Why RV Camping is Perfect for First-Timers
Coachella can be overwhelming. Desert heat, massive crowds, sensory overload. RV camping removes several stress factors so you can focus on the experience:
- ✓ Air conditioning when you need to escape 100°F heat
- ✓ Real bed = actual sleep = energy for 3 full days
- ✓ Private bathroom (no 3am porta potty walks)
- ✓ Your own space to decompress between sets
- ✓ Kitchen to save money and eat when you want
The Coachella RV Timeline
Planning ahead is critical. Here's when things happen:
Tickets & Passes On Sale
General admission and camping passes go on sale. RV passes sell out FAST - be ready to buy immediately.
Book Your RV
Secure your RV rental. Delivery services and traditional rentals start filling up fast for Coachella dates.
Plan & Prepare
Finalize travel, start gathering supplies, coordinate with your group on shared costs.
Festival Time
Arrive Thursday, set up, and enjoy three days of music and art.
Arrival Day: What to Expect
Getting There
RV camping gates typically open Thursday at 9am. Plan to arrive mid-morning if possible. Too early means sitting in line; too late means limited spot options within your lot.
- Fill up with gas and supplies in Palm Springs (15 min away) - Indio gets crazy
- Have your camping pass and festival wristband ready to show
- Follow the clear signage to your lot (Lot 4 or Lot 8)
- Staff will direct you to your spot - be patient, it's organized chaos
Setting Up
Once you're in your spot, you cannot move your RV. Choose wisely - think about shade angles and proximity to bathrooms/venue entrance. Then:
- Level your RV with blocks if needed
- Set up your generator and test that AC works
- Create your outdoor living space (canopy, chairs, rug)
- Introduce yourself to neighbors - you'll be there together for 4 days
- Do a supply check - anything forgotten can be grabbed before lines get crazy
Common First-Timer Mistakes
❌ Underestimating the Heat
It can hit 100°F+ during the day. First-timers often don't realize how brutal the afternoon sun is. Plan to be in your air-conditioned RV or in shade from 12-4pm on hot days. Hydrate constantly.
❌ Not Bringing Enough Fuel
No hookups means your generator is your AC. Running out of fuel means no cooling. Bring 20-30 gallons and fill up before arriving. Gas runs during the festival are a nightmare.
❌ Forgetting Layers for Night
After scorching days, nights drop to the 50s. People pack for heat and freeze during late-night sets. Bring a hoodie or light jacket.
❌ Trying to See Everything
Coachella is massive. Trying to catch every set leads to exhaustion. Pick your must-sees, leave room for discovery, and take breaks. Your RV is there for a reason - use it.
❌ No Meeting Point Plan
Cell service is spotty with 100,000 people. Establish a meeting point with your group and set times to reconnect. "Meet at the RV at 6pm" is a good fallback.
Your Daily Festival Rhythm
Here's what a typical day looks like for RV campers:
First-Timer Pro Tips
Download the Coachella App
Schedule builder, set times, map, and notifications. Essential for planning your days.
Make Friends with Neighbors
RV camping community is friendly. Neighbors can watch your stuff, share supplies, and enhance the experience.
Explore Beyond Music
Art installations, food vendors, and random experiences are half the magic. Don't just stage-hop.
Pace Yourself Day 1
First-timers often go too hard on Friday and are exhausted by Sunday's headliners. Marathon, not sprint.
Embrace the Unexpected
Some of the best Coachella memories come from stumbling onto unknown artists or random experiences. Leave space in your schedule.
What to Bring Into the Festival
Your RV is your home base, but you need a day pack for the festival grounds:
- Hydration pack - Water is life. Free refill stations everywhere.
- Sunscreen - Reapply every few hours.
- Portable charger - Your phone will die.
- Sunglasses and hat - No shade on the polo fields.
- Light layer - For when temps drop at night.
- Earplugs - Protect your hearing at front of stages.
- Cash - Some vendors are card-only, some cash-only. Have both.
- ID - For alcohol purchases.
Leaving / Check-Out
Festival ends Sunday night. You typically need to be out Monday by noon. Tips:
- Pack up non-essentials Sunday morning before the last day of music
- Get some sleep Sunday night - you'll be tired and facing a drive (or RV return)
- Leave early Monday to avoid the mass exodus
- If using a delivery service, coordinate pickup timing
- Leave your spot clean - pack out what you pack in
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coachella RV camping good for first-timers?
Yes, RV camping is actually ideal for Coachella first-timers. It reduces many of the discomforts that can overwhelm newcomers (heat, dust, poor sleep) so you can focus on enjoying the festival. The learning curve is easier when you have AC, a real bed, and your own bathroom.
What time should I arrive at Coachella for RV camping?
Arrive Thursday morning (gates typically open at 9am). Earlier arrival means better spot selection within your lot. Avoid arriving too early as there will be a line and you cannot enter before gates open. Wednesday arrivals are not permitted.
Can I leave the Coachella RV camping area and come back?
Your RV must stay in the camping area once parked - you cannot drive in and out. However, you can walk/shuttle in and out freely. If you need to leave with your vehicle, you forfeit your camping spot. Plan accordingly for supplies.
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.