Whenever the house lights come up at a music festival and the crowd dissipates, I always feel a little bittersweet—the show may be over and my legs tired, but my veins still course with energy and adrenaline. Luckily, the party doesn’t have to end when you pick an RV-friendly music festival. 

Traveling to music festivals in an RV is becoming increasingly popular, offering a comfortable, convenient and immersive way to stay close to the action within the music-loving community. No need to book a hotel or wait for a rideshare because you’re already at the event’s gates. 

In this guide, I’ll walk through what makes a music festival RV-friendly, share essential tips for bringing a rig to festivals, highlight must-have gear to make the experience extra comfy and spotlight some of the best recurring RV-friendly music festivals across the U.S. 

What to Look for in an RV-Friendly Music Festival

After getting back from my first festival of the season, I’m already dreaming of the next one. Now’s the time to plan your tour. Start by scanning artist lineups, set times and camping options because not all festivals are created equal when it comes to RVs.

The good news is, more and more music festivals are adding campgrounds as amenities for folks who travel in vehicles and RVs. 

In most cases, you must purchase a camping pass in addition to general admission tickets—and it’s best to do it early as spaces are limited and prices increase over time.

Here’s a checklist of criteria to look for in RV-friendly music festivals:

• Dedicated RV parking or camping areas. Every festival has size limitations, usually up to 50 feet. But make sure to check the guidelines before rolling up in your Class A.
• Availability of water, electric and sewage. Some festivals offer them. Some don’t. Even if they do, be ready to boondock, hookups can get overloaded or be miles from your site.
• Access to dump stations or mobile pump services. Once again, not every festival offers this. When they do, mobile pump and water refill services are often available for an extra fee.
• Clear entry/exit policies for large vehicles. Getting in is one thing. Getting out, especially after a finale, is a whole different game. Do this: Make sure you know the drill and plan your escape before arrival.
• Security measures and quiet hours in RV areas. The party doesn’t have to end, but you want to get some shut-eye eventually and always feel safe. 

Tips for RVing at Music Festivals

1. Reserve RV camping spots early, as they often sell out quickly.
2. Review generator policies and quiet hours specific to each festival.
3. Bring leveling blocks and extra supplies.
4. Prepare for dry camping, even if hookups are available.
5. Secure valuables and maintain good relationships with neighboring campers
6. Prepare for limited cell service; consider bringing communication alternatives.

Must-have Gear for RV-Friendly Music Festivals

• Headlamp and lantern for finding your way to the bathroom at night.
• Solar string lights for decorating and brightening your space.
• Camp chairs (plus extras) for lounging, mealtime and playing cards with new friends.
• A separate beverage cooler for keeping drinks cold. That way, you can keep food separate from the 6-packs.
• Shade awnings provide coverage from the UV rays.
• Mallet/hammer for securing awning stakes in the hard ground.
• Windshield shade for keeping your vehicle cool.
• Jumper cables (and/or a jump pack) in case you left the vehicle lights on for the whole festival.
• Crossbody bag (or any other bag that meets the festival’s bag restrictions) for carrying essentials to the show.
• Earplugs for sleeping at night.
• Flag for finding your rig in the lot.

Top RV-Friendly Music Festivals in the U.S.

Stagecoach Festival (Indio, California) – late April

 As one of the world’s biggest country music festivals, Stagecoach curates an impressive lineup of the top performers singing about love and trucks, plus surprising acts that bridge hip hop, rock and other genres. More than 75,000 fans sing their hearts out every April. 

Camping details: 

• RV camping requires a separate pass and does not include festival admission. 
• Camping sites measure 20’ x 50’ and accommodate most RV sizes. 
• Choose between powered (30 or 50 amp) and dry sites. 
• Unhook tow vehicles and park them in designated areas before setting up camp. 
• Amenities at the campground include shower trailers, water refill stations and a general store.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (Manchester, Tennessee) – mid June

If you want to catch your favorite folk stars perform right after your favorite indie rock bands, head to the all-ages, multi-genre Bonnaroo. Headliners in 2025 range from Avril Lavigne to Tyler, The Creator, Luke Combs to Dom Dolla. It’s the perfect way to kick off summer.

Camping details: 

• An RV pass is required for each RV, motorhome, or van entering the campground. 
• Power and water hookups are available for an additional fee. 
• Spaces measure about 20’ x 50’ and accommodate most RV sizes.

Electric Forest (Rothbury, Michigan) – late June

Exactly as the name suggests, Electric Forest is an electronic and jam band music festival in the middle of Michigan’s Sherwood Forest. Neon lights illuminate the trees as attendees dressed as fairies, wizards and aliens (recommended but not required) shuffle to the beat of drums below. 

Camping details: 

• The 4-day General Admission and Good Life Village VIP tickets include campground access, but passes are sold separately for both vehicle and RV camping. 
• Each RV is allowed one companion vehicle under 16 feet long. 
• Sites with 30 amp service are an extra fee. 
• All RV sites are 20’ x 50’ and accommodate most RV sizes. 
• RV occupants must have appropriate wristbands for their camping area.

High Sierra Music Festival (Quincy, California) – early July

Set against a mountainous landscape and national forest, the High Sierra Music Festival is a satisfying visual and auditory sensation. The all-ages gathering of eclectic musicians takes place every July at the Plumas County Fairgrounds.

Camping details: 

• Unlike other festivals that sell advance passes, RV camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 
• RV sites measure 15′ x 35′ space to accommodate vehicles and any tents or shade structures. 
• No hookups are available; however, the fairgrounds offer permanent restrooms and showers. 
• Off-site camping with shuttle service is provided if on-site camping reaches capacity.

Country Thunder Arizona (Florence, Arizona) – mid April

More than 30,000 fans get down at Arizona’s largest country music festival, taking place at Canyon Moon Ranch near Sedona’s red sandstone rock formations. Big names like Keith Urban play alongside smaller, emerging country and folk bands. If you can’t make it to Arizona, Country Thunder also has shows in Florida, Wisconsin, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Camping details: 

• Multiple campgrounds at Canyon Moon Ranch accommodate RVs, with options for standard (dry campsites) and premium campsites (water and electrical hookups). 
• Each site measures 19’ x 40’ and you are asked to purchase two sites if your rig is bigger than that. 
• RV campers have access to showers, restrooms and a general store. 
• Water and pump services are available for an additional fee. 
• Additional vehicles will cost extra.

FloydFest (Floyd, Virginia) – late July

It’d be a shame to stay in a hotel for this all-ages, multi-genre festival on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Headbang to a rock show, dance to Cuban-Afro music and bop along to girlie pop. With a tight number of tickets, this is a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages.

Camping details: 

• RV camping options include dry and full hookup sites. 
• Campgrounds offer bathhouses, potable water stations and shuttle services to the festival grounds. 
• RV powered and unpowered sites are 20’ x 40’ while van and bus sites are 20’ x 30’. 
• There’s also a CIP overland section for trucks/rigs/vehicles that measure 20’ x 25’. 

Huck Finn Jubilee (San Dimas, California) – October

Pack your comfiest lawn chair for a weekend of bluegrass. Around since 1978, the annual Huck Finn Jubilee honors community and bluegrass traditions. Held at Bonelli Bluffs RV and Camping Resort, this music festival is RV-friendly by nature.

Camping details: 

• Luckily the venue is a campground. Campers can stay at Bonelli Bluffs RV and Camping Resort. 
• Amenities include full hookups, restrooms and showers.

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance (Pittsboro, North Carolina) – May and October

If sitting on the grass with a cold drink in hand and listening to music sounds like a good time, then you’re in luck. That’s exactly what you can expect at Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival not just once, but twice a year. Dancing and making friends is highly encouraged.

Camping details: 

• RV camping options include primitive and electric sites starting at $185 per pass. 
• Maximum restrictions of 25-30 feet apply. 
• The campgrounds offer bathhouses, potable water stations and shuttle services to the festival grounds. More info is found here.

Nelsonville Music Festival (Nelsonville, Ohio) – late June

 

Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of southeast Ohio, the Nelsonville Music Festival brings together more than 40 national, regional and local acts across all genres. The setting is intimate and family-friendly, and music isn’t the only reason to go. There are also artisan, retail and food vendors to peruse.

Camping details: 

• RV camping options include small ($200), standard ($350) and premium ($500). 
• These are only primitive sites; water and electric hookups aren’t available. 
• A pass is required in addition to festival admission. 
• Top tier gets a view of the main stage. 
• Every camper has access to bathhouses, potable water stations and shuttle services to the festival grounds.

Field & Stream Music Fest (Winnsboro, South Carolina) – early October

Here’s all you need to know about the Field & Stream Music Fest: “One hell of a country music party in the woods!” 

Headliners of the three-day bash include Miranda Lambert, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Eric Church. Music blended with an outdoor expo and camping experience is sure to be memorable.

Camping details: 

• Dry camping only at this music festival, which has an off-site area for RVs. 
• While power is not provided, generators are allowed. 
• The campground offers bathhouses, potable water stations and complimentary shuttle services to the festival grounds.

FAQ: RV-Friendly Music Festivals

What makes a music festival RV-friendly?
An RV-friendly festival offers dedicated RV camping areas, appropriate space for large vehicles and ideally, access to amenities like water, electric and sewage hookups. It should also have clear guidelines for generator use, quiet hours and re-entry policies.

Do I need to buy a separate RV pass for most festivals?
Yes. Most festivals require a separate RV pass in addition to your general admission ticket. Passes may vary based on whether you need hookups or are dry camping.

Are hookups (water, electric, sewage) always available?
Not always. Some festivals offer full or partial hookups, while others only provide dry camping. Mobile pump and water refill services are often available for an extra fee.

Can I bring a companion vehicle with my RV?
Many festivals allow one companion vehicle per RV, but it usually needs to be under a certain length (typically under 16 feet). You may need an additional pass and rules vary by festival.

How early should I reserve an RV camping spot?
As early as possible. RV spots—especially those with hookups—are limited and often sell out months in advance. Booking early ensures the best location and pricing.

Are there quiet hours in RV areas?
Yes, most festivals enforce quiet hours, often starting between 1:00 and 2:00 AM. Generator use may also be restricted during these hours, depending on the festival’s policy.

What size RVs are allowed at these festivals?
Most festivals can accommodate standard-size RVs (up to 50 feet), but check individual guidelines. Some festivals have length restrictions or require special parking for oversized rigs.

Are there showers and bathrooms in RV camping areas?
Generally, yes. Many festivals offer access to shared shower trailers and portable toilets. Premium RV areas may include upgraded restroom facilities.

Can I come and go from the RV campgrounds during the festival?
In most cases, re-entry with your RV is not allowed once it’s parked. Companion vehicles also often have limited re-entry privileges. Always check the specific policy before arrival.

Do I need to be experienced with RVing to camp at a music festival?
Not necessarily. However, first-timers should plan ahead: understand your RV’s power needs, bring leveling blocks, prepare for limited amenities and review the festival’s rules thoroughly.

Closing thoughts

If you’ve never RV camped at a music festival, you’re in for a game-changing experience. It’s comfortable, convenient and once you try it, you may never want to experience a festival any other way. 

With a little advance planning, you can score the best spots, save money and avoid last-minute hassles. So whether you stay local or hit the road, check out these RV-friendly music festivals—and make the journey part of the adventure. 

Pro tip: Event organizers usually curate music festival-specific playlists so you can jam out to the appearing artists on the road trip!

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