Governors Ball Festival Guide: Power Solutions for a Seamless Experience

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Gearing up for Governors Ball? This iconic summer music festival, conveniently located in the heart of New York City, attracts music lovers from across the country. If you plan on attending this year, this guide will share all the must-know information to prepare you for a great time. From camping accommodations and recommendations to a comprehensive packing list and insider festival tips, everything you need for a fantastic festival experience is below.

Can You Camp at Governors Ball?

Unfortunately, camping is not permitted on-site at Governors Ball or elsewhere within Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where the festival occurs. Not all festivals are camping festivals designed for attendees to set up a campsite on the property for a seamless and contained experience. Festivals like Governors Ball that don’t allow camping are intended to host attendees only during active festival hours while musical acts perform, leaving guests to arrange their own accommodations elsewhere. Many attendees stay with friends or family nearby, book hotels nearby, find Airbnbs for the whole group, or opt for other campgrounds close to the festival grounds.

You should note that no camping is allowed at Governors Ball, including bringing a tent in during the day for shade or privacy. Tents are strictly prohibited, so leave them at your campground when you head in for each day of music and activities.

Camping Options at Governors Ball

Nearby Campgrounds: Several campgrounds within an hour’s drive of the campground will allow you to camp and commute to the festival grounds each day. These will be your best bet if you prefer to camp during the festival, as you won’t be able to camp in your car, an RV, or a tent anywhere at the festival.
RV Parks: Many RV-friendly locations in and around NYC provide electricity, water, sewage hookups, and other amenities.
Tiny Home Rentals: Some people consider staying in a tiny home a form of glamping (glamorous camping), which is also an option for Governors Ball.

Alternative Lodging Options for Governors Ball

If you don’t find what you’re looking for in terms of camping options, you could choose other accommodations nearby.

Hotels: Since Governers Ball is located in New York City, it’s usually easy to find a hotel within close proximity. This alternative provides the comfort and convenience of real beds, bathrooms, showers, air conditioning, and more.
Vacation Rentals: Rentable homes and apartments through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO are also popular choices, especially for those looking for accommodations for larger groups.

Campsites Near Governors Ball

Are you looking for the best campsites near Governors Ball in NYC? We’ve done the research to make your camping accommodations for this music festival easy.

Nickerson Beach Campground

Situated on Lido Beach, NY, Nickerson Beach Campground is an option for RV campers or attendees interested in tiny home camping. The “Tinys,” as the campground refers to them, are modified RV trailers fully stocked with comfortable amenities—from a kitchen and living room to a bathroom, shower, AC, and storage space. Spacious RV spots are also available for registered RV owners. Note that tents are not permitted on RV sites. This beach location is a relaxing contrast that will greet you when you return from the festival’s bustling energy.

Liberty Harbor RV Park

In nearby Jersey City is Liberty Harbor RV Park, with 50 RV sites fully equipped with water and electric connections, plus a dump station. Park amenities like WiFi, restrooms, hot showers, and an on-site bar and restaurant make for a comfortable stay. It’s also located close to public transportation, so you won’t have to worry about getting to and from the festival during your stay.

Skyline RV Camp

Are you bringing your pet along for the adventures? Skyline RV Park may be the camping spot you’re looking for. This pet-friendly campground has electric hookups for your RV, full bathroom facilities, and WiFi to stay connected. While there’s no dump station on site, there is a water fill-up station. You’ll appreciate its convenient location in relation to Flushing Meadows.

Peconic River Campgrounds

Thirty minutes from Long Island is a rustic camping experience along the Peconic River. This private campground allows campers to set up anywhere on the property and pitch a tent. They may also be able to accommodate smaller camper units, but you must call ahead of time to arrange that.

Camp Gateway Brooklyn

Luckily, Governors Ball takes place during the seasonal opening of Camp Gateway Brooklyn. This is a nearby urban option for tent camping with basic amenities and easy access to the city. If you don’t want to venture too far out and are comfortable with a primitive camping experience, this is a great camping choice.

What To Pack for Governors Ball Camping

Your music festival camping experience is only as good as your music festival packing skills. Bring essentials for camping, power, cooling, and more:

Compact Power Bank: Pack a slim power bank for on-the-go charging within the festival itself. It’s a critical addition that will help you avoid power emergencies and ensure you can always get in contact with your group. The EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank is the perfect choice to charge your phone with a quick turnaround.
Robust Power Solution: Camping for a full weekend requires appliances for cooking, cooling, comfort, and more, so don’t go without a high-capacity portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus or a solar generator like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator.
Cooling Solution: Camping in the summer in New York is hot and humid, so consider your comfort with a portable cooling solution. A battery-powered fan is perfect for keeping cool during the festival. At the same time, a portable AC unit like the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner can run in your tent at night, so you’re always comfortable.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Historical data shows the average temperature in New York over the past 10 years is around 70º-75º, but temperatures may drop as low as 61º or climb as high as 82º. Pack moisture-wicking clothes to beat the humidity, lightweight rain jackets, and sun protection like SPF or a large sun hat.
Comfortable Shoes: Bring supportive shoes for long festival days on your feet and easy slip-ons for campsite convenience. Consider packing rain boots or waterproof shoes, as rain showers in the past have made festival grounds rather muddy.
Food and Water: Bring plenty of fresh drinking water, a cooler filled with perishable foods, non-perishable snacks, and cooking supplies like electric camp stoves, coffee makers, and utensils.
Sleeping and Shelter: Bring an all-season tent, high-quality sleeping bag, inflatable mattress or sleeping pad for ground insulation, and comfortable pillows.
Communication and Navigation: Pack a festival map and a waterproof phone case. Consider downloading offline digital maps as well.

Tips for Camping at Governors Ball

Camp With a Group: Create a sense of community at the campground you choose by going with a large group. You can arrange transportation together in and out of the festival and keep the party going once you return each night.
Set Up a Charging Station: Ensure no one runs out of battery on their phone by setting up a charging station at your campsite with a portable power station, power bank, or solar generator.
Weatherproof Your Setup: You never know what the weather will bring while you’re inside the festival, so protect your campsite before you leave with tarps and waterproof containers in case of unexpected rain.
Prepare Meals in Advance: Prepare as many of your camp meals as possible ahead of time so you only have to put in minimal effort when hunger strikes and you’re tired from the long festival days. Easy camp-ready meals include quesadillas, burritos, and hotdogs.
Create a Morning Routine. Start your festival days off on a good note with a routine that includes showering, drinking plenty of water, eating a filling breakfast, and leaving at least two hours before any must-see act performs to allow for entrance line waits and transit delays.
Make Your Campsite Comfortable. Think of your future, post-festival self, and bring items like portable camping chairs, shade structures, inflatable couches, and cooling devices to create your own oasis at your campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Governors Ball?

Camping isn’t available at the festival, so it depends on how much nearby campgrounds charge. Generally, tent sites can range from $35-100 per night for tent camping, $50-150 for RV camping, or more for options like tiny home camping or cabins. Camping prices often increase over festival weekends, so book early for the best rate.

Can You Sleep in Your Car at Governors Ball?

No, overnight parking is prohibited, so you cannot sleep in your car at Governors Ball or within the Flushing Meadows Corona Park. If you prefer to car camp as your sleeping accommodation, look into nearby campgrounds that allow car or tent camping. Remember that sleeping in your car in retail parking lots may not be permitted.

Final Thoughts

Although Governors Ball is not a camping festival, and there’s no on-site camping available, plenty of options in the nearby NYC area can host you in your RV, tent, or other camp-like accommodations, such as tiny home rentals. For the most seamless festival experience, plan in advance and pack accordingly. Bringing ample supplies, including a power solution like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series, will optimize your camping and keep your essential devices powered for the festival’s duration.