Festival Summer 2023 – Camping at a festival can be a fantastic way to enjoy the full festival experience.
Camping gives you the advantage of being in the middle of the festival action all day and all night.
In this article, you’ll find out why camping is the best option for your festival experience and what things you should definitely pack.
We’ll also give you tips on how to choose the best pitch for your sleep, how to find clean sanitary facilities at a festival site, how to prepare and cook your food and how to prepare for rainy weather – whether you want to sleep in a tent, camper or rooftop tent.
Find out how to avoid the worst problems at the festival here: Festival Summer.
Camping Ratgeber:
Reasons for camping: the full festival experience at a reasonable price
If you are looking for a cheap way to visit a festival, then you should consider camping as an option.
Compared to a hotel, camping at a festival is often much cheaper.
Some festivals also offer camping tickets directly with the normal festival ticket, which makes planning even easier.
Planning for camping at a festival can also be fun and allow you to get more involved with the festival.
Another great thing about camping at a festival is the opportunity to socialize and make friends.
The community at a campsite is often very friendly and helpful, especially when it comes to problems.
In addition, camping at a festival is also a creative place where you can live out your creativity and put up colorful signs and figures.
Here you can play music and wear unusual outfits, which is often more difficult in a hotel.
And finally, there is always something going on at the campsite before the festival, which adds to the party spirit.
You will never be alone and always have something to do.
Of course, you should always abide by the rules and laws.
Overall, camping at a festival is a great way to get the most out of your festival experience.
It’s cheaper, more creative, more social and full of party spirit.
So grab your rooftop tent and get ready for an unforgettable time!
Here is an overview of the five reasons:
- Camping at a festival is a cheap option
- Planning camping at a festival can be fun
- Camping offers the opportunity to make new contacts & friends
- The campsite is a creative place where you can express yourself
- There’s always something to do at the campsite & it’s a place with a party spirit
You can learn more about camping here:
Packing list: What you should definitely take with you!
Before you leave for the festival, you should of course pack everything you need.
Careful planning and sensible packing will allow you to make the most of your festival experience.
If you are going to a festival, you should pack sensibly and put the things you need first at the front.
Use boxes and bags to organize your things.
You can take a look at some storage options in the store here: Camping Box M, Camping Box L, Storage Box and Bag Organizer.
To make sure you pack everything you need, you can find tips for a packing list here.
Basics: Basics for the journey
With these basics, you already have the most important things together:
| Festival tickets | ▢ |
| Possibly tickets for the camping | ▢ |
| Cash & important documents (ID, driver’s license, insurance card, etc.) | ▢ |
| Cell phone & protective cover for it if necessary | ▢ |
| Powerbank & chargers | ▢ |
| Scheduling for the artists you want to see | ▢ |
Camping equipment: Sleep better
These things are essential for camping:
| Tent | ▢ |
| Sleeping bag | ▢ |
| Sleeping mat / air mattress | ▢ |
| Camping table & camping chair | ▢ |
| Lighting | ▢ |
| Awning / sun awning(tent extensions) | ▢ |
| Music box | ▢ |
| Armored tape & foil | ▢ |
| Tarpaulin for rain | ▢ |
| Drinking games or camping games | ▢ |
Tip!
You can find a detailed packing list for camping here: Camping packing list.
Clothing: closet for on the go
It’s best to prepare for all possible weather conditions so that the festival doesn’t literally fall through even if the weather changes.
This packing list is based on a festival weekend (Friday to Sunday) in summer:
| Underwear & socks (better more than too little) | ▢ |
| 4 – 5 T-shirts | ▢ |
| 2 – 3 shorts | ▢ |
| Long pants | ▢ |
| Sweater | ▢ |
| Rain jacket | ▢ |
| Hat / cap | ▢ |
| Fanny pack or neck pouch | ▢ |
| Sturdy shoes | ▢ |
| Bathing slippers | ▢ |
| Sunglasses | ▢ |
Tip!
You can find everything you need to know about clothing for camping here: Outdoor clothing.
Hygiene articles: Clean at the campsite
Hygiene is also very important at the festival campsite.
This is what you should pack:
| Toothbrush & toothpaste | ▢ |
| 2 – 3 towels | ▢ |
| Washcloth | ▢ |
| Handkerchiefs | ▢ |
| Sun protection (sun cream or spray) | ▢ |
| Deodorant / Perfume | ▢ |
| Shower gel & shampoo | ▢ |
| Mosquito spray | ▢ |
| Hand sanitizer | ▢ |
| Toilet paper if necessary | ▢ |
| Feminine hygiene products, if applicable | ▢ |
Tip!
You can find out more about hygiene and care at the campsite here: Care products.
First-aid kit & preparation for emergencies
Things don’t always run smoothly at the festival site.
You should be able to treat minor injuries yourself quickly with a first-aid kit or an emergency kit.
For more serious injuries, please consult a doctor.
This should be part of your emergency preparation:
| Earplugs | ▢ |
| Painkillers | ▢ |
| Plasters & bandages | ▢ |
| Necessary medication | ▢ |
Tip!
You can find out how to prepare your first-aid kit for camping here: Emergency kit for camping.
You don’t need that!
There are also some things that have no place on the campsite at the festival.
You shouldn’t take this with you:
- Credit or bank cards
- Key (only if not otherwise possible)
- Glass bottles
- Expensive technical devices
- Car batteries & overly large music systems
- (Not suitable for camping) Furniture & carpets
- Pyrotechnics & fireworks
Choose sleeping accommodation: Tent, camper or roof tent
Preparation also includes thinking about what you are actually going away with.
There are various options such as a tent, camper or roof tent.
A tent is a good option if you prefer a cost-effective solution and want to sleep in the great outdoors.
A camper is more comfortable and offers more comfort, but it is also more expensive.
A roof tent is a flexible option as it can be mounted on the roof of the car.
So think carefully about which vehicle suits you and your festival adventure best.
Tent: sleep in the great outdoors at low cost
A tent offers the ultimate festival experience and is often the preferred option for many festival-goers.
If you bring a tent, make sure it’s big enough to store your clothes, food and drinks.
Also choose a safe and sturdy tent that is wind and rainproof.
It is important to always carry valuables with you so that they are not stolen.
Here are some tips if you want to camp at the festival:
- Is often the preferred option at festivals
- Must be big enough for clothes, food & drinks
- Choose a safe and stable tent (wind & rainproof)
- Always carry valuables with you to avoid theft
- With careful planning, Zelt offers a great festival experience
Overall, a tent can be a great option for your festival adventure if you plan carefully and prepare for a comfortable and safe experience.
Find out everything you need to know about camping with a tent here:
Camper: Convenient alternative
If you want a more comfortable and less elaborate festival experience, a camper could be a good option.
Unlike a tent, a campervan takes less time to set up.
A camper also offers more storage space for your equipment and more room for your food.
In addition, there is often a water connection and a shower or toilet in the camper.
Another advantage of a camper is that it is less prone to damage in bad weather.
Overall, a camper can be a great option if you are willing to accept the higher price and limited mobility.
Because if you want to take a campervan to the festival, you should bear in mind that it is more expensive and bulkier than a tent.
Parking the camper can also be a problem.
The camper offers you these advantages at a festival:
- Convenient & less time-consuming
- Less time required for assembly
- More storage space for equipment & food
- Water connection, often shower/toilet available
- Less susceptible to damage in bad weather
You have these disadvantages with a camper:
- Higher price & limited mobility
- Bulkier & more expensive than a tent
- Parking can be a problem
Tip!
A camp bed can help you sleep and provide additional comfort.
We also have camp beds here in the store under: Camp bed and bunk bed.
Roof tent: flexible option
A roof tent is another option for festival-goers.
It is quick and easy to set up and the tent cannot be trampled on as it is attached to the roof of the car.
With an awning you have extra storage space and the tent is often more weatherproof than many ground tents.
Another advantage of the roof tent is the view of the festival site, as long as you’re not standing next to a very tall camper van.
Here are all the advantages:
- Rooftop tent is an option for festival visitors
- Quick & easy assembly
- Cannot be trampled on
- Additional storage space with awning
- More weatherproof than ground tents
- View of the festival site
One option, for example, is an adventure roof tent, which you can see here:
Improve sleep: Comfort & lighting
To get a good night’s sleep at a festival, you should think about a good sleeping pad and sleeping bag.
A sleeping pad is a cheap option, while a mattress may be more suitable for a camper or rooftop tent.
Avoid cheaper air mattresses and invest in a comfortable option to enjoy a good quality sleep.
A good alternative is a comfort mattress, as you can inflate it quickly and sleep comfortably on it all night.
You can find both in our store: Sleeping bag and comfort mattress.
A flashlight is also important for finding your way to your tent at night.
Camping lamps or a string of lights can provide pleasant lighting and make your sleeping area recognizable.
Simple camping lamps are of course suitable for this, but your sleeping area will be more recognizable with a string of lights.
You can take a look at the following practical camping gadgets in the store: LED camping lamp, USB fairy lights and the tent lamp.
This will help you sleep better at the campsite:
- Good sleeping pad & sleeping bag for restful nights
- Sleeping mat for cheap option, mattress for camper or roof tent
- Comfort mattress for quick inflation & comfortable sleeping
- Flashlight for walking to the tent at night
- Camping lamps & fairy lights for pleasant lighting
Pitch selection: Everything you need for a good night’s sleep!
After you have packed everything, survived the journey and arrived at the site, you usually have to choose a pitch.
In order to have a pleasant stay at the festival campsite, there are a few important points to consider.
First of all, you should find out the date and time when you are allowed to enter the campsite.
You should also read the rules and camping regulations to avoid any problems with the organizers.
Make sure you find a pitch at a reasonable distance from the festival site.
If you are too close to the festival site, it can get very loud and deprive you of sleep.
If you are too far away, you may have to walk long distances to get to the festival site.
Also avoid pitches near sanitary facilities, as they are often overcrowded and smelly.
You should also avoid passageways as they pose a high risk of damage to your tent or camper.
Pitch your tent or camper on level ground to avoid falls.
Also make sure that the site is not exposed to strong sunlight to protect you from overheating.
If there are no natural shady areas, you can also provide shade with a tent extension such as an awning, awning or sun sail.
Please note that at some festivals there are only special tent sites where cars and campers are not allowed.
In this case, you will need an additional ticket for your vehicle.
If you follow these tips, you will find a suitable pitch at the festival campsite:
- Find out the date & time
- Read rules & camping regulations
- Pay attention to appropriate distances
- Avoid the vicinity of sanitary facilities & passageways
- Set up your tent or camper on level ground
- Avoid strong sunlight & provide shade
- Note where cars & campers are allowed
Sanitary: Toilets & showers
At festivals, the sanitary facilities can quickly become a nightmare, especially when many people are drunk.
In order to find clean toilets, it is advisable to pay attention to the cleaning times and to visit a clean toilet quickly after cleaning.
There are often gas stations or restaurants near the campsite that can be reached on foot or by car.
If you have a roof tent, you can pack up quickly and set off.
You could also bring new drinks with you.
A camping toilet is a convenient option for using your own toilet.
A portable toilet is a good choice as it is small, compact and stable, but has a good seat height and can hold heavier people.
There are also fill level indicators and they are not too expensive.
Use dissolvable toilet paper to avoid blockages.
Find out more here: Camping toilet.
And you can buy one here: Mobile camping toilet.
Showers at festivals can often be overcrowded and dirty.
With a camping shower, you can shower directly at your sleeping area and have your own privacy.
You can find more tips here: Showers when camping.
For more privacy, you can also buy a shower tent from the store: Shower tent.
You should pay attention to this:
- Sanitary facilities can quickly become a nightmare
- Tip: pay attention to cleaning times & visit a clean toilet quickly
- There are often gas stations or restaurants nearby as an alternative
- Camping toilet as a convenient option for your own toilet
- Mobile toilet is small, compact, stable & has a good seat height
- Use dissolving toilet paper against blockages
Food & Cooking: Between apples & canned ravioli
When camping at a festival, cooking can often be a challenge as there is often little time and limited options.
With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious and healthy meals on the go.
However, it is important to eat a balanced diet and take enough vitamins when camping.
Some foods, such as carrots and apples, keep a little longer and are therefore ideal for camping.
You can find more camping food here: long-life food.
You can’t go wrong with these foods for the time being:
| Canned beer (& other alcohol) | ▢ |
| Water bottles (plastic!) | ▢ |
| Instant coffee or tea bags | ▢ |
| Canned food (& can opener) | ▢ |
| Ready meals (such as 5-minute terrines) | ▢ |
| Fruit & vegetables | ▢ |
| Snacks | ▢ |
| Kitchen towels | ▢ |
| Barbecue food if necessary | ▢ |
Cooking & grilling: 5-minute terrines to steak
For a quick meal, canned ravioli and 5-minute terrines are classic options.
However, if you prefer healthier alternatives, you can prepare bowls and shakes with fresh ingredients and proteins.
It’s also worth bringing a cool box to keep food fresh for longer and minimize the risk of food poisoning.
It is also important to reduce and dispose of waste at the festival site.
It is therefore advisable to bring bin bags and keep the area clean.
Keep it tidy with the: Special bag holders.
For cooking, there are various types of camping stoves and barbecues that can be selected according to your needs.
If you want a special experience, you can also use a fire pot to cook on an open fire (if permitted).
Are you hungry yet?
With these tips, it’ll be quick:
- Canned ravioli & 5-minute terrines are quick meals
- Healthier alternatives: Bowls and shakes with fresh ingredients & proteins
- Cool box keeps food fresh for longer & reduces the risk of food poisoning
- Reduce & dispose of waste: bring your own bin bags
- Different types of camping stoves & grills depending on your needs
- Fire pot as a special experience for cooking on an open fire
Want to know more?
You can find out all about the various cooking appliances on the campsite here: Camping stove.
You can find delicious recipes here: Cooking on the campsite.
You can learn all about barbecuing here: Grilling meat.
And you can browse for suitable cooking utensils in the store: Cooking & barbecuing.
Cool box: Cooling beer or other drinks
A visit to a festival is often associated with the enjoyment of cool drinks.
The classic festival drink is certainly beer, but other drinks can also be enjoyed.
A cool box in which ice can be brought along to keep the drinks cool is ideal for this.
It is important to make sure that you do not consume too much alcohol and always drink enough water.
Many festivals also offer non-alcoholic drinks, which can be a good alternative to beer.
If you can park directly on the campsite with a roof tent and awning, you have the option of storing and having your beer right there.
This is not only convenient, but also a good way to keep the drinks chilled and to be able to grab the beer quickly when needed.
To help you find a suitable cool box, you can view various sizes in the store here: Cool box 35L, cool box 50L and cool box 40L with compressor.
Cold drinks are of course very pleasant in summer.
You can cool them with these tips:
- Important: Keep drinks chilled for a pleasant drinking experience
- Cool box & ice for drinks
- Possibility to store beer in the roof tent / awning for quick access
- Moderate alcohol consumption & drink enough water
Rain: Prepared for any weather!
When attending a festival, you should prepare for all kinds of weather conditions, especially rain and wind.
Even if you hope to experience bright sunshine, you should always take precautions to cope with an unexpected weather event.
Don’t forget that bad weather is also an opportunity to make friends with other festival-goers by seeking shelter from the rain together or hiding out in a tent.
So be well prepared and enjoy the festival, despite the weather!
First of all, bring plastic sheeting to keep your tent and all your belongings dry.
You should also have duct tape and foil with you so that you can quickly patch up tears and holes if they occur.
This may not be a long-term solution, but it will help quickly.
Also remember to pack a rain jacket and wellies to protect yourself from rain and dirt.
Spare clothes are also a good idea!
Get changed quickly to avoid catching a cold.
You can learn more here: Camping in the rain.
Make sure your tent is properly tensioned, especially with guy ropes, to keep it stable even in strong winds.
With these tips, even the rain won’t spoil your festival experience:
- Preparation for all weather conditions
- Bring plastic tarpaulins
- Armor tape & foil for repairs
- Take a rain jacket & wellies with you
- Bring spare clothes
- Move quickly to avoid catching a cold
- Use guy ropes in strong winds
Tip!
In our store you will find a storm cord for strong winds and of course various pegs to attach it: storm strap, screw pegs start kit, ground peg, plastic peg (luminous), plastic peg and wooden pegs.
