The basics of car camping at music festivals

Are you hitting a music festival this summer and thinking that car camping might be the way to save some money and make the most of it? Let us help you jam with the peace of mind you deserve. Check out this complete guide from our Clermont Toyota specialists on car camping at music festivals!

What to know before car camping at music festivals

Before you plan a car camping trip, you should know what kind of facilities you’ll be working with. You can definitely rough it, but it’s nice to have SOME amenities, especially if you’re going to be staying there for a while. Here are some of the things you should see if the festival grounds offer:

• Portapotties or restrooms
• Showers
• Water refill stations
• Trash disposal
• A general store or place to buy ice and water

It’s good to have an idea of what’s available – for example, if there’s not a water refill station, you’ll need to plan to bring or purchase enough water to get you through your car camping trip.

Car camping essentials: What to bring to a music festival

Once you have an idea of what the festival grounds offer, it’s time to pack up. Here’s a list of car camping essentials for music festivals that our Toyota of Clermont experts recommend.

Basic car camping essentials include:

• A tent or car tent where you can sleep and change
• A pop-up or canopy if you want additional shade or shelter
• Sleeping bags, pillows, and anything else you need to make yourself comfortable (like an air mattress or sleeping pad)
• Chairs and a table
• A cooler
• A grill or griddle if you plan to cook

Other car camping essentials to bring:

• A tool kit with essentials like scissors, cooking utensils, a bottle and can opener, a hammer and screwdriver, etc.
• Plates, cups, and silverware
• Trash bags and paper towels
• Soap and hand sanitizer
• A way to charge your phone and devices
• A fan to keep cool
• A generator to run and charge things
• Lights to light your site and not drain your car battery

How to set up your campsite at a music festival

Once you arrive at the festival grounds, figure out where you’re allowed to car camp and pick a spot that meets your preferences. If you’re near portapotties or bathrooms it’s convenient, but you’re going to see a lot of foot traffic and it may be loud. Choose a spot that meets your needs and start setting up your Clermont Toyota.

• If you’re setting up a real tent (not a car tent), choose a flat spot and put a tarp under the tent to guard against moisture. Set up your tent and consider putting another tarp or a canopy over the top to keep you cool and dry.
• Set up your lights, your table and chairs, and your sleeping arrangements before it gets dark. You should also put your supplies where they’re easily accessed. It’s much easier to do this during the day when you have full light to find everything.

A few reminders for car camping

Whether it’s your first time car camping at a music festival or you’re a pro by now, here are some helpful Clermont Toyota reminders to keep in mind.

• Always lock everything up. Music festivals are crowded, loud, and busy, and it’s easy for thieves to move around unnoticed. Be sure to lock up valuables and keep them out of sight, even in your car.
• Make sure you have a way to remember where your car is parked. Festival grounds are large and can be crowded and confusing, especially at night. Take a picture of where your car is parked and try to get any discerning landmarks around your Clermont Toyota in the picture, too.
• Have a way to keep your key on you that doesn’t involve pockets. It’s easy to lose your keys from your pocket, especially if you’re dancing or jumping around. A lanyard that you can put around your neck is a good bet.
• Also ensure you have a way to take your trash with you when you leave. There should be trash disposal onsite, but if the festival grounds don’t have it, you’ll need to take all of your trash with you when you head home.
•  Have good camping etiquette. Yes, you’re at a music festival, but you also want to be a good neighbor. Follow quiet hours rules, be considerate about music and noise, and clean up after yourself.

Prep for car camping with Toyota of Clermont tips

Want more tips on camping in your car or think you need a new Toyota to get you through festival season? Come and see us at Toyota of Clermont today or call us at (352) 404-7000!

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