Every festival that offers camping to attendees will differ from each other in terms of the gear you will need. Being prepared for the days to come will make your experience less stressful and ultimately lead to a better time. Below is the ultimate festival camping essentials packing list.
Big Items:
Tent
Make sure you have a tent big enough for your whole crew. Typically, the amount of people that a tent claims to be able to fit is too many. If you want room for air mattresses you should cut that number in half.
Canopy
Having a canopy outside of your tent is an excellent idea because having more shade on a sunny day is priceless.
Grill (with extra propane canisters)
Make sure to bring a grill that doesn’t take up too much room. Grills that run on small propane tanks typically work the best so you don’t have to mess around with charcoal. Getting one that has a collapsible stand attached is also a great idea. Make sure to bring spare propane tanks so you don’t run the risk of running out.
Grilling utensils
Don’t get caught using plastic silverware to grill with. Make sure to bring the proper utensils to make your grilling experience a whole lot easier.
Tarp
A tarp can be used for many different purposes. Connecting your canopy to your tent, laying it outside of your tent to set things on, and putting it on top of your tent for extra moisture protection are some ways a tarp can be useful.
Speaker
Be sure to bring a portable speaker with you so you can jam out even when you’re not in the festival.
Cooler
A cooler or two is pretty much a necessity for festival camping. Having a GOOD cooler is something that is definitely worth the investment. Because ice becomes a precious commodity at festivals, don’t let all of your ice melt in the first few hours.
Sleeping bags
You might not get much sleep at a festival but when you do hit the hay, make sure you have a decent sleeping bag to crash in.
Sleeping pad
A sleeping pad is a more portable and easier version of the air mattress. It could be worth buying so you don’t have to sleep on the ground.
Air mattress
Air mattresses can be a hassle at festivals because many times you will have to blow them up by mouth. If you still prefer an air mattress make sure to get one that won’t get a whole right away.
Pillow
Portable shower
If you’re not expecting to have access to showers, this is a viable option to keep somewhat clean. You can also use the portable shower to wash dishes and simply wash your hand and face.
Lawn chairs
Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs. Make sure to have enough for everyone in your party. Sometimes you can find package deals on three or four chairs.
Camping table
Having a small table to set things on is just a pro tip. Putting it by the grill or by the coolers just makes things more accessible and less likely to miss place your things.
Yard games
Don’t get bored when you’re at the campground. Make sure to bring things to entertain you.
Extension cord
If you think you might have access to electricity, be sure to bring an extension cord.
Water jug
Having a larger jug of water always available will make your life much easier because walking to the spout multiple times a day will get old really fast.
Lantern
Having a lantern to hang in your canopy or in your tent will keep you from having to use your phone light to see anything. It can also attract mosquitoes so beware.
Car Inverter
For those of you who don’t know, a car inverter basically a car charger that converts into a wall outlet which will give you temporary electricity. It is not recommended to use the inverter when the car isn’t running.
Jumper Cables
Be the hero and bring your jumper cables. Having a dead car battery is not uncommon at festivals.
Flag Pole
Having a telescopic flag pole will make it way easier for you to spot your campsite in the sea of tents of campers.
Smaller Items:
- Water flats
- Food for grilling
- Beverages
- Ice
- Plates/cups
- Plastic silverware
- Paper towels
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, feminine hygiene)
- Flask
- Towels
- Trash bags
- Toilet paper
- First aid kit
- ibuprofen
- Battery charger
- Phone charger
- Lighters
- Tent locks
- Proper clothing
- Rain poncho
- Backpack/fanny pack
- Hand wipes
- Flip flops/slides
- Walking shoes
- French press coffee maker
- Vitamins
- Hair-brush
- Shaving razors
- Shaving cream
Condensed Versions:
Big Items:
- Tent
- Canopy
- Grill (with extra gas canisters)
- Grilling utensils
- Tarp
- Speaker
- Cooler
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pad
- Air mattress
- Pillow
- Portable shower
- Lawn chairs
- Camping table
- Yard games
- Extension cord
- Water jug
- Lantern
- Jumper Cables
- Flag pole
Smaller Items:
- Water flats
- Food for grilling
- Beverages
- Ice
- Plates/cups
- Plastic silverware
- Paper towels
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, feminine hygiene, contraceptives)
- Flask
- Towels
- Trash bags
- Toilet paper
- First aid kit
- ibuprofen
- Battery charger
- Phone charger
- Lighters
- Tent locks
- Proper clothing
- Rain poncho
- Backpack/fanny pack
- Hand wipes
- Flip flops/slides
- Walking shoes
- French press coffee maker
For a comprehensive list of items to bring with you into the festival view our Essentials for Music Festivals Packing List.