Ultra Music Festival Packing List: Powering Your Experience

Ultra Music Festival is one of the world’s most electrifying electronic music festivals. Thousands of fans come to Bayfront Park, Miami, to experience a lineup of world-renowned DJs, stunning stage productions, and an energetic atmosphere. One of the biggest challenges for festival goers is securing the perfect place to stay during the three-day event. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about packing and camping for Ultra Music Festival, from choosing the best campsites to essential packing lists and pro tips for making the most of your trip. 

Can You Camp at Ultra Music Festival?

No, you cannot camp at Bayfront Park, where the festival is held, but there are many options nearby to secure your stay. Many festival goers choose to camp instead of booking a hotel or Airbnb. It’s more cost-effective than Miami’s expensive hotels, with more availability. While camping, you’ll likely stay next to others attending the festival, making meeting new people easier. 

Camping Options at Ultra Music Festival

• RV parks and resorts
• Tent camping
• Car camping
• Glamping
• Cabin rentals
• State parks and natural camping areas

Campsites Near Ultra Music Festival

Miami Everglades RV Resort

Located 30 miles south of Miami, this RV resort is the perfect tropical escape for music festival goers. It offers many amenities, including full RV hookup sites, tent camping areas, and cabins for rent. The resort also has laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and a camp store for essential camping supplies. While not at the festival, you can enjoy the heated swimming pool, pickleball courts, and mini-golf course. 

Remember that this campsite is about a 40-minute drive to Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park. It’s the perfect distance to enjoy high-energy music all day while returning to a peaceful environment to rest at night. If you don’t have a car to commute, book a rideshare or shuttle. However, due to high demand, these should be booked in advance. 

Larry and Penny Thompson Campground

This 270-acre campground is one of the largest in South Florida. For accommodations, hook your RV to one of 240 full-service RV sites or stay in a separate tent camping area. Each RV site has electric and water hookups, while the campground has clean restrooms, laundry, and hot showers. While staying here, lay out on the beach or swim at the freshwater lake to cool off from the summer heat. 

Visit Zoo Miami, which is located next to this campground, or the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. The drive to Ultra Music Festival takes 30 minutes, so plan in advance for transportation. 

Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA

This well-maintained KOA campground is only 35 minutes from Bayfront Park. KOAs are known for quality service, and this one offers a variety of lodging options. Stay in a tent or an RV, or rent a cabin. RV sites have full hookups. The campground’s amenities include a dog park, swimming pool, showers, and a general store. 

There’s lots to do here, like boat tours, exploring beaches, and shopping. Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the country, is nearby. Most campers depend on rideshare to get to the festival, which can cause long wait times. Schedule rides in advance to avoid waiting and price surges. 

Embassy RV Park

This RV park is also located in Fort Lauderdale but is smaller than the KOA campground. It’s affordable and practical. This RV park offers a more urban camping experience with essential amenities. There are full electric and water hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry, and a community lounge area. Only RVs are allowed to camp here; no tent sites are available. 

This park is close to Hollywood Beach, a major attraction for vibrant beach dining and a boardwalk. Game and enjoy a night out at the nearby Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This park is also 35 minutes from Bayfront Park, so arrange transportation well in advance. The Brightline train is always an option. 

Long Pine Key Campground

If you’re looking to combine Ultra Music Festival with an immersive camping experience, Long Pine Key Campground inside Everglades National Park is perfect. This remote campground is an hour’s drive from Bayfront Park, making it the farthest option on the list, but it’s the most unique. There are over 100 drive-up tents and RV sites, but no electrical hookups. You’ll need to bring a portable power station, like an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, for electrical power. Drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables are available. 

While visiting the Florida Everglades, look for alligators and wading birds in the cypress forests. The distance from Ultra Music Festival necessitates a rental car, and rideshares will be too expensive or unavailable. This campground is perfect for escaping the city noise and rewinding after spending the day in Miami. 

What To Pack for Ultra Music Festival Camping

• Tickets & ID: Your festival wristband, government ID, and pre-purchased parking or shuttle pass. 
• Cards and cash: ATM fees at the festival may be high, and some vendors will only take cash. It’s good to have some money on hand, just in case. 
• Earplugs: Protect your ears from loud music, especially if you’re near the speakers. Use them to sleep at night if the campsite gets too noisy. 
• Phone & Portable Charger: Bring an EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank to charge your phone while away from the campsite. The RAPID power bank magnetically attaches to the back of your phone and can act as a stand. 
• Hydration Pack or Water Bottle: Ultra Music Festival offers free water refill stations, so bring a container to keep you hydrated.
• Lightweight, Breathable Clothing: Miami is hot and humid. Pack moisture-wicking materials and something lightweight to cover your skin in case of a burn.
• First Aid Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, sleep aids, blister-specific bandaids, itch cream, allergy medication, and electrolyte drink mixes.
• Sunscreen: The Miami sun is brutal. Avoid a bad sunburn by wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen. Reapply it as often as the bottle label suggests. 
• Rain Poncho: Bring it to the festival and wherever you go to avoid getting caught in a sudden downpour. 

Tips for Camping at Ultra Music Festival

• Choose the Right Campground. Ultra Music Festival doesn’t have on-site camping, so selecting a nearby campground with the best amenities can make a fun trip even better. Book early; campsites near the venue fill up fast. 
• Prepare for Miami’s Weather. Prepare for unpredictable rain showers with extra tarps, a rain poncho, extra clothes, and a waterproof tent. Beat the heat with lightweight, breathable clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat. Drink plenty of fluids and keep electrolyte mixes on hand. Use an EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner at your campsite to cool off during the day and have heat at night. 
• Keep Your Valuables Safe. Bring a small, lockable storage container to keep valuables safe at your campsite. Bring your ID, cash, cards, and phone in a fanny pack or crossbody bag to the festival. Add unique decoration to your campsite to easily locate it at night. 
• Secure Your Transportation. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out how to get to and from the festival. Rideshare apps can have long wait times. Consider camping somewhere that offers a shuttle service. If driving, know your parking options in advance, and purchase passes if necessary. 
• Avoid Power Emergencies With a Backup Power Station. If your campground has limited charging stations, you’ll have unlimited power with an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W). You can power up portable fans, LED lights, and phones without worry. Having one just in case of unexpected power outages from overuse provides peace of mind and security. 
• Bring the Right Food and Supplies. Stay energized with easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, fruit, and trail mix. Plan full meals before making the trip. Keep your cooler filled with ice packs to keep drinks cold and perishable items fresh. Don’t forget to pack utensils and plates for cooking. 
• Pace Yourself and Enjoy. This three-day festival is a marathon. Give your body plenty of time to rest each night, take breaks in shaded areas, listen to your body to avoid exhaustion, and, most importantly, embrace the festival vibes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Spending a weekend at Ultra Music Festival is all about planning for the best experience. Whether tent camping, car camping, or RVing, finding somewhere to stay the night is key to avoiding stress during the festival weekend. Carefully pack the essentials, secure transportation, and book your accommodation. 

A backup power station is a must for festival camping. It ensures you can charge your phone, speakers, and other essentials without relying on crowded outlets. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series is the best choice. With its compact, lightweight design and fast charging capabilities, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable Ultra weekend.