The Essential Guide
Everything you need to know to plan, prepare for, and fully enjoy a multi-day music festival — from first-timers to seasoned veterans.
Attending a major music festival is one of the most rewarding travel experiences available — but it requires thoughtful preparation. Unlike a hotel vacation, festival travel involves managing logistics across multiple days in an outdoor environment, often with tens of thousands of other attendees. The difference between a transcendent experience and an exhausting ordeal often comes down to how well you planned before you arrived.
This guide covers everything from transportation and packing to health, safety, and making the most of your time on the festival grounds. It is written specifically for guests who are staying in a Concert Camp N Glamp camper, though much of the advice applies to any festival camping experience.
6–12 Months Before
1–3 Months Before
1–2 Weeks Before
Day of Arrival
For most major festivals, flying into the nearest major airport and renting a car is the most practical approach for out-of-state attendees. For Coachella and Stagecoach, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest option, though Los Angeles International (LAX) and Ontario International (ONT) offer more flight options. Rideshare services are available but can be expensive and unreliable during peak festival hours. If you are driving, plan to arrive during off-peak hours to minimize traffic and secure a good camping spot.
When staying in a Concert Camp N Glamp camper, your packing list is dramatically simplified compared to traditional camping. You do not need a tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, camp stove, or cooler — all of these are replaced by the camper's built-in amenities. Focus instead on festival essentials: comfortable footwear for long days on your feet, weather-appropriate clothing for both extreme heat and cool nights, sunscreen and UV protection, a portable phone charger for the festival grounds, and any personal items you need for a multi-day stay.
Desert festivals like Coachella, Stagecoach, and Joshua Tree present genuine heat-related risks. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, and the combination of physical activity, alcohol, and sun exposure can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Stay hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the day — not just when you feel thirsty. Wear lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply and reapply sunscreen every two hours. Most importantly, use your climate-controlled camper as a midday retreat during the hottest hours of the day.
Desert nights can be surprisingly cold, with temperatures dropping 40-50 degrees from daytime highs. Always bring a light jacket or layer for evening performances, even if the afternoon felt unbearably hot. The campgrounds come alive at night with music, social gatherings, and the unique energy that makes festival camping special. Having a comfortable, private camper to return to at the end of the night — with a real bed and climate control — ensures you wake up refreshed and ready for the next day.
Cell service at major festivals can be severely degraded during peak hours due to the sheer volume of users. Download your festival schedule, maps, and any navigation apps offline before you arrive. Identify a physical meeting point with your group in case you lose contact. Keep your phone charged using your camper's charging station during downtime. Consider purchasing a portable battery pack for use on the festival grounds. Most festivals also offer Wi-Fi in designated areas, though these can be crowded.
Multi-day festivals are physically demanding. Prioritize sleep — even a few hours in a real bed makes a significant difference in your energy and enjoyment. Eat regular meals rather than relying solely on festival food. Pace your alcohol consumption, especially in hot weather. Know the location of medical stations on the festival grounds. Travel with a basic first aid kit for minor issues like blisters, cuts, and headaches. If you are attending with a group, establish check-in protocols so everyone stays accounted for.
When you book a Concert Camp N Glamp camper, you can leave most traditional camping gear at home. Here is what you actually need to bring.
Already provided by Concert Camp N Glamp: Bedding, towels, kitchen supplies, cookware, climate control, and all camper amenities.
Start with the most important booking — your camper. Everything else falls into place from there.