12 Car Camping Mistakes to Avoid at Coachella 2025

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As festival season unfolds, the spotlight is on Coachella 2025, where a massive crowd converges in the California desert. While many attendees are gearing up for the upcoming Stagecoach festival, the events of Coachella Weekend 1, particularly the car camping complications, are still fresh in the minds of those who followed the unfolding drama from home. Numerous videos and commentary have emerged, providing a glimpse into the challenges faced by festival-goers.

Social media platforms like TikTok filled up with viral videos capturing scenes of extensive traffic delays and frustrating experiences, including struggles with inadequate access to drinking water and bathroom facilities. Attendees, many of whom invested over $600 for tickets plus additional fees for camping, likened their experiences to that of Fyre Festival, citing disorganization and chaos. Organizers have issued apologies, yet there are crucial lessons that campers can learn from this year’s mishaps.

With personal experience from years of living out of vans and tents, I understand firsthand the significance of being well-prepared for camping, particularly during music festivals. As the peak camping season approaches, I’ve compiled some critical mistakes to avoid when car camping at events like Coachella and provided simple hacks to enhance your experience. Investing in specific gear can significantly improve comfort, with some essentials available for as little as $8. Here’s a rundown of common pitfalls and effective solutions for a successful camping experience.

Mistake: Car camping without a backup bathroom plan

Solution: Dibbatu Disposable Urine Bags

Access to a bathroom is a basic necessity, yet many festival-goers found themselves without this option for hours leading up to Coachella. Before setting up camp at a festival, it’s vital to have a contingency plan. One effective solution is using disposable urine bags, which can be purchased in packs for around $8. This way, you can avoid last-minute scrambles to find a suitable spot for relief.

Mistake: Being unprepared for high temperatures

Solution: Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan

At Coachella, daytime temperatures frequently soar above 90°F. One camper expressed the discomfort of waking up in a hot truck each morning. To combat this problem, consider a portable fan. Priced around $16, this rechargeable fan can provide airflow for up to 10 hours and features flexible positioning, making it an excellent aid in keeping your tent cool.

Mistake: Forgetting that temperatures drop at night

Solution: Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag

The desert environment is characterized by extreme temperature variations. Nights can be surprisingly cold, making a quality sleeping bag essential. The Kelty Catena 30 sleeping bag, designed for temperatures as low as 30°F, is budget-friendly and can also be unzipped for use as a blanket, making it a versatile option for casual campers.

Mistake: Leaving your campsite unsecured

Solution: Safego Portable Safe

While theft is not common at Coachella, securing your valuables is prudent. A portable lockbox can safeguard your belongings when you step away from the campsite. Simply attach it to a fixed object in your car to keep items secure.

Mistake: Running out of battery power to charge devices

Solution: Jackery Solar Generator 240 v2 and 40W Mini Solar Panel

Charging stations at Coachella can become overcrowded, especially as the festival progresses. To avoid power shortages, consider bringing a Jackery solar generator and mini solar panel, which are lightweight and can keep your devices charged throughout the weekend while harnessing abundant sunlight.

Mistake: Waiting in long lines for showers

Solution: Kipida 5-gallon Solar Shower Bag

Reports from festival attendees highlight frustratingly long waits for showers. Instead of enduring these delays, you can opt for a portable solar shower bag. Priced around $15, this solution allows you to enjoy a private shower experience without the inconvenience of waiting in line.

Mistake: Losing your tent to a gust of wind

Solution: Fstop Labs Screw-style Tent Stakes 8-pack

Wind can wreak havoc on campsite setups, and securing your tent is essential. Consider using screw-style tent stakes, which provide better stability without the risk associated with metal stakes that are prohibited at Coachella.

Mistake: Not bringing enough snacks

Solution: Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler

Dining expenses can escalate quickly at festivals due to the high prices and scarcity of food access. A high-quality cooler, such as the Yeti Tundra, ensures your items stay cold and allows for self-catering that can save money and enhance your festival experience.

Mistake: Letting the sun turn your car into a sauna

Solution: EcoNour Reflective Windshield Sunshade

To keep your vehicle’s interior cool, a reflective windshield sunshade is a must-have. This affordable accessory significantly reduces heat, protecting both your car’s interior and your food and electronics from becoming overly warm in extreme temperatures.

Mistake: Spending too much on coffee

Solution: Stanley Adventure All-in-one Boil + Brew 32-oz French Press

Festival pricing can lead to exorbitant costs for basic necessities like coffee. Instead of purchasing costly cups, consider bringing a French press that can boil and brew coffee right at your campsite, providing a more economical and satisfying caffeine fix.

Mistake: Trying to sleep without earplugs

Solution: Loop Ear Plugs

Ensuring a good night’s sleep in a bustling campsite may require a pair of quality earplugs. Loop earplugs offer exceptional noise reduction while remaining comfortable, making them suitable for both sleeping and easing the festival noise during the day.

Mistake: Running out of water

Solution: Umetass Collapsible 5-gallon Water Container 2-pack

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in scorching conditions. A collapsible water jug can streamline hydration efforts, allowing you to refill as needed without multiple trips. Keep it folded until you’re ready to fill up for the weekend.

These practical strategies can help to mitigate common car camping challenges while enhancing the overall festival experience. By planning ahead and equipping yourself with the right tools, you can navigate the excitement of events like Coachella with greater ease and comfort.

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www.travelandleisure.com