Packing for a camping festival can be difficult. It’s a delicate balance of remembering to pack the necessities and the extra fun stuff, all while not packing too much. As a festival-goer myself I have compiled the quintessential list of what to pack, blending the essentials (RAIN JACKET) and the “Look what I brought!!” items.
So here it is folks, my list broken down into categories for better packing!
Kitchen Items
- Grill – electric/gas/your friends (Big or Little)
- Spatula – eggs, burgers and quesadilla, need to be flipped
- Pan – for the eggs and quesadilla
- Grandpa’s Fork – great for an open flame
- Paper Plates
- Plastic Silverware
- Trash Bags – keep your campsite clean!
- Solo Cups
- Coffee/coffee pot/mug
- Paper Towels
Food
- Bagels
- Trail Mix- aka crack cocaine
- Snacks- granola bar, s’more packs, pretzels, giant barrel of cheese balls…
- Cheese
- Fruit – because it makes you feel healthy
- Hot dogs
- Burgers
- Buns – you will be sad if you forget these
- Condiments there are these awesome ketchup packets, or stop off at a fast food joint and stock up! Ketchup/Mustard/Mayo/peanut butter and cream cheese
- Bread
- Water bottle
- Gatorade – when nothing else can quench your thirst
- Veggie trays are always nice
- Candy – blow pops & jolly ranchers!
For the campsite
- Tent – Duh
- Shade Tent – For the campsite or for the venue
- Tapestry – to block the sun or sit on at the show – I love my Tarpestry
- Quick Dry Towel
- Camping Chairs or CrazyCreek
- Table – bring a small one from home or invest in a camping one
- Coolers
- Ice (typically you can buy more at the festival)
- Lantern
- Head Lamps - The hands-free way to get around. Be sure and take it to the show so you can safely guide yourself home!
- Emergency First Aid Kit
- Phone Charger – for the car, juice pack for the phone, portable charger or solar power!
- Loaded iPod
- No Service? No problem with walkie talkies
- Portable speakers like these
- Sleeping bag and pillow * if its cold be sure to strip down to your base layer in your sleeping bag – undies, socks, shirt (preferably moisture wicking) and hat. The sleeping bag is meant to insulate you, if you having clothing on it can’t! If you have been sweating change into a new clean DRY layer first, too!
Other Essential Items
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Face wipes
- Hand wipes
- Meds – Pepto and Advil Cold & Sinus are always in my bag
- Brush
- Tooth Brush and Tooth Paste
- Dry shampoo this is my favorite
- Nail Clippers
- Lotion
- Hair scrunchy
- Rain Jacket
- Heavy Coat
- Cold Weather Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera fully charged
- Chapstick with sunscreen
- Squeeze Breeze - A must
- Hammock
- Glow Sticks!
Other Helpful Tips
- I always love having sleepy pants to relax in Hard Tail makes my favorite
- If you’re in cold weather be sure and bring some spandex to wear under you skirt/dress
- If you’re in the mountains be sure and pack layers for when the sun sets
- A hanging toiletry bag is great for car or tent camping. It stores everything in one convent place.
- Remember most places do not allow glass! No glass beer, Starbucks drinks or makeup in glass!
