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Why RVs Are the Best Way to Stay at Music Festivals
By Joan Pabón MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
From the diverse sounds of Austin City Limits in Texas to the eclectic vibes of Burning Man in Nevada, the top U.S. music festivals attract thousands of music lovers from across the nation. While live music is the main attraction, the festival culture can equally appeal to those seeking an unforgettable experience.
If you want to immerse yourself in the festivities while having a comfortable retreat to recharge, an RV trip can be the perfect alternative to camping. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of renting an RV for your next music fest, ensuring you have a smooth and memorable adventure from start to finish.
Table of Contents
- Five reasons why RVs are the best way to stay at music festivals
- Potential cons of renting an RV for a music festival
- Tips for a great music festival experience with an RV
- FAQs
- Summary of Why RV’s Are The Best Way to Stay at Music Festivals
Five reasons why RVs are the best way to stay at music festivals
Many of these reasons might seem obvious, but let’s delve into the top five ways renting RVing can enhance your next music festival experience.
1. Comfort
Having your own private space for sleeping, showering and relaxing means you can avoid the sometimes unpleasant communal facilities at festivals. You can also escape the elements, enjoy air conditioning, and have access to a kitchen where you can prepare a full meal with little fuss.
2. Relative affordability
By bringing your own glamping accommodations, you can save money on potentially overpriced hotel rooms, which often book up quickly during festival weekends and can be far from the festival grounds. Staying in an RV allows you to be right where the action is, eliminating the need for costly transportation back and forth.
Additionally, having access to a kitchen means you can prepare your meals, significantly reducing the amount you’d spend on food at the festival. This can also help accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions, as festival food options may be limited and expensive.
3. Safety
With an RV, you can bring all your festival essentials — extra clothing, food, and entertainment — without space constraints. An RV not only provides a secure storage area for your belongings but also offers superior protection compared to a tent. The solid structure of an RV shields you from the elements and enhances your safety, making it a more secure choice than camping, where you might feel exposed and vulnerable.
4. Flexibility
If it’s your first time attending a music festival in an RV, be aware that not all festivals allow RVs on the festival grounds. If you’re going to Coachella, for example, you’ll have to reserve a spot at a nearby RV park. However, RV passes are available for festivals like Burning Man or Bonnaroo, where having shelter from the elements can significantly enhance your comfort.
You’ll need to follow the rules set by the RV camp or festival, but you’ll also have the flexibility to take your home on wheels to a different location if your expectations aren’t met or anything goes amiss.
5. Community
For festival goers, these events offer a unique opportunity to connect with others in an environment where the collective energy fosters camaraderie and a strong sense of community. By taking an RV, you can have that without sacrificing privacy, safety, or comfort. Moreover, your RV can be a central hub to meet up with friends when you need to recharge.
Potential cons of renting an RV for a music festival
1. Rental fees and related expenses
While renting an RV can be more affordable than booking a hotel or similar accommodation and commuting to the festival, it’s still more expensive than camping. In addition to the rental fee, you’ll need to budget for fuel, campsite fees with RV hookups (if the festival doesn’t allow RVs), potential setup fees for first-timers, and additional insurance coverage.
2. Logistics and rental restrictions
Another con of renting an RV for a music festival is the complexity of trip logistics and finding RVers willing to rent out their vehicle for such an event. Festivals can be demanding on RVs due to the large crowds, often rough terrain, and extended stationary periods, leading to increased wear and tear.
Many RV owners are cautious about these risks and may hesitate to rent their vehicles for a festival. This can limit your rental options and potentially increase the cost, as owners who agree may charge higher fees to cover potential damages and additional insurance. Additionally, coordinating the pickup and return of the RV, as well as ensuring it meets all the festival’s requirements, can add to the logistical challenges of your trip.
3. Accessibility
Not all festivals offer RV parking, while others may offer limited spots that fill up quickly and come with size restrictions. Securing an RV spot can be more challenging than finding a tent camping site, so planning ahead and making reservations as early as possible is crucial. Additionally, be prepared for potential extra costs and specific festival regulations related to RV parking.
4. Driving and maneuvering
Operating an RV on a road trip can be daunting, especially if you’re not accustomed to driving large vehicles. Navigating narrow roads, dealing with traffic, and parking in tight spots require skill. If you’re a first-timer, choosing a campervan over a Class A motorhome or large travel trailer will offer better maneuverability and reduce stress.
5. Setup
Another potential downside of renting an RV for a music or arts festival is the setup process and logistics. Although RVs can function without hookups, having electrical and sewer connections enhances convenience. If the festival site doesn’t provide these amenities, you’ll need to prepare for dry camping and rely on your water tank and solar energy or a generator, which may limit your usage.
While some rental companies offer setup services for an additional fee, ensuring your RV is appropriately set up and maintained still requires some oversight and can be time-consuming. This added responsibility can potentially detract from your experience.
Tips for a great RV experience
Renting an RV requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
- Plan ahead: Reserve your RV spot early, as they fill quickly. Read the festival’s RV rules to understand size restrictions or specific requirements. If RV passes are available, secure them as soon as possible. If the festival doesn’t allow RVs on-site, find and book a spot at a nearby RV campsite well in advance.
- Calculate additional costs: Factor in the extra costs of renting an RV, including setup fees (especially if you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with electrical and sewer hookups), fuel, insurance coverage, and any campground or RV park fees. Don’t forget to budget for a security deposit, cleaning fees, and extra water refills or waste disposal charges.
- Manage your resources: Efficiently manage your water tank and electricity, especially if you’re not using hookups. Monitor your usage and plan refills or charging as needed to avoid running out of essential resources.
- Choose the Right RV: Opt for a smaller, more maneuverable RV, especially if you’re a first-timer or the festival has size restrictions. A compact RV can be easier to handle and find parking for, enhancing your overall experience.
- Prepare for emergencies and common issues: Have a backup plan for emergencies and familiarize yourself with the festival layout and the locations of emergency services. You may also want to plan for emergencies like water and sewage management issues at your campsite and bring enough water and propane to last you the entire event.
FAQs
Do all music festivals allow RVs on-site?
Not all festivals allow RVs on-site. Check the festival’s official website or contact their customer service for detailed information on RV parking policies. If the festival doesn’t allow RVs, you may have to look for nearby RV parks or campgrounds.
What can I do if the festival doesn’t offer on-site RV spots?
If the festival doesn’t provide on-site RV parking, research and book a spot at a nearby RV park or campground well in advance. Look for options that offer easy access to the festival grounds and check for any additional amenities that might be useful during your stay, such as shuttle services or proximity to essential services.
What are the additional costs associated with renting an RV for a festival?
Be aware of other costs besides the rental fee, such as setup fees for electrical and sewer hookups, additional insurance coverage, and possible penalties for late returns or excessive mileage. You should also budget for a security deposit, which is often required and can be refunded if the RV is returned in good condition, as well as cleaning fees.
What should I know about managing RV utilities during a festival?
If the festival site doesn’t offer hookups, you’ll have to plan for regular water refills and be prepared to dispose of waste at designated facilities. Additionally, if your RV is equipped with a generator, follow the owner’s or rental company’s maintenance instructions, which may include running the generator at specific intervals to ensure it operates properly.
Summary of Why RV’s Are The Best Way to Stay at Music Festivals
Attending a music festival can be an exhilarating adventure, and renting an RV can elevate the experience by providing a private space for sleeping, showering, and relaxing. Unlike communal festival facilities, an RV offers a secure place to store your belongings and shields you from the elements, making it a safer and more comfortable alternative to tent camping.
However, RV rental comes with its own set of challenges, including additional costs and logistical considerations that campers don’t have to think about. To fully enjoy your RV experience, plan by booking early, reading up on festival rules, and budgeting for extra expenses. By preparing in advance, you can make the most of the festival with a cozy and convenient home base.