Things you need to bring

[Paul]

This thread will be full of materials you need to bring for the weekend to survive camping.

SUPPLIES

tons of water - you can never have too much water. it's going to be hot and humid.
camelback - there will be water refilling stations in the festival. camelbacks will save your life on those long days
sleeping bag
tent/tarp- you will need some type of shade at your campsite
a small hammer
tent stakes
sunscreen - this should be with you at all times
bug spray - the area is a little marshy, bugs will be around
extra clothes - extra socks definitely come in handy too
rain gear
flash lights with batteries
toilet paper - the porta a potties could run out any time. always bring a roll just to be safe
trash bags - these come in handy. I always bring multiple trash bags for dirty clothes and camp sites can get messy
first aid kit
coolers- I always bring one big cooler and one medium sized cooler. I never bring beer so the medium cooler is used for water and gatorade. The bigger cooler usually holds enough food for the weekend.
grill/camp stove- there is probably a size limit on grills. a small camping grill will get the job done for 3 days
fans- battery powered are best.
bandanas- always have at least 2 bandanas at all times. it could get dusty, a bandana to cover your face comes in handy.
baby wipes- these are always nice after a long day. plus it keeps the funk down around the camp
soap/shampoo
canopy light
no glass bottles- your vehicle will be searched prior to the camp grounds. if any glass bottles are found they will be taken
beer- If you plan on drinking all weekend make sure to bring plenty of beer. You wont be able to bring in any into the festival grounds. You should expect to pay at least $6 for a beer.
comfortable camping chair
extra boots and shoes- it could rain. rain + 30,000 people = mud. Rain boots come in handy, as do a dry pair of sneakers.
disposable cameras- they are cheap and it's not really a big deal if you lose it. Plus, the photos can't be deleted


MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

The Local Area- Not everybody is camping. Here is a few tips for those people who aren't. Dover is a very small town. There really isn't much here and what is here, you'll be at all weekend. We are known for the casino and race track. Also, check out the shit mall with tax free shopping. Delaware is known for it's beaches. All beaches are a hour south on Route 1 going south. Dewey Beach is the most popular. It's a huge party town. If you're looking to escape Dover for the night but still looking for a good time, this is the spot. Rehoboth is also a popular spot. There is a small boardwalk with an even smaller amusement park. There are plenty of restaurants and shops for all types. The Dogfish Head Brewery is also about a hour south away from the festival. They always have brewery tours and expect them to be at the brewers tent. For a better shopping area the Christiana Mall is the spot. Its about a hour and 20 minutes north of the festival.

Ice- Bags of ice will be expensive. An easy way to save money is to fill 2 liter soda bottles full of water and freeze them. They will last longer then a bag of ice and when they melt you have fresh drinking water.

Sleep- After the friday night headliner, go to bed! You still have 2 more days and you probably drove a couple of hours to get here. Saturday nights are typically big party nights so you'll need a good night sleep the night before.

Security check- Your vehicle will be searched prior to your entry. Expect the worse, hope for the best. Some people might want to open up every bag, some might just take a glance inside. Make sure you don't bring any glass bottles and make sure all illegal materials aren't in plain site.

Other Security- Lock your valuables in your car when you leave your campsite. Leaving your stuff around isn't a good idea. Always know where your wallet/purse is when you go to bed. I've seen people leave stuff out accidently and wake up to cash and credit cards stolen.

Money- ATMs at the festival will charge you $4 every time you use it. Make sure to bring plenty of cash to the festival. There will be plenty of delicious food and it isn't cheap inside the fest. You will also need money for ice at some point. Again, not cheap ($5-$7 a bag).

Party favors- I DO NOT CONDONE ANY SUCH ILLEGAL ACTIVITY. With that being said, they will be around. They usually are at music festivals. Make sure to take them in moderation and pace yourself. You don't have to take everything in one night. It's a 3 day festival with some people staying over night to Monday.


If anybody feels like adding anything, feel free. I'm sure I've missed some things others bring.

[rocksteadyvybes]

Thanks for this! Great ideas!

[johnna]

LADIES-------> bike shorts under your sundress and Gold Bond powder! I learned these tricks from Inforoo last year and it was a blessing @ Bonnaroo. There will be a lot of walking/standing/sitting (often on the ground). If you choose to flash your who-ha to other festival-goers, well thats your decision, but I was so grateful for my freedom to frolic in a dress without worrying about exposure. And if chafing is a concern in any bodily region (c'mon, you're LIVING outdoors for 4days in JULY), Gold Bond to the rescue! Its moisture wicking and pleasantly refreshing. Myself and the other girl at my campsite used it liberally throughout the festival. Just say'n

[plenteous]

Haha...thanks for the Gold Bond tip. That's the kind of practical stuff you only get from experience. :-)

[monkeybones]

i really like that 2 liter bottle ice block idea. def going to use that for firefly and bonnaroo.

Foldable tables are a good idea. even just small ones help when you need to put something down not on the ground.
Compass/awareness of direction so you can plan your campsite according to the block morning sun for better sleep
Dry Shampoo and leave-in conditioner - girls ive camped with said it helped a lot
Jumper cables for the just in case your/another camper's car battery dies
scissors
solar shower a quick rinse goes a long way
tarps & rope & bungee cords
towels

[hissingfauna]

GLOWSTICKS.
lots of them.

you know...for lighting purposes.

and for throwing. definitely for throwing

[kittyjam]

I always freeze a case of water bottles per person because it was great to use for ice. But at Bonnaroo you could bring into the stage areas aka Centeroo unopened water bottles. So a couple frozen bottles in my back pack kept my water station refills ice cold for several hours!

[shannonb]

Not sure if I saw it mentioned but duct tape does wonders. First aid kit for blisters from walking and basic stuff for any injury or problems. They have saved my life at bonnaroo. I always bring Clorox wipes since I am a woman. I use it in the porta potties. Along with carrying a roll of toilet paper or napkins.

[megwalrus]

I was reading through the camping rules (fireflyfestival.com/#lodging_rules.php) the other day and noted this important one (emphasis mine):

"One cooking appliance is allowed per campsite. Propane only. No wood, charcoal, or flammable liquids allowed. Maximum amount of propane should not exceed 20 pounds or 48 pounds of water capacity. Cooking appliances are only permitted for use from 7am – 2am (EST). Please do not leave cooking appliances unattended."

I know a few people who were planning on bringing charcoal grills, so thought I'd post a heads up.

[alex]

Any suggestions on a good mosquito repellent and sunblock?

[turdfurgusson]

Lemon Eucalyptus bug spray is good w/o DEET (DEET scares me).
I always prefer spray-on sunscreen.

[Auroral]

Paul, do you know If we are able to bring a grill? Someone pentioned only propane not charcoal? Any idea?

[turdfurgusson]

Propane only. Tank must be less than 20 lbs.
No charcol. Period.

[Paul]

yeah only propane

major buzzkill because we got a free charcoal grill to bring