Festival camping is a bit different than your typical camping trip, but there are still some items you will need to pack for a successful weekend. Festival Camping Essentials will help you get the most out of your festival experience!
A portable speaker is great for playing music in your tent or keeping the party going after the music stops!
One of the most important things to pack for festival camping is water. Festivals can be hot and sweaty, and having access to clean water can make all the difference in your comfort level. A good quality water bottle with a reservoir is essential for keeping hydrated throughout the day. You may also want to consider bringing a spray misting bottle that can be used to help cool down in the heat.
A cooler is another essential item to bring to a music festival. It’s a great place to keep food and beverages and will keep them cold for your stay at the festival. Some coolers have a built-in ice pack to ensure your drinks stay cold for longer.
Other toiletries are also useful to have when festival camping. A bar of soap and hand sanitizer will come in handy for keeping yourself clean during the day and a few packs of tissues can be helpful in case of any unexpected soreness or runny noses. It’s also a good idea to bring some eye drops and contact lens solution in case your eyes get dry and itchy. Also, a headlamp or flashlight can be very useful for lighting your camp in the dark and finding your way back to your tent in the middle of the night.
Sunscreen
While it’s fun to get a bit sun-kissed at festival, too much can easily turn your summer tan into a painful burn. So, lather on the SPF — and keep in mind that spray sunscreens are likely to be confiscated by festival security (boo). If you’re going the cream route, opt for one that’s fast-absorbing, grease-free and ready for outdoor use. This La Roche-Posay formula has a nourishing blend of shea butter, antioxidants and evening primrose oil to hydrate skin and is specially formulated for those with darker complexions.
You’ll also want to invest in a sunscreen specifically for your hair. This La Roche-Posay formula comes in a convenient stick and is non-comedogenic so you don’t have to worry about it damaging your delicate locks.
Another must-have item is a water bottle or backpack with a large reservoir. It’s easy to fill and will make it a breeze to stay hydrated while you dance the day and night away. You’ll also need a waterproof rain shell that folds up small and fits in any bag in case the weather turns foul. And don’t forget to bring a power bank to charge your phone as needed.
Towels
When you’re camping, you need to think beyond the music and into your living space. A tent, sleeping bag and camping mat are essential but you also need a place to put your things. A collapsible camping chair can save you numerous trips back and forth to your car, while a portable picnic table will make eating, drinking, and hanging out at camp much more comfortable.
A towel is another important festival camping essential. A quick shower and a clean body are vital to staying healthy and happy throughout the long weekend. Toilet paper isn’t enough to wash away all of the sweat, dirt, and grime from a day of partying in the sun, so we recommend packing wet wipes. They’re great for wiping down a spill before you eat, cleaning your hands after using the restroom and can even be used as heavier-duty napkins.
These camping towels are designed to be super absorbent and quick drying. They’re also lightweight to pack and easy to carry whether you’re hiking a multiday trail or heading to the beach. They’re not treated with any bacteria or odor control technology, but they’ll keep you clean and fresh all weekend.
Sunglasses
A pair of sunglasses is a must-have for any music festival goer. They are great for blocking out the sun while watching a live show, as well as protecting you from those harmful UV rays. The Retro Clip-On Sunglasses are a nice option for this purpose, since they provide both style and functionality with their polarized lenses.
For those who wear contact lenses, a pair of disposable monthly lens is also a good idea for festivals. Having these on hand means you won’t have to worry about cleaning solutions or other accessories, and can keep your hygiene in check during a long camping stint.
If you’re looking to decorate your campsite or keep it lit after dark, try solar-powered fairy/string lights. They’ll charge during the day and stay charged all night, allowing you to illuminate your tent or create a cool, festive vibe.
Baby wipes are great for a lot of things at a music festival, from taking off glitter or tribal paint to getting mud off clothing and yourself. They’re especially useful for women, who may have difficulty cleaning up after a long day in the sun, as most festivals don’t offer showers. They can also be used to clean hands, faces, and feet.
Comfortable Footwear
Aside from your tent and camping gear (be sure to bring tarp, sleeping bag, and comfy mattress pad), comfortable footwear is a must-have festival camping essential. No one wants to dance all weekend in stilettos that will get stuck in the muddy ground.
The bare minimum you should bring is a pair of sturdy sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes that are easy to walk in and can also double as rain boots if needed. Flip-flops are good for quick trips to the shower or kicking back around camp.
Another great option is a pair of lightweight, waterproof rain boots in a fun design that will really stand out. You can also grab a pair of cozy and cool looking rain leggings that will protect you from the elements while still giving you freedom to move and groove.
And don’t forget about a waterproof rain jacket that can easily fold up into a small, compact pouch and is a great addition to any festival outfit. Plus, a waterproof umbrella can help you stay dry in case the weather turns bad. Be sure to pack a basic first aid kit including band-aids, painkillers, and any other medication you may need for the weekend.
Toiletries
A few essential toiletries will make your festival camping experience so much better. It’s a good idea to pack toothpaste, soap, shower gel and dry shampoo in one bag and plasters and other basic first aid items in another.
A towel is also a must-have when festival camping. They’re perfect for showering on hot days, covering up in a tent to help keep you cool and for when it rains. They’re a great way to avoid single use plastics as well. We recommend a microfibre towel as they’re lightweight and absorb water much faster than regular towels.
Baby wipes are a must-have for festivals, they’re useful for cleaning off surfaces (especially porta-loos), and getting mud off your clothes. They’re also a lifesaver for removing glitter, tribal paint and gems, and keeping your face clean when you don’t have access to a mirror.
A pair of flip flops is also a good shout for festival camping, they’re comfy and easy to walk around in. And don’t forget some ear plugs and an eye mask to help you get some sleep on noisy nights! Lastly, some gaffa tape can be handy for tying things up or fixing a broken tent.
Food
There will be tons of food trucks and stands at festival campgrounds but bringing some healthy snacks will help you stay on track with your nutritional goals. A good option is a DIY trail mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits and dark chocolate chips. This is a great snack for keeping your energy levels up and it’s easy to make ahead and pack in a resealable bag or container.
Another important food item to include in your festival camping checklist is a reusable water bottle. This helps you stay hydrated throughout the day and reduces plastic waste at the event. Plus, you can always refill it at nearby water stations.
Baby wipes are a must-have for many reasons at music festivals. From removing face glitter, tribal paint, and gems to cleaning up spills, mud, or simply toning your skin in the hot sun, they’re truly the ultimate music festival survival hack.
Many people also bring extra vitamin supplements to their festivals like Berocca or Liquid IV (depending on the type of festival they’re attending). These are great for getting you through a hard-partying weekend, especially if you’re not drinking much water! They contain things like grape thistle, ashwaganda, glutathione, and vitamin C.
