Festival Camping Tips + Ultimate Packing List

Stagecoach Music Festival is officially 1 month away ya’ll! I am so freakin’ excited to hang out with good company, listen to good music, and have a damn good time! Anyone else going? Well if you are, you are either camping, staying in an RV (aka glamping), or staying in a condo or hotel.

I have been to Stagecoach going on 5 years now and I have been tent camping at Lake Cahuilla each year. I would like to think I’m a pretty savy camper but I’ll let you decide. Today I’m sharing my camping tips for Stagecoach Music Festival along with a packing list.

Festival Camping Tips + Packing List

Tip No. 1: Buy a Sturdy Tent

Ok you guys, this is a biggie! The winds are no joke in the desert. My first year I borrowed a tent from a friend that was the most basic of all tents. The winds that day got up to 65+mph gusts and let me tell you it didn’t stand a chance.

We came back from the festival and the poor tent was completely flipped, poles broken, and dust everywhere. We ended up having to sleep in another friends tent that was a little bigger.

So do yourself a favor and get a sturdy tent! One that will shield you from the elements. The chances of high winds isn’t too bad but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also don’t be lazy and not stake down your tent. If winds do get high your tent could possibly end up somewhere else or even worse, in the lake (this actually happened to a couple of people).

My Tent | Festival Tent | Water & Windproof

Tip No. 2: Bring a Camping Mat or Blowup Mattress

Blowup Mattresses are a lifesaver! You won’t be spending a whole lot of time in your tent but when you do turn in for the night you’ll want to be comfy. From walking around all day to being in the sun, you’re going to want to get a good night sleep before you do it all over again the next day! Trust me on this! You’ll be thanking me later!

Sleeping Pad | Queen Mattress | Twin Mattress | My Mattress

Tip No. 3: Pack Baby Wipes

Indio is extremely dusty! Even if you’re not camping on a dirt site, like at Lake Cahuilla, you’re still going to get dusty. Like really dusty! Imagine this, thousands of people leaving the venue at one time and kicking up dust that just sits in the air. It’s pretty gross.

When you make it back to camp, you’re going to be dirty but so damn tired to even think about showering. This is where baby wipes come to save the day. Giving your body a quick wipe down will hold you over until the next morning when you take a shower.

Get Baby Wipes Here!

Tip No. 4 Ear Plugs are a Must

So you might be one of those “party all night” but for those of us who aren’t, the noise can get real annoying real quick. Ear plugs are amazing at drowning out noise from your camping neighbors and friends.

Tip No. 5 Use an Outdoor Mat to Limit Dirt in Your Tent

You’re already dealing with dust as it is so having dirt in your tent is the last thing you want. An outdoor mat is the perfect and affordable solution to keeping dirt out of you tent. You can find a really cheap one here.

Related: 5 Unlikely Items to Pack for a Music Festival

The Ultimate Packing List

Camping

[one-half-first]

• Tent–>I have this one.
• Extra Tent Stakes
• Outdoor Mat
• Sleeping Bag or Blankets
• Pillow
• Blowup Mattress/Sleeping Mat
• Headlamp
• Rubber Mallet
• Extra Toilet Paper
• Lots of Water

[/one-half-first][one-half]

• Ice
• LED Light or Lantern
• Table Grill
• Folding Table–> I have this one.
• Cooler
• Plates and Silverware
• Drinking Cup (limit use of plastic)–>I have this one.
• Camping Chairs or Festival Chair- We bring these one’s into the venue.
• Trash Bags
• Mini Broom & Dust Pan

[/one-half]

Toiletries

[one-half-first]

• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Dry Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Makeup Remover/Face Wipes
• Quick dry Towel
• Loofah
• Hair Brush

[/one-half-first][one-half]

• Shower Shoes
• Hair ties & accessories
• Makeup
• Nasal Spray & Allergy Meds
• Sunscreen
• Baby Wipes
• First Aid Kit
• Feminine Care Products (Diva Cup is amazing!)

[/one-half]

Clothing & Such

[one-half-first]

• Outfits-I plan this out ahead and try to use bottoms at least twice.
• Warm Jacket
• Poncho-Just in case it rains
• Hoodie
• Ball cap
• Cowboy Hat
• Bandana-for walking to and from festival.

[/one-half-first][one-half]

• Boots
• Sandals
• Bathing Suit
• Beach Towel-if your place has a pool
• Jewelry
• Underwear & Bras

[/one-half]

Miscellaneous

[one-half-first]

• Festival Ticket
• Cash
• Corn Hole (make your own here)
• Ear Plugs

[/one-half-first][one-half]

• Solar Phone Charger
• Portable Phone Charger
• Snacks
• Alcohol

[/one-half]

Download Festival Packing List Printable

Don’t forget to practice putting up your tent and if you’re not good at that then I recommend this quick instant tent. I have this one and it takes less than a couple of minutes to put up.

I hope this post was helpful for you. These items are my must haves when camping and things I have realized to bring over the years via trial and error. Overall, have fun and don’t over think your packing list.

xx // christine