I love camping at Coachella. It might even be more fun than the festival itself… maybe. That could just be because I love camping, but the Coachella camping crowd is always top tier (at least in our section, hahaha).
While you don’t get to pick your neighbors, you can always count on one thing: the weather being absolutely wild.
Expect heat. A lot of heat. Then throw in wind (like, insane wind), dust storms, and nighttime temps that drop fast.
This past year was so windy that one of our tarps broke. It made it through the weekend but didn’t survive the trip home.
And unlike previous years, the nights were freezing. We ended up layering multiple outfits just to sleep and stay warm.
So yeah, prepare for both intense desert heat and cold desert nights. That’s the reality of Coachella camping. I’ve learned my lesson, and I’m here to help you skip the mistakes I made.
Here’s everything you should pack (and actually wear) camping at Coachella.
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Outfits for the Wind and Cold
Like I said before, the weather is unpredictable. The day we arrived it was 85 degrees and insanely windy, which made setting up camp feel like a full-on workout.
Luckily, the camping crew around us was amazing and helped us stake everything down before our tents took flight. This is what I mean when I say Coachella campers are top tier.
We always stay in the preferred car camping section and get there early, which usually means we’re surrounded by people our age (30s crew!) who know how to camp and don’t skimp on the extras. My favorite kind of people.
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During the day, even with the wind, we could still hang out in shorts and t-shirts. But once the sun went down, the temps dropped fast, and our cute evening outfits were useless.
Out came the sweats and sweatshirts – except I forgot sweats. Luckily, my besties shared theirs with me (thank you, besties).
Sleeping that night was wild. The wind howled so much it felt like the tents might actually blow away. We had extra stakes and tarps down, but it was still terrifying. And freezing. Thick socks and sweats would’ve saved me.
The mornings, though, were gorgeous – calm and breezy until about 8 or 9 AM, when the heat kicked in hard.
Here’s my advice: for sleep, pack longer pajamas, thick socks, and a hoodie. Also, bring a t-shirt and shorts set so you’re comfortable no matter what the weather does.
The desert is unpredictable, and having both options makes all the difference between tossing all night and actually getting rest.
Outfits for Walking Around Camp at Coachella
Daytime at camp is the best. The Camping Hub has so many activities – sound baths, yoga, crafting, cold plunges, pickleball, tattoos, photo booths – you name it.
Some days it’s almost too hot to function, but other days you’ll want to dress up a little for the festivities before heading into the festival itself.
Each morning we’d head to the Camping Hub around 7 AM with our coffee and start charging all the things that needed it.
Then we’d head back to our campsite, change into something cute and easy, make a drink, and go back for whatever was happening that day. It’s such a fun little routine.
Our go-to outfits were simple: bikini tops, cute shorts, and a small crossbody bag. Comfortable, breathable, and perfect for walking around in the heat.
You’ll see lots of people in swimwear, shorts, oversized tees, or loungewear. Some people throw on big hats for sun protection, too.
The vibe is casual – it’s not the festival grounds, so there’s no need for full glam, hair, or makeup.
So, pack your favorite relaxed pieces: tanks, t-shirts, bathing suit tops, and comfy bottoms. Throw on sneakers or sandals for walking, grab some shade when you can, sip a drink, and just enjoy it.
Cute, casual, comfortable – that’s all you need around camp.
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Bedding for Camping at Coachella
Let’s talk sleep. Your routine, your bedding, and all the little necessities.
I’ve already said it: it gets cold at night. So be prepared. Pack a sheet and a heavier blanket. We sleep on an air mattress because I cannot deal with sleeping bags (they just make me sweaty – ugh).
I want an actual bed with bedding, even in the desert, hahaha. So bring whatever you prefer – air mattress, cot, sleeping bag – but make sure you’ve got options for both heat and cold, plus a plan for the wind.
Our nighttime routine looked something like this: an electrolyte drink with Advil to help recover, then earplugs in (just in case).
The year before, our neighbors were insanely loud, so I learned my lesson. This year? Quietest neighbors ever – loved it.
Still, bring earplugs because you never know. A sound machine or even just a “sound machine” playlist in your headphones also helps drown out late-night camp noise.
The dust is another thing. I always pack eye drops and nasal spray (saline solution) because by the end of the day your eyes and nose are done.
We also kept makeup wipes right by the bed so we could at least do a quick wipe-down before passing out. Because no matter how much you clean yourself up, you’ll always feel a little dirty. That’s just camping.
I love camping, but the desert wind can wreck even the best-laid plans. Just prepare. Always prepare. That’s why I write these posts – please prepare!
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What to Wear for Porta-Potties and Showers at Coachella
I’ll start with the most important thing: sandals. Crocs are your best friend. Any plastic-y sandal or water shoe works because they’re easy to clean.
TEVAs are great too – basically anything that won’t get ruined in water (or… whatever else).
The second I get home from Coachella, my Crocs go straight for a deep clean. Don’t even want to know what they’ve touched, but trust me – wipe down your shoes every day.
And please, please wear sandals in the showers. Always.
At camp, I stick to simple, comfortable outfits – shorts and a tee – because it makes bathroom runs so much easier.
Don’t wear long, flowy stuff that will drag or touch the ground in a porta-potty.
If you’re going with friends, ask someone to hold your extra things. Or better yet, bring a crossbody bag. You can wrap it around yourself and keep your stuff off the floor – no balancing acts, no hanging bags on questionable hooks.
In the mornings, I don’t just roll out of bed in whatever I slept in. I’ll change into shorts and a tee before heading to the bathroom. Smaller outfits = way less stress in tight porta-potty stalls.
Inside the festival, you’re in your outfit all day – so choose wisely. (And avoid jumpsuits. You’ll thank me later, hahaha.)
For showers, I always wear my swimsuit, even in the trailers. There are just too many people around, and I feel more comfortable that way. Totally your call, but it works for me.
Also, bring a bag that can hang – something you can hook onto the shower pole or door to keep everything dry and clean. Don’t forget your towel!
If you want to know exactly what I keep in my “porta potty and shower kit,” I have a full guide on that here.
Bonus Coachella Camping Tips
- Closed-toed shoes are essential. Wear them as much as possible, both at camp and inside the festival. It gets crowded fast, and it’s way too easy for someone to step on your feet. Protect them.
- Pack layering items for camp and at least a few for the festival. Even just a packable blanket can save you when the weather changes suddenly. The desert will always surprise you.
- Please wear flat shoes. Please. Platforms are fun (I wear them too), but since we camp, I usually switch them out mid-day and go back to sneakers. Comfort wins in the long run.
- Another small mistake people make: not bringing a dirty clothes bag. Don’t toss your sweaty, dusty, glittery outfits back in with the clean stuff. Bring a separate bag for laundry, and make your life so much easier when you get home.
It’s all simple stuff, but these little essentials make camping at Coachella smoother, cleaner, and way more comfortable.
Camping at Coachella – The Necessities
Coachella camping takes planning, but it’s worth it. The weather swings are real – hot during the day, windy and cold at night – so pack layers you can actually live in.
Don’t forget the small things like earplugs, wipes, and a bag for dirty clothes. Those little essentials end up being lifesavers. Around camp, keep it casual and comfortable – sweats, tees, swimsuits, sneakers.
Save the glam looks for inside the festival. And above all, prepare for the unexpected.
The more you pack smart now, the less you’ll have to stress later, and the more fun you’ll have all weekend long.
XOXO,
Julia
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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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