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The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to the Burning Man Festival

How Do You Prepare For Burning Man festival?

Here’s a first-timer’s Guide to Burning Man Festival to help you learn about the event and what to expect and how to plan for it.

First and foremost, understand that MANY RV rental companies and Hosts WILL NOT RENT for this event AND any protection plans or liability coverages on those RVs will NOT cover any damages for this festival. So you have been warned, that if there is any damage to the rented RV, you are 100% responsible for payment of the damages. That includes RVnGO.com

RVnGO and the independent hosts on that platform are more than happy to rent a unit to you for almost any other festival or sporting event.

Now we can get to the article. There’s nothing like hitting the road for a much-needed trip. The Burning Man event is a global cultural movement that focuses on art, self-reliance, community, and self-expression, co-founded in 2004 by Larry Harvey. The night of the Burning Man occurs on the Saturday evening before Labor Day, and since 1991, the Burning Man Festival has been held in Black Rock City in Reno, Nevada. The 10 principles that members of the Burning Man community follow are civic responsibility, radical inclusion, immediacy, gifting, participation, decommodification, communal effort, radical self-reliance, leaving no trace, and radical self-expression.

Expect To Create Your Own Experience At Burning Man

The events and activities that occur at the Burning Man Festival are up to you! There is no booked entertainment or acts, which leaves you in control of your experience for the entire event. You should always keep in mind, once you enter Burning Man territory, you’re in a de-commodified space that focuses on who you are and not your material belongings. While you’re present at this event, you’re expected to allow your creativity to flow, be inclusive, be connective, collaborate, and clean up after yourself.

Get Involved At Burning Man

When you engage in any Burning Man community events, you participate as an active member and citizen of Black Rock City. There are different ways you can participate in community events and activities, including making art, volunteering, and finding or joining a camp. This Guide to Burning Man will help you have a great time.

What to Pack For Burning Man?

As a first-timer at the Burning Man festival, you need to be prepared for weather changes, such as the heat and cold, dust and whiteouts, and rainstorms. There are various must-have items as well as other items that you should consider bringing.

Must-Have Items

  • Photo ID or ticket (confirmation number for call pickup)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • 5 gallons of fresh water (per person, per day)
  • Advanced first-aid kit
  • Food and beverages
  • Warm clothing
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen or sunblock
  • Sunglasses
  • Dust mask
  • Recycling and garbage bags
  • Fire extinguisher

Items to Consider Bringing

  • Umbrella, parasol, or similar shade structures
  • A wide brim hat that features a chin strap
  • Lip balm, lotion earplugs
  • Costumes and musical instruments
  • Mountain bike or cruiser with balloon tires
  • Bicycle lock
  • Bicycle tire repair kit
  • Battery-powered AM/FM radio

You can find more item specifics for the Burning Man event here.

https://youtu.be/XwSeLtTMmYY

Who Can Attend the Burning Man Festival?

Everyone can take part in the Burning Man festival, including your little ones! Children ages 12 and under are free, but they require a kid’s ticket. If you’re considering bringing a minor, you need to become familiar with the resources to help you and your family enjoy everything this festival offers. Having said that, this Guide to Burning Man does not recommend bringing anyone under the age of 18. There are sections and activities at Burning Man that range from G rated, child friendly to unadvertised, XXX rated, so be very aware of what sections you feel comfortable in visiting with your family members.

There Are Many Sights And Events Of the Burning Man

The Burning Man Festival has a lot of things to do and see. You can experience everything from a wholesome G- Rated Festival to reliving the days of Caligula or something out of Mad Max and everything in between. It is all your choice and your responsibility. While you’re exploring, check out some of these sights and events.

Light Up the Night

One way to let loose at the Burning Man festival is to light up the night. Once night falls, you’ll see the festival in a new light, literally! From art cars and fire spinners to El wire and LEDs, you’ll see lights for miles.

Unique Camps

The Burning Man event is home to many unique camps. While you’re exploring your surroundings, check out some of the camps created by other participants. Members of the Burning Man community can live in tents, trailers, and other structures during their stay at this event. Don’t also forget to check out the nightly contests for the best camps based on specific themes.

Return to the Simple Joys of Childhood

There’s no better way to start your day than on a giant swing set. If swings aren’t your fancy, make your way to the trampoline or consider a trapeze lesson. Make time to be a kid again and enjoy yourself.

Admire Mutant Vehicles

One method of travel at the Burning Man festival is mutant vehicles. Getting around this event can be tricky, especially when you can travel approximately 60 miles of road. These mutant vehicles transform from their original form to sea creatures, dragons, favorite foods, pirate ships, and anything else that sparks the imagination. The Burning Man event is one festival where you can be creative and admire the creativity of others.

Playing the Waiting Game

It’s a game! There is a line to enter the event and a line to exit. You may be in line for hours, so why not have a party! While you’re in line, catch some air in a colorful hot-air balloon, satisfy your hunger with savory waffles, or get ice to keep you cool. Waiting has never been more fun.

Lend a Helping Hand

The Burning Man event is full of creative individuals who could use a hand or two to bring their creations to life. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people and practice one of the 10 principles of the event. Show your community effort and engage in group effort!

Learn The Layout of the Location

The location of the Burning Man festival is the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The Black Rock Desert is more than 95 miles long, spanning across Humboldt, Washoe, and Pershing counties. This desert is part of the National Conservation Area (NCA), located in northwest Nevada. It features a unique combination of narrow canyons, desert sand, and mountainous areas.

Burning Man Camp Layout

You need to be aware of the village layout and theme camp plans. You’ll have to complete a placement questionnaire before preparing your plan for your camp layout. Before creating your camp layout, make sure you’re familiar with the camp’s safety features. The guide to burning man offers a few things to keep in mind:

  • Your camp will require a fire line if you’re requesting a space that is at least 150 feet by 150 feet.
  • The fire line should be centrally located and go directly into the camp.
  • It’s a good idea to use caution tape to identify the fire line.

You can find out more information about the camp layouts and other safety features here.

RV Guidelines at the Burning Man Festival

There are various ways you can get around Black Rock City for the Burning Man event. You can use bicycles, motorized vehicles, wheelchairs, and RVs.

If you plan on coming equipped to this event in a recreational vehicle (RV), you need to consider the pros and cons of having one at the Burning Man festival and the different guidelines you must follow.

Recreational Vehicle Guidelines

Having an RV at the Burning Man festival can be an asset on the playa, but hazards also accompany them. Which is why many RV rental Hosts and RV rental companies will not rent for this event and companies offering RV rental protection plans and liability coverage will not cover vehicles at this festival.

While you’re attending this event, the sand will be the biggest issue as the sand and dust will literally get everywhere and clog air filters, air conditioners, etc. In addition, check underneath your RV for oil leaks and make sure your water tanks and potables are not leaking. Before you embark on an adventure:

  • Check your RV for fluid leaks.
  • Run your sink for at least one minute.
  • Inspect your caps.
  • Flush your toilet multiple times to check for black water leaks.

If your tank starts to leak, stop using it until you repair the leak. Use a bucket to contain the leak by collecting the leaking fluid. Dig up the contaminated playa and discard it. If the leak exceeds 5 gallons, notify ESD or a Ranger.

Oil leaks are common. If you experience an oil leak while on the playa, use something to secure the ground and catch the oil, such as plywood, a drip pan, rug, tarp, or similar items.

Pros and Cons

If you’re considering traveling to the Burning Man festival RV style, weigh your options by considering the pros and cons.

Pros

  • Protection during rain and dust storms.
  • A comfy bed to sleep in and relax.
  • Cook indoors.
  • The ability to refrigerate and store food.
  • Running water for showers, toilet, and cleaning.
  • Excellent storage for supplies and other belongings.
  • Perfect accommodations for families.

Cons

  • Sell out quickly.
  • High gas cost ($150 or more per gas station trip).
  • The dust and sand is known for destroying RVs and trailers and the clean up costs are astronomical.

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