Expert’s Guide To RVing At Music Festivals For 2023

With festival season 2023 already on the horizon, the time is now to secure your RV rental! If you’re a first time festival goer, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all of the different rules and regulations at various festivals. Not all major festivals allow for onsite RV parking, and among the ones that do, certain RVs are better for the guidelines than others.

Given that, we’ve put together an expert’s guide to determine what type of RV is best for music festivals!

Let’s begin!

Which Music Festivals Allow RV Parking?

Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that the rules and regulations for RV camping at music festivals can vary from year to year, and it is always important to check the latest information from the festival organizers before planning any travel or attending any events.

The following major music festivals all allow for RV parking and camping in designated lots onsite to varying degrees:

• Coachella
• Stagecoach
• Bonnaroo
• Firefly
• Electric Daisy Carnival

The RV camping options at these venues typically require an additional camping pass and come with a variety of amenities, including access to showers, restrooms, and food and beverage vendors.

What Type Of RV Is Allowed At Music Festivals?

It is crucial to check the guidelines for what type of RV rental is allowed at certain music festivals, or else you might be turned away at the gate.

The most safe class of RV you could choose to bring to a music festival will likely be Class B, or campervans. These are the compact vans you might have heard of during the Van Life craze that popped up during the pandemic. Although they don’t accommodate larger groups, they’re great for couples or small groups of up to four. 

That being said, let’s use Coachella’s guidelines as an example for what you might expect from RV camping onsite at a major music festival.

RV Parking At Coachella

The type of RV that is allowed to park at Coachella may depend on the specific parking and camping policies of the festival in a given year. However, typically, the festival allows a variety of RV types to park in designated areas.

In general, Coachella offers several options for RV parking and camping, including standard RV camping, preferred RV camping, and luxury RV camping. Standard RV camping typically accommodates all types of self-contained RVs, including Class A, B, and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and truck campers.

Preferred RV camping may have additional amenities, such as closer proximity to festival entrances, and may allow for larger or more luxurious RVs.

Luxury RV camping typically includes high-end amenities and services, such as private air-conditioned lounges, private restrooms, and concierge services.

Once again, it’s important to note that the specific policies and guidelines for RV parking and camping at Coachella may vary from year to year. What may have been the policy in 2019 might not necessarily fly in 2023! With that in mind, it’s best to check the festival’s official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information.

Best RV Rentals For Music Festivals

RVing at music festivals is the absolute best way to experience everything they have to offer! There are three great options to consider that are tailored to a great range in budgets, sizes, and amenities desired.

Class B RV Rentals

Our first choice is Class B RVs, also known as campervans. They’re a great option for RV camping at music festivals for several reasons:

1. Maneuverability: Class B RVs are smaller and more maneuverable than larger RVs, making them easier to navigate in crowded festival areas and in traffic. They are also more compact, which means they can often fit in smaller campsites or parking spaces.
2. Convenience: Class B RVs offer all the amenities of a larger RV in a more compact and efficient package. This can be especially helpful for festival-goers who want to have access to their own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area while on-site, without having to navigate crowded public restrooms and food vendors.
3. Cost: Class B RVs are generally more affordable than larger RVs, which can be an important consideration for festival-goers who are traveling on a budget.
4. Off-Grid Capabilities: Many Class B RVs are equipped with solar panels, generators, and water tanks, which allow festival-goers to camp off-grid, away from crowded and noisy campsites.
5. Customization: Class B RVs can be customized to meet the specific needs of festival-goers. For example, some campervans are designed with features like outdoor kitchens, awnings, and sound systems, which can enhance the festival experience.

Best of all, Class B RV rentals are the safest option if you’re unsure about the guidelines for RVing at music festivals for their compact size.

Travel Trailer RVs

Travel trailer RVs can be a great option for RV camping at music festivals for the following reasons:

1. Comfort: Travel trailer RVs offer a high level of comfort and convenience, with features like air conditioning, heating, and a comfortable sleeping area. They also often have kitchenettes and private bathrooms, which can be a huge convenience at a crowded festival.
2. Space: Travel trailer RVs can offer more living space than smaller RVs, which can be important for festival-goers who want to have a bit more room to relax and unwind after a long day of music and festivities.
3. Flexibility: Travel trailer RVs can be detached from a tow vehicle, which allows festival-goers to use their vehicle for other purposes, like running errands or exploring the local area. This can be especially convenient for longer festival stays.
4. Off-Grid Capabilities: Many travel trailer RVs are equipped with solar panels, generators, and water tanks, which allow festival-goers to camp off-grid, away from crowded and noisy campsites.
5. Customization: Travel trailer RVs can be customized to meet the specific needs of festival-goers. For example, some trailers have slide-outs that expand the living space, while others are designed with features like outdoor kitchens, awnings, and sound systems.
6. Comfortable Sleeping: Some travel trailers can provide comfortable sleeping for a larger group than some of the other RV options, which can make them a great choice for people who are attending the festival with a group of friends or family.

Overall, travel trailer RVs can offer a convenient and comfortable way for festival-goers to enjoy a camping experience with all the amenities of home.

Class C RVs

Our third choice for the type of vehicle for RVing at music festivals is a great middle ground between campervans and travel trailers.

Class C RVs can be a great option for RV camping at music festivals because of their:

1. Comfort: Like larger travel trailers, Class C RVs offer a high standard of convenience, Sleeping areas can typically accommodate around six to eight people depending on the size of the vehicle. They also often have kitchenettes and private bathrooms.
2. Space: Also like larger travel trailers, Class C RVs can offer more living space. But unlike larger RVs like Class A types or fifth wheels, they’re still more compact and therefore more likely to fit into most RV slots. They may also have slide-outs that expand the living space.
3. Storage: Class C RVs often have more storage space than smaller RVs, which can be important for festival-goers who need to bring extra gear, food, and other supplies for a longer festival stay.
4. Flexibility: Class C RVs are built on a van or truck chassis and are generally more maneuverable than larger Class A RVs. They can be a good compromise between maneuverability and livability, making them a versatile option for festival-goers.
5. Off-Grid Capabilities: Many Class C RVs are equipped with solar panels, generators, and water tanks.
6. Customization: Class C RVs can be customized to meet the specific needs of festival-goers. For example, some may be designed with features like outdoor kitchens, awnings, and sound systems.

What Should You Bring When RVing At Music Festivals?

When RVing to a music festival, there are several items that you should consider bringing with you to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. RV Essentials: You should bring all the necessary RV essentials, including bedding, towels, toiletries, and kitchen supplies. Be sure to pack enough food and beverages for the duration of the festival, as well as any cooking utensils and a cooler.
2. Outdoor Gear: You’ll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors, so bring appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories to stay comfortable in the weather conditions. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also important to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Festival Accessories: Festivals are often full of unique accessories and gear that can enhance the experience, so consider bringing things like comfortable chairs, portable speakers, or even a festival flag or banner.
4. Lighting: It’s important to bring plenty of lighting to navigate around your campsite at night. Lanterns, flashlights, and string lights are all good options.
5. First Aid Kit: You should always have a basic first aid kit with you in case of any minor injuries or accidents.
6. Trash Bags: Bring plenty of trash bags to keep your campsite clean and tidy throughout the festival.
7. Cash and Credit Cards: You may need cash and credit cards to purchase food, drinks, and other items at the festival, even if the venue says that payments are contactless or cashless. Not all sections of a festival will abide by these rules, unfortunately!
8. Emergency Supplies: It’s always a good idea to bring emergency supplies such as a fire extinguisher, basic tools, and a spare tire in case of any unexpected issues with your RV.

By packing these essentials, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable RV camping experience at your favorite music festival.

TL;DR

RVing at music festivals is as good as the the type you have and the company you share it with! Class B RVs, travel trailers, and Class C RVs are all great options for RVing at music festivals. Of course, if your festival doesn’t allow for onsite parking, you have more freedom in what you’d like to camp in since you’ll be camping offsite!