Festival camping for any family on any budget
So, that last blog was so well written it’s enticed you to go festival camping right away. In fact, we’re sure it incited hundreds of thousands of people to show up in droves to outdoor concerts worldwide.
Hyperbole? Maybe. Ideas of grandeur? Definitely.
But really, if the idea of concert camping has you thinking about digging that old tent out of the garage, you’ll need to make some plans before you head out.
We spoke to someone who’s well-versed in festival camping. Ruth is the volunteer coordinator for California WorldFest. She has camped at festivals herself and watched others do the same for years.
Sleeping Arrangements
Ruth says the first thing you need to figure out is where you’ll sleep. Of course you’ll want to decide if you’re going to say goodnight in an RV, in a tent, under the stars or even in your car. (That last one is really for single campers or couples who don’t mind an emergency brake coming between them.) You’ll also need to talk about whether you’re more interested in jam sessions or sleep sessions as midnight approaches. Choosing a site in the quiet areas will give you some time away from the loud music and drum circles.
Festival Food
The next thing you’ll want to think about is how you’ll eat. Some folks bring their portable grills and plenty of stuff to cook. Others just pack cash and buy from vendors.
Family Friendly
There’s often a sense of camaraderie that makes many festivals comfortable places for families. Ruth even feels so safe she let her fifth grade son explore the grounds by himself for a couple hours at a time with a friend. She just made sure to meet up with him at certain times and places. It’s a call parents have to decide based on each festival and their individual children. If you want to know what kind of atmosphere you’ll find, ask people who have been there before.
Common Courtesy
Even with that sense of community, there are still some rules of courtesy you’ll want to follow. Running a generator is generally frowned upon, and so is turning up the radio. Also, don’t park in the shade. That’s usually better used for campers who want to pitch their tents away from the sun. Ruth tells us it’s usually so relaxed that if you do inadvertently break a social norm, people let you know in a calm, friendly manner.
(Sorta) Free Festival Admission
So all this sounds great, but ticket prices at the concert you want to attend are a bit too much for your wallet. No worries. You and the kids can usually work off your admissions by volunteering. Ruth has many families who put in about four hours a day. The littlest ones pick up litter, while the older ones help out at the ice tent. Some families do this every year, and by the time the kids are 16 and looking for a job, they already have a resume. If you want to do this, call now. Many camps schedule their volunteers months in advance.
You’re sure to have more questions, and the camps have the answers, either on their websites or from real, live people. Give them a call. They’ll be happy to hear from you.
But before you pick up that phone, we want to hear from you first. What’s your favorite festival to attend? Where do you find the rockingest, happiest camping?