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Shop our productsWhenever you hear the word festival, you’ll probably be thinking multiple-day celebrations involving local cultural experiences and great music, and you’d be right. Fun-filled days full of music, good food, and great banter are where it’s all at!
And as if the fun knows no bounds, add in a touch of camping, and the fun intensifies as live entertainment blends with cozy nights under the stars.
That said, while the parties can be unforgettable, the realities of tight spaces, exposure to the elements, and limited facilities can quickly turn your fun experience into an unpleasant one. This is why it's essential to make the right preparations when planning to attend festival camping to help ensure you remain comfortable and fully immersed in the experience.
Let's find out how you can prepare for your festival camping.
Festival Camping Checklist
Whenever you are planning for a festival camping trip, it will help to keep in mind the unique situations and experiences that you can expect to find. For one, you can expect late-night music and highly lively campers, which makes carrying earplugs all the more important if you are hoping to catch some sleep.
The campsites are also likely to be highly crowded, which increases the need for security. This is where lockable bags and money belts come in handy.
Since the space will likely be limited, consider packing compact gear that is festival-friendly, such as small portable chairs and a compact portable power station.
Also, always remember to check the festival policy before packing. Events will sometimes restrict certain items, such as coolers, cooking equipment, due to the risk of fires. By tailoring your packing to the festival, you will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Festivals might last anywhere from two to five days. And things could get unpredictable, including a change in weather patterns and crowd conditions, all of which could contribute to a not-so-fun experience.
The checklist below will help you in your planning and preparation, ensuring that you make the most of your experience.
1. Shelter Essentials
Your shelter is essentially your home while at the festival. Because of this, it should be comfortable, functional, and weatherproof.
Tent – pick a tent with enough space for you and your company as well as all your gear. Ensure the tent has good ventilation and that it comes with an awning to provide extra shade outside. If you are traveling solo, a two-person tent is great for both you and your gear. But if you plan on bringing a companion, then go for a three-person tent.
Tarp or ground sheet – this is essential and sits under your tent to prevent moisture from getting in, and also protects the tent from wearing out. You can also use a second tarp overhead as extra shade or a canopy.
Sleeping bags and blankets—the last thing you want during a festival is to be cold at night when sleeping. And nights can get unpredictably cold even during summer. So, when you are out shopping for a sleeping bag, go for the one rated for the coldest temperatures. Don’t forget to bring extra blankets for comfort.
Air mattress or cot —there's nothing wrong with making your festival camping experience comfortable, and an air mattress can help ensure a good night's sleep. A cot will add extra insulation on the ground.
Pillows —while you can stuff clothes into a pillowcase to help save on space, you can also bring a pillow for extra comfort.
Tent repair kit—we are talking duct tape, patch materials, and cord in case you experience damage to your tent.
2. Food & Water Supplies
You will likely find food vendors at most festivals. However, they can be expensive and may not meet all of your dietary requirements. This is why it’s a good idea to bring your food.
Snacks—trail mix, granola bars, nuts, crackers, and jerky are all great ideas. These do not require refrigeration and are great at providing a quick energy boost.
Easy Meals—oatmeal packets, instant noodles, canned beans, pasta salads, and pre-made sandwiches. You can also bring along freeze-dried camping meals for extra convenience.
Cooler—if the festival permits bringing coolers, then this is a great way to preserve perishable meals such as fruits, cheese, cold drinks, and meats fresh. Reusable ice packs can help minimize messes.
Reusable water bottles —there is no denying how physically demanding festivals can get. Choosing refillable bottles is an eco-friendly way to remain hydrated while at the same time avoiding frequent visits to the vending machine.
Camping stove & cooking gear—a small portable grill or propane stove will help you make those hot meals. Remember to carry a lighter or some matches and fuel.
Utensils & cookware—carry at least a single pan or pot, plates, cutlery, bowls, a mug, a spoon, or a spatula. Consider getting a collapsible to help save on space.
Cleaning supplies—have a sponge, dish towel, eco-friendly and biodegradable soap, and a small basin for washing the utensils.
Trash bags & recycling bins—bring along small bags or multiple sizes to put your waste in. The larger bags can be used for the group. Ensure that you separate the recyclable ones and dispose of the waste responsibly.
3. Clothing and Weather-Ready Gear
Having the right type of clothing can mean the difference between a fun festival camping experience and a miserable one.
Layered outfits—start with a base layer with moisture-wicking properties. Next, add in an insulating layer in the middle, such as a fleece or a hoodie, and then put on top a weatherproof and windproof top layer. This will help you adapt quickly to changing weather patterns.
Festival-friendly clothing—it’s often part of the culture to wear expressive and fun outfits, but it pays to balance this out with comfort and durability. Go for breathable fabrics that will come in handy when the days get hot.
Rain gear—a waterproof jacket or poncho and weatherproof shoes—will help keep you dry when it rains, and extra socks to keep your feet warm.
Sun protection—sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and long-sleeved clothes will help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Footwear—Bring along a pair of sturdy shoes for dancing and walking, and flip flops for lounging. It’s probably not a good idea to try out new shoes as these could cause blisters, which is the last thing anyone needs when planning on days of dancing and fun.
Accessories—For those cold nights, consider bringing along beanies and gloves. Bandanas will help you manage the dust, and a small separate laundry bag for your dirty clothes.
4. Lighting and Power Solutions
Without lighting, the camp can turn pitch black. It's important, therefore, that you make sure that you are ready with:
Lanterns—whether solar or battery-powered, a good lantern can help power up your camp spot or tent. Models that feature dimming settings can help prolong battery life.
Headlamps & flashlights—great for nighttime movements, such as those bathroom runs that you need to make late in the night. Ensure that you have one of these close to you at all times.
String lights—battery-powered or USB string lights will not just provide illumination but will also add a bit of ambiance that can set your tent apart from those around you.
Note that some festivals will discourage the use of string lights as these can interfere with other campers nearby. Always ensure that you camp responsibly and are always mindful of fellow campers.
Portable power stations
By now, it is clear that you'll need some type of energy solution to take with you to your festival camping. Whether it’s charging your smartphone, laptop, cameras, or lamps, or powering your cooler to keep food fresh, these are essential solutions.
Let's take a look at some cool options;
BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station
This power station from BLUETTI is designed with compactness and easy carry in mind, making it the perfect partner for the solo traveler or for minimalist camping. It features multiple USB ports and AC outlets, allowing you to charge lights, smartphones, and other devices simultaneously.
The BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station is ideal for that weekend festival camping trip with light charging requirements.
A 768-watt-hour capacity means that you can keep your small devices charged for the entirety of the festival camping. Since it is solar-compatible, you can recharge the station without worrying about running out of power.
The table below shows different camping devices and their runtime on the AC70 on full charge.
| Camping Device | Wattage | Bluetti AC70 Runtime |
| Mini Fridge | 50W | 9.03 Hours |
| LED Camping Lantern | 10W | 23.50 Hours |
| Portable Induction Cooktop | 1500W | 0.39 Hours |
| Camping Fan | 30W | 13.05 Hours |
| Portable Water Heater | 1000W | 0.58 Hours |
| Electric Heated Blanket (12V version) | 100W | 5.10 Hours |
BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station
If you are traveling as a pair or group and you need more power during your festival camping, then you might want to consider the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station. Not only will it charge multiple devices simultaneously thanks to its many charging ports, but it can also charge more power-hungry equipment that you might bring along, such as a cooler, mini projector, and electric cooker.
The larger battery capacity of up to 2073.6 Wh also makes it ideal for multiple-day excursions. Whether you want to keep your phone alive to take and share moments or need that laptop to edit mages and video during the festival camping, to lighting up the camping spot and cooking, you can never go wrong with a good portable power station, ensuring that you are carefully immersed in the moment with no worries.
The table below shows different camping devices and their runtime on the Elite 200 V2 on a full charge.
| Device | Wattage | Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Runtime |
| Microwave Oven | 1000W | 1.58 Hours |
| Electric Space Heater | 1500W | 1.05 Hours |
| Portable Air Conditioner | 1000W | 1.58 Hours |
| Portable Electric Grill | 1500W | 1.05 Hours |
| Electric Water Heater / Kettle | 1000W | 1.58 Hours |
| Electric Camping Stove / Cooktop | 1500W | 1.05 Hours |
Comfort and Convenience – A Few Cool Tips
While you are out at a festival camping event, you don’t want to just survive the experience, you want to thrive in it. You can significantly increase your comfort levels with just a few thoughtful ideas and reduce the stress and fatigue so you can fully enjoy the experience.
Stay Cool with Portable Fans
When the weather is warm, you will enjoy having a portable fan. You have the option of a battery-powered or a USB-powered option. The latter would be great when you have the BLUETTI AC70 or the Elite 200 V2 power stations.
Seating & Shade
Get a small folding chair as well as a pop-up canopy for extra shade and comfortable sitting, which will help turn your campsite into a cozy place to stay.
Cleanliness & Hygiene
To help keep you clean, consider bringing along wet wipes, hand sanitizer, as well as a drying towel and toiletries.
Safety & Sanitation Tips – How to Keep Clean
Keeping safe and maintaining good hygiene is an important part of a festival camping experience. With facilities being limited and the crowd large, topped off with unpredictable conditions, things can get tricky fast. You can remain happy and worry-free, and clean using a few smart habits.
Prioritize Hygiene
- Make use of portable toilets wherever they are available
- Bring your toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
- Bring along trash bags to dispose of the waste, as well as store dirty laundry
Secure Your Valuables
- Use a lockable bag for storing your essential and high-risk items
- Use anti-theft backpacks or make use of onsite lockers
Stay Aware
- Use a portable power station to keep your phone and other devices charged
- Share your location with your close friends
- Ensure you know where the first aid tents are
Conclusion
Festival camping comes with plenty of fun and the opportunity to create unforgettable memories, that is, when you are prepared. From the tent to the clothing to those creature comforts, planning ensures you avoid the stresses and inconveniences while focusing on the fun. And with a portable power station, you know that your power requirements are taken care of, from running electric cookers to keeping the camp illuminated and your phones charged. Whether you’re dancing in the sunshine or unwinding in your tent, thoughtful preparation sets the stage for a worry-free adventure. So, pack smart, pack safe, and enjoy every moment in your festival camping.
