How Much Is Camping At Coachella

If you’re planning your Coachella adventure, you’ll want to know all your lodging options. So, how much is camping at Coachella? The answer depends on the type of camping you choose and when you book it. This guide breaks down every cost, from the basic car camping pass to the luxurious safari tents, so you can budget for your perfect festival experience.

Camping at Coachella is a rite of passage. It puts you in the heart of the action and lets you fully soak up the festival’s unique vibe. But before you pack your tent, you need to understand the pricing structure. Coachella offers several tiered camping options, and prices increase as the festival dates get closer and passes sell out.

Official Coachella Camping Options & Current Pricing

All camping requires a valid festival pass for the corresponding weekend. Camping passes are sold separately. Here’s a detailed look at the standard options. Remember, these are base prices and are subject to fees and taxes.

Car Camping: This is the most popular choice. You get a 30’x10′ spot to park your car and set up camp next to it. The earlier you buy, the closer you are to the festival entrance. Prices typically start around $125 per spot.
Preferred Car Camping: This guarantees a spot in the closest rows to the festival gates. It’s a major upgrade if you want to minimize walking. Prices usually start at $300+ per spot.
Tent Camping: For those arriving on foot, by shuttle, or ride-share. You get a 10’x15′ space to set up a tent. This is often the most affordable option, with passes starting around $110.
Lake Eldorado: A significant step up! This area provides pre-set tents for you (with cots or air mattresses) and includes access to private showers and bathrooms. Prices are per person and start around $1,100 for two people.
Safari Tents: The pinnacle of Coachella camping. These are luxurious, fully furnished tents with real beds, daily housekeeping, exclusive viewing areas, and gourmet meals. Prices are per person and start at around $8,500.

Breaking Down the Hidden and Additional Costs

The pass price is just the beginning. To avoid sticker shock, you must factor in these essential extras. Many first-timers forget these and end up over budget.

Festival Pass: You cannot camp without a valid GA, VIP, or Guest pass for the same weekend. GA passes start around $500+.
Service Fees & Taxes: The checkout process adds significant fees. Expect to pay an extra 20-30% on top of the listed pass price.
Camping Gear: If you don’t own a tent, canopy, sleeping bags, or coolers, you’ll need to rent or buy them. Quality gear for a weekend can easily cost $200-$500.
Food & Water: While you can bring your own, you’ll likely buy some meals and drinks inside the festival and campgrounds. Budget at least $50-$100 per day.
Supplies & Extras: Sunscreen, battery packs, shade walls, decorations, a camping rug, and a portable fan are not optional in the desert. This can add another $100-$200.
Shower Tokens: Showers in the general campgrounds are not free. Tokens cost a few dollars each, so budget for at least one shower per day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Camping Spot

Securing your spot requires strategy. Follow these steps to improve your chances.

Create an Account Early: Go to the official Coachella website and make an account with Front Gate Tickets well before the sale date. Save your payment info.
Join the Waiting Room: Log in to the sale page at least 30 minutes before the announced sale time. You’ll be placed in a virtual waiting room.
Act Fast at Checkout: When you get in, add your festival pass FIRST, then your camping pass. Have a backup camping option in mind in case your first choice sells out.
Complete Payment: Double-check your weekend and pass types! Enter your payment details quickly to secure your order.
Consider the Payment Plan: Coachella usually offers a payment plan. This spreads the cost over several months but includes additional fees.

What If Camping Sells Out?

Don’t panic. There are still options if you miss the initial sale. The official resale through the Coachella Lyte waitlist is the safest bet. Avoid third-party sites like Craigslist, as passes are registered and scams are common. Sometimes, additional passes are released closer to the event, so set Twitter alerts for official announcements.

Maximizing Your Camping Budget

You can have an amazing time without spending a fortune. Here’s how to be smart with your money.

Go With a Group: Split the cost of one car camping spot between 4-5 people. You can fit multiple small tents or one large one under a canopy.
Borrow Gear: Ask friends and family for tents, coolers, and canopies before you buy new ones.
Meal Prep: Cook most of your meals at camp. Pre-make and freeze dinners like burritos or pasta. Bring a grill that’s allowed (no open flames).
Share Supplies: Coordinate with your campmates so you don’t end up with five bottles of ketchup and no mustard.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle: Use the free water refill stations. This saves you hundreds on bottled water over the weekend.

Essential Packing List for Coachella Camping

Packing right is crucial for comfort and savings. Here’s a condensed list of must-haves.

Shelter & Sleep: Tent, heavy-duty stakes (for wind), canopy (10’x10′ EZ-Up), tapestries for shade walls, sleeping bag, sleeping pad or air mattress, pump, and pillows.
Clothing: Comfortable shoes, hats, sunglasses, bandanas, layers for cool nights, and costumes.
Survival Kit: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, aloe vera, a first-aid kit, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, earplugs (for sleeping), and a sleep mask.
Food & Hydration: Large cooler with ice, non-perishable snacks, easy-to-cook food, a camp stove (propane only), utensils, plates, and a giant refillable water jug.
Comfort & Fun: Camp chairs, table, battery-powered string lights, portable phone charger, speaker, and games.

Comparing Costs: Camping vs. Hotels & Rentals

Is camping actually cheaper? Let’s do a quick comparison for a group of four for one weekend.

Car Camping (Group of 4): One Car Camping pass ($125) + Four GA passes ($2,000) = ~$2,125 total, or ~$531 per person for lodging and festival entry.
Hotel (Group of 4): Four GA passes ($2,000) + Hotel room for 3 nights ($800-$2,000+) + Shuttle passes ($100 each) + Rental car/parking/gas = ~$900+ per person, often much more.

While camping requires a gear investment, it is almost always the most cost-effective option, especially for groups. You also get the full, immersive experience which many people feel is worth it on its own.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Camping Experience

A few insider secrets can make your trip ten times better. Trust those of us who have learned the hard way!

Arrive Early on Thursday: Lines to get into the campgrounds can be hours long on Thursday afternoon. Aim to arrive in the morning for the quickest entry and best spot selection within your area.
Secure Everything from Wind: The desert wind is no joke. Use heavy stakes for your tent and canopy. Lower your canopy every time you leave camp.
Meet Your Neighbors: The camping community is fantastic. Being friendly makes the experience safer and more fun. You might make life-long friends.
Use the “Cold Cooldown” Trick: Freeze gallon jugs of water. They’ll keep your cooler cold for days, and you’ll have cold drinking water as they melt.
Plan for Dust: Bring bandanas or dust masks. Your belongings will get dusty, so keep electronics in ziplock bags.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to camp at Coachella?
The base cost ranges from about $110 for a tent camping spot to over $8,500 per person for Safari Tents. The most common option, car camping, starts around $125 for the spot itself, not including the festival ticket.

What is the price of Coachella camping?
Prices are tiered and increase as the festival approaches. Always check the official Coachella website for the most current pricing, as costs change every year.

Is Coachella camping expensive?
Compared to other festival camping, it’s moderately priced. The value comes from the location and community. When compared to hotel stays in the area during the festival, camping is almost always the cheaper option.

Can you bring your own food and drinks to Coachella camping?
Yes! This is one of the biggest ways to save money. You can bring all your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is allowed only in the campgrounds (not in the festival) and is subject to rules (e.g., no glass).

Are there showers for campers?
Yes, there are shower facilities in the campgrounds. They are not free in the general camping areas; you need to purchase tokens. Lake Eldorado and Safari camping include private shower access.

How many people can stay on one car camping spot?
You can have one car and as many people as can safely fit in the 30’x10′ space. Most groups have 4-5 people per spot. Everyone must have their own festival wristband.

Figuring out the cost of Coachella camping is the first step to an unforgettable adventure. By understanding the pass types, budgeting for hidden fees, and packing strategically, you can focus on what really matters: the music, the art, and the incredible people you’ll meet. Start planning early, book your passes the moment they go on sale, and get ready for a weekend you’ll never forget in the Indio desert.