PACK FOR CAMP-CHELLA LIke a professional
9 Budget Friendly Tips For Coachella Car Camping Beginners: Packing Guide, Camping Secrets, and Advice to Make the Most Out of Your Weekend.
Ryan Kahler | Sep 21, 2025
Coachella Campgrounds 2025 | Ryan Kahler
Hey there! First Campchella?
Let me guess, you have seen the TikTok’s and YouTube videos: people setting up their Coachella Camp as if they were moving into a fully furnished apartment. Plants? Disco balls? Inflatable pools? Be serious. I prepared this list so you know what is actually important for your desert getaway. If you are like me and want comfort, efficiency, and minimal cleanup, while keeping your bank account in tact, here’s the no-bulls**t 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 make your campsite, yours! 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 survival. 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 shades with tapestries. Here is the one I have, it works great.
Also, get a good, durable tent with easy set-up. This one I have linked has lasted me 4+ years and, I promise, the set-up is super simple.
Do not forget to secure everything. I usually will rope the tent and ez up around my car so they don’t blow away in the wind. I recommend packing zipties and plenty of rope to secure your items.
COMFORT IS KEY
Here are some other items I would not forget:
Outdoor rugs
Bathroom: Toilet paper, wipes, saline solution to flush dust out of nostrils
Hobby item
e.g., volleyball, deck of cards, a book
4. 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!).
5. 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 significantly. I recommend a light jacket and flowy pants, the perfect outfit to dance through the night.
6. 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 experience. It will save you 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.
live and learn.
7. Food
Regardless of how well you prepare, by the end of the weekend you are probably hitting the $20 per slice pizza stands. 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:
Food Items
Day 0 Charcuterie Board (use leftover meat/cheese for sandwiches following days)
Pasta salad
Rice Krispies
Fruit, pre-diced
Snacks: jerky, crackers, PB & J
Condiments
Kitchen Items:
cutting board, trash bags, paper towels, lysol wipes, antibacterial spray
8. Drinks
All campers 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. I recommend stocking up at Costco or another bulk grocer. I pack a large cooler for drinks and extra ice for the food cooler.
9. *Sunday Pre-Pack Up*
I saved my most important tip for last. On Sunday afternoon, after you are ready and about to head into the festival, set yourself up for a perfect 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 loose items
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. And absolutely do not be the nightmare camper who leaves their mess behind. The Coachella gods will remember you!
Listen to my Coachella playlists while you pack!
