Camping at Coachella isn’t your typical “roughing it in the wilderness” experience—it’s camping at one of the most popular music festivals ever.
It’s Instagram camping but still camping nonetheless. Meaning, you’re going to need more than just a tent and some shade. You’re going to have to actually camp-camp.
I used to be afraid of Coachella camping because how could you possibly camp at a music festival, but it’s become my absolute favorite! I kind of liked camping more than the festival. I think that’s just because I like camping in general.
But how do you take your Coachella campsite to the next level? How do you make your Coachella campsite better? Keep reading to find out.
This post is all about how to improve your Coachella campsite on a budget.
You could go basic and pitch a tent, pack a sleeping bag, and live off sandwiches but is that really how you want to spend your weekend? You deserve a space where you can relax, recharge, and have fun between sets.
Camping at Coachella is a party of its own, and you’ll want to make the most of it.
People go all out with their Coachella campsites. Based on the setups, you can tell who’s been doing this for a few years. But you don’t need a massive budget to do the same!
With a few inexpensive upgrades, you can elevate your setup and enjoy your festival camping experience even more.
Ready to level up your Coachella camping game? Let’s go! 🌵🎶✨
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links. No extra cost is added to the item. Commissions come from a portion of the sale.
Related Post: How to Go to Coachella On a Budget
Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Coachella Campsite
Camping at Coachella should be fun, comfortable, and hassle-free. With a few affordable upgrades, you can turn your basic setup into a cozy desert retreat.
Here’s how to level up your campsite without blowing your budget:
Stay Lit & Connected
- Lighting: String lights, lanterns, or headlamps help you see at night, and also help you to identify your campsite when you return after the festival. It’s also a great way to add a bit of flare to your space.
- Bluetooth Speaker: Bring your own music for getting ready and hanging out at the site. Please be mindful super late at night and if people are sleeping.
- Solar-Powered Phone Charger: Skip the long charging station lines – it will take hours to charge your phone in the heat. Stick with your own solar-powered charger. And pro-tip: pop your phone and charger into a Ziplock bag and charge it in the ice chest. Sounds crazy but it’s the only way to charge your phone at a normal speed. The heat absolutely drains your phone.
Keep It Clean & Organized
- Trash Cans/Bags: Stay organized and keep your site mess-free.I really don’t like hanging trash bags from random things. Keep everything clean and out of the way with pop-up trash cans. We packed two – regular and recycling. People go around and collect cans – this was way easier when they were already separated.
- Travel Vacuum: There will be dust and dirt everywhere – it’s camping so it’s unavoidable. Obviously you can’t keep things 100 percent clean but I like to use a travel vacuum (car vacuum) for cleaning up the inside of the tent and the car.
- Hanging Storage: Use hanging organizers to keep essentials like toiletries, snacks, and chargers within reach while keeping tables clear. I didn’t pack these last time and I wish I had. They are so useful when you want to clear off a table to use for eating, getting ready or playing beer pong or card games.
- Water & Wash Bin: Set up a simple washing station for hands, dishes, or even brushing your teeth. We had a super cheap setup and it was perfect. We washed our dishes and also washed our faces and brushed our teeth at our site. It’s perfect for early mornings and late nights. We set up a bin to catch the dirty water and tossed it out in the main path area to keep our site dry.
Upgrade Your Sleep Game
- Air Mattress: Please stop sleeping on the ground—you’ll thank yourself in the morning. I’ve always slept on air mattresses when I camp. It makes the experience so much better. We also got a fun one with a headboard and we felt super fancy.
- Real Bedding: Ditch the sleeping bag and bring sheets, pillows, and a comforter for ultimate comfort. There’s nothing like getting into a real bed with sheets after a crazy 15-hour day in the desert.
- Battery or Rechargeable Fan: The heat is not messing around. Pack a fan, make sure you’re in the shade and stay safe! We packed fans for our campsite and portable fans to walk around with.
Related Post: Simple Meals for Camping at Coachella
Eat Like a Pro
- French Press or Cold Brew: Enjoy your favorite coffee without paying $10 for something basic in Camp. We packed a French press and our favorite bottled cold brew. It made our mornings so much better.
- Insulated Mugs/Tumblers: I attempted to drink one beverage in a red solo cup and it ended horribly. My ice-cold ICED coffee was melted and warm in minutes. Have everyone bring one cup for the weekend – make it insulated. Drink your beer, coffee, cocktails, water, etc. from your insulated cup. Trust me.
- Pre-Packed Meals: Prep meals ahead of time that are easy to reheat and mess-free. I have a whole blog post on easy meals for camping at Coachella if you want to check it out. We made 90% of our meals ahead of time and it was a lifesaver.
Chill & Hang Out
- Games: Pack cards, dice, or beer pong for the afternoons before the festival or late at night when you get back. It’s a great way to make friends with your camping neighbors.
- Folding Table: Essential for cooking, eating, getting ready, or playing games. We picked a couple up at Walmart and it was perfect to have the extra space for cooking and setting up our washing station.
- Camping Chair: Don’t sit on the floor. Pack a camping chair, folding chair – whatever, but don’t sit on the floor. People also pack inflatable chairs and couches. Have fun with it!
Related Post: 10 Coachella Camping Essentials Under $100
Want to Take It Up a Notch?
How Do You Make Camping Feel Luxurious?
While the list above covers inexpensive ways to upgrade your Coachella campsite, sometimes it’s fun to sprinkle in a bit of luxury. Think cozy extras, stylish decor, and next-level comforts that make your campsite feel like a true desert retreat.
Click here to read my full guide on creating a luxury Coachella campsite!
From chic outdoor rugs to portable showers, discover how to transform your campsite into a festival oasis you’ll never want to leave. 🌿✨
How to Make a Good Coachella Campsite
With just a few inexpensive upgrades, your Coachella campsite can be comfortable and fun. From cozy bedding and portable fans to fun games and handy storage hacks, these small changes can make a huge difference in your festival experience.
So, what’s your favorite way to upgrade a campsite on a budget? Have you camped at Coachella before? I’d love to hear your best tips and must-haves—drop them in the comments!
See you in the desert! 🌵🎶✨
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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