Everything You Actually Need for a camping music festival

Camping festivals are their own special kind of chaos, part music and part camping trip. Whether you’re tenting it with your friends or rolling in with an RV, packing smart is the secret to having way more fun and way less stress. Here’s an easy guide to everything you’ll want to bring.

Clothes: Cute, But Practical

Festival weather has zero loyalty. It may be hot, cold, dusty, windy, or humid… sometimes all in the same day. Pack outfits you love, but make sure you’re ready for the elements. I plan out my outfits prior to packing. This helps to save space in my bag and eliminates any last minute decision making.

• Lounging outfits to wear at camp – comfy and light for those hot days!
• Day outfits you can dance in
• Warm layers for the late-night sets – Maybe a scarf or coat to warm yourself up without taking away from the outfit
• A hoodie to sleep in – in case it gets extra cold at night!
• Sleepwear – I bring a short and long set!
• Undergarments
• Extra socks & warm socks for cold nights
• Shoes: one pair for walking that you don’t mind getting dirty, sandals for lounging, and any others you want to bring!
• A rain poncho or rain jacket

Pro tip: Keep one “fresh” outfit sealed in a bag for the drive or flight home.

Bathing + Staying Fresh(ish)

Festival showers range from “not bad” to “I’ll just embrace it.” Coming prepared can help you feel a lot more clean and fresh throughout a messy weekend!

• Baby/body wipes
• Shower toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body & face wash)
• Moisturizer
• Deodorant
• Dry shampoo (a lifesaver)
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Washcloths and quick-dry towels
• Hair ties, clips, and/or a hat
• You may want a bandana or scarf for the inevitable dust
• Shower shoes / flip flops if the festival offers showers
• A few water jugs for washing off at-camp and teeth brushing
• A mirror for getting ready and fit checks

Everyday Essentials You’ll Use Constantly

Here are some little MVPs that save you all weekend long.

• Portable chargers + cables or a portable power station
• Cash (some vendors still prefer it – check the festival website prior)
• ID
• Festival wristband – You definitely don’t want to forget this!
• Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
• Mini first-aid kit (band-aids, Neosporin, pain reliever, blister care)
• Tissues (if it’s dusty, you’ll especially want these)!
• Toilet paper roll (don’t risk it)
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Bug spray and/or bug repellant wrist bands
• Aloe or after-sun lotion
• Dirty clothes bags

Camping Gear: Your Home Base Matters

Even if you spend most of your day wandering, you still want a cozy spot to relax and sleep.

• Tent or RV setup
• Stakes + mallet to secure your tent (wind has no mercy)
• Air mattress or sleeping pad – the ground is not all that comfy!
• Sleeping bag or blankets – I like to bring a heavy blanket for the cold nights and a light blanket to switch to when the sun starts beaming in.
• Pillows
• Earplugs for sleeping (or loud sets up close)
• Eye mask for sleeping (those RV headlights don’t care)
• Chairs for the campsite & a table
• Shade canopy or pop-up (a must for sunny festivals)
• Small fan or spray mister
• Lanterns or battery powered string lights
• Extra batteries
• Games!

Small luxury upgrade: a small rug for the tent entrance – it keeps half the dirt outside, which feels like a win. If rain is on the radar, you may also want to bring a tarp to lay underneath your tent, to help the inside stay dry.

Food & Cooking: Keep It Simple

You don’t need to go full “outdoor chef,” but having easy food on hand keeps you from buying overpriced festival food all weekend.

• Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, fruit, chips, muffins)
• Sandwich stuff
• A camp stove or portable grill
• Propane or fuel
• Grilling utensils
• Paper towels + wipes
• Reusable utensils + plates
• A bin for food storage
• Easy meal idea: premade lunch and breakfast burritos to throw on the grill (keep in cooler with ice)
• Trash bags

If you’re RV camping, meal-prep a couple things ahead of time to keep in the fridge.

Cooler & Drinks: Stay Hydrated!

• Ice and/or ice packs
• Drinks: water, electrolytes, and your fun beverages
• Premade cocktails or canned drinks (no mixing needed)
• Pre-cut fruit (stays colder and easier to snack on)
• Separate coolers for food and drinks

Keep your cooler shaded if you can. It will last way longer!

Tips for Camping at Festivals

Camping at a music festival is like a mix of survival mode and summer camp energy, so a few smart habits WILL go a long way. First, set up and organize your campsite as soon as you get there. Don’t wait until after sunset to start putting up your tent or locate the nearest bathrooms. Keep everything you’ll need regularly, like toiletries, chargers, and snacks, in one easy-to-reach bin so you’re not tearing your campsite apart every morning. And always secure your tent and canopy more than you think you need to because festival winds love drama.

Next, make the most of the daylight by slowing down and giving yourself some reset moments. Use the daytime to relax, cool off, clean yourself up, and have a good meal before the nighttime energy kicks in. Chances are, the daytimes will be hot, so spend some time at camp in the shade, drink a lot of water, and be sure to wear sunscreen (and re-apply)! Take breaks whenever you need them, whether that’s chilling in the shade, grabbing a real meal, or doing a quick wipe-down so you feel human again. Listen to your body, move at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to take a midday nap. Those small recharge moments can turn a long festival weekend into something you actually enjoy instead of just survive.

Final Tip: Pack With “Night Brain” in Mind

When the festival ends each night, you will be tired, dusty, and possibly a little feral. Prep earlier in the day in a way your future self will be grateful for. Keep your bedtime stuff all together, keep your outfits somewhat organized, and definitely don’t bury your toiletries at the bottom of your bag.

download my packing list on Canva here