While most music festivals are in big cities or on open and rural land, Hangout Fest offers festivalgoers a unique opportunity to listen to their favorite musical acts along the sunny beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. This summer festival attracts laid-back music lovers and beach bums from across the country for the chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of good songs and gentle ocean waves for three days.
Those heading to Hangout Festival must plan every aspect of the trip, including sleeping accommodations. Many people wonder if they can camp at the festival to cut costs and enjoy a natural experience, and we have the answers below. Learn your camping options at Hangout Fest, get a complete packing list, and find expert tips to make your time at the festival enjoyable.
Can You Camp at Hangout Fest?
Hangout Fest does not officially offer on-site camping for attendees. Those with tickets are responsible for finding their accommodations elsewhere, such as nearby campgrounds or RV parks, hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals.
Gulf Shores neighbors Orange Beach and Pensacola, FL, giving you access to tons of lodging options. Choose from primitive camping, powered RV sites, budget-friendly motels, or luxury beachfront resorts with all the amenities.
If a camping experience is what you’re after, there are several campgrounds and RV resorts within close driving distance of the festival. One of the most popular is Gulf State Park, which offers cottage bookings, cabins, full hook-up RV sites, and tent campsites along the beach.
One thing to remember if you plan to camp is daily transportation to and from the festival. Hangout offers a pre-paid shuttle service from various lodging locations throughout the area, which can be a huge help. Check to see if the location you’re thinking about staying at is along the official shuttle route.
Camping Options at Hangout Fest
- Resorts—Resorts are one of the most popular lodging choices for Hangout Festival because of their location. Many beachside resorts are available, and there are luxury options and more budget-friendly choices.
- Tent Camping – Tent Camping is also available beyond the festival grounds, such as at the nearby Gulf State Park, which offers beachside access.
- Car Camping – Car camping may also be available in specific campgrounds or RV parks. Just ensure any parking lot you park in allows overnight parking.
- Hotels – Hotels are easy to find in these parts, whether you need an affordable motel or are willing to spend more for luxury amenities.
- Vacation Rentals – Vacation rentals like VRBO or Airbnb are popular among large festival-going groups who wish to stay together and split the cost of lodging. Plenty of beach condos and other vacation rentals are available nearby; however, the festival shuttle may not provide door-to-door service for these spots.
Campsites Near Hangout Fest
Want to camp while attending Hangout Fest? While camping is prohibited on festival grounds, you have many choices nearby. These include campsites for RVs, car camping, tent camping, and more (like cabin or cottage rentals, canvas tents, yurts, etc.).
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground is close to the event–it’s even situated on the same beach as the festival. There are 496 full hookup campsites with paved pads and eight primitive, tent-only spots. Tents are also welcome at the full hookup sites.
Campground amenities include several bathhouses, laundry facilities, trail access, a camp store, a nature center, a swimming pool, a splash pad, tennis and pickle ball courts, horseshoe courts, and volleyball courts. Sites also include picnic tables and pedestal grills. The campground is 1.5 miles from the white sand beaches and is accessible via trails.
Island Retreat RV Park
Another popular option for those driving RVs to the festival is Island Retreat RV Park. This well-appointed RV park is nestled into the local foliage of Fort Morgan Road and less than three miles from Gulf Coast beaches. Here, you’ll enjoy pool access, bike trails, free WiFi, 24-hour laundry, outdoor activities, and a little library! Each campsite includes a concrete pad and 50/30 amp full service.
Gulf Shores/Pensacola West KOA Holiday
The Gulf Shores/Pensacola West KOA Holiday is also available, as it is the only true Bayview KOA on the Gulf Coast. It sits along Perdido Bay, where you’ll hear soft waves and birdsong and be greeted by breathtaking sunrises (and perhaps a show from the local dolphins!). The campground has RV sites, cottages, tent sites, and extended-stay lodging, giving you plenty of options to customize your stay.
Sugar Sands RV Resort
This retro-style RV resort offers 82 sites and five stylish tiny homes to rent. Sugar Sands RV Resort even offers boat parking if you want to access the resort by water. All RV sites have 30/50 amp power, water and sewer hookups, and access to amenities that will make your stay more comfortable. Enjoy a pool and kid’s splash pad, indoor pickleball, WiFi, pool table, playground, fitness center, washhouse, showers, and laundry.
What To Pack for Hangout Fest Camping
Before you head to Hangout Fest, ensure you’ve packed all the right gear because it can make a massive difference in your experience. Here’s what to bring (whether you’re staying in a hotel, rental, or campsite) to enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable weekend.
- Tent
- Canopy – bring shade for extra relief from the sun beyond the confines of your tent
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad or air mattress
- Comfortable pillow and lightweight blanket
- Folding camp chairs – so you can relax at your campsite
- Earplugs and sleep mask – sleep better after long days of music and dancing
- Bug spray – keep the mosquitos at bay
- Wet wipes – great to stay fresh in between showers
- Flashlights, lanterns, or headlamps and extra batteries
- Camp stove
- Non-perishable snacks
- Utensils, plates, cooking supplies
- First aid kit and medications
- Hygiene supplies
- Ice-filled cooler or portable refrigerator
- EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank – keep your phone charged for festival maps, schedules, photos, and friend meetups
- EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station – perfect for powering campsite fans, lights, and other small electronics
- EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) – Charge multiple devices at once and never run out of power with energy generation capabilities
- EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner – Beat camping in the summer heat and cool down your tent
- Wristband and ID – bring your festival pass and a government ID for entry and drink passes
- Clear bag or small backpack – If you want to bring items into the festival with you, ensure the bag meets festival size and safety requirements
- Light clothing layers
- Comfortable footwear – closed-toe festival shoes, rain boots (in case you’re camping in the rain), and flip-flops for campsite lounging and showers
- Sun protection – SPF, sunglasses, and a hat
- Towel or lightweight textile – for lounging on the beach between sets
Tips for Camping at Hangout Fest
- Choose your campsite wisely – Book a nearby campground or RV park, and reserve your spot early. Gulf State Park is a popular destination for tent camping or cabin rental, while other commercial RV resorts are also easy to find.
- Stay powered up – A portable power station or solar generator is essential for keeping electronics and camp appliances charged, especially if you’re camping with a large group of people.
- Beat the Alabama summer heat – Alabama in May can be brutal, especially during the day. Bring a portable fan or air conditioner to stay cool while dancing and to cool down the temperature in your tent at night.
- Plan for shade – Don’t expect shade at your campsite; plan to bring your own. Bring a canopy, tarp, or reflective tent cover to keep your campsite a cool retreat.
- Stay hydrated – Keep clean drinking water and a reusable water bottle or hydration pack handy. Bring ice in a cooler or portable refrigerator so the water is always refreshing.
- Bring snacks – Keep your energy up with easy-to-eat snacks like protein bars, nuts, and fruit.
- Prioritize your sleep setup – Bring a comfortable sleeping pad or air mattress and an all-season tent so you can recover from long festival days with a quality night’s sleep.
- Pack for convenience – Bring things like dry shampoo, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer to make your life as easy as possible during the festival. Showers may be limited.
- Take advantage of free water stations – Your campground and the festival should have free water stations; always fill up to avoid dehydration.
- Arrive early to popular sets. Is there someone on the schedule you’re dying to see? Plan to see the artist who performs on the stage before them and stick around to get a good spot, especially if it’s the main stage.
- Wear sand-ready footwear – The shoes you wear will likely have to walk through sand, so pack breathable sneakers or flip-flops.
- Use the festival shuttle – If you’re not staying somewhere within walking distance of the festival, you can use the official festival shuttle service to get to and from the main event each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camping costs at Hangout Fest vary based on the campground you choose since the festival does not offer onsite camping. Nightly camping fees can range from $30 to several hundred dollars, depending on the site type and amenities available.
No, you cannot sleep at Hangout Festival or the surrounding areas in your car. Festival security will require anyone sleeping in their vehicle to leave. If you want to camp in your car, you’ll need to find a nearby campground that allows car camping.
Final Thoughts
Hangout Festival is a laid-back, easy, ocean-breezy music festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, that takes place each summer. While it’s not a camping festival and camping on the premises is strictly prohibited, festivalgoers can still enjoy a camping adventure by finding RV or tent accommodations at nearby campgrounds.
Remember that what you pack dramatically impacts your overall experience, so don’t come without a power solution from the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series to power up all your festival memories.