Festival Camping Tips To Guarantee You Have a Good Time

Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or the unforgettable atmosphere, every great festival experience starts with smart preparation. With the right setup, your campsite becomes more than just a place to sleep. It’s your base for an incredible weekend. Here are our top festival camping tips to help you make the most of every moment.

1. Be confident in your camping set-up 

From first-time tent campers to seasoned caravan and motorhome owners, a little planning goes a long way. Give your equipment a thorough check before you leave so you can minimise any set-up issues and maximise your time enjoying the festival atmosphere.

As Rob Ganley, Editor in Chief of Camping & Caravanning magazine, advises, “Practice putting up your tent in the garden and packing it away again. Do this, and you will be confident in setting up camp quickly and in ensuring you have all the parts and tools you need. Don’t forget the mallet!”

2. Pack smart 

Take time packing to make sure you don’t forget anything. We have a handy festival checklist that includes everything you need for your trip. If you're camping for longer, you can also check out our ultimate camping checklist for extra inspiration. 

A handy tip from Rob is “Before you even leave the house, think about what you’ll be carrying in with you on the way into the festival. Either a large backpack or folding trolley with all-terrain wheels will see you right”. 

3. Spot your pitch from a mile away 

It’s easy to forget where you’re pitched up on the first day, and sometimes your camping unit can blend in with others. Make your camping unit unique by decorating it with flags and pennons. You can then spot it from a distance.

4. Check the campsite rules

It’s worth knowing if there’s anything you can or can’t do before you arrive on-site so you can prepare accordingly. All campsites will have their own set of rules, like our Club Site policies.

Some words of advice from Ian Hewlett, Club Technical Manager. “Ensure you are not taking anything to the ground that you shouldn’t be - check the rules regarding gas bottles, glass and alcohol, which may be prohibited or have restrictions placed on them".

5. Make your food fast 

You may not want to spend much time preparing food when a timetable of great acts is on the agenda. Either prepare to buy your food from the festival stands or check out our easy camping meals.

"Tinned fruit, pre-cooked pasta, slices of home-cooked pizza… these are all good things to bring with you, and they won’t take up much space but will fill a hole and maybe even appease grouchy kids at the end of a long day on their feet”, said Rob. 

6. Carry a reusable water bottle 

Stay hydrated at all times by refilling your favourite reusable water bottle to save on time, money and plastic.

7. Prepare for a good night’s sleep

Festival campsites can get noisy at times, which can be frustrating if you are trying to sleep. Make sure you bring your most comfortable camping mat, bedding, earplugs, an eye mask, and any other accessories that help you rest.

A good sleeping mat acts as a barrier between your sleeping bag and the ground, while folding clothes underneath your bag can provide extra support for your back, helping you wake up refreshed. Rob advises, “Consider spending a little more on your sleeping bag and choose one that is small enough to pack down and carry with you." If you want to save money, buying second-hand gear can be a great option without compromising on comfort.

Another useful tip for a good night sleep from Ian is to "Avoid pitching too close to main paths through the festival campsite. They’ll be noisy at all hours, and people might stumble into your tent".

8. Pack the right outfits

Dressing stylish is only half the hassle. Festival weather can be unpredictable, so pack plenty of layers and reliable waterproofs to stay comfortable whatever the forecast brings. Bring a few extra dry outfits for when the weather turns, and keep one designated dry set just for wearing inside your tent to stay warm and cosy at night.

9. Take wellies

Never underestimate how muddy a festival field can get. Go prepared with a pair of wellies or walking boots packed just in case. Bringing a pair of comfy shoes like crocs or garden shoes for when you’re at your campsites is also handy.

10. Be friendly

You’ll be camping alongside people with the same interests as you. Get to know your neighbour, be respectful and friendly.

11. Don’t be rubbish 

Dispose of your rubbish at the end of the festival as no one likes campers who leave a mess behind. Follow the festival recycling rules and if you cannot find a suitable place for items such as suncream bottles or batteries, take them home and recycle them responsibly.

Also, do not forget your tent. As Ian advises, “Most importantly, do not leave your tent behind. There are lots of businesses who accept used kit and work to either recycle it or gift it to those in need.”

12. Protect your valuables

Make sure you take extra precautions to keep your belongings safe at a festival. Don’t keep any valuables visible, and keep them in a secure bag that is on you at all times.

13. Bring a portable charger

If you’re camping at a festival, it’s a good idea to pack a fully-charged portable charger along with you to preserve your battery life.

14. Stay dry 

Living in the UK, the British summer is certainly not all sunshine, but it definitely has a few rainbows, with it being common to attend a wet and muddy festival. However, don’t let wet clothes and muddy boots dampen your experience and prepare in advance for the rainy days with the checklist below:

Pack a light packaway rain jacket or festival poncho. As most festivals are in the summer, it doesn’t have to be anything too thick, but it should have good water-repellent properties to stop you getting cold and wet.

Bring plastic bags with you to put damp clothes and shoes in, keeping them separate from dry clothes and your camping tent. If possible, pitch your tent uphill to avoid puddles that collect at the bottom of the hill and invade your camping area. Once you have set up your tent, spray it all over with a waterproofing tent spray to improve its water protection. For even more expert tips on staying dry, read our guide to camping in the rain.

15. Remember to pack duct tape

Duct tape is an essential item for any camping trip, as it can be used as a short-term solution to repair tent holes, tears, or broken poles.

16. Think safety first

A handy tip from Ian is, “Avoid campfires near tents, and never cook in your tent or bring a barbecue under canvas to cool off, or to warm the tent, as they can emit carbon monoxide, which is extremely poisonous.”

Rob also revealed a handy safety tip to keep in contact with you friends and family at the festival, “In my family, licence-free two-way radios or walkie talkies are great ways to keep in touch with one another. When you have hundreds if not thousands of people within a few square miles, phone signal can quickly drop off. Taking a trip back to the 1980s with these retro pieces of kit ensure we always stay connected.”

17. Let your hair down and enjoy!

We hope these tips help you to have the best festival camping experience and that you make memories to last a lifetime. View more of our camping tips if you're eager to learn more before you go.