Festival Camping Tips
Some of the best times of summer can be had at one of the many multi-day music festivals. Whether it is Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Creamfields, or another, it can be a time you will remember for the rest of your life, but not always for the right reasons.
There are some important guidelines to remember when festival camping that can ensure your safety and comfort while maximizing the fun.
Plan It Out
Everybody wants to be spontaneous, but believe me, spontaneity will come on its own at the festival. A little advance planning never hurt.
What to Bring
The main goal should be to travel as light as possible while everything you may need. For clothing, you will need light and cool for the day and something long and warm you can throw over it at night. Also take a poncho in case of rain. A couple changes of socks and underwear are welcome and they don’t take up very much space. Don’t forget some sun block. You’ll be in the sun most of the day.
Take a tent only large enough to accommodate your party. Anything more is useless weight. Pack a couple extra stakes and a loose tarp for emergencies. A light sleeping bag or bedroll is all that is needed. Down-filled bulky winter bags are not necessary. A lightweight camping chair or two will ensure your comfort in down times.
A few other necessities are a backpack, a cooler with ice for food and drinks and portable grill if planning on cooking. Bring plastic bags ranging in size from sandwich to large trash bags. They are really useful if it starts raining. Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, and wet-wipes will also see you through some rough predicaments and don’t forget a lantern, flashlights, and battery powered radio. Most important are an assortment of headache medicines and a stocked first-aid kit.
The Campsite
Arrive early to the festival to get a good campsite. The safest sites are those furthest from the action. It has been shown that thieves target sites that are closest to the festival itself. At the same time, don’t isolate yourself. Stay with the other campers.
Once you have a site, take a good look around and note any physical landmarks that will help you find your way back. Mark your tents with a unique flag or something that can be seen from a distance to help you recognize your tent. With so many thousands, it can be hard to tell the difference.
If you are in a group where you will have three or more tents, form them in a circle with the entrances pointing inward around a central spot. This will help other people from wandering into your space. It is also a good idea to mark your perimeter with some sort of small fencing, wire, or even small trenches. Be judicious about it though; use only the space you need.
Try not to leave valuables in the tent. If it’s worth something to you, keep it on your person.
Look Out for You and Yours
Although there is brotherhood at a festival, there’s also a lot of black sheep. Nighttime can be daunting so stay close to what your site in the wee hours. Always have your mobile handy. Your friends may need your help and vice-versa. If trouble looks like it is brewing, and it will from time to time, steer clear. No need to be someone’s collateral damage.
Make friends with your neighbors. Share a beer together or offer them something to eat. Meeting new people is one of the best parts of festival camping. Making sure your neighbors are on your side will also add to your protection factor.
Finally, try to keep your wits about you. You are most vulnerable when you are falling down drunk. Leave that for when you are home in familiar surroundings.
