How to Stay Powered at Austin City Limits Festival

Festival season is upon us and people from all over the world will be flocking to Texas to enjoy the music at Austin City Limits. With an amazing lineup, you don’t want to miss out on any of the action ahead. 

Music festivals are some of the most amazing experiences—but only if you’re properly prepared for the multi-day event. To ensure you have the time of your life, we’ll touch on some important tips and tricks you can follow to ensure you stay powered up, well-rested, and ready to go for the entirety of the festival.

Can You Camp at the Austin City Limits Music Festival?

One of the most celebrated aspects of many music festivals around the world is that festival-goers can camp on-site. This experience is unlike any other and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the festival culture for days on end. 

Unfortunately, Zilker Park, the location in which Austin City Limits takes place, doesn’t allow for on-site camping. But don’t fret—there are plenty of other nearby camping options that many attendees opt to stay in to socialize, make new friends, and have the full experience. 

Whether you’re an avid camper or just looking to get your start, choosing to camp while attending Austin City Limits will be a memorable and unique experience you’re guaranteed to enjoy. 

Camping Options at Austin City Limits Music Festival

While there are no on-site locations for you to stay overnight, there are plenty of options that are just a quick drive away.

• Resorts: If camping isn’t your thing, there’s nothing to worry about. Austin is filled with excellent hotels and resorts just a few moments away from Zilker Park. You can visit the Austin City Limits site to learn more about local accommodations that may be offering deals for festival attendees. 
• Tent Camping: There are no campsites in Zilker Park. While this may be disappointing for some attendees, there are still plenty of locations where you can get the festival camping experience while attending this specific festival. Austin is home to tons of different campgrounds and many festival attendees choose to stay in them each night. Follow online forums and stay in touch with other attendees to see where the party is headed. Be sure to book your spot early, as local campgrounds will fill up quickly.
• Car Camping: There are also no car camping lots onsite at the festival, though this is allowed elsewhere. You can typically camp in your car at local campgrounds, and there may even be some nearby lots that allow overnight parking. Do your research and call ahead to ensure you will not be ticketed for sleeping in your car in any of these locations, as there are some specific rules that surround overnight parking.

Campsites Near Austin City Limits Music Festival

If you’re unwilling to miss out on the festival camping experience, you’re not alone. Tons of ACL festival goers will stay at one of the following nearby campgrounds, and you’re sure to make some friends if you can book a site. Be sure to book early, as these campgrounds have limited availability and will book up quickly.

McKinney Falls State Park

This state park is perfect for those who want to take in the beautiful Texas scenery during their stay in Austin. Approximately 15 miles away, McKinney Falls offers cabin, tent, and RV camping for visitors to choose from. There are only 81 campsites available at this campground, which fill up quickly, so make sure to book as soon as you have your festival tickets. 

There are plenty of fire rings and picnic tables around the park, making it a great place to meet other festival-goers and reminisce about your Austin City Limits experience when the concerts end. 

Pecan Grove RV Park Park

This centrally located RV park is a popular destination for many Austin City Limits attendees. Full hookups are available on-site, making it the perfect spot to set up your RV for days on end. 

This location is only a mile outside of Zilker Park, and many guests choose to walk to and from the festival each day to save on rideshare services and parking fees. Spots are very limited at this popular spot, especially around festival weekends, so make your reservations as soon as you can if you wish to enjoy this park that’s so close to the festival.

Lockhart State Park 

If you wish to stay a little further from all the action, consider booking a spot at Lockhart State Park. This campground has tent sites and RV hookups and offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Extend your stay and explore some of the many trails on site that traverse the over 250 acres of land that make up the park. 

There’s even a golf course on-site for those who wish to spend some time out on the greens during the downtime of the festival. 

Austin Lone Star RV Resort

Not even ten miles away from the ACL festival is the Austin Lone Star Resort. This location is great for car and tent campers and specializes in RV hookup options. No matter how long you plan to stay in Austin before or after the event, this is a great spot to set up and make a comfortable campsite to enjoy as long as you please. 

It’s easy to elevate your campsite with the proper tools. Items like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W), EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner, and the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus are guaranteed to take your camping set-up to the next level of comfort, allowing you to relax and enjoy your evenings after long days of great music.

What To Pack for Austin City Limits Music Festival Camping

While you can’t camp onsite, here are some essentials you should have for the festival and when you return to your nearby campground each night. 

• Food and Snacks: While there will be plenty of food and drink vendors at the festival, it can be hard to get to them quickly, especially if you are holding your spot for an upcoming performance. Plan ahead and pack plenty of non-perishable snacks and electrolytes to ensure you stay hydrated and nourished to enjoy every single performance. 
• Clothing Layers: In Austin, Texas, temperatures can be quite toasty—even in October. Bring along enough layers so that you can add or remove them to keep your temperature comfortable.
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be spending hours and hours on your feet when attending any music festival. You’ll also have to walk a long distance when returning to your campsite each night. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and choose practicality over style to ensure you can actually enjoy those long days on your feet. 

Tips for Camping at Austin City Limits Music Festival

• Stay Connected: Cell service may not be reliable while you are at the festival, but you should always keep your phone charged in case of an emergency. The EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank is the perfect backup power solution for all types of festivals and will guarantee you have a way to quickly charge your device. 
• Plan Ahead for Transportation: Rideshare is offered at these music events, but it will be absolutely slammed when the performances come to an end each night. Plan ahead and be prepared to pay surge pricing throughout the festival.
• Make Reservations Early: All of the local campgrounds book up fast. If you are planning on camping during the festival, call ahead and be sure to make your reservations as soon as you have your tickets purchased. There is limited availability at these sites, and people travel from all over the world to attend ACL, so it can be difficult to find a spot if you don’t move quickly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

If you’re lucky enough to be attending the Austin City Limits Music Festival, you’re just a few short months away from the experience of a lifetime. This year’s lineup is sure to be memorable, and we hope this guide will help you make the most of your experience. 

If you do plan on camping at a nearby site, be sure you are prepped and ready. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series is the perfect companion for any camping trip and is sure to keep you powered up for the entire festival.