Surviving the Great Outdoors: Your Essential Guide to Navigating and Thriving at a Camping Festival

Let’s talk about camping festivals. If you have never been to one and are preparing for your first, here is everything you need to know to be set up for success. I cannot express over this blog post how big my love is for camping festivals, and my personal favorites are Bass Canyon and Lost Lands. Camping allows you to immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere fully, meet fellow campers, and enjoy the convenience of staying onsite. So what do you need to know? 

Depending on the festival you are attending, different types of camping will be offered. Familiarize yourself with the available choices and choose the one that suits your preferences. The majority of camping festivals will have these four: 

What to Bring

Now that you have picked what type of camping you’d like, to ensure a comfortable camping experience, make sure to pack the following essential gear:

• Tent: A sturdy and waterproof tent is worth the investment. You may want to consider a tent with blackout features to help with sleeping during the day. Ensure your tent is suitable for the number of people sleeping in it.
• Sleeping bag & pad: If you are trying to pack minimally, take a sleeping bag, but if you have the space, I highly recommend a sleeping pad. Some individuals enjoy an air mattress; this helps add an extra layer of comfort.
• Lighting: Remember, you are camping, so you don’t want to forget a reliable flashlight for navigating the campsite at night. You could also opt for solar-powered lights or bring additional battery-powered lights. For fun, bring some fairy lights to spice up your campsite.
• Food & water storage: This one is so important to ensure your food keeps fresh. Utilize coolers to keep water and other beverages chill.
• Camping chairs and tables: Include foldable chairs and tables for comfortable dining, playing games, and socializing with friends.
• Cooking equipment: A portable camping stove or grill and cooking tools can help you save money and allow for convenience with eating. Don’t forget utensils, plates, cups, and cookware.

Setting Up & Safety

You’ve now picked out your camping preference and are ready with everything you need. Here are some tips to make the most of your campsite and ensure personal safety and security of your belongings:

• Arrive early: Most campsites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Getting there early increases your chance of securing a good spot closer to the festival grounds and allows you more time to get settled in.
• Familiarize yourself with where you are: Look around your neighboring campsites, and take note of landmarks, lighting poles, and flags. This can help save time when you are returning back to camp.
• Decorate: Along with familiarizing yourself with your surroundings, adding some flags or banners can help identify your campsite and add some personality to your site.
• Layout: Create a comfortable and easy-to-navigate site. Set up your tent, arrange your seating area, mark a designated spot for food and drinks, and consider bringing some additional shade, such as a canopy.
• Lock valuables: keep your important valuables secure by locking your tent or bringing a lockable storage container. Try not to bring expensive items to reduce the risk of theft.
• Personal safety: HYDRATE & eat. Drink plenty of water, snack when you can, and have meals to keep your energy up.
• Be considerate: Look out for your fellow campers and ensure to pick up after yourself!