Festival Camping Checklist

Editor's note: This article was published prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need to travel, check the CDC FAQ page about COVID-19 risks for travelers, which provides the latest guidance. For information about outdoor activities wherever you go (close to home is best), read Recreate Responsibly: An Activity-Specific Guide.Printer-friendly version (PDF)Festival EssentialsTicketsMap and directions to the festivalMap of the festival groundsConcert scheduleTent marker (flag, balloons, lights, etc.)Lock for your tentIn and Around CampTentTent footprintTent-pole repair sleeveSun shade, tarp or screen houseMallet or hammer (for tent stakes)Sleeping bags (with optional liners)Sleeping pads, air mattresses or cotsPillowsHammockPump for air mattressesPad, mattress repair kitFolding camp chairsFolding table or camp kitchenHeadlamps or flashlights (with extra batteries)Lantern (with extra batteries)Music player, speakers with headphonesSolar chargerMulti-tool or knifeCamp showerNotebook, and pen, pencilJumper cablesExtra car keysInside the FestivalCheck festival regulations ahead of time for rules about what you can bring inside the music area.DaypackCash, credit cardCell phoneWater bottles or hydration reservoirPicnic-size coolerSnacksPoint-and-shoot camera, action camera (no long lenses, extenders or professional equipment)Memory cards, filmBinocularsGround blanketFolding camp chairs (check height restrictions)Hand sanitizer or wipesSunscreenLip balmClothing and FootwearIf chilly nights are possible, come prepared.Moisture-wicking T-shirtsMoisture-wicking underwearQuick-drying pants, shortsLong-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)Sun hatSunglassesSwimsuitsBandanas or buffsBoots or shoes suited to terrainSocks (synthetic or wool)SleepwearInsulating jacket or vestWarm hatGlovesRain jacket and rain pantsClothesline with clipsIn-camp sandals or bootiesKitchenFor more options, see our Camp Kitchen Checklist.2-burner stoveGrill or grill rackFuel or charcoal (with matches, lighter)CookwarePlates, bowls, mixing bowlsMugs, cupsUtensilsPortable coffee, espresso makerHand-crank blenderBottle opener, corkscrewCan openerFood-storage containersResealable storage bagsFoilTrash bagsTablecloth and clips (or tape)Cooler with iceBiodegradable soapPot scrubber, sponge(s)Collapsible water container(s)Camp sinkQuick-dry towelsFoodFor more options, see our Camp Kitchen Checklist.Coffee, tea, cocoa, milk (powdered or fresh)Bottled, canned beveragesButter, margarine, cooking oil, spraySalt, pepper, spicesJelly, jamBread, bagelsBreakfast food (oatmeal, pancake mix, syrup)Prepared or freeze-dried mealsEnergy food and snacksFruit (dried and fresh)VegetablesS'mores, dessertPersonal ItemsTip: To more easily locate gear, keep similar items together in a mesh or clear stuff sack.Toilet paper, bath wipesHand sanitizer, antiseptic wipesSunscreenLip balmInsect repellentInsect-sting relief treatmentSpare eyeglasses, contact lensesMirrorFirst-aid kit (see First-Aid Checklist)Medications, pain relieversToiletry kitBrush, combEyeshades, earplugsFun StuffBrowse Games and Toys for more ideas.Paperbacks or e-BooksPlaying cardsRolling ice cream makerHula hoopsGlow sticksPuzzles (crosswords, etc.)Flying discsBoard gamesElectronic toysBeach ballsBubblesStar chart, night-sky identifierBikes with accessories (check festival regulations to see if bikes are allowed)Related articlesFestival Camping: Tips for Planning and Choosing GearCamp Kitchen ChecklistFirst-Aid Checklist