Camping at Coachella is one of the best parts of the entire weekend. It’s fun, chaotic, and it takes a lot of planning to pull off – which I love.
As a full-on vacation-prepper, I love prepping for Coachella weekend.
I call myself a vacation-prepper because I love planning, overpacking, and setting up a little home base wherever I go.
Coachella is no different – I bring the essentials, some luxuries, and everything in between.
This guide is here to help you avoid the common mistakes so you can focus on actually enjoying the weekend instead of scrambling to fix problems at camp.
So if you’re heading to the desert this year, here are the biggest Coachella camping mistakes to avoid, along with practical tips that will make your weekend so much easier.
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Coachella Camping Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Packing the Essentials
Tent, pop-up canopy, food, snacks, water – this isn’t the time to pack light. My car is packed to the brim and also the top of the car. I pack it all!! And we always use it all.
2. Not Preparing for Extreme Weather
Hot days, freezing nights, and intense wind aren’t optional – they’re guaranteed. Be ready for both ends of the spectrum.
This past year wasn’t insanely hot – high 80s but the nights were in the 40’s and windy. And the year before that – it was 100 degrees during the day and 80 degrees at night.
Just prepare for anything.
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3. Not Packing Enough Stakes and Tie Cords
You’ll need plenty of sturdy stakes for tents and canopies. Reusable tie cords and tarps are lifesavers when the wind kicks up or you need extra coverage.
This past year was insanely windy. We only survived because of the tie cords and extra tarps. And also the insane amount of stakes we packed.
4. Forgetting Tarps for Side Walls
Tarps double as sun protection, wind blockers, and privacy walls. Each person packed two and it was perfect.
We covered our cars with them and also used them as well as between our camp setup and our neighbors.
They came in handy this year with the intense wind.
5. Not Covering and Protecting Your Car
Your car is part of camp. Protect it from the sun and wind with tarps or shades for the windows. And always keep jumper cables in case your battery dies.
Every Monday, there are tow trucks prowling through camp waiting for people to call them.
Related Post: Coachella Camping Porta Potty and Shower Guide
6. Not Being Ready for Porta Potties
The porta-potties are a reality. Bring wipes, sanitizer, and a shoes you don’t mind wearing in a porta-potty.
7. Forgetting Enough Water
Hydration is survival. Pack at least a gallon of drinking water per person, plus an extra tank for washing dishes, brushing teeth, and portable showers.
8. Skipping the Wagon
A wagon is essential for hauling ice, groceries, and water. Bring a small hose too – water tanks are heavy and the refill sinks are tiny.
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9. Packing the Wrong Clothes
Festival outfits are fun, but camp clothes are just as important. Nights are cold and windy – pack sweats, sweatshirts, and extra blankets. For daytime, sneakers, Crocs, or flats will save your feet.
10. Not Budgeting for Costs at Camp
Everything adds up fast: $14 bags of ice, expensive food, and pricey coffee. Bring as much food and snacks from home as possible and take advantage of the free shuttle to Ralphs.
11. Forgetting the Free Supermarket Shuttle
Yes, it’s free! Use it to stock up on cheap ice, food, and drinks. Don’t rely only on camp vendors.
Related Post: Easy Coachella Camping Meals
12. Not Bringing Enough Battery Chargers
Charging stations fill up fast. Bring multiple battery packs, keep them charged, and recharge at the Camping Hub in the mornings if you need to.
13. Leaving Late on Monday
If you wait until noon to leave, you’ll sit in hours of traffic. Wake up at 6am, hit the road by 8 or 9am, and you’ll breeze out.
14. Skipping the Camping Hub Activities
Don’t miss out! The hub has fun free stuff like dodgeball, crafts, and sound baths, plus paid extras like ice baths, glam stations, and tattoos. It’s part of the experience.
15. Overcrowding Your Campsite
Trying to squeeze six people and all their gear into one site? Chaos. Stick to 2–3 people for breathing room and better vibes.
16. Leaving Your Stuff Unattended
Theft isn’t rampant, but things do disappear. Lock valuables in your car, keep small items in zippered pouches, and don’t leave things lying out.
17. Bringing Glass Containers or Broken Seals
Glass is banned. Don’t try to sneak it in – it’ll get confiscated or slow you down. Stick to cans, boxes, or pour into plastic before you arrive.
18. Not Respecting Campground Etiquette
This one’s simple: don’t walk through other people’s sites, don’t blast music all night, and don’t be that neighbor. Respect makes the whole weekend better.
Coachella Camping Hacks
Camping at Coachella can be one of the best parts of the whole weekend but only if you’re prepared. A lot of these mistakes are easy to make, especially if it’s your first time, but with a little planning, you’ll save yourself a ton of stress.
Think about the basics: shade, water, food, and a setup that’s actually comfortable. Add in a few extras like portable showers, chargers, and a wagon, and you’ll be way ahead of the game. Most importantly, don’t forget that Coachella camping is about balance – being ready for the chaos while still having fun with your crew.
Learn from my past slip-ups, avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be in a much better spot to enjoy the festival without worrying about the little stuff. Prep smart, camp smarter, and you’ll thank yourself by Sunday night when everyone else is scrambling.
See you in the desert!
XOXO, Julia
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- FREE Supermarket Shuttle Camping at Coachella
About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of Coachella and beyond!
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