Camping Festival Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

Nobody talks enough about the learning curve of camping festivals.

You pack everything, you’re so excited, and then halfway through the weekend you realize… wow, I could’ve made this way easier on myself. These are the camping festival mistakes I learned the hard way! Not to shame anyone (including past me), but to help you have a more comfortable, enjoyable experience.

If even one of these saves your energy, your feet, or your nervous system, it’s doing its job.

1. Not Pacing Myself

This is my new motto "camping festivals are a marathon, not a sprint".

Going too hard too early meant I was exhausted before the weekend even peaked. Learning to pace my energy, take breaks, and skip a set when needed made a huge difference in how long I could actually enjoy the festival. And yes, this also applies to alcohol and substance use

What I do now: I build in rest time during the day and save my energy for the moments that really matter. I also limit my use of extracurriculars; less is more.. If that isn't advice you want, then at least don't go all out on the first day of the fest - pace yourself.

2. Not Prioritizing Self-Care

I am not a robot self-care is not an optional add-on; it is a necessity and my body will notice. Skipping meals, ignoring soreness, and pushing through discomfort only made everything harder later. Self-care at festivals doesn't need to be a lot; just basic maintenance.

What I do now: Stretch, eat or snack on healthy food regularly, sit down when I need to, and listen to my body without guilt. Oh, and I use body wipes at the end of the night (or morning) to give myself a little bath and moisturize. It feels SO good going to sleep clean(ish) and moisturized. Also, I bring like a mini pharmacy just in case (ie ibuprofen, Icy Hot, Pepto-bismol, Polysporin, Band-Aids, After Bite, Tums, Aloe vera, Moleskins, Benadryl, Sunscreen). I do this not only for me but also for the rave fam. There have been multiple times I saved someone because I had these items. NOTE - be sure to check if the medications have negative side effects if you've been using other substances

3. Not Using Electrolytes

Water alone wasn’t cutting it. Between dancing, heat, and long days, I felt drained way faster than expected. Electrolytes helped me stay energized, avoid headaches, and recover more quickly.

What I do now: Electrolytes every day - especially in the heat or after long sets. I also love taking Emergen-C in the morning in a BIG cup of water in the morning before I do anything, the vitamins and electrolytes help give me a boost.

4. Not Wearing Light-Up Accessories

This one seems small… until it’s dark and chaotic. Not having LED accessories made it harder for friends to spot me and easier to lose track of each other at night. If you'd rather carry something than wear something, consider using a totem with LED lights.

What I do now: Wear at least one light-up accessory every night. It’s practical and fun.

5. Not Lighting Up My Camp Enough

A dark campsite is a recipe for tripping, frustration, and lost stuff.

I underestimated how disorienting campsites get at night, especially after a long day. Using my phone as a flashlight in camp drained the battery fast, and when I was done using it as a flashlight, I'd always put my phone down somewhere dumb and misplace it- not a smart move.

What I do now: String lights, lanterns, and solar lights so the camp is easy to find and navigate. I also always carry with me a small battery-powered flashlight on a carabiner clip, it has come in use SO many times, and save me more times than I can think of.

Don't forget to bring a LOT of extra batteries (AAA + AA) and USB battery packs.

6. Bringing Food That Took Too Much Effort to Cook

Ambitious meal plans sound great… until you’re tired, have fomo or are intoxicated.. trust me - you're not going to want to cook.

Multiple times, I brought food that required way more energy and time to prepare, and it just sat there. The food went to waste, and I ended up spending money at a food truck.

What I do now: Simple, quick, low-effort meals. Plan for easy snacks, quick heating, and minimal cleanup. I'll usually budget for one meal at a vendor a day, then the rest of the food I need, I'll make in camp or carry snacks with me.

7. Not Dressing in Layers (Getting Cold at Night)

Daytime heat fooled me every time. Once the sun went down, I was freezing, and being cold makes everything less enjoyable.

What I do now: Layers always. Warm hoodie or jersey, cozy pants or leggings.. yes, even in summer. Lots of festivals have lockers so you can throw your extra layers in there, and you don't have to go all the way back to camp. Sure, you could also carry them with you but PLEASE don't stuff all your extra clothes in a HUGE backpack and go take up extra space on the dance floor and impede on other people's personal space.

8. Prioritizing Style Over Comfort

Festival fashion is fun… but discomfort is not. Tight outfits, scratchy fabrics, and zero breathability are not it. No one really cares how you look, they are more focused on how they look.

What I do now: I plan outfits ahead of time that put comfort and function first that still feel like me.

Style is better when you feel good in your body. Honestly, you can be in the hottest outfit, but if you aren't comfortable, it will bring you down from a 10 to 5. You can be wearing a mid outfit but if it's comfortable and your vibe is high and you're moving, having fun, you'll be a 10.

9. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes is the Biggest Camping Festival Mistake

This might’ve been my biggest mistake. Blisters, sore feet, and limping by day two completely changed my experience and ruined the fun. Please DO NOT underestimate how important it is to take care of your feet at the festival.

What I do now: Broken-in shoes or boots only. Cushion, support, and backups if possible.

Bring extra socks, I bring like 2-3 pairs per day (ideally cotton or wool).

Let your feet breathe when you're in camp (bring some slides or Crocs to hang out in). Pack Moleskins, blister cream, and moisturizing cream.

Clip your toenails before going to the festival. If you take anything away from this- take care of your feet.

10. Not Allowing Enough Decompression Time After the Festival

The festival doesn’t end when you leave. When I went straight back into normal life without rest, the emotional and physical crash hit hard.

What I do now: I have a decompression time of at least a day or two after getting home from the festival. I don't work, I don't make any plans, I eat healthy food, I rest, I cuddle my cat, and gently re-enter my normal routine.

Camping festivals are incredible, but they ask a lot from your body and nervous system.

Learning from these mistakes helped me enjoy festivals more, recover faster, and actually feel present for the moments I came for. If you’re planning a camping festival, take this as permission to choose comfort, care, and sustainability over pushing through and running yourself into the ground physically and mentally.

Future you will be grateful, and you'll have better memories to look back on.