But it’s 2024 now & that is definitely not the case but don’t worry David, the Love is DEFINITELY not gone. A lot has changed in the EDM community, but one thing remains the same: our love for the ever-evolving music scene and everything that comes with it—including some of the most incredible camping music festivals as far as the eye can see. Each year it seems the production levels, artists, outfits, camping amenities and overall experience gets better and better;  it’s an experience that will change your life like no 2-day parking lot rave you have to drive home from ever will.

First, we're covering the basics. Here are some commonly asked questions we get about camping festivals:

Rolita Couture x iHR Floral Punk Princess Outfit

Where is the best place to camp at a music festival?

There are some spots that will make things easier, but no spots are bad at a camping festival! Look for camping spots that are close enough to resources like food or water, or the entrance to the festival itself so you can minimize how much extra walking you need to do. It's also a good idea to look for shade, which brings us to our next question:

How do you stay cool at a camping music festival?

Look for camping spots that are under trees or shade, because that will keep you cool as much as possible. You can also look for shade structures that will obstruct the morning or afternoon sun, making it easier to sleep in or stay cool in the afternoon. Get some extra ice for your water bottles, and bring cold towels to stick in ice water throughout the day that you can put on the back of your neck to stay cool. 

Acid Storm Outfit

Should you lock your tent at a festival?

If you feel more comfortable doing so, you can! Or, you can lock your personal belongings in your car and keep only your sleeping bag and pillows in your tent. Just be careful not to lose your keys! 

From the East Coast to the West Coast & everything in between, here are the Top 10 Camping Music Festivals to attend this year and next!

Electric Daisy Carnival - Camp EDC

Photo: Insomniac

Location: Las Vegas

Dates: May 17-19, 2024

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

As we all know, EDC *usually* takes place the last weekend in May. This year, due to the pandemic, Insomniac & many other event giants made the tough call to postpone some of the biggest music festivals to October - which isn’t the worst thing that could’ve happened! EDC, and especially Camp EDC, is definitely an investment. Having a little extra time to save up, truly plan your outfits, food, & accommodations is probably a good thing considering my friends and I decided we’d full send EDC for the first time in 2019 about 2 months before going (*NOT* recommended!). What I am 100% recommending, however, is to DO CAMP EDC. Although I never did the whole “stay on the strip” thing, I can say with full confidence that camping was THE BEST WAY TO DO EDC. Not only do you have various sleeping options & the tents are already pre-built with AC units so you don’t die in the Vegas heat, but you also have easy & unlimited access to and from the festival!

Other perks of camping include but are not limited to: some of the most amazing coffee & lemonade stands you can walk up to every morning before heading over to goat yoga, fun vendors, rollerskating in the rink, pools & waterslides and of course, enjoying the DJ’s that come perform intimate sets on the campgrounds - it truly is all around magic!

Rainbow Reflective Daisy Outfit

Electric Forest

Photo: Insomniac

Location: Rothbury, MI

Dates: June 20 - 23, 2024

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/2022/

In my humble opinion, Electric Forest is another right of passage in the music festival scene, right next to EDC. Before EDC ever had camping, Forest was the place to hitch up your tent, take off your shoes & get lost in a mystical forest away from the hustle and bustle of Vegas or any of the other Insomniac events. From Said The Sky’s Ocular Organ Set playing the piano with his fans, to the enchanting sounds of Rüfüs Du Sol coursing through the trees, this 4 day music festival is a mystical oasis for hippies, forest fairies & dreamers alike.

Make sure to check out the festival map to plan a meeting spot with your group, get acquainted with the campgrounds & check out where you’ll be camping. Unless you and your group of 20 or more decide to do group camping, you’ll want to get there early, since according to the website: “Campgrounds are assigned based on the flow of traffic and the parking crew’s work flow. HQ cannot guarantee campground placement for anyone arriving at any time, including those who are arriving on Wednesday.”

Typically a 4 day festival held every summer, this year the festival was postponed until 2022, leaving you plenty of time to plan & prepare! Make sure to check out the official Electric Forest website as well as other sources (YouTube is always my go-to when it comes to festival prep because you get some really honest first hand accounts!) to make sure you cover all of your bases!

Dance to the Riddim Skull Outfit

Lost Lands 

Photo: Lost Lands

Location: Legend Valley, OH

Dates: Sept. 20-22, 2024

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Get your neck braces ready cause Lost Lands WILL have you breaking your neck for 3 whole days in the middle of nowhere Ohio and you WILL like it. And what’s not to like about being surrounded by your best friends, bass music & big ass dinosaurs?

Situated in the lush greenery that makes up Legend Valley, you’ll find yourself transported to the Jurassic era as the sun sets over a bass infused campground, a figment of Excision’s imagination brought to life for happy & hardcore headbangers alike. You’ll find no shortage of X’s being thrown up & necks being snapped drop after filthy drop with acts like Kompany, Dion Timmer & Subtronics shaking the main stage.

Check out the official lineup, the perfect Lost Lands Packing List, info on charging lockers & anything else you might need to know to have an amazing weekend in Legend Valley here! 

Bass Canyon

Photo: Bass Canyon

Location: The Gorge, WA

Dates: TBA

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Grab your headbang gang & head over to one of the most beautiful natural outdoor venues next to Red Rocks Amphitheater. Overlooking the Columbia River and now boasting 2 stages, Bass Canyon is filled with back drops & bass drops that will have you wondering what life was before you stepped foot in this dreamy canyon.

Although the festival itself begins on the 20th, campers are able to get to the site a day early to set up camp & enjoy Thursday’s pre-party (non-camping ticket holders are able to attend with the purchase of a Thursday pre-party ticket)!

Bass Canyon is typically rain or shine so make sure to pack accordingly! Their official website provides a pretty thorough packing list but if you’re needing a little extra outfit inspiration paired with useful tips, check out our blog on What To take to a Music Festival!

Shambhala

Photo: Shambhala

Location: Salmo, BC Canada

Dates: July 26-29, 2024

Tickets

I had no choice but to throw in this Canadian heavy hitter to the mix. Shambhala is a name that is thrown around so often and for good reason! From an incredible production to a lineup that’ll have you updating your passport REAL quick, the only qualm for US festival goers in my opinion really is the distance.

From Anti Up, Seven Lions & Rezz to What So Not, Malaa & Channel Tres - the Shambhala stages will have you teleporting to all kinds of different dimensions. When you do come back to earth between sets, make sure to hang a kind note on the Wish Tree, check out the artists at the Basscamp Art Gallery or simply grab your flotation devices and head to the Salmo River! Just make sure you adhere to the 8 Pillars & respect the river!

Since you will most likely have to travel to the festival, make sure to check out the official Shambhala Website for info regarding transportation, shuttles, packing recommendations & everything else you need to know to enjoy your weekend!

Rave Revolution Recycled Fabric Outfit

Bonnaroo

Photo: Wikipedia

Location: Manchester, TN

Dates: June 13-16, 2024

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Bonnaroo is a great first time music festival to attend or to bring your friends who don’t just listen to EDM. A creole slang word for “good time,” you’ll find no shortage of endorphin releasing activities like colorful parades, “yoga-roo” & running a little 5k for the Roo Run! That is when you’re not too busy making waves at Splash-A-Roo or catching them during a Tame Impala set! 

Past lineups have also boasted the likes of Childish Gambino, Incubus, Tyler the Creator & SVDDEN DEATH, as well as smaller acts that have risen to headline festivals all over the world and are ALWAYS worth checking out! 

Peruse their site to find The Bonaroovian Code, survival tips from experienced Bonaroovians & more!

Okeechobee

Photo: Okeechobee Music Festival

Location: Sunshine Grove, FL

Dates: Feb 29-March 3, 2024 

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

A springtime fest is everything anyone needs after a long, cold winter - so grab your SPF & bucket hats and head over to good ol’ Sunshine Grove, Florida! You’ll find yourself immersed in a tropical treasure trove of palm trees and people swaying to the sounds of artists like Big Gigantic, Earthgang, Bob Moses, & possibly catch Griz tearing up the saxophone mid set!

Okeechobee is an otherworldly experience that transports you out of Florida and into a multi-verse of immersive art, yoga, comedy shows, and music with homies new and old! Make sure to check out the set times & map so you can effectively stage hop to all 7 stages or take it slow & head over to the healing sanctuary for some shamanic workshops & thai massages!

Thinking about becoming an Okeechobeeing? Check out our Okeechobee recap from 2020!

Sugar Venom Lace Up Outfit

Imagine Music Festival

Photo: Imagine Music Festival

Location: Chattahoochee Hills, GA

Dates: TBA

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Newly located in the lush green landscapes just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Imagine Music Fest is a deep dive into the most beautiful parts of your subconscious mind. Bringing together some of your favorite DJs with an immersive experience that encourages festival goers to truly discover and express themselves like never before.

From “transformational workshops” where you can take on aerial yoga & other flow arts to learning how to mix & master your own music in the Producer’s Corner—Imagine Fest will have you becoming your literal best self.

Campers are able to arrive early (for an additional cost) to enjoy early access to the campgrounds, a late night silent disco, yoga & wellness classes & so much more. It’s nothing but magical vibes in Chattahoochee so make sure to dress accordingly & have the time of your life!

Genie Dust Outfit

Weekender at The Gorge 

Location: The Gorge, WA

Dates: TBA

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/gtw/

Making its debut in 2019, The Weekender at The Gorge quickly skyrocketed to become one of, if not THE best trance festival in the US. Brought to you by the legendary Trance trio, Above & Beyond, this 3 day camping festival is now a magical place that Anjuna family can call home.

Early birds catch morning Yoga sets with Pavo as the sounds of Flow State (A&B’s album “for yoga, meditation & mindfulness”) lulls you into a true state of bliss, preparing you for a night of MUCH NEEDED Group Therapy. So grab your flow toys, your best friends & head over to the Gorge for all the vibes you’ll ever need!

Make sure to check out our other festival and travel blogs for even more in depth festival prep and don’t forget to be aware of the dates and travel implications for your chosen festival(s) to ensure you know where you’re going and how to get there! Be aware of each country’s native language, download duolingo, and make sure to have some basic phrases handy just in case! Of course, make sure your travel documents are up to date, and don’t forget to check out our outfits for some inspo for what to pack!

Happy travels, ravers!

LATIN AMERICA

Spicy, colorful, explosions of culture await just south of the border for those in the US - or anywhere around the world. A stark contrast from festivals like Lost Lands and Electric Forest or even Creamfields in the UK, the landscape of some of these Latin American festivals boast some of the most beautiful palm tree ridden backdrops with canopies of stars amidst sand & sea – what’s not to love about that? Check out some of our favs or these OTHER tropical escape music festivals!

HolyShip! Wrecked 

Location: Mayan Riviera, MX

Dates: DECEMBER

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/ 

DAY ZERO 

Location: Tulum, MX

Dates: typically the first week of JANUARY

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/locations/tulum/

EDC Mexico 

Location: Mexico City, MX

Dates: FEB 24 + 25 + 26, 2023

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/en/

LOLLAPALOOZA CHILE

Location: Chile

DATES: MARCH 17 - 19, 2023

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

EUROPE

The vibe of European festivals vs. festivals in the US are so very different, and it shows in the fashion, the genres that dominate (techno, dnb, ukg, deep house) and the different regions/environments in which these festivals take place. The following are some of THE BIGGEST festivals around the world though, Tomorrowland and Mysteryland are classic European staple festivals and almost like a right of passage for a lot of ravers!

Creamfields 

Location: UK

Dates: Aug. 24 - 27

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Primavera Sound 

Location: Iberian Peninsula (multiple locations: Barcelona, Madrid, Porto)

Dates: Multiple Dates 

Barcelona: June 1-3

Madrid: June 8 - 10

Porto: June 7 - 10

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/en/

Tomorrowland 

Location: Belgium

Dates: July 21 - 30

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Mysteryland 

Location: Netherlands

Dates:

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/experience

ASIA

Asian festivals can be wild, and who doesn't want to pack in an exciting trip on their way to a fest? Here are some can't miss festivals around Asia that are definitely worth checking out! 

Sunburn Festival 

Location: Multiple locations, India

Dates: Dec. 28 - 30 

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Ultra Korea

Dates: Typically the last week of September

Location: Seoul, Korea

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

AUSTRALIA

From Dom Dolla to Patrick Topping, to Anna Lunoe, Alison Wonderland and Flume – Australia is definitely a festival destination to check off the bucket list. Keep in mind that Australia's summer is the United States' winter, so you can head down there during our colder months to warm up and enjoy festival season all year long. 

Wildlands Music Festival

Dates: Multiple Dates (Dec. 30 | Jan 2nd. | Jan 7th)

Location: Multiple locations (Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane)

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Split Milk

Dates: Multiple Dates (Nov. 26| Dec 3rd. | Dec. 4th)

Location: Multiple locations (Canberra, Ballarat, Gold Coast)

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Field Day Music Festival

Dates: Multiple Dates (Nov. 26| Dec 3rd. | Dec. 4th)

Location: Multiple locations (Canberra, Ballarat, Gold Coast)

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

CANADA

Canada is truly slept on in the North American continent for boasting some of the best festivals with the most stacked llineups.

Shambhala

When: July 21-24, 2023

Where: Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

VELD Music Festival

When: August 4-6, 2023

Where:   Downsview Park, Toronto, Ontario

https://www.savormeditation.com/

BADLANDS Music Festival

When: July 6-16, 2023

Where: Calgary, Alberta

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

FVDED IN THE PARK

Where:

When:

Tickets: https://www.savormeditation.com/

Which of these international festivals do you want to hit this year? Any we should add to the list? Let us know & don’t forget to check out our

Before we send you off to soak up all the Hula magic, let’s brief you with our first-timers guide to prepping you for all the amazing things you’re about to experience at Hulaween. The event will take place from October 27-30th in Live Oak, Florida. Tickets are almost sold out, so grab yours here and get ready for the best weekend of your life! 

The Venue

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a venue unlike any other. Located on the Suwannee River, this campground lives and breathes Florida. With spooky Spanish Moss draped from the trees like mystical curtains, and big swamp energy infused into every path, there truly isn’t a more fitting venue for a Halloween-themed festival. The grounds are magical.

Enjoy the shade within the woods or cool off from the daytime heat in the river. See if you can find the treehouse! And if you need a dose of Halloween vibes, check out the bat house at dusk. If you need to buy ice or other camping goods, the General Store has you covered.

Hulaween has multiple stages and areas to explore, so come with an open mind and be prepared for adventure. Spirit Lake is the place to be at night! There, you’ll explore out-of-this-world art installations that will blow your mind.

Bring your card or cash with you when you explore because there are amazing vendors at Hula, from delicious food to heady apparel and accessories, art, and more.

Camping

Festival camping goes a little differently here than at other festivals. Rather than being placed in a camping spot by staff, you have complete free range to find your own campsite within the grounds once you drive through the gates. 

Because camping is first come, first serve, many people choose to arrive early and stake out a spot for their squad. Don’t panic, though! If you’re planning to arrive on Thursday, you will still be able to find a great spot. Just have patience, as it may take a few laps of driving around the park to situate yourself. 

Pro tip: I always prefer camping in the woods because you get shade in the mornings and throughout the day, which means more time spent sleeping in or taking disco naps. Getting good rest is key to an enjoyable camping fest experience! If you think you may end up in a sunny camping spot, bring a pop-up canopy for shade.

If you purchased a car pass, you can park your car next to your tent at your campsite. I highly recommend this, although there are parking options on-site for your vehicle if you choose not to buy a car pass.

You will notice golf carts zipping around the grounds during the festival. If you’re planning to drive a golf cart at the fest, contact the park to verify that it will be permitted before you arrive. You will need proper reservations and paperwork.

Some people bring bicycles, one-wheels, or motorized bikes/skateboards to the park, but they are certainly not necessary to get around. It can be super fun to take a morning bike ride through the campsites, though.

One of the coolest things about Hulaween is that, weather permitting, you can have campfires at your campsite! We have had some very chilly Hulaweens in the past, and having firewood to build a campfire has been a lifesaver. There’s nothing better than huddling around the fire with your friends or, better yet, making s’mores at camp! I recommend bringing a fire pit and firewood if the weather allows for campfires. If a burn ban is necessary due to weather or other conditions, the park will tell you not to burn anything.

Like most camping festivals, come prepared with nutritious meals and snacks, a cooler with ice, and plenty of water to keep you hydrated. Packing a first-aid kit is always a smart idea.

Pro tip: bring your favorite craft brews to Camp Reddit if you’re interested in a craft beer exchange and their infamous bacon pancakes.

What To Wear

We have had Hulaweens that were blazing hot and Hulaweens that were freezing cold. The best advice I have for Hula and any camping festival is to come prepared for any climate - heat, cold, rain, or dust. The best plan is to pack outfits in layers so you can adjust your look depending on the weather. During the day, you can typically expect hot Florida sunshine. But as the sun goes down, it can get anywhere from chilly to frigid.

I keep my outfits pre-planned in sealable bags to reach into my duffel and pull out a fresh outfit, already picked out and ready to go. Make sure you keep an outfit sealed to drive home in so you have fresh clothes as you make the journey home. 

Here is my basic list of camping festival clothes and must-haves:

• Extra socks (change at least twice daily)
• Rain jacket and waterproof boots
• Comfortable dancing shoes (please don’t be that person who wears brand new shoes to the festival and immediately gets blisters. Make sure they are well broken in!)
• Cold weather jacket
• Outfits for each day and night (warm and cold weather)
• Slides for the shower (there are showers within the campgrounds at Hula)
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Jewelry and accessories

Since Hula is over Halloween weekend, many people dress up in fun costumes. This year’s theme is Suwannee Horror Disco Show, so if that theme speaks to you, dress for it! Especially for the themed String Cheese set on Saturday night.

I typically bring a few costumes but don’t forget comfortable outfits, as well. If you’re into sustainable shopping, check out your local thrift store for costumes or better yet - ask your friends if they have any costumes you can borrow. 

Explore all the Halloween costume options from savormeditation here.

Transitioning From Day to Night

Always make a stop back at camp before dinner to fuel your body with some nutritious food, load up on water, and grab anything you might need for a night of fun. The walk from the stages to the campgrounds typically isn’t too far, but if you have back-to-back sets planned, it’s best to have everything you may need on your person.

Pro tip: grab a flashlight from your campsite as the day turns to night. There are tons of tree roots along the paths in the campgrounds that are prime for tripping over, so watch out.

Throw on sleeves like these over a cropped tank top if you start to get chilly but aren’t ready to change out of your daytime fit just yet.

Buckled Down Long-Sleeve Crop Top

Chaps, like these, are a great middle ground between shorts and pants - especially if you want to show off that rave booty!

Darkest Hour Chain Chaps

iHR has some great outerwear options to keep you in style, even if the weather gets chilly.

Final First-Timer Notes

Hulaween is a whirlwind of mind-melting music and art. It’s my all-time favorite festival because the vibes are simply unparalleled. You’ll see for yourself!

Expect nothing, but stay open to anything. Keep an open mind, be prepared, practice patience, stay hydrated, and get ready for the time of your life!

Tickets are running low, so be sure to get yours here before its too late! 

Ready to get weird at Hula this year? Let’s go through our Hulaween Essentials packing list to make sure you’re fully prepped for a weekend of adventure, great music, and new experiences.

Camping Gear

Tent - tent stakes, tarps, rain fly, mallot - water-repellent tent spray

Pop-up canopy for shade - with stakes so it won’t blow away

Camping chairs - enough for everyone at your campsite

Hammock - don’t forget the straps

Air mattress and pump

Bedding, blankets, and pillows - bring a few extra and keep in a dry place

Folding table

Cooler

First-Aid kit - make sure it’s fully stocked

Lanterns, string lights, and flashlights - with extra batteries

Duct tape, rope cord, carabiner clips, and plastic baggies

Camping knife and scissors

Towels - bring a few extra and keep in a dry place

Camp Kitchen

Camping stove - with propane

Drinking water - bring extra

Reusable water bottle

Trash bags - bring extra and LEAVE NO TRACE. 

Pot and pan

Sharp knife and cutting board

Meals and snacks for each day

Plates, bowls, cups, forks, spoons, knives, tongs, spatula

Seasonings and condiments - salt, pepper, hot sauce, ketchup

Dish washing supplies - bucket, sponge, biodegradable dish soap

Biodegradable paper towels or reusable rags

Lollipops and gum

Personal Items

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Hairbrush and hair ties

Deodorant

Baby wipes

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Toilet paper

Feminine products

Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner

Chapstick

Other

Earplugs

Tapestries to decorate your campsite - bring string and clothespins to hang

Battery or solar-powered laser or galaxy lights

Battery-powered fan for camp

Hand-held fan for in the crowd

Door mat for your tent to wipe off your shoes

Charging blocks to power your devices
Speaker with charger for campsite tunes

Phone charger

Flow toys - if LED, bring charger

Yoga mat

Bug-repellant candles

Fire pit and firewood - weather permitting

Essential oils or incense

Disposable camera or Polaroid camera with film

Biodegradable glitter, temporary tattoos, or blacklight reactive body paint - if that’s your vibe

Gifts - tiny hands, kandi bracelets, etc. - get some gifting ideas here.

Clothing

Rain jacket

Waterproof boots

Comfortable walking shoes

Extra socks and undies

Cold weather jacket

Outfits for each day/night - with layering options depending on weather

Hats

Sunglasses

Pashmina

Fanny pack or backpack

Hello rave loves! If you tuned into the savormeditation SnapChat (username: iheartraves) last week Tuesday for our photo shoot, you’ve seen the beautiful, giant dream catchers we used. And you saw that I promised to make a post on them so you can make your own dream catchers too. They’re not too hard to make, but this was actually my first time making dream catchers, so I’ll try my best to take you through the process! All you need are the following materials:

• Hula Hoop 
• Ribbon in any colors and size of your choice
• Twine
• Feathers
• Hot Glue Gun

You can use hoops of any size you’d like, but for this shoot, I picked out two different sized hoops, one large hoop 36″ in diameter and one small hoop 24″ in diameter. You can get these hoops at Wal-Mart or Target for about $6 each. I used a few different colors and styles of ribbon to wrap the hoop and for the embellishments. I suggest deciding on a color scheme before heading to your local craft store. For this shoot I decided to use turquoise, purple, and maroon with ivory accents. To give the dream catchers more dimension I picked out a mixture of sheer, satin, and grosgrain ribbon.

First, wrap your hoop. I used 12 ft of grosgrain ribbon about 2 inches wide for each hoop. Start by taping or gluing one end of your ribbon to the hoop and then simply wrapping the ribbon around the hoop until it is fully covered. When you get to the end, simply tie off the end by looping the ribbon through itself and let the excess ribbon hang. That part will be the start of your embellishments at the bottom.  Be sure to pull the ribbon tightly as you wrap the hoop so it doesn’t fall apart.

Next you’ll want to start weaving your dream catcher. This is probably the most difficult part of making the dream catchers, but luckily the imperfections will give your dream catcher some character. It might take several tries before you’re able to get it to look the way you want, but the concept is pretty simple. I pretty much just winged it, and I’m pretty sure I didn’t do it right, so I’ve added a picture below to help guide you. Start by securing a knot at the top of your dream catcher. Then pull the twine taught, but not too tight and wrap the twine underneath and loop it through securing the first knot in your base, pull the string tight again and repeat this step. Make sure the spaces are even between each knot and when you get to the top of the hoop again, start weaving through the middle of your base knots. Repeat this pattern until you get to the middle and simply tie off the twine. You can add beads to your weave to add even more decor, but I skipped that step.

Now that you’ve weaved the dream catcher, you’re almost done! All you have to do now is measure how long you want your embellishments at the bottom of your dream catcher to be. You don’t have to be precise for this, and I found that the slight variations in length gave the dream catcher a nice look. Cut the various types of ribbon and simply tie them to the bottom of your dream catcher to create the embellishments. The variations in material and colors of the ribbon really gave the dream catcher a lot of dimension. I especially loved the ivory lace and burlap ribbons that give it a more bohemian vibe. The burlap ribbon actually looked too thick when I first tied it on so I carefully cut it vertically, cutting the material holding the burlap together and pulled the burlap apart which created these long bunches of strings.

Many people use feathers to embellish these dream catchers so I bought a pack of brown, red, and ivory feather plumes from the craft store, tied about 3-4 evenly spaced out per string of twine and secured the feathers with just a little bit of glue with my hot glue gun. You can use as many or as little feathers as you like. You can even get creative and incorporate beads or use peacock feathers instead if it fits your theme. Voila! Your own, one of a kind dream catcher!

Some people avoid bringing camping stoves or coolers and stick to non-perishable snacks. Others choose to buy meals from vendors throughout the weekend. If you enjoy cooking and don’t mind putting in some preparation, you can whip up some delicious meals at your campsite! There are lots of ways to approach food at camping festivals, so here are some tips for packing food at a camping festival to get the most out of both your money and your time.

Calling all chefs!

Do you have a camping stove and enjoy cooking for your festy fam? Here are some ideas for meals and tips for your packing and prep.

Obviously, the better quality cooler you have, the longer your ice will stay. It’s important to keep an eye on your ice to make sure none of your food spoils. Make time to locate the ice vendor and refill your cooler as needed.

Bring plenty of propane if you plan to cook at your campsite. Nothing sucks more than forgetting gas for your stove!

Try to prep as much of your meals as much as you can before you head to the fest. You can cut veggies, pre-cook meat, or even crack eggs into a water bottle to save time and space by getting rid of packaging. These tricks will also help you cut down on garbage, which is especially useful at leave no trace festivals.

Use air-tight containers to store your food in your cooler to avoid any leaking or spilling. Make sure to put condiments in air-tight containers, as well. I’ll never forgive myself for the time my sriracha bottle exploded in my cooler and I accidentally filled my water bottle with spicy ice. Yuck.

Bring a bucket, sponge, and biodegradable dish soap to clean your dishes after meals. Avoiding paper products in your camp kitchen is a great way to be sustainable and environmentally conscious at camping events.

Meal Ideas for Camping Festivals:

Walking tacos - use bags of chips, pre-cooked taco meat, pre-cut toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and jalapeno.

Breakfast casserole - pre-cook hashbrowns, eggs, bell pepper, jalapeno, onion, and cheese all baked together in a large pan. Slice and heat up on the camp stove.

Veggie stir fry - pre-cut veggies and pre-cook rice. Heat up on the camp stove with soy sauce and seasonings of your choice.

If you don’t have a camping stove, you can come prepared with plenty of food that doesn’t need any heat.

I recommend pickles, deli sandwiches or PB&Js, hard boiled eggs, nuts, chips, fresh fruit, veggies and dip, or pasta salad - my all-time favorite camping festival food! I love bringing pasta salad in my cooler because it’s a hearty meal that doesn’t require any cooking. I use Italian dressing, bell peppers, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, salami, and green onion in mine.

Flying in, not bringing a cooler, or just looking to experience yummy food from a variety of vendors?

Bring plenty of cash and eat onsite! Be sure to look at the food vendors ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions. Most camping festivals will have some veggie/vegan or gluten-free friendly options for you.

For a guide on what to wear to Lost Lands, check out our blog post here.

Excision x iHR Charged Up Reflective Wire Top and Bottoms

Essential Camping Gear

• Tent - with tarp, rainfly, tent stakes, mallet
• Pillow and blanket
• Camping chair
• Trash bags - leave no trace!
• Pro tip: bring carabiner clips to clip your trash bag to your pop-up canopy or tent
• Cooler with ice and food
• Water - at least 1 gallon per person per day
• Battery powered lantern and flashlight - with extra batteries
• First aid kit - make sure it’s fully stocked before you leave!
• Advil, alcohol wipes, band-aids and sterile gauze/medical tape, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, etc.
• Toilet paper
• Duct tape - comes in handy, trust me!
• Camping knife and scissors
• Towels - bring a few

Excision x iHR Hyperdrive Reflective Bodysuit

Non-essential Camping Gear

• Camping cot or blow up mattress
• Pop-up canopy - with canopy stakes, mallet
• Folding table
• Camp kitchen - camp stove with propane, reusable plates, cups, silverware, tongs and cooking utensils, non-stick spray, pot/pan, condiments like salt, pepper, hot sauce, ketchup, mustard
• Don’t forget your biodegradable dish soap and sponge with a bucket and rags for dishwashing
• Tapestries and battery powered lights for campsite - bring clothespins to hang them
• Door mat for outside your tent
• Speaker for the campsite

Excision x iHR High Voltage Marabou Outfit

Outfits & Personal Gear

• Outfit for each day with socks, shoes, panties - warm options if it gets chilly
• Jewelry, accessories, hats, bandanas/face masks
• Reusable water bottle
• ID and money - in a safe place like a fanny pack or small backpack
• Personal prescriptions/birth control
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Tampons - just in case
• Wet wipes - thank me later!
• Ear plugs
• Shower supplies - body wash, shampoo, conditioner and slides/flip flops to shower in
• Sunglasses

Extras

• Handheld mirror
• Makeup, face gems
• Kandi to trade
• Flow toys
• Kaleidoscope glasses
• Incense
• Yoga mat
• Chapstick
• Boom Boom sticks

If it’s your first time going to a camping festival, it could be a little overwhelming to prepare for one, and a lot of times you may not know what to expect when you are camping. Here are 4 secrets to having the perfect camping festival experience, these tips will help you be prepared for any situation!

Get early arrival tickets when it’s an option.

Getting ready daily for a festival takes a lot of time, so if you have the option to get to a festival early, you’d want to do that. Many festivals have early arrival tickets as an add-on, and it is honestly worth the extra money—though for some festivals, early arrival may require an application process.

If you are able to set up camp early, that means you get to relax until the festival starts—it also gives you some extra time to explore the campgrounds and check out and pre-parties that might be happening. You would also want to get to the campgrounds earlier during the day as well. Traffic getting into some festival campgrounds can get bad later in the day, so getting there early could also help you skip the long lines. Plus, it is a lot easier to set up camp when you have daylight, so plan ahead of time to get there early for a stress-free camping experience!

Make a camping check-list before you pack.

Having a checklist is very important when you are camping at a festival. It makes packing a lot easier and ensures that you pack everything you need. Many festivals provide a checklist, and you can also add onto those lists to personalize it for your own needs. Here is an example of a packing list for festival camping! If you need to stop by a store to pick things up like ice and food on the way, make sure to write a shopping list as well.

Pro tip for packing: if your festival outfits fit in gallon sized Ziploc bags and pack your outfits and accessories into Ziploc bags separately by each day, so that you won’t have to dig through your bags to find your outfits! If you are looking for cute festival outfits, savormeditation has you covered!

Photos by Divisuals

Personalize your camp for comfort.

Even though you will be spending a lot of time at the festival venue, your camp is going to be your home for a few days when you are at a camping festival. So why not make it comfortable and fun?

Bring an air mattress with pillows and blankets so you get a good night’s sleep even in chilly weather. Bring a flagpole and a flag for your favorite artist so you can find your campsite easily after a long night of going hard at a festival. Bring a canopy and some camping chairs so your camping squad has a shaded and comfortable area to hang out before and after the festival. Decorate your camp area with some tapestries and fairy lights. There is so much room for creativity to make your campsite your own home! 

Be prepared for any type of weather.

The weather can be unpredictable at times when you are at a festival, so it is important to be prepared for any type of weather when you are camping. Many summer festivals are hot, so be prepared by having lots of water and shade structures. Being layers and blankets in case it gets cold at night. Bring a poncho and tarp for your tent in case it's storming (this occasionally happens!) It’s good practice to be prepared for any type of weather so that rain or shine, you can still have the best festival camping experience.

Even though it is impossible to be prepared for every scenario while you are camping, planning ahead of time helps to avoid situations that could potentially be stressful. Hopefully these tips will help enhance your camping experience, and your camp will be your home away from home while you are at a festival!

Check festival rules for camping as well, some festivals have different guidelines so it’s important to be familiar with that before you get there. Make sure to grab your outfits and accessories at savormeditation while you are preparing for your spectacular camping festival experience!

Camping Festival Essentials

• Ticket (wristband)
• Camping pass
• Hydration pack or backpack that follows festival guidelines
• Kandi
• Wallet (with ID)
• Chapstick (Unopened)
• Gum (Unopened)
• Face mask (especially useful for dusty festivals)
• Portable Phone Chargers
• Flow Toys (some festivals don’t let people bring them in so make sure to check festival guidelines ahead of time)

Campsite Essentials

• Tent
• Canopy (Not necessary, but it can get hot sometimes so having one is definitely a lifesaver for shade!)
• Tent pegs
• Mallet
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/Pillow (It can get cold at night, even in the desert)
• Air mattress/air pump (Not necessary but nice for comfort)
• Tapestries
• Camping chairs
• Flag (this will make finding your campsite a lot easier)
• Retractable flag pole
• Zip ties
• Scissors
• Tape
• Flashlight
• Lamp
• El-wire or LED lights to help find your tent at night.

Food Essentials

• Cooler
• Ice
• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food
• Non-perishable Food (if you don’t have a cooler)
• Propane Stove (optional but it’s amazing to have)
• Dishes/Silverware (Bring reusable ones to be eco-friendly)
• Dish Soap
• Trash Bags
• Vitamins/Medication
• Alcohol if you’re 21+
• A Reusable Cup
• Paper Towels

Clothes

• Rave outfits (iheartraves always has you covered!)
• Accessories to go along with your outfits
• Comfortable clothes for your campsite
• Underwear
• Socks
• Sunglasses
• Warm Clothes 
• Face gems/ Glitter (recommend bringing bioglitter)
• Comfortable Shoes
• Shower Shoes

Toiletries

• Soap/shampoo/conditioner (a lot of festivals have showers that you can pay for, some will end up being free depending on the festival)
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Bugspray
• Deodorant
  
• Hairbrush/Comb
• Makeup
• Makeup Wipes
• Wet Wipes
• Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
• Contact case/Contact solution/glasses
• Face Wash
• Tampons/Pads
• Toilet Paper
• Hand Sanitizer
• Goldbond (it’s a lifesaver if you have issues with chafing)
• First aid kit

Remember, many camping festivals adopt a Leave-No-Trace policy and encourage festivalgoers to leave absolutely no trace behind. Once you've taken down your camp at the end of the festival, make sure there are no pieces of paper or plastic left behind (glitter counts!) and dispose of your trash in appropriate locations. Always leave the earth as you found it and have fun!

There’s a long list of reasons why camping festivals are such a unique experience. One of the most important reasons being the gorgeous venue locations. While some of these venues don’t offer camping without an accompanied festival, there are typically plenty of other campgrounds close by that offer the same breathtaking views and additional recreational activities. 

If you were planning on attending a destination camping festival this year, think twice about canceling your trip completely. We’ve gathered a list of great alternate campground options that will let you keep the camping festival spirit alive, while staying CDC-safe. 

Nocturnal Wonderland

Nocturnal Wonderland continues to be one of Southern California’s most popular camping festivals year after year. This funky festival typically takes place at the tail end of the summer, right when the California heat starts to drop. The Glen Helen Regional Park venue has always been a highlight for the Nocturnal attendees, but did you know that it’s a short car ride away from the scenic views of Lake Arrowhead? 

Dogwood Family Campground North Shore Campground are considered two of the best places to pitch a tent and enjoy nature near Lake Arrowhead. Both boast access to incredible hiking trails, tent and RV camping, and short trips to Lake Arrowhead Village. Bring your own glow sticks, those iconic string lights, and good vibes to bring the Nocturnal Wonderland experience to your site. 

Bring back the nostalgia for Glen Helen Amphitheater by hanging up some of the iconic Nocturnal Wonderland laterns at your campground! (Photo Credit: Nocturnal Wonderland)

The Gorge

The Gorge is one of the most iconic festival venues in the U.S. If you follow the festival scene, chances are you’ve seen the unbelievable views of ravers resting on sloping green hills, gazing at the main stage that is complemented by a beautiful canyon backdrop. This venue hosts unforgettable EDM shows each year including Paradiso and Bass Canyon. 

Unfortunately, The Gorge doesn’t host campers without also hosting festivals. However, there are plenty of scenic campgrounds within the area to get a similar experience. Fort Spokane and Spring Canyon are both campgrounds that offer tent camping along the Columbia River and Spokane River. The rivers are open for recreational use which is perfect for beating the summer heat. 

Although you won't actually be able to camp AT the Gorge, beautiful views & sunsets will still be part of your experience! (Photo Credit: Bass Canyon)

Sonic Bloom

Sonic Bloom is the perfect immersive camping festival experience that takes place during the first few days of summer. This nature-filled fest is set at Hummingbird Ranch in Colorado, and is surrounded by miles of natural beauty and recreational activities. 

Golden Eagle Campground is the perfect getaway spot for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in the beauty that lies in Colorado. It’s located just south of Colorado Springs and is connected to 12+ miles of hiking trails. Take a day trip to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, or just breathe in the fresh air and take in the natural endorphins of the earth. 

Tons of hikes with amazing views are available all throughout Colorado! Don't forget to stock up with a stylish backpack for your hike!

Imagine Music Festival

In need of an escape from your daily life? That’s exactly what Imagine Music Festival in Atlanta offers. Imagine brings together the dreamers of our community to celebrate in a civilization that is only as grand as you, well, imagine it. Imagine takes place towards the tail end of the summer when those southern heat levels take a dip. 

Stone Mountain Park Campground is also a popular destination in Atlanta for the late summer lovers. It hosts options for any campers wanting to pitch a tent, park their RV, or rent a yurt or safari tent. Imagine Music Festival goers will love the adventuristic nature of this huge park, as well as the ropes courses and hiking trails close to the campground. 

EDC Las Vegas

While camping at EDC LV is fairly new, it has quickly become one of the most anticipated (if not the most) camping festivals of the year. Camping in the Vegas heat without attending EDC might seem ludicrous, but there are incredible state parks right outside of the strip. 

Red Rocks and Valley of Fire are short trips away from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and even though they don’t have fireworks, they’re just as breathtaking as EDC itself. Immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscape of the bacon stripped rolling rocks in the Valley of Fire—Atlatl Rock Campground is a choice campground for this state park. Explore the scenic hiking trails throughout the mountainous boulders in Red Rocks by staying at Red Rock Camping. Make sure you check to see if these campgrounds are open before planning your trip as they do close during the hottest times of the year. 

Want to REALLY pretend like you're at EDC? You can actually buy a shiftpods, like the one featured above, for your squad online or from your local Sporting Goods store. (Photo Credit: EDC/Insomniac)

Electric Forest

This wouldn’t be a true tribute to camping festivals if we didn’t mention Electric Forest. If you are an annual Forest Dweller I’m sure you’re itching to get back to an outdoor oasis. While Electric Forest might be postponed until next year, there’s no reason you can’t take the magic of the forest to a close location to Sherwood Forest. 

Lucky Lake Campground is the perfect location to get out and enjoy the natural surrounding of 180 acres of woods, lakes, and critters. Walk along the pine needle trails and view the white tailed deer drinking from the residential lake. If you look hard enough, you might be able to find some forest fairies getting ready for next year’s fest! 

Bring the Festival to You: Tips for a Ravers to Enhance their Camping Experience

It’s heartbreaking that we can’t safely enjoy our favorite festivals this year, but we still have the power to bring the magic and unique vibes that accompany our favorite fests, right to our own campsites. If you do decide to travel to your favorite destination this year, here are a few ways you can turn your tent or RV into your own festival, headlined by you. 

• Decorate your space with solar-powered lights! Get a variety of different colors and sizes to get the full feeling that you’re looking out at the main stage. Keep your lights out during the day so they can recharge before the sun goes down. 
• Plan your outfits! Even though you won't have the opportunity get truly festival-ready this year, you can still look comfy-cute while camping! And why not take the opportunity to have a photoshoot with a gorgeous background?
• Bring portable speakers and play your favorite festival sets from years past. Just make sure you’re being mindful of any neighbors and campground noise policies. 
• Set up a portable grill or stovetop and try to recreate your favorite festival snacks. Maybe you’ll find a great new recipe for lobster mac n cheese or gourmet pizza that you can share with your crew.
• Don't forget your mask! Even though you'll be in the great outdoors, you'll still need a mask for stops you make along the way and if your campground has a public restroom.
• Don't forget the floaties! Make a statement by purchasing matching floaties for your squad, like these unicorns featured below!

Photo Credit: Imagine Music Festival 

Wherever you decide to spend your destination camping trip this year, make sure you bring plenty of PLUR vibes… and bug spray. 

If you’re anything like me and you’re going to Okeechobee, you’re rattling your brain on what it is you need to pack. Camping festivals are always a mission-and-a-half to plan and pack for, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! I’ll talk about a few of the necessities for this festival and provide you with my full ultimate packing list at the end. Keep reading to see everything you should bring to have an amazing time at this year’s Okeechobee!

I won’t go into too much detail on this one because most of them are no brainers and are included in the full list below, but don’t forget the most important basic items for any festival or camping fest! Sometimes it’s easy to get so excited about packing fun and goofy stuff for a festival that we can forget one or more items that we actually really need. Your phone, ID, money, ticket, outfits for every day, socks and underwear, shoes, comfortable (and warm!) clothes to sleep in, hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shower supplies are all musts. If you wear glasses/contacts or take medications, these are essential as well!

I can’t stress this enough! Make sure to bring bottled water for you and your crew, and hydration backpacks that you can refill inside the festival. Fortunately, this festival offers free filtered water to everyone, so it’s important that you bring something to carry your water in to stay healthy and dancing all day and night long. 

Neon Vibes Hydration Pack

Also very important in making sure you have a safe and fun time at this festival is sunscreen! If you’re like me and from somewhere a little colder like Colorado, this isn’t the first thing that comes to mind in the middle of winter. I’m used to wearing snow boots and a coat in March, so why would I think to pack sunscreen? However, Okeechobee is in a sunny area (the location is even called Sunshine Grove!). The forecast is looking like it’s going to get up to the mid 80’s during the festival as well, so make sure you’re prepared to protect your skin from the hot sun. 

Though you certainly don’t need your phone at a festival, if you are someone who uses it to communicate with your group or take photos and videos, it’s definitely a good idea to have a few of these fully charged in case of a pinch! There are no electrical outlets at the festival, so if you don’t bring a portable charger, you will either have to purchase one or find a way to charge your phone in a car or other device. My group also likes to bring walkie talkies just in case there’s no cell service. This is a great way to communicate without the stress of your messages going through, or outside distractions that take you away from the festival!

Another thing we don’t always think of to bring to festivals but will be great to have at Okeechobee is swimming attire. There is a beach called the Aquachobee Beach where you can go swimming and cool off, and it would be a shame to not be able to participate due to not being prepared! A swimsuit, towel, goggles, and maybe a fun floatie or two will have you ready to splash around and have some good old fun in the sun.

Photo Courtesy of Okeechobee Festival

Now that we’ve talked about a few of the best items to bring to this festival, check out my full Okeechobee packing list below!

• Ticket! (seems like a no-brainer but you never know)
• Water bottle(s)
• Phone
• Phone chargers
• ID
• Cash (bring extra if possible!)
• Debit or credit card
• Fanny pack, hydration backpack, or both
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Ear plugs
• Sunglasses
• Festival clothes for every day you’ll be attending
• Underwear
• Socks
• Bras
• Hat(s)
• Comfortable shoes
• Flip flops or shower/swim shoes
• Swim suit
• Towels
• Sweats and jackets for sleeping/colder nights
• Rain ponchos
• Any medication you take
• First-aid kit with Ibuprofen, bandaids, etc.)
• Vitamins (I always bring a box of vitamin C packets to drink each day of the festival)
• Glasses/contacts if needed
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap
• Razor
• Deodorant
• Lotion/moisturizer
• Hairbrush
• Hairspray
• Bobby pins
• Dry shampoo
• Makeup
• Makeup removing wipes
• Baby wipes
• Glitter, glitter, glitter!!
• Glitter glue
• Kandi and other cute goodies to trade
• Mirror
• Tampons (even if you don’t need them, someone else might!)
• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Paper towels
• Ziploc bags
• Trash bags
• Tent
• Stakes
• Hammer or mallet
• Rain fly
• Tarp for under the tent
• Air mattresses/pump or some sort of pad to sleep on
• Sleeping bag
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Canopies and tapestries to relax under and personalize your camping space
• Lawn chairs
• Fold-up table
• Speaker (make sure it’s all charged up before your trip!)
• Cooler with water, drinks, and food (ice can be purchased at the festival if needed)
• Granola/protein bars
• Trail mix
• Sandwich supplies
• Camping stove and food if cooking
• Pots, pans, plates, utensils
• Totem or flag to mark your campsite
• Flashlight
• Lantern
• Biodegradable soap

There you go! Hopefully, this list should get you going and get you excited for what’s to come at Okeechobee next week. Obviously you don’t necessarily need to bring everything on this list, and there will probably be items not on here that you want to include as well! Hammocks, flow toys, a journal, face paint, and more creative or outdoorsy things are also awesome things to bring but aren’t things everyone has or needs. The most important thing is to come with an open mindset and with everything you need to have a fun, healthy, and safe week. See you at Okeechobee!

The camping festivities begin a day before the festival on Friday, September 13th. Whether you’re a camping connoisseur or a Nocturnal newbie, you’re not going to want to forget any camping essentials when packing. These camping tips and packing checklist will ensure you have everything you need to make the most during your adventure in Wonderland. 

NOCTURNAL FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS: 

• Ticket/Wristband
• Camping Pass and Additional Car Pass (Both just as important as the festival ticket!)
• Portable Charger and Charging Cable (Fully charged)
• Fanny Pack or Hydration Pack
• Valid 18+ ID, Card, and Cash
• Totems (learn how to make your own rave totem)
• Flow Toys (Excluding LED gloves)
• Kandi!
• Unopened essentials (Gum, chapstick, deodorant, sunscreen, etc.)

CAMPSITE CHECKLIST

• Tent/RV
• Pegs and Mallet
• Sleeping Bags and/or Blow-up Mattress with Air Pump
• Pillows and Blankets (Bring extra—it does get chilly!)
• Camping Chairs
• Canopy (Not mandatory but your future self will thank you for the added shade)
• Flashlight
• Scissors
• Tape
• Bug Spray (Especially for you Waterfront and Lakeside Camping people)
• Lamp
• Earplugs and Mask Bandanas
• Yoga Mat (Great for extra sleep cushioning and Rise & Energize Yoga)
• Tapestries, LED Lights, and anything else to express your camp’s uniqueness!

CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES

• Rave Fits (savormeditation will keep you groovin’ and glowin’ with these Nocturnal Wonderland Outfits)
• Campground Lounge Clothes 
• Extra Underwear
• Extra Socks
• Swim Suit (One word: waterslides)
• Shower Shoes
• Face Gems and Glitter (Extra points to you if you bring biodegradable glitter!)
• Sunglasses (2 pairs in case you lose one)

FOOD

• WATER WATER WATER
• Cooler
• Ice
• Alcohol (If you’re 21+)
• Non-perishable food
• Paper Towels
• Vitamins/Prescriptions
• Trash Bags and Brown Bags (For recycling) 
• Dish Soap 
• Eco-friendly Cutlery and Dishes
• Propane Stove

TOILETRIES

• Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap
• Towel
• Makeup 
• Makeup Remover
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Brush/Comb
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Contact Solution
• Sunscreen
• Tampons and Pads
• Toilet Paper
• Hand Sanitizer 
• Hair Ties
• UV Paint/Makeup (It is Nocturnal, after all)

CAMPING TIPS

Camping Tip #1: Keep Your Campsite Fun, Functional, and Unique

Part of the camping festivities is decorating your site to not only reflect the style of your squad, but also make it easier to find when returning at night! Make sure you don’t bring along any precious items that would be devastating to lose. Anything you forgot to bring can most likely be found at the general store! 

Camping TIp #2: Make Friends with Everyone

This includes your campsite neighbors and the staff. Spread the good vibes and respectful nature to everyone in the campground. It’s much more enjoyable when you have friendly faces see when you wake up in the morning and right before you crash at night. 

Camping Tip #3: Enjoy the Experience

This is Nocturnal’s last year at Glen Helen Regional Park! Make the most of your time and say a proper goodbye to this incredible venue. Make sure you checkout: 

• The Waterpark. Keep yourself cool and relaxed during the heat of the day by taking a dip in the pool or shooting down the waterslides. The water park will be open from 10am–5pm on Saturday & Sunday.

• Yoga sessions. Stretch out your sore muscles and rejuvenate your body with one of the yoga sessions Nocturnal has planned. This year the campground is hosting Rise & Energize Yoga, Intro to Budokon Yoga, Chakra Balancing, and Awake & Align Yoga. 
• Arts & Crafts. Forgot your kandi or want to make new camping cuffs? Attend one of the kandi workshops, art studio classes, or arts & crafts events to express your festival creativity. 
• Silent Discos. Just because the festival ends at midnight this year doesn’t mean you have to stop partying. Keep the good vibes goin’ at the two silent discos Nocturnal has lined up, Sleepless Safari and Racoon Lagoon. Both discos will be open from 12am-6am Saturday & 12am-3am Sunday. 
• Friday Full Moon Pre-Party. Looks like this Friday the 13th is your lucky day. Kickstart the Nocturnal festivities by dancing under the light of the full moon at the Parliament Art Car. This year’s Pre-Party setlist has already dropped (check Nocturnal’s IG) and features amazing artists like Champagne Drip, Dr. Fresch, and SAYMYNAME. The beats will be bumping until midnight and then the party will convert into a silent disco until 2:30am. 

Start prepping your camping essentials and mentally prepare yourself to say thank you and goodbye to Glen Helen! Keep in mind the general rules and objects allowed and not allowed into the campground. Can’t wait to groove with you all under the full moon! 

Lost Lands is just around the corner! Soon we will be reunited at Legend Valley, Ohio amongst the dinosaurs on September 27 - 30th. As Lost Land creeps towards us, it's important to be properly prepared for this legendary, 3-day fest in the woods! If you're wondering what to pack for Lost Lands, I am a Lost Lands Veteran AND designated rave mom that's here to help you! 

By now, you should know if you are driving or flying to know how much you can bring! I like to categorize my things into piles such as, “Don’t Forget”," “Just In Case” and “Extras.” This will help you be able to quickly save space - just start by packing the "Don't Forget pile" first! Also, I highly recommend coordinating non-personal items with your squad so you can maximize space in your suitcases or car!

Here's a quick packing checklist for Lost Lands to help you get there with everything you need!

Festival Must Haves:

• Festival Wristband & Camping Wristband (Both are SEPARATE purchases but you need both if you are staying at the fesitval)
• Wallet with your ID (Please make sure you have your ID and emergency cash/card with you)
• Hydration Pack (Please stay Hydrated)
• Kandi
• Lost Lands Outfits
• Portable Charger
• Oversized Fan/Spray bottle with Fan (Stay cool in the daytime, they have booths that sell fans or IHR has amazing new choices)
• Flow Art Toys
• Chapstick & Sunscreen & Hand Sanitizer (It is still hot in Ohio in Sept, don’t be a lobster, protect your lips and skin especially from germs)
• Comfortable Rave Shoes (at least two pair just in case, Lost Lands can be rough with shoes on please bring them and wear them!)

General Travel Essentials:

• Toiletries (SOAP & DEODORANT & SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER, I must capitalize it so everyone can understand the importance of all of these)
• Toilet Paper/Tissues/Baby Wipes (LL crew is pretty good about keeping the bathrooms clean and kept up but i’d bring back up)
• Toothbrush & Tootpaste (Just as important as the first one)
• Bug Spray/Bug Candles (Both spraying yourself and lighting a candle to help keep bugs away will keep you from being itchy all weekend)
• Towel (After showering you’ll need to dry off or in case you forgot a blanket to sit on)
• Tampons or Pads (For the beautiful cavewomen)
• Makeup & Hair accessories (Everything to make your outfits on point)
• Backup Glasses or Contacts with Solution (If you are a four eyed dino like me you need to bring extra things to see out of in case yours break or rip)
• Scissors/Knife (must-have for making kandi at the campgrounds!)

Campsite Must Haves:

• Tent with Canopy (I always bring a canopy to camping festival because it can rain even when the weather channel doesn’t call for it, a canopy can protect from the sun and save your tent from the rain.
• Sleepings Bags/Blankets/Pillows (I always bring one extra of each it gets cold at night and sometimes the sleeping bags aren’t enough cushion for me)
• Air Mattress/Air Pump (In case you don’t have enough cushion)
• Flashlights (For scary stories, duh)
• Folding Chairs/Hammocks (Relax in the grass with these)
• Hangout Clothes/Sleepwear (The whole weekend isn’t rave attire 24/7 so get some comfy pants)
• Sunglasses
• Dad Hat 
• FOOD/DRINKS (Bring a cooler pack it with water, snacks, alcohol if your 21+, and whatever else you like)
• Trash Bags & Paper Towels (CLEAN UP YOUR MESS THE EARTH & LL WILL THANK YOU)

Nice to Haves: 

• Backup outfits - should something rip you have a backup to change into
• A Festival Flag - to find your campground
• Travel shampoo and conditioner - your hotel might not provide them or your friend might forget to pack theirs.
• Backup shoes - yours could break and you should NOT go full caveman for three days, that isn’t fair to your feet.
• Sunblock, because it is sunny and hot during the day. 
• CASH - you never know when your card might not work.

Extras:

• Socks
• Underwear
• A Towel/Blanket- campers always pack one extra cause you never know if you need it, something could spill or it could become extra cold at night
• A Tarp, campers if it rains this can save your tent from soaking in water!
• Lastly, a roll of toilet paper. I always have one in my bag at a festival. You never know if the port-o-potty will have it. LL last year was really good about cleaning them up but just in case

Still need some extra packing tips? We've got you covered!

Lost Lands Packing Tip #1: Research all rental car companies at the airport before selecting one. You can compare prices and double-check how much the young driver fee is (25 and under)! I always have a list to see what the best deal is. Always check airlines too! Southwest is normally always the cheapest airline. PRINT CONFIRMATIONS OF EVERYTHING. Sometimes your phone is dead or no service, don’t get stuck without a car cause they can’t find your reservation.

Lost Lands Packing Tip #2: IN CASE YOU FORGOT SOMETHING IMPORTANT! The closest Walmart is about 9 miles away from Legend Valley maybe 20 minutes down the road. There is UBER and LYFT available but last year it was hard to use the apps because there weren’t many drivers. Hopefully this year there will be more. Don’t forget you can carpool with other ravers who might need a store run for cheaper rides!

Lost Lands Packing Tip #3: PREPARE FOR ANY WEATHER: The weather is supposed to be nicer than last year but it can change in a heartbeat. Last year I wrote about how to prepare for your first Lost Lands in Legend Valley, but just be ready for any weather!!

Lost Lands Packing Tip #4: When packing, roll your clothes. It helps saves space for more things. Put your socks into your shoes. Use kandi to wrap things tighter. Also, bring a JACKET the weather can change in a heartbeat!

 See you at Legendy Valley!

Bass Canyon Packing Checklist:

The Essentials

• Tickets/wristband Camping pass (for most Gorge events, the camping pass is purchased separately so make sure you have the festival ticket/wristband AND the ticket for your camping spot!
• ID (use a government-issued ID like a driver’s license, passport, identification card. If your ID is expired, bring the old license along with your papers or proof of renewal and you are good to go!)
• Hydration pack (Make sure to always stay hydrated!)
• Earplugs (I always recommend ravers carry musicians’ earplugs, especially those going to lots of shows and festivals- it’s always horrible to go home nearly deaf that night and to have your ears ring as you try to sleep! The cheap disposable foam ones work as well)
• Sunglasses
• Chapsticks (sealed)
• Gum (sealed)
• Portable phone chargers

Camping Essentials

• Tent- stakes, rainfly and tarp Canopy- using sheets, tapestries, blankets Lounge chairs (the blown-up ones work well and are allowed into the festival too!)
• Sleeping bags
• Air mattress and pump (vs sleeping bags for extra comfort!)
• Pillows
• Blankets (it can get pretty chilly at night sometimes)
• Flashlight/camping lanterns
• Zip ties
• Duct tape
• First aid kit
• Scissors
• Hammocks
• Portable speakers (just be respectful of hours when playing music around neighbors)

Food and Drink Essentials

• Non-perishable snacks and meals- trail mix, protein bars, fruit, beef jerky, any other of your favorite foods!
• Portable grill with grill-ready foods
• Hydrating drinks -  Gatorade, coconut water, vitamin water, Alcohol (for 21+ guests) Hydrating Pro tip - buy packets of a  Gatorade to bring inside the festival, then you can still get your electrolytes once inside the venue by adding packets to your hydration pack!
• Coolers- you can buy packs of ice on the campsite!
• Paper towels
• Silverware, plates, and cups (go for reusable and rinse after using!)
• Trash bags Extra cash for food vendors at the campsite and inside the music festival (keep most of it locked inside your car)
• Clothing Essential Cute rave wear!
• Check out the selection on savormeditation.com to get inspiration for rave fits! Jackets (nighttime can get chilly so be prepared for all kinds of weather with layers)
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Comfortable shoes (bring an extra pair in case one gets wet or dirty or lost!)
• Lots of socks
• Mask/bandana (protection from the dust and dirt)
• Hats
• Pashmina
• Shower shoes/sandals
• Lots of extra clothes!!
• Neckbrace (recommended for headbangers)

Hygiene Essentials

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Towel
• Shaving items
• Sunscreen (non-aerosol)
• Bug spray (non-aerosol)
• Wet wipes
• Chapsticks
• Eye drops
• Contact solution and cases
• Hand sanitizer
• Tampons/pads
• Condoms

Non-Essentials

• Kandi!
• Flow toys, poi, gloves, and hoops
• LED lights
• Costumes
• Festival totem (learn how to make your own festival totem!)
• Be sure to check out a complete list of festival rules here.

This list will have you completely ready for a weekend of camping and headbanging bass! It’s always best to bring more than not have enough, so bring whatever you need to have a blast for a weekend at the Gorge! Make sure that whatever you bring in, you bring out. Don’t litter, and put trash in designated areas. I had an amazing time camping at the Gorge my first time for Bass Canyon last year, and I felt like I was underprepared at sometimes! It was chillier than I expected. Luckily, you have this list to go over for everything you need! Make sure to double-check the rules and prohibited items here, which also has FAQs.

Tickets are still available here and you definitely do not want to miss out this year. Bass Canyon will be a crazy, weekend full of lots of bass and headbanging!

Photo Credit: Bass Canyon

All campground actives are available to every Citizen of Paradiso during their time at the festival! Join us for some fun at the campgrounds during your time at Paradiso. Here's what's available for campground activities this year:

1. KANDI CUFF WORKSHOP/ KANDI MAKING STATION

Available Friday 10am-11am // Saturday 12:30pm-1:30pm

Have you ever wanted to get creative with making kandi? Now's your chance to learn how to craft amazing kandi cuffs while at Paradiso.

Additionally, a kandi making station will be available all weekend long on Thursday from 3:00pm-9:00pm & Friday/Saturday from 9:00am-1:30pm.

Image Courtesy of USC Events

2. TOTEM CREATION STATION & WORKSHOPS

Thursday From 3pm-7pm // Friday & Saturday From 9:00am-1:30pm

Express yourself by making crazy creations that will stand out in the crowd. Come learn about and make totems at our totem making station located in the campgrounds! Workshops for creating totems will also be held throughout the weekend for those interested in perfecting their craft. 

Paradiso always has some of the best totems around present each festival. What will you create for this year?

Image Courtesy of USC Events

3. YOGA

Grab your yoga mats and join us for a special session or two in the campgrounds! Reconnect with yourself and find your balance during your time in paradise. Yoga sessions will be held on Friday and Saturday at the following times.

KUNDALANI YOGA YOGA SESSIONS

Friday, June 14th 11:00AM-12:30 PM // Hosted By Moon Sign Magic & Stephanda

Kundalani is the yoga of awareness, Yoga has dozens of variations in philosophy and style. Some yogas (like Bikram) are structured as a physical workout. Others (like Jivamukti) put an emphasis on meditation. Kundalini Yoga is little of both, but with an added emphasis on consciousness that activates energy centers throughout the body. Kundalini class can be a good workout, but its teachers and students participate in each kriya with a quiet reverence more akin to a temple than a gym. If you like your physical exercise to come with a side of spiritual enlightenment, Kundalini Yoga might be for you.

ACRO YOGA

Saturday, June 15th 10:00AM-11:30AM // Hosted By Gravity Lift

With a mutual admiration for yoga & its philosophies, Jordan Goff and Antonella Zabaglio have joined forces to co-create a ripple effect of awesome vibes in the PNW and abroad. They have a zest for life that is contagious, an authentic strength coupled with a vulnerability that is truly inspiring, and a love for each other that was crafted by The Universe.

As creators and curators for Gravity Lift, Jordan & Antonella strive to move beyond the traditional and technological landscapes, building connection through music, yoga, and events that stimulate the mind, body, and soul.

Image Courtesy of USC Events

4. LEARN TO SPIN POI

Friday, June 14th 11:30AM – 12:30PM // Hosted By Justin Cumby, Music Presented By Glenny

Have you ever wanted to learn the flow art of poi? Now is your chance! Learn how to spin from the poi guru Justin Cumby Friday in the campgrounds. No matter if you are new to the art or a seasoned veteran, all are welcome.

Photo Credit: EmazingLights

5. HOOPING CLASSES

Saturday From 11:30am-12:30pm // Hosted By Katlin Combs, Music Presented By Glenny

Learn the flow art of hoopping while at Paradiso! Katlin Combs will be on hand Saturday to teach anyone interested in the fundamentals of hooping, and maybe even an advanced trick or two. Perfect for both new and veteran hoopers, come share your art in the campgrounds.

6. ARTS AND CRAFTS WORKSHOP

Friday From 11:30am-12:30pm // Saturday & Sunday From 12:30pm-1:30pm

Feeling creative and want to get crafty? Stop by the arts & crafts workshop all weekend long and make some creative creations while in paradise.

Image Courtesy of USC Events  

If you need inspo for your Paradiso Outfits, be sure to check out our latest blog post!

And, if you see Team savormeditation at the Paradiso Campgrounds, be sure to come say hi! We can't wait to see all your beautiful faces at the Gorge!

1. Bring Comfy Shoes

• Please don’t be one with nature and have no shoes, keep your feet protected and comfy. It is a long festival with gravel, grass, hills and dips so bring a pair or two with you! You don’t know if it’ll rain like it did 2018 and muddy shoes don’t go good with a fire outfit (plus, having wet feet for hours on end totally sucks), so prepare for both.
• You can always pack a pair of shoes in your backpack (or store in a locker) in case it rains! savormeditation has a great selection of rave shoes, including affordable and comfy combat and tennis shoes

2. Don’t FORGET Sunscreen & Deodorant

• Protect your skin and your smell. We all enjoy the nice sunshine but blistered skin is painful. There weren’t bright red lobsters roaming with dinosaurs so protect yourself. Protect your fellow cavemen from smelling your forestfume with deodorant -  just a little goes a long way.

3. Double, Triple CONFIRM Your Hotel or Airbnb

• If you are some that are traveling but not staying at the festival, I suggest you check your reservation wherever you are staying multiple times, ESPECIALLY if your flights get delayed or you may arrive late. Last year I called 6 times before arriving because our flights were delayed and we weren't going to make the hotels check-in time on time so I had to confirm over the phone while running to our uber. I have also seen people lose their rooms because the hotel was overbooked or they never checked their reservation was confirmed. Don’t get stuck in Ohio without a place to stay.

4. Bring Bandana Masks & Fan

• The weather can be hot, cold, windy, rainy, anything but you can help yourself by being prepared for it all. Masks or Bandanas will help with the wind blowing around the dino dust or your face from the blistering sun. Fans will help even if its cold. I bring fans to every fest, usually extras to give to friends who need them. Let me tell you how many fans I have given away - A LOT. Fans can help from overheating, after someone has gotten sick, from panic attacks from being too much in the crow, many things. They sell fans at LL or IHR has a few festival fans of their own.

5. Don't Forget Cash

• Most vendors take credit cards at Lost Lands, but sometimes the WIFI doesn’t work. If you need a $2 you should have at least $5 on you. Bring some cash, stash it in a pocket in your bag for emergencies but bring some in case. The ATMs they have in LL are based off the same WIFI as the vendors just so you know.

6. BRING EAR PLUGS

• This is the last and MOST IMPORTANT, that’s why it’s bolded, so you understand how important it is to PROTECT YOUR EARS! If you spend money based off of these tips is to buy EARPLUGS. 1 million watts of bass is f@cking amazing but not on your unprotected eardrums. PLEASE GO BUY A PAIR (even if it’s the foam ones) something is better than nothing. Check out this ear plug review for tips about choosing the best fit for your ears!

7. Good Vibes

Lastly, have an amazing time at Lost Lands! It is one experience you need to have in your life. Also bonus tip, you can bring in chairs, blankets, hammocks, and a few other things to sit on to relax the weekend away watching the festival from off your feet. Also never a bad idea to have an extra blanket in your car going to a fest! 

See you at Legend Valley in September!

I attended Weekend Two this year and overall, the weekend was rich in good tunes, good vibes, and some crazy weather. Paying attention and putting care into your body and to your friends when you’re all going through four straight days of dancing was key. The highlights of my Forest experience this year? I missed my favorite artist (thanks mother nature!), found some new favorite artists, and changed my whole perspective on each day by starting it off with a transformative yoga session (big shoutout to Hannah Muse). I felt a paradigm shift within myself between my first Forest experience and this year and with that came new insights.

During Electric Forest, it’s so important to be present in the experience, because there is so much going on explicitly and implicitly. Look down and you’ll see where the fairies are. Look around you and you’ll see radiant beauty. Open your ears and you’ll hear something new. Walk down a different path and you’ll see there’s so more to explore.

Electric Forest is so intricate, so full of detail and beauty, and has so many hidden secrets. And they’re good - I promise. You can ask questions, solve riddles, talk and get to know folks from across the world. 

The Hangar (one of the many stages at Electric Forest) was where a lot of the mystery started for me. Not only is this a stage designed to look like a 1940s aircraft hangar, but the Hangar is a full-on interactive area for attendees. Between the hair and tattoo salon, the milkshake and brownie bar, the auto shop, the arcade, and the antique shop, I was intrigued, to say the least. When you walk into the Hangar the sign on the entrance says, “Only from the heart can you touch the sky.” How true! There were glamorous flight attendants selling candy for pennies with pastel, coiffed hair and colorful glittery lipstick. I loved their look and I loved how they spoke with such poise and humor.

I had a very memorable experience during my time spent at the Hangar when a mysterious man in the Hangar approached me. He told me that there are many times in life when you’ll have to wait and there are many lines to stand in, but it’s more important that you don’t have the attitude of waiting, of impatience, of expectations, but that you enjoy what you’re experiencing now. He was playing with a clear glass ball and catching my eye with his handlebar mustache and elaborate tricks and rhymes.

At festivals, you’re given this incredible opportunity to be around people that are all there to make the most of every moment, see their favorite artists, and hopefully change their life for the better. At Electric Forest, there are designated areas, like the Giving Tree and the Trading Post, where people can exchange gifts, letters, and symbols of something meaningful to them, that they’ve wanted someone else to experience. Whether you’re a kandi kid and trading bracelets, or if you’re into collecting pins or crystals, there’s somebody out there that wants to share a beautiful moment with you. This all retraces back to the principal of PLUR - peace, love, unity, and respect.

Every morning, it was super fun starting my day with some yoga to get my head in the right place and my body limber. Afterward, I would run back to my campsite to smear glitter all over my friend's faces, carefully applying gemstones, and figuring out what bodysuit would best coordinate with the artists or genres that I was seeing that day. I like to wear rainbow pastels when I’m catching sets that are more future bass or chillwave (like Louis the Child or Rufus Du Sol) and I like to wear darker colors on days that were more bass-heavy or dubstep heavy (like for Bassnectar or Jauz). There were a lot of outfit changes and that’s part of the fun. Weekend Two was HOT this year, but that just meant I had to wear less. I saw a guy in the lost and found line that was butt ass naked... I think he lost everything. I don’t blame him.

The last day at Electric Forest, I stayed up dancing my heart out at the RV sets until the sun rose, just to make up for the lost time we spent in our tents during the thunderstorms. Cherub dressed up as Daft Punk and had me fooled until about a week later that they reunited at 3 am in the parking lot. It seemed pretty real to me.

No matter where I was - at the Hangar, or waiting at the gate, a security line, a food or shopping line, there was always something to experience at Electric Forest. Whether it was music to listen to or someone interesting to meet and share a beautiful moment with, this festival provided infinite opportunities

Until next year, Happy Forest!

There’s something magical about spending all day and night immersed in a music festival. Before Sonic Bloom, my only experience with camping at a music festival was Basscenter 2016. However, setting up camp on soccer fields can’t compare to being on Hummingbird Ranch surrounded by nothing but open air and nature. We were in tent camping and they allow you to set up camp wherever you choose. The unicorns chose a site near the entrance to the festival and even had some amazing neighbors who shared their snacks and good vibes the entire weekend. At night, the lasers from the Hummingbird Stage would dance off the mountain and you could hear the music clearly from camp, drawing you back to the festival even if you planned on heading for bed. And with music lasting until 5 in the morning, how could you resist?

Fellow unicorn Milana, @european_goddess 

2. The Food

I cannot stress enough how delicious and satisfying the food at Sonic Bloom was. There were gyros and tacos and even a grilled cheese food truck. Is your mouth watering yet? We tried every food truck and there were options galore. The versatility of the food was amazing. Vegan or vegetarian? No problem! There were options for every kind of food coinsure and I was extremely impressed with how tasty everything was and reasonably priced. Sonic Bloom even had its own coffee shop right next to the bar for all your refreshment needs. But I will be forever dreaming of my mac-n-cheese grilled cheese from The Grilled Cheese Incident food truck. Cheese is my weakness and that grilled cheese dream of a sandwich had my taste buds doing backflips.

3. The Art

The entire festival is an art piece. Everywhere you wander there is something beautiful to look at. The unicorns wandered through the gallery frequently to admire all the beautiful works of art which can be purchased if you find one you cannot live without. There is also live art going on the entire festival. Talented artists from all over gather and cultivate beautiful paintings while festival-goers get to see the progress throughout the weekend. Even nature was used to make art and my favorite rock whisperer, Gravity Glue was there, dazzling people with his amazing rock balancing skills. Everywhere you turned there was something beautiful to be experienced and I could only equate Sonic Bloom’s beauty to Electric Forest. It was like Colorado’s very own miniature Electric Forest.

Art pictured is by Alec Hamilton, @spirit_animal_guides on Instagram

   Rock balancing by Michael Grab, @gravityglue on Instagram

4. The Hammocks

Almost every morning I would venture into the festival to pick up a breakfast smoothie and spend some time lounging in the shade, swinging in a hammock. There is nothing more relaxing after a night of dancing than taking an hour or so to kick your feet up and appreciate the nature around you. One of our unicorns even spent the night in a hammock because they were so darn comfortable and inviting. There was never a shortage of available hammocks and strung at varying heights from the trees, even the shortest of people could still enjoy a good swing. Such a simple part of the festival (and one of the easiest to execute), it quickly became one of my favorite things to do at Sonic Bloom.

5. The Performers

I’ve been to plenty of raves and festivals over my 7 years of loving all things dance music. Being a hoop performer myself, I am familiar with most forms of flow and performance but I have never seen so many talented, extraordinary performers at an event in my life. Hoops, contact staffs, poi, and aerial arts were abundant and each performer seemed to have their own special spin on their craft. I found myself getting lost watching the magic happening in front of me and was in awe of the pure talent Sonic Bloom collected for the weekend. One of the most memorable moments for me was when two girls performed together on one aerial hoop. I was mesmerized at the display of athleticism and elegance they displayed ten feet above the main stage. I have never been so impressed with an event’s performance elements and would venture back to Sonic Bloom simply to see the incredible performers once more.

6. The People

Making memories with the ones you love has got to be one of my favorite parts of attending music festivals. These are the best years of our lives and there’s nothing quite like dancing all night with your best friends, screaming your favorite songs at the top of your lungs, and making memories that last a lifetime. My one concern with attending Sonic Bloom with the savormeditation Unicorn Crew was attending and camping with people I had never met before. I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to become lifelong friends with my fellow unicorns. Having similar tastes in music and coming together to promote an awesome brand made it easy to wander into Sonic Bloom together like we knew each other for years. I am so thankful to have had the chance to listen to four nights of amazing music with two phenomenal women who have become my unicorn sisters for life. Besides not knowing the people who I was sharing a tent with, I also didn’t know a single person attending Sonic Bloom within my own rave family. But that didn’t stop every person I encountered at Sonic Bloom from making me feel like we were already friends. Handshakes are way too formal for Bloomers (just made up this nickname) and hugs were the main form of hello, which I adored. The friends I made at Sonic Bloom will last a lifetime and I cannot wait to return next year and experience this all over again.

7. And of course, the MUSIC!

After all, this is the main reason to attend music festivals. With three stages and music lasting until 5:00am on Friday and Saturday nights, there was no shortage of amazing musical talent. Liquid Stranger, Shpongle, Jantsen, and Keys n Krates were just a few on the huge lineup that Sonic Bloom curated for us. Thursday night began with a performance from a group of dancers throwing each other into the air with ease and ended with Liquid Stranger and an amazing glitchy dubstep set with a parade of lasers bouncing off the trees behind us. I knew after the first night that this was going to be a weekend of incredible music and insane performances. My favorite set from the weekend though had to be SoDown. I have been dying to catch him on a lineup for months now and was not disappointed. The unicorns danced on the rail as he charmed the crowd with his futuristic style and his irresistible saxophone playing. There were so many amazing musical moments it’s hard to choose my favorites but I would urge everyone to go experience this festival themselves. You will never know the magic of Sonic Bloom until you dive into it yourself.

SoDown, @sodownbassmusic on Instagram

Special thanks to savormeditation and the unicorn crew for inviting me to have this unforgettable experience at Sonic Bloom!

Camp EDC offers two choices for tent camping: Moon Glow and Desert Rose, each with the capacity of up to four or up to two campers, respectively.  If you’re staying at Desert Rose, the checklist below should be modified to remove all bedding essentials as you already have a proper bed, linens, and pillows ready for you, the perfect option for out of state campers!

In my camping experience, I’ve found this list to be incredibly essential to not only having an amazing time but staying healthy and hydrated during all the excitement that is EDC!

Must Haves:

• Earplugs: When you need some shut eye, but your neighbors are blasting music, these can be the difference between a good rest or a grouchy morning after.
• Bedding: Including but not limited to sleeping bags, air mattresses with an air pump, extra blankets, and a pillow or two! Rest up and party on!
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shower supplies, hairspray, and perhaps a Dollar Tree mirror in case full glass is not allowed.
• Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer: These are KEY to survival at all camping adventures.  Often times porta-potty toilet paper runs out too quickly as does the hand sanitizer. Protect yourself from illness and keep your sanity!!
• Flag/Banner/Totem:  A festival flag, banner or totem will allow you to find your tent easily especially since all the tents will look identical
• Sunscreen/Sunglass/Hats: Protect yourself from the harmful UV rays! savormeditation has a ton of new sunglasses styles.
• 2 Travel Locks: Protect your belongings and prevent someone else from accidentally opening up your tent!
• USB chargers: phone chargers, portable chargers, anything to charge your most important electronics! Camp EDC is prepared with several USB outlets in each tent!
• Sports Drinks/Pedialyte: These are such a lifesaver and incredibly helpful to recover and stay hydrated before, during and after the event each day. The sun can be really harsh and draining and even trying to drink a lot of water can be difficult to stay hydrated! Pro tip: pack the powder packets so you can bring them inside EDC and add them to your water once inside
• Hydration Pack: Don’t forget to grab a hydration pack so you can keep rehydrating throughout the festival. Insomniac has countless water stations both inside the event and at the campgrounds!
• Towels & Sandals: Bring extra towels for the pool and for the showers and flip-flops as shower shoes!
• Miscellaneous: Last key items include ibuprofen/Advil, anti-acids, vitamins, allergy medication, face masks, eye mask, lights, chairs, zip ties, non-perishable snacks and unopened chapstick.

Remember to stay cool, stay hydrated, but have a blast!! Be safe while under the Electric Sky and look out for one another! Here’s to an awesome camping experience at Camp EDC!!!

Since then, I’ve learned a bunch of hacks to make my festival camping experience much more enjoyable. Let’s just say I’ve grown from the small two-person tent I borrowed from a friend the first time, and yes, two of us shared that tent. Here are 10 tips to make your festival camping trip more enjoyable:

Splurge on a tent larger than your group size

Buying a four-person tent for our group of four seemed perfect - until we put all our stuff in it AND us. We now have a ten person tent that fits up to five people really nicely, including all our outfits, festival gear, and standing room to change. That’s a huge plus.

Add a canopy 

Canopies offer coverage from the sun if they fit over your tent, but also serve as a great hangout space if you’re using it outside your tent. Most times it will get pretty warm inside the tent so having a space to relax outside the tent in the shade is optimal.

This tent canopy is pretty nice, it’s only $69 at Walmart and comes in multiple colors.

Upgrade the space under the canopy

Try using bamboo beach rugs that you roll out to cover the ground under your canopy. This saves you from having to lace up your shoes as you go in and out of the tent, and protects your feet from some rough terrains.

Use a hanging shoe rack to sort items

Hang it from the canopy bars and unpack your goodies into it for easy finding. Example: paper towel roll, baby wipes, maybe even some of your festival outfits if you have the wider spaced rack!

Upgrade your tent with Solar powered LED lights

We wrap them around the outside and inside. On the outside, they serve as a great way to find your tent at the end of the night, on the inside they make for a nice atmosphere for the cuddle puddle chats as you drift off to sleep.

There are lots of cute lights you can get, they don’t have to be just plain bulbs. These LED flower lights are super cute, and only €11.99 on Amazon.

Organize all your stuff

I have a plastic 3 drawer set that has been super helpful for camping events. I organize each drawer to have specific items. For me, the top one is all LED accessories, flashlights, and extra batteries, the second is for tools (scissors, safety pins, small packs of tissues, my blog stickers, hand sanitizer, etc.) These are all things that you might need to grab before heading out for the day, or when used need to be returned to the same spot so we always know where they are (think scissors). The third drawer is always flash tattoos, glitter or other festival jewels. When traveling, make sure to tape the drawers closed before you hit the road.

I always label my drawers as well so that my friends know where to find things. This container is only $5.

Before you arrive, remove all unnecessary packaging from new items. Put your beer in the cooler and out of the cardboard box, if you have a new tent make sure to take it out of the box, remove all your clothing's tags, basically anything you have that is new, take it out of its packaging. This is useful in many ways. For one, it avoids having to find scissors or a box cutter to open something while camping. More importantly, though, it keeps you from having a ton of trash to deal at the event.

Pack trash and recycling bags

These are so often forgotten. What I’ve found that works best for me, is getting a brown paper bag for recyclables, and then plastic trash bags for trash. Bringing extras is great too so that you can carry your trash with you each day to a bin as you enter the festival. This way it’s not annoying and you don’t let it build up.

Whenever given the option, always pay extra for car camping

Car camping makes camping so much easier. At first, I didn’t really understand (were people sleeping in their cars?) but no, all this really means is that you have your car right there so you don’t have to truck your stuff from a parking lot to the camping areas. It’s a real luxury especially if you have a big group with a lot of stuff.

Get a camping chair

I got mine at Walmart for $10, and I was the only person in my group at LiB that had one and needless to say everyone was jealous. Without it, there’s really nowhere to sit unless you’re on the floor, and sometimes you’re waiting around for people to get ready for the day/night. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.