All the Camping Gear for Music Festivals You'll Need

Festival camping hits different when you're actually prepared for it. Nobody wants to be fighting a broken tent at 3AM. Get your camping gear for music festivals sorted, and your weekend on the festival grounds turns into a full-on retreat, not just a survival mission.

This comprehensive list works if you're setting up camp at Rocking the Daisies for three days or roughing it in the Karoo for AfrikaBurn. If there's a tent involved, you're covered.

Your Festival Camping Essentials

Nobody remembers the festival where they slept badly and forgot everything. Your festival camping setup matters, so get the camping essentials sorted first. The lineup can wait.

Pick the Right Tent: Your Weekend Basecamp

You'll need a reliable tent that balances protection and comfort. For South African festivals where weather shifts fast, choose a tent with good ventilation and a solid waterproof rating to handle both heat and rain.

• Great for duos: Cloud Up 3 Ultralight Tent (3-person, so two people get extra space for gear).

• Solo festival goer: Cloud Up 2 Ultralight 2P Tent (lightweight, easy to pitch and rated 4.7/5).

Keep tent size in mind. Always get one size up. And don't skip the groundsheet, it keeps moisture and dirt out. Check out the Naturehike tent guide if you need help choosing.

Nail Your Sleeping Setup

• A Connectable Air Mattress or Ultralight Folding Stretcher for elevation and back support

• A sleeping bag like the U Series Sleeping Bag for warmer festivals, or something heavier rated for locations with large temperature swings; check the weather forecast for your festival.

• Extra blankets to stay warm

• Pillow or blow-up travel pillow

This is where a hammock stand setup becomes a vibe. Hammocks are comfy and easy to pack, just check if the venue allows them.

Festival Comfort You Can't Skip

• Camping chairs: The Light Folding Chair packs down small but holds up to 145kg.

• Folding table: The Portable Aluminium Folding Table is great for meal prep and organising gear.

• Inflatable couch: The Naturehike Inflatable Sofa adds instant chill factor to your space.

• Comfortable shoes that are already broken in, and flip flops for the showers.

• An eye mask for catching sleep when the sun comes up.

Build a Campsite That Feels Like Home

Think of your festival campsite as your home for the weekend, not just a place to pass out. At a camping music festival, how you build your space matters just as much as where you stand in the crowd.

Get your tent into extra shade during the hottest parts of the day. Arrive early, find tree cover or flat ground, and position the entrance away from the sun and wind. That alone makes a huge difference.

At night, you'll want to actually find your camping area. Mark your space with string lights and flags, or grab a Rechargeable Outdoor Camp Lantern to light up your spot. Keep a portable Bluetooth speaker nearby for those early campsite grooves. Good vibes start right at your spot, not just at the stage.

Portable chargers are also a must. Poor cellular signal can drain battery life fast, so a 20,000mAh power bank is worth packing.

Keep Your Energy Up: Food and Hydration

The food and drink setup doesn't need to be gourmet, but it should be organised.

• Camp stove: The Split Folding Camp Stove is portable with an electric ignition, perfect for quick meals.

• Cooler box (with ice blocks, not just ice, it lasts way longer). Check out the Naturehike Cooler Bag for a lightweight option.

• Dry snacks: trail mix, cereal bars, dried fruit and biltong

Think meal prep. Cook and freeze a few meals ahead of time, pack them in labelled Tupperware, and reheat as needed. It'll save money and effort all weekend.

Stay Hydrated

A hydration pack is perfect for hands-free sipping on the festival grounds. Bring at least a 1.5L reusable water bottle, and plan for 2–4 L of drinking water per person per day. Electrolyte sachets can also help rehydrate after a big night.

Pro tip: freeze your water bottles the night before. They'll act as cooler ice and melt into drinkable water. Drinking plenty is the simplest way to stay hydrated.

Beat the Weather (Whatever It Throws at You)

If there's one thing South African weather loves at many festivals, it's catching you off guard. One minute it's blazing, the next you're reaching for every layer you packed.

• Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses and lip balm with SPF

• Rain gear: Foldable poncho, waterproof drybag and rain boots for muddy grounds

• Cold nights: Wear socks to bed, double up sleep layers, and use an air mattress to stay off the cold ground

Pack extra layers even in summer. Bad weather won't ruin your festival experience if you plan ahead.

And while you're prepping for the elements, keep your space clean too. Bring trash bags and paper towels to keep waste under control. Baby wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper are also essentials, since shower availability varies by festival.

Level Up Your Festival Experience

Once your campsite is sorted and you're prepped for the weather, it's time to think about the extras. Camping festivals like Splashy Fen are all about the little details that take your festival experience from good to unforgettable.

• String lights to mark your spot at night

• Hammock stand for peak chill hours

• Glow sticks, face paint and eco-glitter for night sets

• First aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers and allergy meds)

Remember to plan ahead. Check the event's rules for cooking fires, car access and tent sizes. Most festivals have specific guidelines. Some venues allow car rentals to park near tents, which is worth it if you're bringing heavy gear.

Now Get Out There and Make It Happen

That's your festival camping checklist done. All that's left is to grab your gear from Naturehike, pack smart, and soak up every set and sunrise.