Camping at Music Festivals: A Beginner’s Guide

Camping at a music festival is an exciting experience, but without the right preparation, it can quickly become stressful. Whether you’re a first-time camper or looking to improve your festival setup, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about festival camping. From choosing the best festival tent to creating the ultimate festival camping checklist, we’ve got you covered.

Choosing the Best Festival Tent

Your tent is your home at a camping festival, so picking the right one is essential. Here’s what to look for:

• Size & Comfort – A music festival tent should be spacious enough for you and your gear. Always opt for a tent larger than the number of people using it.
• Quick & Easy Setup – A pop-up tent or a dome tent is ideal for festivals, as they can be pitched within minutes. The OLPRO Hallow 2.0 Dome Tent is a fantastic 2-berth option that provides lightweight durability for festival-goers.
• Weather Protection – Festivals can have unpredictable weather. A waterproof and breathable tent, like the Knightwick 3-Berth Tent, ensures you stay dry even in heavy rain.

If you’re heading to multiple festivals this year, investing in a high-quality tent is a smart choice. Check out the full range of OLPRO music festival tents to find one that suits your needs.

The Ultimate Festival Camping Checklist

One of the biggest mistakes first-time festival campers make is overpacking or forgetting essential items. Use this festival camping checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

✅ Tent, pegs & mallet – Secure your tent properly, especially in windy conditions.
✅ Sleeping bag & mat – A good night’s sleep is crucial for enjoying the festival. Browse OLPRO’s sleeping bags for comfortable options.
✅ Festival trolley – Carrying heavy gear across a festival campsite is exhausting. A sturdy trolley like the OLPRO Folding Festival Trolley is perfect for hauling your camping gear.
✅ Camping chair – Relax between performances with a lightweight camping chair.
✅ Head torch or lantern – Navigating a festival campsite in the dark is tricky.
✅ Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated with a refillable bottle to avoid overpriced drinks.
✅ Waterproof jacket & poncho – UK festivals are notorious for rain, so be prepared.
✅ Wellies or sturdy boots – Festivals and mud go hand in hand; pack the right footwear.
✅ Cool bag & snacks – Festival food is expensive, so bring easy-to-eat snacks.
✅ Power bank – Keep your phone charged for photos and meeting up with friends.

Festival Camping Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience

1. Arrive Early & Pick the Best Spot

A festival campsite fills up fast, so arriving early lets you choose a prime location. Look for a flat, dry area away from pathways and toilets. Avoid camping at the bottom of hills to prevent flooding in heavy rain.

2. Pack Smart & Travel Light

Knowing what to bring to a festival camping is important, but so is knowing what not to bring. Overpacking makes transportation difficult and clutters your tent. Stick to the essentials and use compact, multi-purpose items.

A great way to streamline packing is with the OLPRO Festival Essentials Bundle, which includes key camping items perfect for camping at music festivals.

3. Keep Your Valuables Safe

Festivals are busy places, and keeping your valuables secure is crucial. Follow these festival camping hacks to protect your belongings:

• Use a money belt or bum bag to carry cash, phone, and ID.
• Store valuables in your sleeping bag at night.
• Avoid locking your tent from the outside, as it signals that valuables are inside.

4. Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions

UK festivals are known for unpredictable weather. Pack for both sun and rain by bringing a lightweight waterproof jacket, sun hat, and plenty of layers.

Festival Food & Cooking Essentials

Festival food can be pricey, so bringing your own meals is a smart option. Consider these essentials:

• Camping stove & fuel – A compact camping stove allows you to cook simple meals.
• Reusable utensils & plates – Help reduce waste while keeping your meals hassle-free.
• Cool bag – Keep drinks and perishable food fresh.

If you prefer to keep things simple, pack easy, no-cook foods like cereal bars, fruit, and instant noodles.

Transporting Your Gear Easily

Carrying heavy bags across a festival campsite is one of the hardest parts of camping music festivals. A festival trolley saves you time and energy by letting you transport everything in one go.

The OLPRO Folding Festival Trolley is designed specifically for camping festivals, featuring large wheels to handle uneven ground and muddy conditions.

Staying Fresh & Clean at a Festival

Festival hygiene can be challenging, but these festival tips will help you stay fresh:

• Wet wipes – Perfect for a quick freshen-up.
• Dry shampoo – Keeps hair looking fresh without a shower.
• Microfibre towel – Dries quickly and takes up minimal space.
• Hand sanitiser – Essential for maintaining hygiene at a camping festival.

What to Bring to a Music Festival: Final Thoughts

Knowing what to bring to a music festival is key to having a fun, stress-free experience. A well-thought-out camping festival checklist ensures you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

If you want to experience the best in festival camping gear, check out the OLPRO Festival Essentials Bundle or explore our full range of festival camping products at OLPRO.

For more camping inspiration and to find out which festivals OLPRO will be attending, visit our Events & Shows Page. Happy festival camping!