Can I take my campervan or motorhome to a festival?

With festival season upon us you may be wondering if you can take your campervan or motorhome to a festival.

Whether you’re looking to attend a weekend of live music, other activities, fun and more, the simple answer is yes, you can take your campervan or motorhome to a festival—and it’s one of the most exciting ways to experience them.

Though we’ve just answered your question, that you can take your campervan or motorhome to a festival, you may be wondering how—and that’s where we come in.

We’ve rounded up a few of the key things you need to know before you embark on your campervan or motorhome festival adventures.

 

Picking the right festival to attend in your campervan or motorhome

Before you jump straight in it’s worth considering what kind of festivals you can attend with your campervan or motorhome—and don’t worry there are lots available.

Some festivals are directly catered towards campervans and motorhomes such as Camper Jam, Mighty Dub Fest, Dinky Dub Fest and more.

Music festivals across the UK also cater towards brining your campervan or motorhome too, everywhere from Glastonbury to Bestival, it’s worth having a look around to find a festival that suits you.

 

Purchase the correct tickets

When you’re waiting to get in the online queue to purchase your festival tickets be sure to select the correct ones.

For many festivals campervan and motorhome tickets are slightly different from your average entry or camping ticket. They can be slightly more expensive or may need to be purchased as an extra on top of your normal ticket. However, just remember what a luxury experience you’ll be having staying in your own vehicle.

 

Get your campervan or motorhome festival-ready

Now you’ve chosen your festival and chosen the right tickets it’s time to ensure your campervan or motorhome is all ready to go.

Vehicle basics

Starting with the vehicle basics you may want to check over:

• Oil levels—have you got enough oil to travel to and from the festival?
• Lighting—is this working correctly inside and outside of your vehicle?
• Battery level—is it charged, do you need anything extra for the weekend?
• Fuel—do you have sufficient fuel to see you through the weekend and get your through queues in the camping area?

 

Personal essentials

Once you’ve assed the vehicle it’s time to start getting your basics together to ensure you have a comfortable journey and stay.

Some things you may want to consider are:

• Stocking up on water—taking enough water in containers for the weekend, both for drinking, washing up and hygiene
• Food—though there are more than likely going to be a wide variety of food and drink outlets at the festival, packing your own food can provide another level of comfort. Not only do you know you’ll have some food that you’ll like, but it can also be a great money saving hack
• First-aid kit—having your own first aid kit is a great way to avoid any potential accidents or risks getting out of hand. It’s best to check that all items within your kit have been replenished, are in working order and are still well within date

 

Meeting up

If you’re thinking of attending a festival as part of a group, do note that you won’t be able to pre-book specific pitches, but there may be ways of making sure you can all camp together.

Aiming to arrive at the same time is a good start, although that may not always be practical. However, getting into the festival site ahead of the rush may be a helpful way to try and get a spot close to each other.

Some festivals also include maps which can be a great way to plan ahead of time.

Wherever you end up pitching your campervan, do make a note of your nearest fresh and wastewater points, as well as toilet waste disposal facilities.

 

Arriving at the festival

Arriving at the festival can be overwhelming after a potentially long drive and experiencing the crowds, so here are a few things to consider…

 

Find the right pitch area

Chances are you’ll be camping in an area that’s main function is that of a field.

A flat pitch could be just a dream, while the grass could be longer than you’re used to.

Levelling ramps can be useful to pack in this circumstance to ensure that you’re prepared no matter what the terrain may be like.

You may also be pitched closer to other vehicles than you’re used to, thought this is a great opportunity to make friend it’s always best to be cautious of safety.

Festivals and mud tend to go a bit hand in hand, too. Don’t forget you’re looking at concentrated numbers of people and vehicles in one place. As ever, be prepared.

 

Toilets

Although it’s not the most glamorous of topics, being prepared for the toilets at the festival is key for a comfortable and easy stay.

Festivals toilets don’t always get a good press, so it makes sense to take your own if possible— especially as festival campsites will provide provision for getting rid of your toilet waste.

You may be lucky enough to have a plumbed-in toilet on board your campervan or motorhome. Alternatively, a portable loo in a toilet tent alongside your vehicle can be a blessing— and also somewhere to hang wet coats to dry.

 

Consider your energy levels

Increasingly, festival organisers are offering a 230V electrical supply, but it will cost extra and it’s not always a reliable service.

Lucky you if you have solar panels, they can help keep your leisure battery topped up. Trying to keep your energy consumption to its lowest is the best way to make sure it lasts all weekend.

Thinking of taking your own generator? Don’t upset your neighbours by powering up at an inappropriate time.

 

During the festival

You’ve arrived at the festival and chosen your pitch, so what’s next? The list is endless and starts of course with enjoying yourself! Each festival is aimed to ensure you have a great time, but there are a few things to remember that can improve your experience.

 

Remember to secure your kit

You’ll most likely have a lot of kit that you bring with you to the festival from tables and chairs to outdoor cookers. Leaving your kit outside your campervan or motorhome, though common, can put your items at risk and may also invalidate your insurance. For more information, see our Motorhome Insurance booklet.

If you’re planning on taking extra kit it is worth making sure it is safely secured inside of your vehicle before leaving it unattended.

Awnings are a great bit of kit to provided storage, extra space and a shelter from the weather if needed. Ensure they are securely fastened down and attached to your vehicle to prevent any accidents.

 

Lighting

Torches and lanterns will always come in handy. Ensure you have a few onboard and make sure you have a good supply of replacement batteries. You never know when you’re going to need them!

Many campervan owners use festivals as an opportunity to light up their vehicles with fair lights or solar lights. There’s a practical side to this, too—it can make it easier to find your ‘van if you’re returning to it in the dark.

Similarly, a flag or similar on a tall pole will make it easy for you and the rest of your family to spot your vehicle in an ocean of campervans.

 

Glass

It might feel obvious but bringing any glass to a festival is usually something not to do. Not only do many festivals insist on not brining glass, it’s also something to generally try to abide by. Whether it’s a wine glass or glass bottles, the risk of breakage is high—especially at a festival.

Broken glass can be dangerous during the festival, but also if left behind can be a hazard for the environment or animals that may reside on the camp area following the festival.

 

Quick campervan and motorhome festival check list

There can be quite a lot of preparation when attending a campervan or motorhome festival, so here are a few essentials we feel you’d do best to remember:

1. Ear plugs or similar are useful to have on a festival trip. There will be loud music, of course, as well as some people partying to the early hours of the morning. If you want to get some sleep these are definitely suggested.
2. Cash in. Although we all prefer cashless transactions these days, it’s not always easy-going getting a connection at a festival. Many now put up temporary ATMs (queue alert), but if you grab some cash before you go you might find it makes things easier.
3. Cool boxes can be a useful addition to your campervan fridge. If you are planning on taking a considerable amount of extra food and drink with you it’s a great way to ensure it doesn’t perish.
4. Don’t be afraid to accept help. Whatever weekend festival you go to, you’ll be surrounded by fellow campers, so help is always going to be close at hand. The festival community is usually very friendly and helpful so if you need an extra hand don’t be afraid to reach out and ask.

 

Specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe

You're about to embark on a festival weekend of fun, so why not consider also protecting your motorhome or campervan with specialist insurance to help give you some peace of mind.

Specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe  provides you with cover for death or injury caused to a third party and up to £20m cover for damage caused to someone else’s property. As well as this you're also protected against instances such as theft, accidental damage, fire, and flood—so if you're at a festival you don't have to worry if the worst were to happen.

Learn more about here or click to get a quick online quote.