embrace your creativity and personalize your camping space with these extra items. Capture unforgettable moments by bringing a camera and create lasting memories. To help you organize and check off all the essentials, the Ultimate Music Festival Packing List offers a free downloadable checklist. If you have any suggestions for additional items, please share them with us.

FAQ

What items are essential for festival camping?

Essential items for festival camping include tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, headlamps, lanterns, camping stoves, extra blankets, pillows, toiletries, coolers, chairs, towels, and various camping essentials like tarps, a hammer, pocket knife, and extra toilet paper. It is also recommended to bring games, instruments, and items for decoration to enhance the festival experience.

What camping supplies do I need for a festival?

Camping supplies for a festival include tents, sleeping bags, extra blankets, pillows, air mattresses, headlamps, lanterns, a tarp, hammer, pocket knife, extra toilet paper, bath towels, chairs, coolers, jugs of water, a stereo or music player, car inverter for electronics, jumper cables, tent locks, hand warmers, flag or tiki torches for easy campsite identification, and optional items like a fold-out table and hammock. It is important to keep everything charged with a Goal Zero Yeti and to clean and maintain the campsite as well.

What food and cooking supplies should I pack for a festival camping trip?

Food and cooking supplies to pack for a festival camping trip include easy-to-snack-on foods like chips and granola bars, as well as items that can be easily prepared at the campsite such as sandwiches and soups. You should also bring a camping stove, extra gas canisters, biodegradable dish soap, hand sanitizer, pots, pans, pot holders, spatulas, silverware, plates, napkins, cups, straws, ice, condiments, shot glasses, flasks, a French press for coffee, coffee or instant hot chocolate and cider, bottled water, and coozies. It is important to consider packing a separate list of food for the festival weekend and to prioritize staying healthy during the festival.

What toiletries and personal items should I bring for festival camping?

Toiletries and personal items to bring for festival camping include travel shampoo/conditioner, a solar shower, face wipes, baby wipes for brushing teeth and hair, toothpaste/toothbrush, mouthwash, a first aid kit, pain medicine, Pepto and antacids, cold medicine, vitamins, Emergen-C or airborne, cotton swabs, sunscreen, lotion, razors or shaving kit, condoms (if desired), a hairbrush, clips, ties, bobby pins, headbands, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, contact lenses/solution, hand sanitizer, chapstick, and lip balm.

What are the must-haves for a road trip to a festival?

Must-haves for a road trip to a festival include a Thule Roof Rack, inverter, car seat organizer, seat trunk organizer, ceiling cargo net, trunk organizer, and seat organizer to keep the car organized and maximize space. It is important to consider weather conditions and pack appropriate shoes. Securing the camping spot on the grounds before others arrive is also recommended. It is advised to evaluate the car’s capacity to accommodate all necessary items and to bring backpacks or Camelbak for carrying essentials.

What clothes and gear should I pack for festival camping?

Clothes and gear to pack for festival camping include hats, bandanas, comfortable shoes, rain shoes or Crocs, socks, skirts, jeans, shorts, tanks, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, sleeping clothes, sweatpants, a bathing suit, belts, underwear and bras, scarves, gloves, skull caps, a raincoat, jewelry, and sunglasses. It is also recommended to bring backpacks or Camelbak for carrying essentials and to consider fun items like hula hoops, glow sticks, Frisbees, and playing cards.

What extras should I bring for festival camping?

Extras to bring for festival camping include fun and decorative items like tapestries, ashtrays, trash bags, dry bags, and portable speakers. It is also advised to bring flags or tiki torches to mark the campsite, hammocks for relaxation, shade awnings for sun and rain protection, and personal entertainment options such as books, paper, pen, and instruments. Consider personalizing the camping space and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture memories.

Source Links

Scroll to Top