Here’s a guide to some of the best camping music festivals that are also RV-friendly.
As a music fan, there’s nothing like the experience of attending a live music festival with your favorite artists. Outdoor festivals are the best ways to see a bunch of acts at once instead of waiting for each of their individual tours.
Since these events are designed to accommodate up to tens of thousands of attendees, they are often located in remote locations. This is where having an RV comes in! Though not all festival grounds permit RV camping.
Best Camping Music Festivals in the U.S.
The most famous music festival is, of course, Coachella Valley Music in Indio, California. But Coachella, like many other music festivals, allows tent camping but no access for RVs to park on-site.
While Coachella is widely considered a must-go due to its massive lineup year after year, its no-RV access blocks it from the list.
So, here is a list of 7 others that are the best camping festivals offering RV access. And even though the 2020 festival season was mostly canceled, 2021 is rearing up to be a great year for festival camping.
1 – Bonnaroo – September – Manchester, TN
TODAY is the DAY. ? In celebration of the return of live music + 20 years of #Bonnaroo, we teamed up with digital artist @ArchanNair!
Score a special 1/1 animated version of our 2021 Lineup Poster at 5:30PM CT! DETAILS: https://t.co/DBv5JbLGRl ? pic.twitter.com/r2e2zEWgcR
— Bonnaroo (@Bonnaroo) April 3, 2021
An incredible event for music lovers for almost 20 years, Bonnaroo is the best camping music festival if you don’t mind crowds.
But the crowds are there for a good reason. Bonnaroo boasts one of the best lineups. For example, the 2021 headliners are Grand Ole Opry, Foo Fighters, Lizzo and Tyler the Creator.
Like Coachella, Bonnaroo is star-power galore. All genres are represented, from hip hop to punk rock to electronic music. So if you are traveling in a group who have different tastes, no one will leave disappointed.
For those who need a break from the music, Bonnaroo features other activities like a 5K race, yoga, and an inflatable water slide to beat the heat.
Since this is such a popular festival, just know this is one of the pricier options on this list.
For RV camping, you have several ticket options depending on your price point. Each RV site is 20 by 50 feet and allows you to set up tents as long as they fit inside your designated space.
2 – Country Thunder – October – Florence, AZ
One of the best camping music festivals for country music is Country Thunder. It has become its own brand, holding multiple festivals in different states throughout the year, including Florida and Iowa.
If you’re a country music fan, Country Thunder gets some of the biggest names to headline, such as Eric Church and Luke Combs.
There is even a line dancing competition and DJs if you’re looking for some variety from country music.
Country Thunder is a 4-day festival with different camping areas you can choose from depending on whether you’re seeking the “platinum experience” or not. For RVs, they even have waste services if you need them and give you a number to call.
You could even incorporate the music festival into a 7-Day Arizona Adventure.
3 – Firefly – September – Dover, DE
It’s true.
? September 23-26
? the Woodlands | Dover, DE pic.twitter.com/nUqQV8CA4F— Firefly Festival (@LiveAtFirefly) March 29, 2021
A relatively new festival, the Firefly Music Festival, is held in Delaware in a forested landscape. This is the best camping music festival for those who want to get away from outdoor music festivals in the typical desert locales.
Like Bonnaroo, Firefly books big, trending pop acts alongside mainstream favorites. Before being canceled last year, the 2020 festival lineup was going to be headlined by Billie Eilish, Rage Against the Machine, and Halsey. Quite a variety of artists hit the main stage.
Other activities include a Silent Disco and brewery tastings.
As for RV camping, there are a few tiers that offer different things. The top tier, costing over $1,000, will get you water and electric hook-ups. Lesser tiers are more budget-friendly.
4 – Old Settler’s – October – Tilmon, TX
While some festival-goers like it loud, Old Settler’s is the best camping music festival for those who prefer a campfire jam.
The best festival for bluegrass folk, past headliners include Jason Isbell and Brandi Carlile.
Even the location fits the vibe, featuring woodlands and gorgeous rolling hills.
In addition, artists travel here to show and sell their work, making this an arts festival as well.
You only need to buy a permit for RV parking to camp on their grounds. It’s worth it.
Old Settler’s is definitely a favorite for RV camping. If you don’t own an RV, local companies will rent you one to use during this festival.
5 – Lightning in a Bottle – May – Bakersfield, CA
Lightning in a Bottle (LIB) is the best camping music festival for the eclectic artist at heart. It's certainly one of the most unique festivals.
While not for the most mainstream in musical taste, passionate fans attend this festival as much for the unique art installations and boutique stalls.
RV camping is available with the option to have power hook-ups or not if you want to give boondocking a try.
6 – Rocklahoma – September – Pryor, OK
The music. The sing-a-longs (and scream-a-longs). The late nights. The camping. The toasts and cheers. The food. The new friends. The old family. Renew it all. Renew your passes today. pic.twitter.com/OeLhX2vIAm
— Rocklahoma (@Rocklahoma) October 6, 2020
For those who like to rock, Rocklahoma is a great option for you. This is the best camping music festival if you like your music loud with a capital L.
Past headliners at this 3-day festival include Disturbed, Seether, Korn, and Steel Panther, just to give you an idea of what to expect.
As for camping, your pass allots you a space that’s 20 by 40 feet. You must be able to fit your whole vehicle into that space and are limited to one vehicle per site.
7 – Peach Music Festival – July – Scranton, PA
Set at the gorgeous Montage Mountain Ski Resort, this is the best camping music festival if you love classic rock. It was even founded by the Allman Brothers!
The resort location and pass allows you access to its water park, giving you plenty of options to chill out while enjoying the summer music festival.
To camp in your RV, simply purchase an RV Parking Pass. Everyone in your group also needs their own Festival Pass and Camping Bundle. There are a few tiers you can choose from based on your budget.
Best Camping Music Festivals for a Great Time
Of course, when it comes to music festivals, everyone has their own tastes. If you have a favorite kind of music genre and festival you’ve attended, let us know in the comments!
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8 Responses to “The 7 Best Camping Music Festivals in the USA”
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February 17, 2022at6:15 am, 9 Great Ways To Play Live Music While Camping & RVing | RV Lifestyle said:
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July 27, 2021at4:21 pm, Ep. 95 | RVing at Music Festivals | RV Small Talk said:
[…] RVLifestyle.com/MusicFestivals | RV Lifestyle Music Festivals […]
June 06, 2021at4:57 pm, The 7 Best Camping Music Festivals In The USA - 2boomersandababy said:
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June 05, 2021at7:15 pm, 5 Things To Know Before Renting Out Your RV - 2boomersandababy said:
[…] But seasoned RV travelers aren’t the only kinds of people seeking to rent. More recently, first-timers have shown interest in droves to try out this method of travel, given how it’s a fantastic way to vacation while social distancing. It’s especially popular with music fans. […]
April 12, 2021at4:20 pm, Judy said:
Cannot forget Faster Horses – Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Michigan – July 16, 17, 18 – Some of the biggest in Country Music – Luke Combs, Jason Aldean and many others – tons of campgrounds nearby!
April 12, 2021at3:56 pm, Dave said:
Are any of these festivals dog friendly at least for the camping areas? Important info for the many full timers. Thanks
April 12, 2021at12:19 pm, Vall Dall said:
What an awesome list, Mike! It Will be nice to start experiencing things like this again now that more and more folks are getting vaccinated. BTW loved the ham radio vid too 🙂
April 12, 2021at9:08 am, Jeffrey S Oja said:
BlissFest
Bliss/Cross Village, MI
1st weekend after the 4th of July