Experience the Magic of Car Camping at Coachella with a Camper Van

  Korey Kelly

1-17-2023

A useful guide to car camping at Coachella with a Roadhouse Camper Van

Table Of Contents

  • Are Camper Vans Allowed at Coachella Car Camping? What To Know Before You Go
  • What Gear to Bring for Car Camping at Coachella
  • How to Set Up Your Camper Van at Coachella
  • Staying Safe and Secure During Your Coachella Stay
  • Tips for Making The Most of Your Coachella Experience with a Camper Van
  • Wrap-up - Enjoy an Amazing Weekend Full of Music, Dancing, Fun, and Friends!

Introduction

Are you ready for the ultimate Coachella music festival car camping experience? Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, car camping at Coachella is an incredible way to enjoy all that this amazing event has to offer. Ready to spice it up? Swap out your car for a Roadhouse camper van for a truly unique festival experience.

Why car camping? 
Car camping at Coachella brings you closer to the action, removes wasted hours waiting on Ubers, and gives you ultimate freedom and flexibility throughout your day. With a camper van, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while fully submerging yourself in the vibrant energy that Coachella has to offer.

From what gear to bring and how best to set up your camp site, this guide will provide essential tips on how to create a safe and secure car camping adventure with a Roadhouse van at Coachella. So get ready for an amazing weekend full of music, dancing, fun, and friends!

Will Camper Vans Be Let Into Coachella Car Camping?

First things first - you may be asking yourself, are camper vans allowed into Coachella car camping? The short answer is, YES. I know it appears to be a gray area on the Coachella website, but I can tell you from personal experience that it is 100% allowed. Last year, I didn't know what to tell renters who reached out asking if vans were allowed, so I decided to test out bringing a few vans myself. We brought two vans, setup an awesome outdoor hangout area and had an absolute blast! In fact, rather than being turned away by security they asked us for business cards. I can't make this stuff up!

How to Set Up Your Camper Van at Coachella

  • Choose an ideal spot – Make sure that you pick a spot in the Coachella campgrounds that is close (but not too close) to restrooms and as close as possible to the festival entrance. We recommend purchasing a preferred car camping pass to guarantee a good campsite close to the festival entrance. If you get a regular car camping pass we recommend adding early check-in to your rental and getting out there as early as possible. 
  • Sites are 30’x10′ - give yourself some space on the backend of the van to utilize the outdoor shower. It's a huge bonus having your own shower, you'll want to use it! 
  • Bring a tarp – Having a tarp on hand will help protect your campsite from the elements. You can use it as a wall to keep out the strong winds at night. 
  • Secure your Coachella camp site – make sure your EZ-up doesn't get blown away by the wind. Secure it to the ground with stakes.
  • Shut all doors and windows at night to keep dust out while you sleep. You'll thank me later. 

What Gear to Bring for Car Camping with a Roadhouse van at Coachella 

Now, when it comes to car camping at Coachella, you’ll want to make sure that you have all the essential gear. From blankets and warm clothing, to cooking supplies and snacks, having the right equipment can make your Coachella experience much more enjoyable.

Here are some of the must-have items for car camping with a camper van at Coachella:

  • Air mattress - great for setting up your outdoor hangout area
  • Towels, bedding and pillows - included with van rental
  • Coolers and ice - ice also available for purchase at the camp ground but you can never have enough
  • Ez-up canopy
  • Extra tapestries or tarps for shade and wind shelter - it will get windy at night
  • Campers 21+ may bring one case of beer cans or box of wine
  • Camping chairs 
  • Foldable table 
  • Electrolyte packets, snacks, and groceries to cook meals 
  • Eye mask and earplugs 
  • Bandana or face covering - it will get dusty
  • Cooking supplies such as pots, pans, utensils, etc. - included with van rental
  • Extra plastic cups and mixers for drinks! (if you're into that sort of thing)
  • First aid kit - included with van rental
  • Flashlight, decorative lighting, extension cords - use the van solar system to power your outdoor lighting
  • Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorate, etc.
  • Sunscreen and bug spray 
  • Phone chargers 
  • Portable speaker - included with van rental 
  • Plenty of drinking war
  • Extra heavy duty trash bags
  • Coachella wrist bands, as well as tickets and camping passes - required to enter the camp grounds

How to Set Up Your Camper Van at Coachella

Setting up your Coachella camper van is a key part of the car camping experience. Here are some tips for setting up your van to make sure you have the most comfortable and secure Coachella stay: 

  • Choose an ideal spot – Make sure that you pick a spot in the Coachella campgrounds that is close (but not too close) to restrooms and as close as possible to the festival entrance. We recommend purchasing a preferred car camping pass to guarantee a short walk from your campsite to the festival entrance near the ferris wheel. If you get a regular car camping pass we recommend adding early check-in to your rental and getting out there as early as possible. 
  • Sites are 30’x10′ - give yourself some space on the backend of the van to utilize the outdoor shower. Having your own shower is a huge bonus, you'll want to use it! 
  • Bring a tarp – Having a tarp on hand will help protect your campsite from the elements. You can use it as a wall to keep out the strong winds at night.  
  • Secure your Coachella camp site from the elements – make sure your EZ-up doesn't get blown away by the wind. Secure it to the ground with stakes. 
  • Shut all doors and windows at night to keep the dust out while you sleep. You'll thank me later. 

Staying Safe and Secure During Your Coachella Stay 

It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings while car camping at Coachella. Here are some tips for staying safe and secure during your Coachella stay: 

  • Be vigilant when you’re away from your Coachella camp site – It’s important to always be aware of what is going on around you, especially if you are leaving the Coachella campgrounds. 
  • Limit valuables – Leaving your Coachella camper van unattended can be a big risk, so make sure to limit the amount of valuable items that you leave in your Coachella camp site. Put valuables inside the van and lock the doors before leaving your camp site unattended.  
  • Stay hydrated and well-rested – Being dehydrated or sleep deprived can put you at greater risk when car camping at Coachella, so make sure to stay hydrated and well-rested.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Coachella Experience with a Camper Van  

Now that you know what gear to bring and how to set up your Coachella camper van, here are some tips for making the most of your Coachella experience:  

  • Create a Coachella playlist – Make sure to create that perfect Coachella road trip soundtrack, so you can get into the groove as soon as you arrive! 
  • Bring a hammock or inflatable mattress – If you’re looking for a way to relax in between Coachella sets, try bringing a hammock or inflatable mattress for your campsite lounge area.
  • Invite friends – Coachella car camping is even better when you bring along some of your closest friends, so make sure to invite them along! 
  • Save money by cooking meals on the induction stovetop 

Wrap-Up – Enjoy an Amazing Weekend Full of Music, Dancing, Fun, and Friends!

Car camping at Coachella with a camper van is one of the best ways to experience the music festival. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create the perfect Coachella car camping experience. From packing all the essentials to staying safe and secure, Coachella car camping in a Roadhouse camper van will be an amazing weekend full of music, dancing, fun, and friends!

Start planning your Coachella trip today – book a camper van with Roadhouse!

Book Now
Coachella with friends

Disclaimer: All information provided is based on past experiences. We are not affiliated with Coachella Festival and cannot control a future change of rules. 

Author

Korey Kelly

Tags

Coachella

Camper Van