Quick Comparison
Car Camping
Pass Cost: ~$125
Total (1 person): ~$625-725
Best For: Budget, social experience
RV Camping
Pass Cost: $950-$1,500
Total (split 4 ways): ~$750-1,200/person
Best For: Comfort, sleep quality, groups
The Honest Truth About Both Options
Let's skip the marketing speak. Coachella camping is a commitment either way—you're in the California desert for 4 days in April when temperatures can hit 100°F+. Both car camping and RV camping have passionate advocates, and both have real trade-offs.
The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, comfort tolerance, group size, and how much sleep quality affects your festival enjoyment.
Car Camping: The Breakdown
What You Get
- • Space: 10x30 ft spot for your car + tent
- • Location: Lot 8 area (close to venue entrance)
- • Amenities: Shared bathrooms with showers, charging stations nearby
- • Community: High-energy, social atmosphere
- • Flexibility: Just need your car and camping gear
Car Camping Pros
- Lowest cost option - Pass is ~$125, and you use gear you already own
- Prime location - Car camping is in Lot 8, close to the festival entrance
- Social atmosphere - Meet neighbors, make friends, party vibes
- Flexibility - Drive your regular car, no special vehicle needed
- The "authentic" experience - Part of festival culture for many
Car Camping Cons
- Heat is brutal - Tents become saunas by 7-8am, no escape from 100°F days
- Sleep quality suffers - Heat, noise, ground sleeping = exhaustion by Day 3
- Shared bathrooms - Porta potties and communal showers (better than inside festival, but still...)
- No climate control - You're at the mercy of desert weather
- Limited storage - Everything is in your car or tent, security concerns
- Dust everywhere - No sealed environment to escape it
RV Camping: The Breakdown
What You Get
- • Space: 15x40 ft spot for RV up to 40ft
- • Location: Lot 4 or Lot 8 (depending on pass)
- • Amenities: Your own bathroom, shower, kitchen, beds, AC (with generator)
- • Community: More relaxed, still social in Lot 4 especially
- • Privacy: Sealed, lockable environment
RV Camping Pros
- Air conditioning - The single biggest game-changer in the desert
- Real sleep - Actual bed, climate control, quiet(er) environment
- Private bathroom - No porta potty lines, your own shower
- Kitchen - Save money on $15 festival meals, make your own food
- Home base - Secure storage, place to retreat, charge everything
- Dust-free zone - Sealed environment to escape the particles
- More energy for the festival - Being rested = better experience
RV Camping Cons
- Higher upfront cost - Pass + RV rental adds up
- Generator required - No hookups, need fuel for AC
- Generator quiet hours - No AC from 1am-8am (when you want sleep most)
- Lot 4 is farther - 15-20 min walk to entrance if not in Lot 8
- Complexity - Driving/delivery logistics, more planning
- Passes sell out faster - Harder to secure, especially Lot 8
Real Cost Comparison
| Expense | Car Camping | RV Camping (4 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Camping Pass | $125 | $1,000 ($250/person) |
| Festival Ticket | $550 | $550 |
| RV Rental | $0 | $1,200 ($300/person) |
| Tent/Gear | $0-200 (if buying) | $0 |
| Generator/Fuel | $0 | $150 ($37/person) |
| Festival Food (4 days) | $150-250 | $75-150 (cook some meals) |
| Total Per Person | $825-1,125 | $1,062-1,287 |
| Difference | ~$200-300 more for RV (split 4 ways) | |
The math: When you split RV costs among 4 people, the price difference is surprisingly small—about the cost of a nice dinner. The bigger your group, the better RV economics become.
Who Should Car Camp?
- Budget is the #1 priority - Every dollar counts
- You're young and resilient - Can handle heat and minimal sleep
- You want maximum social experience - Meet tons of people
- Going solo or with 1-2 friends - RV economics don't work as well
- You've done it before and loved it - You know what you're signing up for
- The "roughing it" is part of the experience for you
Who Should RV Camp?
- Sleep quality matters to you - You want to actually enjoy Day 3 and 4
- Heat is a real concern - You don't do well in 100°F weather
- You have a group of 4+ - Cost per person becomes very reasonable
- First-time Coachella - Reduce variables, focus on the festival
- You value privacy - Your own bathroom, space to retreat
- You're 30+ - Not an age thing per se, but recovery matters more
- Health considerations - Need reliable climate control, medications that need refrigeration, etc.
The Hybrid Approach
Some groups get creative: book an RV for sleeping/AC and have some members with car camping passes for the social scene. The RV becomes home base while car camping friends have their own space nearby. You get the best of both worlds, though it requires more passes and coordination.
The Verdict
There's no universally "right" answer. Car camping is a legitimate choice for those who prioritize budget and social experience over comfort. RV camping is worth the premium for anyone who values sleep, comfort, and having energy throughout the festival.
If you've never done Coachella and have the budget, RV camping reduces the unknowns and lets you focus on the music and art. You can always "downgrade" to car camping in future years if you decide you want that experience.
Ready to go the RV route? Read our complete Coachella RV Camping Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RV camping at Coachella worth the extra cost?
For most people, yes. The air conditioning alone makes it worthwhile - desert temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Add in a real bed, private bathroom, and kitchen, and the comfort upgrade significantly improves your festival experience. When split among 4-6 people, the per-person cost difference is often $100-200.
Can I upgrade from car camping to RV at Coachella?
Coachella does not allow pass upgrades. You must purchase the correct camping pass type from the start. If car camping passes sell out, you cannot switch to RV (and vice versa). Plan ahead and buy the pass type you want during the initial sale.
Which is more social - car camping or RV camping?
Car camping tends to be more social with a younger, party-oriented crowd and closer proximity to neighbors. RV camping can be social too, especially in Lot 4, but there is more personal space and privacy. Both have strong community vibes.
More Coachella Guides
Dathan co-founded EventFleetRV and leads client relationships and business development. His background in hospitality and event management helps clients plan and execute memorable RV experiences for festivals, productions, and corporate events.