BY: ELYZA CASTILLO
It’s that time of the year again! The birds are chirping, the wind is blowing, and the sun is shining. For some, summer is that glorious 3-month period of time with no school, homework, or responsibilities. For others, it’s that perfect time of the year to crack open a cold one after work and get to grilling with the boys. However, if you’re anything like we are over here at Rave Doctor summer means one thing… Festival. Season.
Even if you’re a rave veteran preparing for an out of state camping festival can be a whole new ball game. So whether you’re planning on hitting Electric Forest, Sonic Bloom, or even Dancefestopia this summer, here are 10 helpful tips to help you get through your first camping music festival:
1) BRING A WAGON.
Simple, right? Bringing a wagon to carry your belongings to and from your car will make the overall pre and post-festival experience that much easier.
2) BE PREPARED FOR THE WEATHER.
Weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack rain boots, ponchos, and even a set of warmer clothes as the temperature can drop at night.
3) STAY HYDRATED–BRING A WATER PACK & ELECTROLYTES.
This is key! It is so easy to get caught up in the experience and forget to drink water, but water is your friend! Most festivals offer designated locations to fill up your water pack, try to find those in advance. Most times water alone won’t fully hydrate you. Check our HydroRX for supercharged hydration!
4) BE CONSCIOUS OF WHERE YOU SET UP CAMP.
This is important for many reasons. As we’re all well aware, the sun moves throughout the sky as the day progresses. Take this into consideration when you’re setting up your tent as you don’t want to wake up in a human-oven! No shade? Bring a canopy and tapestry to help block the sun. A tapestry or flag can also help you identify your tent when you return late at night.
Try to also be conscious of how close your tent is to live music and busy walkways. If you want to actually get some sleep try setting up camp further away from those prime locations.
5) TWO WORDS: BABY WIPES.
Most festivals offer locations to shower at about $10 per rinse. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle or wait in line pack some baby wipes and use them to wipe down your body. It’ll get you through the weekend, I promise.
6) CHECK YOUR FESTIVALS CAMPGROUND RULES.
Some festivals don’t allow certain items (such as grills or hard liquor) into the campgrounds so avoid the at-security surprise by reading up on those prior to the event.
7) BE EASY ON YOUR FEET— PACK SHOES THAT YOU KNOW ARE COMFORTABLE.
That being said, there’s nothing worse than spending an entire weekend in a pair of shoes that are giving you water blisters. Wear tennis shoes or comfortable boots that you know won’t upset your feet by day two.
8) GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMPGROUND NEIGHBORS!
Festivals are amazing because you can meet so many people from all across the world. Plus if you forgot anything chances are one of your neighbors will have it too.
9) KNOW WHEN TO GIVE YOUR BODY A BREAK.
Some music festivals offer music all day and all night and it can honestly be exhausting. Be conscious of how you’re feeling and don’t ‘force’ yourself if you feel like you can’t hang. Is there a 2-hour time slot in between your favorite late-night sets? Go relax in a hammock or even try and take a nap in between to make the experience more enjoyable. “Go go go” isn’t always the best solution. Thats why we have created Rave Doctor to help give you more energy and feel great for day 2 & 3!
10) FROM OUT OF STATE AND DON’T WANT TO DEAL WITH SETTING UP CAMP? CHECK OUT “GLAMPING”.
Most festivals offer this ‘glamourous’ form of camping to help aid the overall festival experience. Glamping generally includes pre-made tents, private access showers/food vendors, and even flushable toilets.
11) Bonus!
Bring gifts for your new friends! Nothing says welcome to the neighborhood like a cool slinky, rubber duck, or some heart diffraction glasses!
