Confession: I've been addicted to music festivals ever since Camp Bisco in 2012.

There's no better gathering spot for amazing tunes, self-expression, good vibes and the best friends you've never met yet. This festival season has been epic but is unfortunately drawing to a close.

I've been lucky enough to attend Camp Bisco, Firefly, Electric Zoo, The Hudson Project and The Meadows.

I learned that I definitely prefer camping festivals because there's just no matching the vibes and enthusiasm when it's your home for multiple days. Preparation is beyond essential for events like these. Fail to prepare and the Fun Train can take a quick turn towards Shitsville.

Stay away from Shitsville. It's overrun with rabid badgers and Animal Control is ran by Comcast Customer Service.

Print out this list for next festival season and split it your crew. With everything on this list, I can guarantee you'll have the dopest time.

1. 10x10 Shade Tent

Surely you've seen these before at rec soccer games or tailgates. This is the foundation of the campsite. Don't forget one or you'll feel like a Grade-A dingus. Unless that festival specifically has wooded camping, this shade tent is your only respite from the sun.

Decorate with lights, flags and tapestries to make it your own.

2. Tent Rain-Fly

At The Hudson Project, rain blew in during Big Gigantic and I realized in the middle of the crowd my rain-fly was down. I returned later to some luck: my belongings in the corners stayed dry, but my mattress in the middle was a huge mess.

Don't be like me. Stay dry with a rain-fly.

3. Battery Fans

Tents can get super hot, so hang fans inside for ventilation. Keep cool around camp or bring them into the music grounds.

4. Air Mattress

Sleeping on lumpy ground is awful. Just make sure it comes with a battery air pump.

5. Lite Sleeping Bag & Pillow

"Festival Season" is generally during the summer months, so leave the bulky sleeping bag behind. I opted for a warm-weather model and inflatable camping pillow.

Both roll up into a bread-loaf sized bag for easy carrying.

6. Water Backpack

Keeping hydrated is a top priority. I personally opted for a 1.5 liter CamelBak cycling pack. It has a slim profile, great straps and a pocket for everything. Osprey is another great choice. That much water is plenty for one person, or you and your S/O.

(PRO TIP: Add Gatorade powder and citrus for a truly refreshing brew).

7. Totem

Anyone who's gone with friends to a festival has lost their friends at a festival. The easiest, most fun way to stand out is to make a totem! Grab a plush doll, flag or funny picture, add some lights-- no lasers or eye-killers, be polite. Carry it proudly.

Stop relying on Shitsville cell service and keep the fam together.

(PRO TIP: At least one totem means everyone can see the sets they want and have epic reunions later).

8. Butt / Shower Wipes & Dry Shampoo

Festival showers are hit or miss. At best it's free with a short line if you go early. At worst they're overcrowded or absent. Camping shower wipes are basically giant butt wipes and perfect for staying fresh.

Combined with some dry shampoo and actual butt wipes and you're golden.

9. Crazy Creeks

Just do a quick search for these chairs. Lightweight and portable, these chairs are keep your butt out of the mud so you can kick back and relax.

10. Changing Tent

I got lucky and found one laying forgotten on the ground at Camp Bisco. These vertical tents are awesome. Changing or bathing in a small tent not awesome.

They can be found for under $40 and are worth every penny.

11. Padlocks

It's unfortunate, but thievery does happen. The good news is that nobody is trying THAT hard. Just keep lose items in a tent and lock the zippers.

12. Carabiners & Binder Clips

Bring a bunch of each. You'd be surprised how often they come in handy... I swear.

13. Camp Grill / Cookware

With a good cooler, meats and proteins can be packed. Bring a grill and frying pan for a delicious meal that doesn't cost $15. You'll thank yourself later.

14. Ground Coffee & French Press

Boil some water and get your morning started the right way.

15. Headlamps / Camp Lights

Perhaps you've heard there's no outlets in tents. So with that said, you can never have too many flashlights or lanterns.

(PRO TIP: Hang battery powered LED string lights from the shade tent for perfect night lighting).

16. Comfortable Shoes

This might seem obvious, but don't underestimate this. A supportive pair of shoes with comfy soles are a must.

Twisted ankles and blisters can appear out of nowhere.

17. Joint Braces

Do you wear a brace for athletics or any kind of physical activity? Bring it.

18. Portable Battery

Any battery with a capacity greater than 10,000 mAH will do. No easier way to keep gadgets charged.

19. Disposable Camera

Your phone or actual camera can no doubt take "better" pictures but hear me out-- toss it that way you and your friends can take hilarious candids of unforgettable memories.

No battery, no service, no BS.

20. Frozen Water Gallons

At least a few days before leaving, drink out of a few gallon jugs. But before going make sure you freeze some. These stay frozen for days and don't make a soggy mess of your cooler.

21. Body Decorations

Temporary tattoos, stickers, glitter, stencils, face-paint, etc.

Feel free to get weird.

22. Saved Music or iPod

Cell service is spotty so skip the streaming.

Good tunes at the campsite are a necessity.

23. Tailgate Games

Cornhole, frisbee, dizzy bat, pong, etc.

Make friends with your camp neighbors and pregame in style.

24. Wacky Clothes

Jorts and a Nyan Cat T-shirt are perfectly acceptable. Dress however the hell you want.

25. Dolly Cart & Straps

Not all festivals have car camping. Camp Bisco is at the Montage Mountain water park and ski mountain. After parking you're shuttled to the grounds and must haul everything up a slope.

Without some kind of wagon or cart you're SOL.

26. Extra Undergarments

However many pairs of socks, underwear, etc. you think you need, double that. Other clothes can be re-worn if necessary, but undies? Please.

27. Bubbles

Cheap and whimsical, who doesn't like to see bubbles floating in the breeze? Magic in a bottle.

28. Set-list Printouts

Make sure you have hard copies of schedules and maps to keep that phone in your bag where it belongs.

29. Journal

There will be no shortage of incredible moments and experiences. Start a festival journal and share with to friends to write their own passages.

You'll be happy you did.

So if you're still with me here, you are now well on your way to having a fabulous festival experience. Stay safe friends -- I'll see you in the pit.

Feel free to add whatever else you'd like and help me make this list even better in the comment section below!