PACK FOR CAMP-CHELLA LIke a professional
9 Budget Friendly Tips For Coachella Beginners: Packing Guide, Camping Secrets, and Advice to Make the Most Out of Your Weekend.
Ryan Kahler | Sep 21, 2025
So you have seen the TikTok’s and YouTube videos: people rolling into Coachella Camp like they are moving into a fully furnished apartment. Plants? Disco balls? inflatable pools? Be serious. If you are like me and want comfort, efficiency, and minimal cleanup, while keeping your bank account in tact, here’s the no-BS guide to a smooth Coachella camping experience.
One Camp Identifier Item – Skip the Plants!
You do not need to pack the full Target Home Décor section to decorate your campsite. Bring one weird, easy-to-spot item so you can find your camp at 2 a.m. when you are stumbling back from the festival. One year mine was a “jellyfish”, this past year it was a tiki torch.
Non-Negotiables
Shade is crucial. Bring an EZ-Up. Borrow one from a friend, buy one, crowdsource one, whatever it takes. I recommend the enclosed EZ-Ups, but if you are on a budget you can totally DIY the “walls”. Here is the one I have, it works great.
Also, get a good tent with easy set-up. This one I have linked has lasted me 4+ years and, I promise, the set-up is super simple (coming from someone who sucks at reading directions and building shit).
Miscellaneous
Here are some other items I would not forget:
Zip ties, Tarp/outdoor rugs
Kitchen Items: cutting board, trash bags, paper towels, lysol wipes, antibacterial spray
Bathroom: Toilet paper, wipes, saline solution to flush dust out of nostrils
Outfit Change For Headliners
Something I highly recommend is mobbing back to camp later in the day before the sun goes down to recharge. Grab a cold drink, some food, and change into comfy clothes. More-than-likely you aren’t taking pictures at night, and more-than-likely the weather will cool down at night. I recommend a light jacket and flowy pants, incase you plan on dancing through the night.
Shower Like a Pro
You survived freshman year dorm showers. You can handle this. Bring the essentials: shower shoes, water-resistant bag for toiletries that you can hang on a hook, and shower towels (bring extras!).
Optional But Elite: Small Power Generator
While you can survive without one, a small generator (make sure to pre-charge before packing) will elevate your comfort levels. It will save you a few trips to the crowded plug-in stations, and allow you to get ready at your campsite if power is needed. Do not and I mean DO NOT try and use your car battery. LOL – live and learn.
Food
I hate to break it to you, but regardless of how well you prepare, by the end of the weekend you are eating like shit. But, you can set yourself up well for the weekend by preparing correctly for the first couple of days. I bring one medium size cooler for food and an insulated bag for dry stuff. Here’s what I pack:
· Day 0 Charcuterie Board (use leftover meat/cheese for sandwiches following days)
· Pasta salad – view my recipe here!
· Rice Krispies
· Watermelon, pre-diced
· Extras: mustard, Grillo’s pickles, cutting board
Drinks
All patrons above the age of 21 are allowed one box of booze each. It never hurts to have extra to share with neighbors or for you party animals who may need a few extra brews. I recommend stocking up at Costco or another bulk grocer.
*Sunday Pre-Pack Up*
I saved my most important tip for last, although I think all my tips are important. On Sunday afternoon, after you are ready and about to head into the festival, set yourself up for the best final day and a stress-free morning after by doing these things:
· Take down EZ-Up – you no longer will need shade
· Pack up cooler, table, and extra stuff
· Leave only the tent for final night
In the morning, just fold up the tent and bounce like the well-prepared Coachella professional you are. Don’t be the nightmare camper who leaves their mess behind. The Coachella gods will remember you!
