Festival Camping Essentials: Gear Up for the Ultimate Experience

If you’re wondering what qualifies as festival camping essentials, you’ve come to the right place.

Preparing for a festival is a little different from your standard camping or glamping trip.

You’re likely to be surrounded by crowds of people, dealing with unpredictable weather, and balancing the need for practicality and style.

While it’s tempting to pack your most glamorous outfits, festival camping is all about comfort, ease, and trying to stay dry!

To make sure you have an enjoyable experience (and for all the right reasons!)It’s important to pack smart.

From bags and organisation, to handy extras, this guide will take you through everything you need – including why a bell tent could be your ultimate festival game-changer.

Travel-sized Toiletries

Toiletries are an essential at any festival, especially when you’re spending long days in a muddy field, waiting to see your favourite artists. A quick wash or spritz of deodorant will go a long way in helping you feel fresh.

That said, full-sized toiletries can take up too much space and add unnecessary bulk to your bag – something you definitely want to avoid when you’re camping. The more you carry, the more you risk losing too.

That’s where travel-sized toiletries come in handy. Whether you choose pre-packaged miniatures or decant your products into reusable small bottles, these essentials are ideal for festival life.

Ear Plugs

Earplugs can be your best friend at a festival. Whether you’re camping near the main stage or just trying to get some peace after a long day, they can make all the difference.

After all, festivals are notorious for their lively atmosphere as that’s one of the main reasons people go! Whilst music is part of the fun, you need a good night’s sleep to enjoy the experience. You don’t want to be kept awake all night!

Packing a good pair of earplugs will help you block out the noise and get some much-needed sleep – plus they’re small and easy to pack.

Waterproof Clothing

Whilst unpredictable weather is all part of the festival camping experience, you don’t want to be stood in soaked clothing!

By packing some waterproof clothing it means you’re ready for whatever the weather has to throw at you, and it means you’ll be able to enjoy the experience come rain or shine.

Make sure you pack lots of layers too as this helps keep you warm and protected. This is also where having a ground cover sheet comes into play by providing a dry space to store your clothing or sit down when the rain starts.

Bell Tent

A bell tent offers a spacious, cosy haven when you’re at a festival. Unlike traditional camping tents, the height of a bell tent also allows you more flexibility and comfort.

Bell tents are durable and provide great protection against the elements. Pairing your bell tent with a ground cover sheet is even better as this prevents dampness from seeping in and will add an extra layer of insulation against the cold ground.

One of the best things about these tents is the size as it can easily accommodate different sleeping arrangements, including a dining area. This is ideal if you’re camping with others, as you could also use an inner tent, which would provide added privacy and help section off sleeping areas.

Portable Stove

A portable stove is a must on your list of festival camping essentials as you want to keep up your energy and good mood. It also adds a touch of home comfort to the experience otherwise you’ll be living off cold food.

They’re designed for easy transport and quick setup too, making them an ideal choice when you don’t have a large campsite kitchen to rely on.
Always make sure the portable stove is sat on a flat even surface so that you don’t run the risk of it tipping over.

Camping Chairs/ Table

There’s more to a festival than just the music! It’s about the in-between moments where you’re catching up with friends or chatting to people you’ve just met.

This means having a camping chair and/ or table is a great idea, whether you’re enjoying a relaxed morning coffee or chatting before the next set starts. It’s a simple addition but it can really transform your campsite into a more comfortable space.

Choose something that’s foldable and lightweight, enabling you to enjoy downtime without the fuss.

Portable Speakers

A portable speaker is a definite festival camping essential as you can bring the party back to your tent, even after the headliners finish.

Keep it protected from the festival’s outdoor elements by using a ground cover sheet in your camping area, allowing it to stay nice and dry.
This addition helps you create great memories that go beyond the main stage, making your festival trip that little bit more personal.

Reusable Water Bottle

It’s important you stay hydrated during a festival especially due to the long days when you’re standing for periods of time.

Pack a reusable water bottle that allows you to enjoy the performances without dashing back to the main tent every time you need a drink.

Lots of reusable water bottles now come with thermal insulation, keeping your water cool even on hot days. This will ensure you have the energy to enjoy every set without feeling as tired and sluggish.

Bags and Storage

The right bags and storage can make all the difference in enjoying a stress-free festival trip.

A waterproof backpack or duffel bag is a great start as this is where you can pack your main items. A bag with different compartments is even better as you can keep everything organised while also making it easier to find what you need.

For smaller items such as your phone and wallet, consider taking a crossbody bag as this will keep them safe and accessible when you’re on the go.

First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen at pretty much any festival so it’s always wise to carry a small first aid kit. This gives you peace of mind and means you can handle any small emergencies without heading to the on-site medical tent (which might not be close by).

Make sure it has all of the essentials such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers. This will take up minimal space in your bag but allows you to focus on having fun without the worry.

Sleeping Bag

Going back to a good night’s sleep, aside from your ear plugs you also need a nice, cosy sleeping bag. After a long day of standing and dancing, this offers some much needed comfort and gives you a little sense of luxury.

Combine this with an inflatable mattress or a foam sleeping pad for extra comfort and insulation from the cold ground beneath.

This ensures you have a restful sleep, especially when used in a bell tent, giving you that sense of a home from home.