Coachella is the festival, at least the most Instagram-famous one. It brings in people from all over the country (and the world).
While you might dream of renting a giant mansion with your friends, the reality is… you’re probably staying in a hotel 30-40 minutes away.
And if that sounds ridiculous, well, welcome to camping!
If you’ve never camped at a festival before, I get it. I used to think it would be unbearable—dirty, messy, chaotic. But honestly? It’s not bad – IF you and your group know how to keep things clean (hahaha). But that applies to anywhere you stay, right?
Camping at Coachella isn’t scary. You can still look cute, get ready, and stay fresh.
Yeah, the heat never really leaves you, and charging your phone is a whole struggle, but if you’re prepared, it’s an incredible experience.
Honestly? I might even like festival camping more than the festival itself. There’s something about it—when it’s done right (aka clean, cute, and with your best people), it’s the best way to do Coachella.
But let’s talk reality.
Festival camping means porta potties, shared showers, and—oh yeah—dust everywhere.
So, how do you stay cute and clean while camping at Coachella?
Let’s get into it! Here’s everything you need to know to survive the porta potties, shared showers, and outdoor living at the most famous music festival in the world.
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Festival Hygiene Essentials: How to Stay Clean While Camping at Coachella
Don’t be afraid of camping at Coachella—just be prepared! I’ve put together all the tips, tricks, and packing lists because, honestly, I love planning for trips.
I’m always searching for super specific answers to my very specific questions, so if you’re the same way, this guide is for you.
I hope it helps you feel ready for every part of festival camping so you can have the best Coachella experience!
Related Post: What to Pack In Your Coachella Festival Bag
Tips for Staying Clean at Festivals
Keep Your Area Clean – A tidy campsite makes a huge difference. Keep your things organized and trash-free so you don’t feel like you’re living in chaos.
Shower the Day You Arrive – Start fresh, shower at home before you leave! You’ll feel so much better kicking off the festival clean.
Stick to a Routine – Even with limited resources, sticking to your daily hygiene habits (morning and night) will keep you feeling human.
Use Festival Showers – A real shower heals the soul! They’re worth the wait, especially at the end of a long, sweaty day.
Bring a Portable Shower – If festival showers aren’t an option, set up your own! A collapsible bucket, a hanging shower bag, or even a rinse-off station can make a huge difference.
Related Post: 10 Coachella Camping Essentials Under $100
What to Know About Showering at Coachella
There are two types of showers at Coachella: free and paid. I’ve only used the free showers, but if you can swing it, the paid ones are totally worth considering.
Free Showers
- They open at 7 AM, but the line starts forming way earlier. If you don’t want to wait forever, you have to “rope-drop” them. I got there at 6:50 AM and still waited about 45 minutes—and the line only gets longer as the day goes on.
- The showers themselves aren’t bad, but they’re tiny and crowded. For some reason, people treat them like a full-blown luxury spa experience—please don’t. This is not the time for a full “everything shower.” Get in, get clean, get out.
- The trailers are parked on dirt, so the second you step out, you’re back in the dust. Dry off really well inside before stepping out. I put on socks with sandals immediately after showering to keep my feet clean while walking back to camp.
Paid Showers
- The paid showers open at 7 AM, but the line starts earlier.
- These are more private, have shorter lines, and offer a bit more space—basically, a better experience all around.
- The paid showers offer a few outlets and a full-length mirror
- If you don’t want to deal with the stress of long lines and cramped stalls, paying for a shower might be worth it.
- The paid showers are around $10 per shower, but can vary by year.
Extra Tips for Showering at Coachella
- The shower lines are in the dirt, so expect dust flying everywhere while you wait. A bandana over your face helps.
- Be prepared to wait in line, especially in the morning. Plan your shower time wisely so it doesn’t eat up your entire morning.
Related Post: Tips for Battling the Heat at Coachella
What to Bring to Festival Camping Showers
- Shower shoes (sandals) – Do not go barefoot in those showers. Pack something that can get wet and is easy to clean later on.
- Swimsuit – Some people feel more comfortable showering in one.
- Bag with a hook – Keep your stuff off the gross, wet floor.
- The basics – Face wash, shampoo, body wash.
- Washcloth – Essential for scrubbing off dirt and sweat.
- Towel – Quick-dry towels are best. But any towel will do the trick!
- Clothesline – Hang your towel so it doesn’t stay damp.
- Pop-up hamper – Keeps dirty clothes separate from your clean ones.
Brushing Your Teeth & Washing Your Face at Coachella Camping
I don’t recommend brushing your teeth or washing your face at the porta potties—just trust me on this one. While the shower trailers do have sinks, it’s way easier (and way more sanitary) to do it all at your campsite. That way, you can freshen up first thing in the morning and right before bed without waiting in line or dealing with crowds.
What to pack:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste & mouthwash – The essentials.
- Brush your teeth at your site – Saves time and lets you avoid crowded communal sinks.
- Pack clean water & a collapsible sink – Makes rinsing easy if you don’t want to trek to a sink.
- Makeup remover wipes – Quick and easy for late nights.
- Washcloth for deep cleansing – Even if you can’t fully wash your face, a damp washcloth helps remove dirt.
- Double cleanse – Start with an oil cleanser, then follow up with a face wash to get all the dust and grime off.
- Finish with moisturizer – Hydration is key!
Skincare While Camping at Festivals
The heat and dust will wreck your skin if you’re not careful. Here’s how to protect it:
- Hydrate – Drink tons of water, eat hydrating fruits, and add electrolyte packets to your drinks.
- Moisturize like your life depends on it – Your skin will be thirsty from the sun and dust.
- Wear a mask or bandana – Prevents inhaling dirt and helps avoid the dreaded “Coachella Cough.”
- Sunscreen & hats are a must – Keep your skin protected from sunburn and overheating.
- Vitamin E oil + aloe – The perfect remedy for sunburned skin.
- Wipe down before bed – Even if you can’t shower, use a washcloth and clean water to remove layers of dust before sleeping.
- Saline nasal spray – Flushes out all the dirt from your nose.
- Eye drops – Your eyes will get dry and itchy from all the dust in the air.
Related Post: Coachella Camping Morning Routine
How to Keep Your Hair From Getting Greasy While Camping at Festivals
- Dry shampoo is your best friend – Pack extra!
- Braided hairstyles – Keeps hair looking cute and works well with oily hair.
- Shower when you can – A good rinse will make you feel so much better.
Essential Hygiene Products to Pack for Festival Camping
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Body Soap
- Wet Wipes
- Flushable Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Deodorant
- Body Wipes
Tips for Using Porta Potties at Festivals
- Go early – Porta potties are cleanest in the early morning (at least in the campsite area). The ones near the market and CAMP activities get gross fast.
- Pack your own essentials – You do not want to be caught without toilet paper in the middle of the night.
- It’s pitch black at night – Bring a headlamp so you’re not fumbling in the dark.
- Wear a crossbody bag – Keep your essentials on you so you don’t drop anything (or worse, lose something in the porta potty!).
Porta-Potty Survival Kit
- Headlamp – Hands-free lighting is a game-changer.
- Hand sanitizer – Always.
- Poo-Pourri – Helps a lot.
- Seat covers – Don’t assume there will be any.
- Flushable wipes – For extra cleanliness.
- Feminine hygiene products – Always be prepared.
- Crossbody bag – Keep your essentials secure.
- Hand wipes – In case soap and water aren’t available.
Staying Fresh While Camping at Coachella
Camping at Coachella might sound a little wild at first, but trust me—it’s totally doable and can even be an amazing experience if you come prepared.
The key to staying clean (and sane) is having a plan, packing the right essentials, and embracing the festival grime just a little.
You will get dusty.
You will have a moment where you question your life choices in a porta-potty at 2 AM.
But you’ll also make some of the best memories ever.
Whether you’re braving the free showers, splurging on the paid ones, or just living off baby wipes and dry shampoo, staying fresh at a festival is all about balance.
A little preparation goes a long way—so stock up on your hygiene must-haves, set realistic expectations, and most importantly, have the best time ever.
Now go forth, dance your heart out, and don’t forget to drink water, wear sunscreen, and maybe pack just one extra bottle of hand sanitizer. You’ll thank me later. 😉✨
Coachella Festival Hygiene FAQ
Can you shower with a Coachella bracelet?
Yes! Your festival wristband is waterproof, so you can shower with it on. Just be mindful not to tug at it too much, as it needs to stay intact for the entire weekend.
Does Coachella have 24-hour showers?
Coachella does offer limited 24-hour showers from Thursday at 10 AM to Monday at 7 AM. However, not all shower locations stay open 24/7, so check on-site for availability. If you’re planning to shower late at night or early in the morning, you’ll have fewer crowds to deal with!
Can I shower at Coachella?
Yes! There are both free and paid showers available for campers. The free showers can get crowded, and the lines get long quickly, so plan ahead. Paid showers offer a more private and less hectic experience if you’re willing to spend a little extra.
How do people shower at Coachella?
Most campers use the festival-provided shower trailers, which are small, basic, and can get pretty busy. You’ll want to bring shower shoes, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your toiletries. If you don’t want to wait in long lines, you can also bring your own portable shower, like a solar camp shower or a hanging water bag.
How long are the lines for Coachella showers?
It depends! If you arrive right when they open at 7 AM, you might wait 30–45 minutes. If you wait until later in the morning, expect to wait over an hour. The lines only get longer as the day goes on.
Are Coachella showers cold?
Most of the time, the water is lukewarm to warm, but it can vary. Since so many people use them, the temperature may change depending on when you shower.
Are the paid showers at Coachella worth it?
If you hate waiting in long lines and want more privacy, yes! Paid showers typically have shorter lines, more space, and cleaner facilities than the free ones. If you can spare the extra money, they’re a great option.
What should I bring to the Coachella showers?
Here’s a quick shower essentials checklist:
✅ Shower shoes (a must!)
✅ Swimsuit (if you’re more comfortable wearing one)
✅ Towel (quick-dry is best)
✅ Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
✅ Face wash and moisturizer
✅ Plastic bag to carry everything in
✅ A change of clothes
What are the porta-potties like at Coachella?
Let’s be honest—they’re not glamorous, but they get the job done. They are cleanest in the early morning, and by nighttime, they can be pretty rough. Always bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wipes just in case supplies run out. And don’t forget a headlamp for nighttime bathroom trips—porta-potties are pitch black after dark!
How do I stay clean while camping at Coachella?
Festival camping is a whole experience, but you can still stay fresh and feel good by:
- Wiping down with body wipes before bed
- Wearing a bandana or face mask to protect against dust
- Using dry shampoo for your hair
- Keeping your campsite organized and clean
- Staying hydrated to help your skin and body feel its best
Posts You May Like:
- Beauty and Skincare Tips for Coachella
- How to Recover After a Weekend at Coachella
- Coachella Camping Essentials from Walmart
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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