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.
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Festival Essentials
- Tickets
- Map and directions to the festival
- Map of the festival grounds
- Concert schedule
- Tent marker (flag, balloons, lights, etc.)
- Lock for your tent
In and Around Camp
- Tent
- Tent footprint
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Sun shade, tarp or screen house
- Mallet or hammer (for tent stakes)
- Sleeping bags (with optional liners)
- Sleeping pads, air mattresses or cots
- Pillows
- Hammock
- Pump for air mattresses
- Pad, mattress repair kit
- Folding camp chairs
- Folding table or camp kitchen
- Headlamps or flashlights (with extra batteries)
- Lantern (with extra batteries)
- Music player, speakers with headphones
- Solar charger
- Multi-tool or knife
- Camp shower
- Notebook, and pen, pencil
- Jumper cables
- Extra car keys
Inside the Festival
Check festival regulations ahead of time for rules about what you can bring inside the music area.
- Daypack
- Cash, credit card
- Cell phone
- Water bottles or hydration reservoir
- Picnic-size cooler
- Snacks
- Point-and-shoot camera, action camera (no long lenses, extenders or professional equipment)
- Memory cards, film
- Binoculars
- Ground blanket
- Folding camp chairs (check height restrictions)
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
Clothing and Footwear
If chilly nights are possible, come prepared.
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants, shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuits
- Bandanas or buffs
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Sleepwear
- Insulating jacket or vest
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Clothesline with clips
- In-camp sandals or booties
Kitchen
For more options, see our Camp Kitchen Checklist.
- 2-burner stove
- Grill or grill rack
- Fuel or charcoal (with matches, lighter)
- Cookware
- Plates, bowls, mixing bowls
- Mugs, cups
- Utensils
- Portable coffee, espresso maker
- Hand-crank blender
- Bottle opener, corkscrew
- Can opener
- Food-storage containers
- Resealable storage bags
- Foil
- Trash bags
- Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
- Cooler with ice
- Biodegradable soap
- Pot scrubber, sponge(s)
- Collapsible water container(s)
- Camp sink
- Quick-dry towels
Food
For more options, see our Camp Kitchen Checklist.
- Coffee, tea, cocoa, milk (powdered or fresh)
- Bottled, canned beverages
- Butter, margarine, cooking oil, spray
- Salt, pepper, spices
- Jelly, jam
- Bread, bagels
- Breakfast food (oatmeal, pancake mix, syrup)
- Prepared or freeze-dried meals
- Energy food and snacks
- Fruit (dried and fresh)
- Vegetables
- S'mores, dessert
Personal Items
Tip: To more easily locate gear, keep similar items together in a mesh or clear stuff sack.
- Toilet paper, bath wipes
- Hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Insect-sting relief treatment
- Spare eyeglasses, contact lenses
- Mirror
- First-aid kit (see First-Aid Checklist)
- Medications, pain relievers
- Toiletry kit
- Brush, comb
- Eyeshades, earplugs
Fun Stuff
Browse Games and Toys for more ideas.
- Paperbacks or e-Books
- Playing cards
- Rolling ice cream maker
- Hula hoops
- Glow sticks
- Puzzles (crosswords, etc.)
- Flying discs
- Board games
- Electronic toys
- Beach balls
- Bubbles
- Star chart, night-sky identifier
- Bikes with accessories (check festival regulations to see if bikes are allowed)