Camping at Coachella: Best Sites, Tips, and Must-Have Gear in 2025

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Are you planning to camp at Coachella and enjoy this world-famous music festival? Whether you’re pitching a tent, sleeping in your car, or opting for a luxury glamping experience, knowing your options is key to making the most of this iconic event.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about on-site and nearby camping options. We’ll also explore some must-have gear and essential tips to maximize your adventure. From staying comfortable to keeping your devices charged, here’s how to camp at Coachella like a pro.

Can You Camp at Coachella?

Yes, you can camp at Coachella in a car, truck, tent, van, or campervan. However, they do not allow motorcycles, RVs, trailers, motorhomes, buses, or U-Hauls. Also, don’t bring any butane appliances, as the festival only allows propane and electric appliances. It’s also important to understand that if you secure a car or RV spot, your vehicle will be locked on the grounds until the end of the festival. So, if you plan to leave during the event, you may need additional transportation.

Camping Options at Coachella

Tent camping on-site is available for $150 + fees. You will get a small lot, and you and your friends can pitch a tent without limits on the number of people as long as you stay within your area. You will not be near your car, so bring a portable power station to keep your devices charged and run lights at night. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series is powerful yet lightweight and compact, perfect for tent camping.

Car camping spots allow you to park your car and bring as many friends as you can fit into the space. You can also camp in a van in these spots, but no RVs, motorhomes, or buses are allowed. These cost the same as tent sites. Note that once you park your car inside, you cannot move your car until the event ends. So, if you plan to leave the festival grounds, you may need additional transportation outside.

Preferred camping in Coachella is a premium area much closer to the festivities than the other spots; however, it costs more than twice as much as the basic tent and car spots. As with other car spots, your vehicle will be locked on the grounds once parked.

Resorts and luxury glamping spots on-site include Lake El Dorado with 2-person lodges and 4-person tents, shared showers, and toilets. The Safari Campground offers glamping tents and cabanas with air-conditioning. Finally, the resort at Coachella offers fully furnished yurts with lots of perks. As you might imagine, these options come at a much higher price.

Campsites Near Coachella

If you want to avoid the crowds or the high prices, you can also camp near Coachella. Here are some popular nearby options.

Rancho 51 Festival Campgrounds

The Rancho 51 Festival Campgrounds are the closest outside campground to the festival grounds, just 2 miles away. It’s a pop-up resort that’s only open during the Coachella festival in April. Tent sites start at $250 per night and go up from there, including fully furnished glamping tents.

They offer an upbeat vibe with plenty of perks, including a pool, bathrooms, hot showers, a beauty bar, and optional festival shuttle passes for easy transportation back and forth. They also offer additional amenities, including yoga classes, massages, and on-site food trucks. This is an excellent option for those who want to be close to the action but avoid the crowds and noise of the grounds. Pack your EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank to keep your phone charged at the festival.

Indian Waters RV Resort

Since RVs are not allowed on the grounds, the Indian Waters RV Resort is the closest RV campground to the festivities, located in Indio, just an 8-minute drive away. It’s open year-round and offers 266 RV sites and 8 cabins. The resort has two pools, guest laundry facilities, a fitness center, fire pits, a pickleball court, and more. The best part for some is that the RV sites start at only $66 per night.

Lake Cahuilla Campground

For tent or RV campers wanting to get a little further away and camp next to scenic Lake Cahuilla, this campground offers 96 sites for tents and RVs on a beautiful 710-acre park just a 15-minute drive away from the festival grounds. It’s also near the Santa Rosa Mountains, offering beautiful scenic hikes, so it’s also perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend a few extra days in the area enjoying outdoor activities. Sites start at $70, and reservations can be made on the Riverside County Parks website.

Thousand Trails Palm Springs

Thousand Trails Palm Springs is just 20 minutes from the festival grounds and offers hundreds of RV sites and cozy cabins on a 25-acre property. It offers modern amenities, including a large pool, restrooms, showers, guest laundry, and access to plenty of recreational activities. Full hookups start at just $81 each night, and reservations must be made online in advance.

Encore Palm Springs Oasis

For those traveling in RVs who want to get even further away and enjoy a luxurious RV campground for an affordable price, the Encore Palm Springs Oasis is perfect. It’s located in Cathedral City, the second most populated city in the Coachella Valley, situated at its northern end. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the festival grounds and offers 140 RV sites, including restrooms, showers, and a swimming pool. It also comes with free access to the nearby Date Palm Country Club, which has a driving range, tennis courts, and an exercise room. RV sites start at just $68 per night.

What To Pack for Coachella Camping

When packing for music festivals, pack as you would prepare for any summer camping trip. Here is a list of the essentials.

A portable power station or solar generator is ideal for charging your devices and running camping lights at night. For instance, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is a portable power station with 600W output that can be recharged with AC, DC, or solar panels. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) is a small solar generator that offers 245Wh capacity and comes with a compact, lightweight 45W portable solar panel for easy recharging off the grid.
A tent with a good rain fly, a raincoat, and appropriate shoes for camping in the rain is recommended since you never know what kind of weather spring will bring, and you don’t want to get rained out and have to leave early.
Sleeping bag and pillow.
The EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner to beat the heat.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat.
Comfortable shoes.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
Sweatshirt or jacket for nighttime.
Camping lights.
Portable shower—optional but nice-to-have.
The EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refridgerator keeps your perishables at food-safe temperatures. It lasts up to 40 hours wirelessly on a charge and has a built-in ice maker for ice-cold drinks.
Food for meals and snacks.
Plenty of drinking water.
Propane cooking stove, as butane and wood are not allowed.
Cooking pots, pans, and eating utensils.

Tips for Camping at Coachella

Now that you know where to camp and what supplies to bring, here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your trip to this iconic event.

The best tip is to make your reservations early. This is a popular festival, and sites can book up months before it begins. So, if you intend to camp on the grounds or at one of the nearby campgrounds, plan ahead and book early.

While getting dressed up for the festival might be fun, comfortable shoes are a must. Unless you are staying in the preferred spots next to the festivities, plan on walking a lot to get to and from the shows. By the end of the festival, your feet will be sore, no matter what shoes you wear, so plan accordingly.

Bring a raincoat and appropriate shoes just in case it rains. However, it’s more likely to be very sunny and may get hot even in April, so bring a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid getting burned. Also, it can still get a bit chilly at nighttime in spring, so pack a sweatshirt or jacket.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Coachella?

Camping costs at Coachella vary depending on your spot. Standard tent and car spots cost about $150 + fees, and preferred spots closest to the festivities cost $375. Glamping and resort options are also available, starting at around $3000 and up.

Can You Sleep in Your Car at Coachella?

You can sleep in your car at Coachella when you purchase a car camping spot. Standard car spots are $150 + fees, and preferred spots closest to the festivities are $375. Note that your car is locked on the grounds once you enter and cannot leave until the festival ends.

Final Thoughts

Camping at Coachella is an exciting way to immerse yourself in the festival experience, but preparation is essential. Whether you choose on-site tent camping, car camping, luxury resorts, or affordable nearby tent or RV sites, booking your reservation early is key. Pack smart with essentials like a reliable tent, camping lights, and comfortable clothing to handle the heat and possibly chilly nights. Now, gear up, and don’t forget your EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series portable power station to keep your devices charged and your camping setup powered all weekend long.