Festival camping in your van – what to pack and how to prepare
Festival season is one of the highlights of the year. From music and food festivals to cultural gatherings, thousands of people across the UK attend them each summer. While many attendees brave the unpredictability of using tents, campervans have become the ultimate way to enjoy festivals. Not only do they offer comfort and security, but they also allow you to bring a little bit of home with you. If you are planning on heading to a festival in your campervan this year, preparation is key. Here is a guide on what to pack and how to make your experience as smooth as possible.
Essentials
Before anything else, make sure your van is equipped with the basics, such as:
- Blackout curtains or thermal screens – festivals go late into the night, and you will want to sleep in the mornings without being woken by the sunrise. Thermal screens also help regulate the temperature in both hot and cool weather.
- USB and charging points – between taking photos, navigating festival maps, and keeping in touch with friends, your phone battery won’t last long. Having multiple charging points ensures no one is left without power.
- Camper fridge – food and drink stalls can be expensive. Keeping your own cold drinks and snacks handy saves time and money.
Comforts
Festivals can be tiring, so pack extras to keep your downtime enjoyable, such as:
- Camping chairs – ideal for sitting back and relaxing between performances.
- Mosquito nets – essential if the festival is near water or during warmer weather.
- Portable fans or heaters – UK weather can be unpredictable. Being prepared for both hot and cold nights can make all the difference.
- Reusable bottles and cups – many festivals encourage sustainable options, and they will save you money on drinks.
Every festival has its own rules for campervans. Some require a dedicated campervan pass, others allocate specific areas with size restrictions. Always check the official festival website before booking to avoid surprises. It is also worth thinking about waste disposal. Not every site has facilities nearby, so take rubbish bags, toiletries, etc. Respecting the environment ensures festivals can keep offering campervan spaces year after year.
While tents may feel like the traditional festival option, a campervan offers unbeatable advantages. You will have a warm, dry place to sleep, a secure spot to store your valuables, and the comfort of a real bed at the end of a long day. Even better, you can avoid the common sight of abandoned tents left behind after festivals.
Festival camping in your van combines the best of both worlds – the excitement of live events and the comfort of home. Here at UK Leisure Parts, we stock a wide range of campervan essentials, from blackout curtains and thermal screens to electrical accessories, making sure your festival setup is enjoyable. For more information on the products and services we offer, take a look at our website today.
