5 Great Camping Places to Party On

Did you know that the average festival-goer spends over $600 on a camping music festival experience? You don’t have to break the bank to find the perfect blend of nature and nightlife. From the desert art installations of Black Rock City to the enchanted forests of Michigan, there’s a camping party destination that fits your style and budget. Let’s explore five distinctive locations where you can dance under the stars and create unforgettable memories with fellow adventurers.

Take Aways

• Burning Man transforms Nevada’s Black Rock Desert into a 70,000-person party metropolis with art installations and all-night celebrations.
• Electric Forest combines seven music stages within Michigan’s Sherwood Forest for an immersive festival camping experience.
• Coachella Valley offers diverse camping options from basic tents to luxury accommodations, with constant music and entertainment.
• Camp EDC hosts 25,000 festival-goers with pool parties and entertainment at The Mesa within Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
• Zion National Park allows group camping adventures for up to 14 people, perfect for organized social backpacking trips.

The Ultimate Desert Party: Burning Man’s Black Rock City

While many festivals come and go, Burning Man stands apart as a unique temporary metropolis that rises from Nevada’s Black Rock Desert each year.

For nine days, you’ll join roughly 70,000 “Burners” in a radially designed city where streets follow clock positions and creativity rules. The city’s streets are named after visionary sci-fi writers who explored humanity’s relationship with technology.

You won’t find typical festival amenities here. Instead, you’ll discover interactive theme camps, massive art installations, and a community that values self-reliance and radical self-expression.

The city culminates in the ceremonial burning of “The Man” sculpture. Throughout the week, you can participate in workshops, performances, and countless parties.

Be prepared: This isn’t your typical camping trip. You’ll need extensive survival gear for the harsh desert environment, and you must follow strict “Leave No Trace” policies to protect the playa’s delicate ecosystem.

Electric Forest: Where Music Meets Nature

Since its inception in 2011, Electric Forest has transformed Michigan’s Double JJ Resort into a magical fusion of music and nature.

Located just 9 miles from Lake Michigan, this four-day festival features seven distinct stages nestled within the enchanting Sherwood Forest, where you’ll discover immersive art installations and themed spaces like the Dream Emporium.

Experience seven unique stages within enchanting Sherwood Forest, where art installations and themed spaces create an unforgettable festival atmosphere near Lake Michigan.

You’ll experience diverse musical performances spanning electronic, jam bands, and rock genres, with past headliners including Tiësto, Kaskade, and Excision. Romantic RV Park Getaways have also been popular among festival-goers.

The festival offers various camping options to fit your budget, from standard to premium accommodations. The grounds have a rich history dating back to when Wally Wojack planted seeds in 1955, establishing the foundation for what would become this beloved festival site.

Beyond the music, you can participate in workshops and art projects while connecting with fellow festival-goers in a sustainable, community-focused environment.

The festival’s growing popularity has led to multi-weekend events, making it easier to plan your visit.

Coachella Valley’s Festival Camping Experience

Whether you’re a first-time festival-goer or a seasoned veteran, Coachella’s diverse camping options cater to every budget and comfort level. You’ll find everything from basic tent and car camping spots to premium accommodations like La Campana’s furnished tents with queen beds and Safari Campground’s luxurious yurts. RV camping offers an elevated experience with access to amenities like electrical hookups and sewage disposal.

For budget-conscious campers, standard tent and car camping provide guaranteed spots with essential amenities and front-row lot access. If you’re seeking extra comfort, La Campana offers spacious tents with closets, booth seating, and high ceilings. Free water refill stations are conveniently placed throughout the camping grounds to keep festival-goers hydrated and refreshed.

The exclusive Lake Eldorado area provides restricted access camping for those wanting a more private experience. You’ll find clear signage and detailed maps throughout the grounds, plus ADA-accessible venues.

Beyond the festival, nearby options like Thousand Trails Palm Springs and Coachella Lakes RV Resort offer extended-stay alternatives with additional recreational amenities.

EDC Las Vegas: Camp Under the Electric Sky

The sprawling Camp EDC at Las Vegas Motor Speedway welcomes over 25,000 campers annually for an immersive five-day festival experience.

You’ll find multiple accommodation options to fit your budget, from pre-setup Moon Glow and Desert Rose ShiftPods to RV camping spots with power hookups.

You’ll need to be 18+ and have both a festival wristband and camping pass to enter. Essential RV camping tips can help ensure a smooth experience.

The Mesa serves as your entertainment hub, featuring a record-breaking synthetic lawn where you can enjoy wellness workshops, pool parties, and exclusive artist sets. Festival grounds access is available through a dedicated campers-only entrance.

Experience The Mesa’s epic synthetic lawn – your gateway to pool parties, wellness sessions, and intimate artist performances.

Check-in times vary, and you must vacate by 5 PM on Monday, May 19th, 2025.

Remember to review the permitted items list and secure any additional parking passes if you’re bringing extra vehicles.

RV campers can access fuel, water refills, and pump-out services on-site.

Zion’s Social Backcountry Adventures

Moving from the neon lights of EDC to the natural wonders of Utah, Zion National Park offers an unforgettable social backpacking experience at a fraction of festival costs.

You’ll need a Wilderness Permit ($20 plus $7 per person nightly) for overnight trips with groups up to 14 people. Designated campsites only must be used for all backcountry camping. True campers know the importance of proper planning and permits for an enjoyable and sustainable outdoor experience.

The Virgin River Narrows and West Rim Trail provide epic settings for group adventures, while designated backcountry campsites guarantee both solitude and social opportunities. You can reserve half the sites up to three months ahead online.

Don’t forget to check weather forecasts for flash floods, pack plenty of water for desert conditions, and bring first aid supplies.

Following Leave No Trace principles is essential. With proper planning and permits, you’ll create lasting memories while exploring Zion’s stunning landscape with your crew.

The Last Word

Whether you’re burning cash in the desert or pinching pennies in Zion’s backcountry, these five party-camping spots will drain your wallet – but hey, that’s the price of “finding yourself” these days. You’ll learn valuable life lessons, like how to survive on $15 water bottles at Coachella or master the art of disco napping at EDC. Pack your glitter, your tent, and your financial regrets.