Whether you’re a festival pro or a first-timer still figuring out where to crash, let’s talk about one of the biggest decisions you’ll make: camping vs. hotels. Spoiler alert—I was skeptical at first, but camping at Coachella turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

First Things First: My Coachella Camping Awakening

Back in 2022, I was completely unprepared for my first Coachella. I didn’t think about accommodations until a week before the festival (rookie mistake), and by then, hotel prices were astronomical—we’re talking “could’ve booked a trip to Japan” expensive. My friend convinced me to camp with her, and let’s be real, I’m more of an air-conditioned Barbie girl than a rough-it-out-in-the-desert type. But turns out? Coachella camping is an experience on its own.

The Struggles: What’s Tough About Camping at Coachella?

1. The Heat Will Wake You Up (Whether You Like It or Not)
I’m not a morning person. I don’t do 7 AM wake-ups, and I barely function before 9 AM. But at Coachella? The desert sun doesn’t care. The second it rises, your tent turns into a literal oven, and there’s no sleeping through it.

2. Charging Your Phone is a Mission
There are charging stations, sure—but so does everyone else’s dead phone. You’ll spend half your morning waiting for 10% battery unless you come prepared with power banks. I had a friend staying in a hotel who saved us all by charging our portables overnight. Lifesaver.

The Perks: Why Camping at Coachella is Actually Amazing

1. You Can Change Outfits All Day
Listen, Coachella is a fashion event. During the day, you’re in cute, barely-there festival fits because it’s scorching. By night? Freezing. Camping means you can swap out your look, layer up, and still serve festival style effortlessly.

2. It’s the Cheapest Way to Do Coachella
Hotels? Wildly overpriced. Ubers? Ridiculous. If you’re booking last minute, be prepared to drop $60+ per ride just to get to the festival grounds. Camping? Way more budget-friendly, and everything you need is right there.

3. You Get the Full Festival Experience
Camping at Coachella feels like you’ve stepped into an alternate universe. There’s an entire community vibe—afterparties, lounge areas, hammocks, and late-night conversations with strangers who might just become your festival besties. If you love the energy of festivals, why leave it?

Final Verdict: Is Camping Worth It?

Absolutely. Even though I was a first-time camper, one weekend was enough to make me want to do it again. If it’s your first time, don’t stress—you’ll be fine, and you might even love it. Just respect your fellow campers, pack smart, and embrace the chaos.

ENCORE:

Pro Tips for First-Time Coachella Campers

If you’re thinking of making the leap and camping this year, here are some absolute must-knows:

• Bring a battery pack. Charging stations take forever, and your phone will die faster than you think. Portable chargers are your best friend.
• Hydrate. It’s hot during the day, and you don’t want to be that person passing out mid-set. Electrolyte packets? Even better.
• Shade is everything. If you can, bring a canopy or something to block the sun. Your tent alone won’t cut it.
• Earplugs will save your life. Coachella camping is non-stop energy. If you actually want to sleep, block out the noise.
• Pack baby wipes. The showers are solid, but sometimes, a quick wipe-down is all you need.
• Make friends with your neighbors. The campgrounds are one big community, and you’ll be surprised how helpful (and fun) people can be.

Got Coachella camping tips or questions? Drop them in the comments. And if you’re still scrambling for last-minute accommodations… good luck. You got this!