Megan Campagnolo
The rise of music festivals over the past decade has opened the door to a new kind of RV travel: festival camping. Across North America, countless festivals now welcome RVs, offering a unique blend of music, art, and off-grid camping. But while the experience is rewarding, it requires thoughtful planning to ensure you’re well-prepared for the adventure.
If a festival is on your summer agenda, the first step is securing tickets—many events sell out months in advance. Once that’s done, it’s time to focus on the fun, from planning meals and outfits to ensuring you’ve got the gear needed for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay. Most festival grounds don’t include convenience stores or supply stops, so it’s crucial to bring everything you need.
What to Plan Before You Go
Start by reviewing the festival’s official guidelines. They often contain key details that can make or break your experience:
- Will food be available on site, and what are the average costs?
- What forms of payment are accepted—cash, cards, or mobile?
- Is water, ice, or coffee available for purchase?
- Is Wi-Fi available? Are electric hookups offered?
- What’s included with your parking pass or wristband?
- Are pets permitted? (Most festivals do not allow animals on-site.)
- What weather should you prepare for—hot days, chilly nights, rain?
Also, leave yourself extra travel time—getting into and out of festival grounds often takes longer than expected. Having an extra day’s worth of food, water, and fuel is a smart buffer in case of delays.
Essential Gear and Comfort Items
Perry Mack
Festival camping combines the unpredictability of the outdoors with long days of walking, dancing, and sun exposure. Be sure to bring:
- Sun protection: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Warm clothing for cooler nights: jackets, gloves, beanies
- Rain gear, depending on the region
- Battery packs for phones and lights
- Solar panels or generators to charge RV batteries
- Flashlights, headlamps, and bike lights
- A durable outdoor rug to keep your RV interior clean
- Cooling bandanas or neck wraps—a great way to stay cool during hot afternoons
- An insulated backpack cooler if you’re allowed to bring food or drinks into the festival grounds. It’s lighter and easier to carry than a traditional cooler.
A bike is often a useful addition, especially since most festivals prohibit vehicle movement after parking. Bikes allow for faster travel between stages or areas while reducing foot fatigue.
Campsite Décor and Lighting
Megan Campagnolo
Campsite visibility is essential—especially after dark. Use solar string lights, battery-powered lanterns, and illuminated décor to help you find your way back after a night out. Consider adding a unique flag or lighted art piece to personalize your space. Not only does this add flair, but it also helps your group easily locate the RV in a sea of similar setups.
Festival Style and Wardrobe Prep
Each festival has its own fashion vibe. Whether it’s desert boho, neon rave wear, or something more eclectic, researching photos online or via social media can help you prepare your look. Thrift shops are excellent sources for affordable, one-of-a-kind pieces. Give yourself time to assemble a fun and functional wardrobe—including plenty of comfortable shoes suitable for dancing and walking on uneven ground.
Day Pack and Creature Comforts
Having a lightweight day pack is invaluable for carrying festival essentials like snacks, water, layers, and hygiene items. Portable chairs, picnic-friendly containers, and reusable drinkware make it easy to enjoy meals away from your RV.
Consider packing a compact first-aid kit with:
- Sunscreen
- Electrolyte powders
- Bandages
- Hand sanitizer
- Alcohol wipes
- Allergy and pain relief medications
- Bug bite cream
- Tweezers
A multi-purpose wrap or sarong can serve as a picnic blanket during the day and a shawl at night.
Water, Waste, and Utilities
Water management is key when dry camping at a festival. A general rule is 8 litres of drinking water per person per day, not including water used for showering or toilet use. For a two-person, four-day trip, plan to bring at least 64 litres of drinking water.
Ensure your RV’s propane tanks are full and your freshwater tank is topped up before you arrive. For those with smaller black tanks, a portable waste tank can serve as a backup in case facilities aren’t convenient—or simply as peace of mind.
Inside the RV
Make your RV as cozy as possible for the downtime between events. Bring your favorite pillows, blankets, extra towels, and all the kitchenware you’ll need to cook and clean. Don’t underestimate the value of extra kitchen rags and a clean, well-stocked food pantry.
Final Thoughts
Festival camping in an RV is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the joy of live music with the comfort of having your own private retreat. With the right prep, you can enjoy days filled with dancing, exploring, and community—followed by nights of restful sleep under the stars. Give yourself extra time, stay cool, and pack wisely for the unexpected. Plan ahead, pack smart, and most importantly, have fun!