Camping festivals are a weekend you won't forget whether you're prepared with everything you need or not. If it's your first time packing for a camping festival, you may find it's overwhelming to decide on everything you need. Some festivals let you camp next to your car, while other festivals may require you to carry your items miles from the parking lot to your campsite.
Below I've compiled essential items you need if you want to enjoy the weekend and additional items that will add to the experience but aren't required if you don't want to carry them around or don't have the extra cash.
Essentials
If you're going to a camping festival, you're going to need a tent and a rain flat at the absolute bare minimum. Unless you plan ahead to buy a tent from the festival or stay in a VIP lodge, you're going to need some shelter to come back to after the night ends. A blowup bed that doesn't require electricity or a sleeping bag are highly recommended because the tent is only going to cover the ground. A pillow and blanket are also high recommended because it can get cool at night.
Pack plenty of additional clothes in case the weather involves rain that turns the camp area into mud. Pack a few rain ponchos so you can stay dry. A flashlight will help you maneuver through the campground at night.
Bringing a case of water is highly recommended because you can only buy water in the campground. In the festival, there will be free water stations. Bottled water is expensive at the campground, so plan ahead to save yourself some cash.
Concerning food, there will be options or food at the festival and around the campsite. If you want to bring food, easy to make and store options are bread, peanut butter, jelly, snack bars, meal replacement drinks, and other items that don't need to be refrigerated after opening. Baby wipes are a must if you want to feel clean without paying a pretty penny to use the showers.
Your ID and ticket are a big must. If you're traveling a long distance, you can't just turn around if you forgot something. Make sure you write down everything you want and need to bring and double check you have everything before getting on the road.
Additional Items (awesome extras)
Chairs are great because they give you somewhere to sit other than your tent. When you wake up, it may be seven or more hours until you go into the festival, so you're going to want to be comfortable. If you can afford a canopy, buy one. It gives you someone to sit under cover that is away from your tent, and it allows you to meet your neighbors.
Flags or tapestries are also good items to bring because it makes finding your tent at the end of the night a lot easier. Otherwise, you may be looking for your plain tent for quite some time. Card games are a really good idea because you may not have cell service and you may find yourself looking for something to do.
Even if you don't think it may rain, bringing plastic and rain boots will make sure you are prepared for anything. Plastic can be laid around your camp ground so you don't step in mud around your tent. Rain boots may not look cute, but at least your shoes won't be soggy and full of mud like the rest of the attendees' shoes.
Waterproof radios and walkie talkies are also encourages. The walkie talkies can be used to communicate with your group if there isn't any cell service. The radio can be used to listen to music and hear about the news going on in the world.
Comments
This list is by no means all inclusive. Be sure to pack whatever you need to feel clean and keep enjoying the weekend. Of course do not forget to bring things for your hair and teeth. Ladies, make sure you pack your toiletries. Guys, please wear your deodorant. If there are any essentials you think first timers need to know about, leave them in the comments below!
