If you’re heading to your first multi-day festival where you'll camp on site, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by what to bring. I still remember my early festivals, overpacking things I never touched, forgetting the items that actually mattered, and learning the hard way exactly what makes a long weekend outside feel fun instead of exhausting. Festivals are a unique mix of camping, travel, long days and late nights, and packing well makes a bigger difference than most people realize.
After more than 11 years of attending more than 23 outdoor festivals across the United States, I’ve learned that planning ahead isn’t about being “type A,” but more so about giving yourself the freedom to enjoy the weekend once you actually arrive. A thoughtful checklist means fewer last-minute store runs, better sleep and more comfort. Purchasing quality reusable items can also save you money in the long run rather than tossing single-use items after a weekend.
Whether you’re headed to your first festival or just want to feel more prepared for your next one, this checklist walks you through what to bring, why it matters and how to set yourself up for a fun and safe weekend.
Read on or jump ahead to relevant sections:
10 Festival Essentials
Just as you need to bring the 10 essentials when you go on a hike to stay prepared for emergencies, you should also come prepared to any festival experience where you'll be spending lots of time outdoors. The 10 festival essentials have a lot in common with the classic 10 essentials, but with a few twists.
Tickets: Everything else is moot if you can’t get through the gates. If your tickets are digital, make sure you won’t need WiFi to access them (in case service is spotty right when you’re trying to pull them up) or that you download them in advance.
Wallet with ID, cash and credit card: Even at all-ages events, bring your ID. It’s often needed for ticket issues, grabbing a drink with friends or in case of an emergency. And while many festivals are cashless, bring a bit of cash just in case. ATMs can run out, card readers can go down.
Cellphone and portable charger: Festivals can be a great time to unplug, but you’ll still want a way to keep in touch with friends, regroup in crowds, and handle emergencies. A portable power bank means you won’t be stressing about battery life.
Map of the festival grounds: Pro tip: Screenshot the map and set it as your phone background for the weekend. That way you’re not digging through hundreds of concert photos trying to find the info you actually need.
Sun protection: Long lines and afternoon sets often mean standing in direct sun—a fast way to drain your energy and get burnt if you’re not prepared. Sun protection includes sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and, if you're particularly prone to burning, UPF clothing.
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack: Water bottles work great, but hydration packs or hydration reservoirs hold more water, which means fewer refill trips and more time watching your favorite band.
Snacks: Festival food can get pricey. While I always recommend supporting local food vendors, I like to keep protein-rich snacks on hand to stay fueled as the night goes on. More energy = more dancing.
Small first-aid kit: You’ll be walking a lot. Like 30,000 steps a day a lot. I never skip blister care like moleskin and bandages. A little first-aid kit is a staple in my gear.
Comfortable footwear: Cute outfits are part of the fun, of course, but comfort always looks better than sore feet. Shoes that support your feet will keep you dancing longer. And don’t forget the importance of good socks too.
Rain jacket: A lightweight jacket or poncho can turn a soggy situation into a minor inconvenience instead of a weekend-ender. After attending festivals delayed by surprise thunderstorms, rain gear is now permanently on my packing list.
Campsite Setup Essentials
Festival camping is like any other car camping trip, but with a lot more people around. Taking a little extra care to ensure privacy and a comfy place to hang out (and get shuteye) will make your experience a lot more fun.
Tent & Shelter
Tent: A large-capacity tent provides space for your friends or family to share. Choose a size that gives you room to change clothes comfortably and store valuable items. Read more about how to find the right tent size in What to Look for in a Camping Tent.
Shade shelter: Having a reliable place to escape the sun makes a huge difference in how comfortable (and energized) you feel all weekend. A canopy quickly becomes the heart of your campsite—where you hang out with friends, catch a breeze during the hottest part of the day, and sneak in a nap when your tent turns into a sauna. Freestanding ones are easy to set up and move around.
Sleep system
Sleeping pads, air mattresses or cots: If you have space for it, a raised cot or a quality air mattress ensures you get a cush night’s sleep, off the ground. But a sleeping pad works as well.
Sleeping bag, comforter or blanket: Choose something suited to forecasted nighttime temperatures so you stay warm without overheating. A comforter and blanket are my go-to, but I always bring a sleeping bag just in case—cold nights can sneak up on you. (Don't forget a bottom sheet if you choose an air mattress or cot.)
Pillows: A real pillow (or compressible camp pillow) makes sleeping in a tent feel much more like home.
Eyeshades, earplugs: Festival campsites never seem to sleep, but you can. Earplugs help so much at night, and high-fidelity ones protect your ears during shows.
Campsite extras
Once you’ve covered the basics, this is where camping at a festival really starts to feel fun. These extras aren’t necessary, but they add loads of comfort, personality and ease to your weekend. A few thoughtful touches can turn your campsite into a place you actually want to spend time, whether that’s relaxing between sets, sharing meals with friends or winding down at the end of the night.
Campsite comfort
Camp chair or other furniture: Comfortable camp furniture—and plenty of it—makes meals, conversations and downtime at camp much more enjoyable. Pro tip: Invest in an inflatable couch, which has completely changed festival camping for me. Trust me.
Hammocks: Perfect for afternoon lounging, quick naps or just getting off your feet for a bit. Check festival rules and whether there are trees or other supports to hang it.
Folding table or camp kitchen: Having a designated surface keeps food prep organized and helps prevent everything from ending up on the ground.
Tapestries, sheets or canopy walls: Add a little extra shade and privacy to your canopy cover with tapestries or sheets, which also provide some color and decoration
Clothesline with clips: Not only are these amazing for drying clothes, but if you hook them on to either side of your canopy, you can hang tapestries, sheets and string lights from them. (Life hack!)
Camp entertainment
Music player, speakers and headphones: A quality speaker is great for setting the mood at camp—whether you’re getting pumped for the day or winding down at night. Just be mindful of quiet hours and neighbors. Headphones are a must-have too, especially if nearby camps keep the party going late.
Solar charger: This can be a helpful backup when portable chargers are limited and devices need some juice. Double points if you get solar-powered lighting!
Headlamps or flashlights (with extra batteries): Night time porta-potty run? No problem. Hands-free lighting is especially useful after dark.
Lantern and string lights: Improve visibility and make your campsite easier to find at night. These also add a bit of personality to your camp.
Outdoor games like frisbee and cards: Sometimes in the morning it's nice to get in some low-effort fun. It doesn’t have to be anything special, just group-friendly games that are easy to pack.
Camp kitchen
For even more options, see our Camp Kitchen Checklist.
Cooler: Hard-sided coolers keep ice longer (great for multi-day festivals), while soft-sided coolers are easier to pack and move around camp. Bring both if space allows.
Camp stove: A two-burner stove or grill makes meal prep easier for larger groups, while backpacking stoves are more portable.
Fuel or charcoal (with matches, lighter): Double-check festival regulations ahead of time! Some festivals prohibit propane fuel and gas canisters, and nothing’s worse than packing a stove you can’t use.
Plates and bowls, drinkware and eating utensils: Sometimes all you need is one bowl, one fork and a mug to get you through every meal of the day. Weigh how minimally you’d like to pack against how frequently you want to schlep all your dishes to the communal spigot.
Cooking utensils like a spatula or cutting board
Portable coffee or espresso maker: This one’s personal, but having good coffee at camp can completely change your mornings (and your mood).
Other kitchen items like bottle opener, corkscrew, food-storage containers, trash bags (double points if you get a portable trash can—these are awesome if you don't want to hang a trash bag from your canopy!)
Cleanup and hygiene:
Camp sink and sponge(s): Make cleanup faster and keep your site from getting messy.
Biodegradable soap: Better for the environment and festival-friendly.
Quick-dry towels or paper towels: Useful for dishes, hands and general cleanup.
Camp shower: Not necessary, but incredibly refreshing after dusty days.
Extra toilet paper or pee cloth: Trust me on this one.
Hand sanitizer/wet wipes: Always worth having within arm’s reach; big events often run out of toilet paper and paper towels by the end of the night.
What to Bring to the Main Stage
Many festival main stages and lawns are a long walk or shuttle ride from the campground, so it’s smart to bring some key items with you to stay happy and comfortable. Start with the essentials list, then add items based on how you plan to spend your time. Before packing, check your festival's FAQ to see what’s allowed inside the venue. Rules vary by event, and some items you might expect to bring, like flashlights, chairs or larger bags, may not be permitted. Better to know in advance!
Daypack or tote bag: Toss all the essentials you need for the stage event into a daypack or tote so you don’t have to make trips back to camp. Check festival rules; some venues require clear bags.
Water bottles or hydration reservoir: Venues will likely have water stations for you to refill; some require that you only bring empty water bottles or reservoirs into the venue
Snacks like nutrition bars
Camp blanket: They’re great for sitting on the grass or taking a break between sets. Check if your festival allows this at performances.
Folding camp chairs: Double-check these are allowed at performances at your festival, and if so, what height.
Personal items: Don’t forget to pack wet wipes/hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellant, earplugs, medications, personal products or other items you’ll need for the day.
Optional: Hand fan
Useful Clothing and Accessories for Festival Camping
If chilly nights or changing weather are possible, a little planning goes a long way. The right layers, shoes and accessories can make or break your trip. These are the pieces I’ve found make the biggest difference in my years of attending festivals.
Long-sleeve shirts: Flexible layering for nighttime is super important. It can be warm in the crowd, but cold walking to camp.
Sun hat: Most music venues aren’t shaded so you’ll want cover from hours in the sun
Sunglasses: Make sure not to bring your favorite pair. It can be easy to lose things in big crowds.
Swimsuits: Helpful for showering!
Bandanas or buffs: If your festival is dusty, you’ll want these!
Boots or shoes suited to terrain
Socks (synthetic or wool): After years of duct taping my feet by day two of a festival, I learned that sweat-wicking socks are just as important as your shoe choice.
Sleepwear: A cozy and clean pajama is very refreshing at the end of the night. I highly recommend it.
In-camp sandals or slippers: For quick runs to the bathroom or just hanging around camp, give your feet a break.
Personal Items
Tip: To more easily locate gear, keep personal items together in a mesh or clear stuff sack, or a toiletry bag.
- Toiletries: Don’t forget to pack essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cosmetics, face/makeup wipes, deodorant, brush/comb, feminine products
- Prescription medications
- Spare eyeglasses, contact lenses
