It all started 49 years ago. Over 400,000 young men and women gathered on a dairy farm somewhere in New York City to celebrate what would be the most memorable camping music festival ever. Those fortunate enough to be among the free-spirited music lovers who were at Woodstock in 1969, surely have lots of stories to tell. If you weren’t even born during the era, you probably have gone to some of the offshoots of Woodstock such as the Joshua Tree Music Festival, Nocturnal Wonderland, Coachella, and Burning Man.
If you’re a Woodstock veteran who wants to relive the good ol’ days, you may want to pack your things once more and head on to one of the camping music festivals nearest you. You may also want to familiarize yourself with what the kids are listening to these days.
Planning for a camping music festival
The first step is to find a camping music festival that caters to your needs and tastes. If you don’t want to travel too far, achy joints and all, choose the nearest festival you can find. Of course, you also want to enjoy the music so check the bands and performers out if they are to your liking. If you’re really into reliving your youth, just go to any camping music festival.
What to bring to a camping music festival
The keywords here are camping, music and festival. When it comes to the music, just bring an open mind and an appreciative ear as you’ll likely be hearing different music genres. It pays to get acquainted with the acts performing at the festival. You’ll know which ones to watch and which ones you can keep in the background as you get some shuteye, do other personal stuff, or explore the different sites and events.
Since you’re at a festival, don’t forget that the mood will be festive. Leave that grumpy old man or woman persona at your front porch and just have fun. Get to know people. Have a better understanding of how the young ones party these days. Better yet, show them how you party or used to, at least. Of course, when we said party, we meant to do so responsibly.
The other keyword is camping, which may be more your thing if you belong to the original Woodstock age bracket or somewhere near.
You’d want to be comfortable when you decide to get some rest or have a little privacy. Bring a tent that has ample legroom for everyone (if you’re going with friends or family) and may accommodate an air mattress if you decide to bring one. And speaking of being comfy, don’t pitch your tent near toilets and paths.
Whether you have a bad back or not, an air mattress will be a great addition to your camping music festival gear.
You can also bring a sleeping bag and a roll mat for mote comfort, especially if it gets cold at night.
The notorious muddy mess caused by the rain was part of the allure of the 1969 Woodstock. While the spirits of the festival goers weren’t dampened one bit, it would’ve helped if there were canopy tents where people and equipment could take cover from the rain. It also helps protect you from the glaring heat of the sun.
Things get a little cooler at night and you’ll need something to light the way. Bring portable LED lanterns and flashlights so you can continue partying through the night. You’ll also need them to light up your tent if you prefer a little private time.
A cup of hot coffee seems like a good idea after a night of partying. Bring a camping stove with you if you plan on boozing up and curing hangovers with something hot (and if it’s allowed at the camping music festival you’re going to). You can also bring food to cook and share with fellow festival-goers.
For the older demographic, standing (and dancing) for hours while enjoying the music may take a toll on your feet, knees and back. Take a folding camping chair with so you can sit back and relax with a cold drink in your hand.
How to stay safe at a camping music festival
Accidents happen when you least expect them. In fact, one of the two reported deaths at Woodstock was an unfortunate accident in which a young man was run over by a tractor. The man was sleeping under the vehicle and the owner didn’t realize this until after he drove off. There’s also the risk of a heatstroke and dehydration if you’re partying in the desert.
You’d want something cold to refresh and hydrate yourself, especially if the camping music festival is held during summer.
It gets really hot when the camping music festival in California or in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. Aside from staying hydrated with lots of water and Gatorades, keep things cool with spray bottles.
Privacy and sanitation will be major issues at camping music festivals. It will especially be difficult when you have to go number two. Give the toilet a go before you head to the festival. If you really have to go, there are portable toilets at the grounds. The thing is, there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of people for every portable toilet. Bring your own stash of tissues, wipes, anti-bacterial hand gel, and disposable toilet seat covers.
Dirty toilets are not your only health concerns at camping music festivals. Prepare for accidents and other such unfortunate events by bringing a first-aid kit. You’re emergency kit should include a gas or dust mask, goggles, sunscreen, paracord, thermal blanket, multitool, fire starters, water purifiers, and other survival gear. If you have existing medical conditions, don’t forget to bring your medications. Check with your doctor beforehand if you are fit enough to go to a camping music festival. Pack your vehicle with necessary gear and supplies in case you get lost on your way back home.
There are a number of other things you can bring to a camping music festival. If you have suggestions, holler in the comment section below.
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