Music Festival Tips for Camping and Surviving the Weekend

Country Music Festival Tips 2022

Festival Tips

"Camping"

It is very important to arrive at the festival at the same time as your friends to be able to camp with them. Even if you have reserved campsites, sometimes they change your campsite number when things get crazy.
If everyone can't get there at the same time, make sure the vehicles you want on campsite, get there at the same time.

"Gasoline"

Spend your last $20 on gas, not beer. The line going into a festival can take hours. There is often a car search that slows things down. If it is hot, you will want to run the A/C. Make sure your car has gas, oil and antifreeze. After hours of waiting in line, it would be a shame to run out of gas 50 yards from the gate. It happens at every festival to a lot of people.

Glass Bottles

Almost every festival has a no glass rule. This started in the late 90's when kids were throwing bottles at shows. Lately, it is mainly so staff gets to keep a bunch of free beer. They don't throw it away. Staff gets to drink a lot of beer when they get off work. No matter what the reason. Save yourself some grief and bring your beer in cans. You will lose your bottles at the gate.

"Extreme Storms"

Make sure you are prepared for bad weather. Many festivals each year have encountered heavy storms. Buy extra tent stakes. Bring an extra tarp to cover your tent if it leaks. Don't set up your tent in a low spot when you show up on a sunny day. It will be in a puddle when it rains. Also, bring lots of extra socks and warm clothes. Nights are cold in the summer when it rains. Ironically, the lowest location is the coldest at night. Set your tent up in a high location to avoid cold and water.

"Fight or Fornicate"

Gentlemen, Consider this? Fighting has always been a tradition at Country Music Festivals. However, there are better things to do.
3/4 of the crowd at a Country Music Festival are women. This means that there are 3 girls to every guy. 1/2 the men are married. Which means 4 girls to every guy. Most women go to a Country Festival with hopes of meeting the cowboy of their dreams.
You have a choice. You can fight, get kicked out, miss the show, and go to jail. Or you can get lucky! I would rather roll around with a pretty cowgirl, than a dude. Think about it!

"Tents"

When Buying a tent, it is important to get a tent that has a rain fly that goes all the way to the ground. The base of the tent, or the pan, should come up at least 6 or 8 inches from the ground. This keeps keep the rain from splashing in. Above the pan, should be a screen so you don't get too hot.

But, once again, the most important thing, is rain fly. The rain fly must cover the entire tent if you want to stay dry. Tents with a 3/4 rain fly, will get you wet. Cheap tents will only keep you dry for the first night. The second night, you will be wet.

Cheap A/C

At a festival in the summer, it can get up to 100 degrees. The best thing you can bring is a 10 x10 tarp. If you put it over your tent, it will keep it a minimum of 10 degrees cooler during the day. It will also keep your tent from leaking in a storm. Plus, it can allow you to sleep for an extra hour in the morning before the tent gets too hot. When you party all night, this is important.

Sleeping Bags

If it is July, don't bring a sleeping bag rated for Alaska. You will sweat all night long. You can get a sleeping bag rated for 40 degrees and above for $20 at most stores.

If it is March or October, nights are very cold. You will need a better sleeping bag or extra blankets. Be Prepared. Remember low valleys are just as cold as mountains. Call a week ahead and ask the staff what to expect from the weather at night.