Packing for a camping festival is basically a mini survival game. You want to be comfy, clean(ish), and ready for almost anything — without bringing half your house.
If you’ve ever forgotten your pillow, had to borrow something for a friend, or realized too late that baby wipes are the real MVP... this post is for you.
I’ve been there. I’ve overpacked, underpacked, and once forgot my phone charger and my toothbrush. So here’s my no-nonsense, no-fluff festival camping list — the stuff you’ll actually use, the things you’ll wish you had, and a few random lifesavers that you’ll end up sharing with everyone in your camp.
Shelter + Sleep (Don't Skip These)
Tent (with all the pieces and yes, especially the stakes)
Tarp or something waterproof for underneath your tent
Sleeping bag or blankets (depending on the weather and how cozy you want to be)
Sleeping pad, air mattress, or cot — trust me, the ground is never as soft as it looks (don't forget your pump and extra batteries if you're sleeping on a air mattress)
Pillow (not a hoodie or pile of clothes. Just bring a real pillow, or if you need to save space, get an inflatable pillow.)
Eye mask + earplugs (unless you like waking up to people yelling “where’s my phone” at sunrise)
Camp Setup + Creature Comforts
Folding chair or Inflatable chair (trust me, you'll want somewhere comfy to sit)
Pop-up canopy or something for shade
Tapestries or old sheets (for shade, privacy, or vibes)
A little table or crate to keep stuff off the ground
Fairy lights or a battery-powered lantern
Big water jug with a spout — set up a hydration station and become camp royalty
Reusable cup or mug (put your name on it)
Hygiene Stuff You’ll Thank Yourself For
Baby wipes. Just... bring them.
Biodegradable soap
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Dry shampoo
Deodorant
Sunscreen + SPF lip balm
Toilet paper (don’t rely on the porta-potties to be stocked)
Hand sanitizer
Quick-dry towel
First aid kit (even if it’s just bandaids, Tylenol, and allergy stuff)
Period supplies — even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Just in case.
Food + Snack Game
Cooler with ice packs
Snacks you can eat with one hand while walking to the stage: trail mix, granola bars, fruit
Camp stove or Jetboil if allowed (or plan to share it with a friend brought one)
Bowl, plate, fork/spoon, and a water bottle
Electrolyte packets — hangover prevention or recovery, your choice
Trash bags + ziplocks
Festival Gear: The Fun but Functional Stuff
Hydration pack or fanny pack
Festival outfits.. obviously (bring the cute and the comfy, please)
Something warm for nighttime — yes, even in summer
Shoes you can walk, dance, and maybe run in
Sunglasses
Kandi, little trinkets, or stuff to trade
Glitter, face gems, makeup — live your best sparkly self
Earplugs for music (your future ears will thank you)
ID, wristband or tickets, and some cash
Phone lanyard or clip (no one wants to lose their phone in a porta-potty)
Portable charger + charging cable
A small mirror (doing eyeliner in a tent is a sport)
Random but Essential (AKA The "Oh Thank God I Packed That" List)
Duct tape — for tent repairs, costume fixes, or holding things together emotionally
Sharpie
Bug spray
Small Blanket (for sitting, snuggling, or wrapping up at sunrise)
Car Emergency Kit
Extra socks and underwear (always more than you think you need)
Extra batteries
A lighter — even if you don’t smoke, someone will ask
Real Talk
Festival camping is one of those things where experience teaches you what matters. Your first time? You’ll forget something. It’s fine. You’ll survive. But this list should help you avoid most of the chaos and focus on the good stuff — dancing with your friends, watching the sun come up, and just feeling like your weird, sparkly self in a field somewhere.
Save This Festival Camping List
Use this list as your go-to for every festival you camp at. Save it, send it to your group chat, and come back to it next time you’re stressing about what to bring. A solid packing setup can seriously change your whole weekend — and save you from begging your neighbors for baby wipes and batteries.
Let me know if you'd like a printable checklist version, or want help turning this into a Pinterest post or Reel to drive traffic to your blog. Want me to add product links or gear suggestions too?
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