Packing for a music festival can be a bit overwhelming. Trust me, I know. On one side I’ve been the organized, list taker, planner of the festival trip and on the other side, I have completely winged it. Both times were amazing but I realized you get more out of the festival experience if you come completely prepared. Nothing feels better than to come back to a comfortable campsite after a long day and night of dancing. Not to mention, I’ve realized how big of a mooch you can come across to your friends if you just kind of expected that they would bring certain items. I’ve found it is best to coordinate with your festival squad preferably in a group text. You could decide if a group trip to the store is necessary or if you can bring some items, while others bring any other things that they might already have or could contribute. This list will be beneficial to not only the wooks but also my fellow glampers. I’ve included products that are super affordable for the music festival attendee budget.

CAMPING SUPPLIES

First things first, you need a tent. (I once slept in my car for a music festival and it was all fine and dandy until the sun comes up and you’re a sweaty hot mess inside and have to wake up early). I am by no means a certified camper so I prefer a pop up tent. A pop-up tent saves you so much hassle in trying to set up your tent. Below is an awesome 2, 4 and 6 person pop-up tent that comes with a door on each side. My best friend and I once went to Tomorrowland and bought two little kids sleeping bags to put one down as a cushion and the other to use as a blanket. Then we used our backpacks as pillows! Not an ideal situation so make sure you stock up on a sleeping bag for a comfy sleep. If you want to step your sleep game up even more, I highly recommend an air mattress. This air mattress has a rechargeable electric pump so you can even blow it up if you don’t have access to power. It will make all the difference! Next on the list is a canopy pop-up which will keep you shaded even on those scorching hot days. A camping festival wouldn’t be a proper camping setup without a table to play beer pong, make food or mix cocktails on. It may be hard to sit still at a music festival but these camping chairs will come in handy for when you want to enjoy a cold beverage and recoup before the day begins. Buying food from vendors the whole entire festival can really add up so I have included a cooler to store perishable foods. The worst thing when you’re heading out of the festival is to have your car battery die. I recommend car jumper cables so that someone can jump your car. Although I suck at beer pong, it is a ton of fun to play with friends! You’ll need some red solo cups and pong balls. Instead of buying packs of plastic water bottles, bring a reusable water bottle instead. Lastly, a tarp is another supply that you’ll appreciate bringing because they can protect your tent from the rain. You can also use the tarp to put over your car to make it nice and shady if you wanted to do your makeup in the front seat or to have a moment to cool off.

ELECTRONICS

If you want to listen to some music while you’re pregaming or to even keep the party going, I highly recommend a bluetooth speaker. Festivals are a chance to escape from the real world but if you want to take awesome photos, update your social media or just be able to keep in contact with your festival squad then you’ll need a portable charger. I usually run my car at a festival for a little bit while I’m getting ready in morning to charge my phone and then I use my portable charger for when I go on the festival grounds. The portable charger I linked below lasts for soooo long. I barely ever need to recharge it. While some may rely on their phone lights, it is better to use a camping lantern to light up your campsite.

CLEANING SUPPLIES

A clean and organized camp is a happy camp. Stock up on paper towels. Leave no trace behind and pick up trash to put in large drawstring trash bags. Those nasty porta potties often run out of toilet paper so it essential you bring your own just in case.

HYGIENE ITEMS

Baby wipes are essential for a festival. Although I highly recommend taking advantage of the showers, if you just want to freshen up in between then pick up a few of these wipes. I swear by emergen-c packets. Anytime I have felt a cold coming on and I drink one of these, the vitamin C always nips it in the butt. I also never go to a camping festival without pedialyte. Pedialyte provides extra electrolytes to replenish your body, keep you hydrated and to give you more energy so that you can get over a hangover and dance all night long. As I get older, I realize that it just isn’t feasible to go to a festival all day with barely any water and one order of chicken strips. These vitamins will help you in the long run. Try them for yourself. You won’t regret it. Festivals often run out of hand sanitizer so it is sooo important that you just bring your own. Also, grab a travel size hand sanitizer to put in your backpack for when you go in to the festival grounds. Protect your skin from the sun and bring some sunscreen. Don’t be that person who is covered in dozens of mosquito bites and wishes they brought bug spray! Lastly, don’t forget some chapstick. I also love these because they have yummy flavors and they keep your lips nice and smooth.

EXTRAS

If you really want to deck out your campsite and go above and beyond, it would be fun to set up a tapestry, inflatable couch and a hanging solar lamp. You can even represent where you are from with a state flag.