Coachella 2026 Quick Facts
Dates: April 11-13 & April 18-20, 2026
Location: Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA
RV Camping Lots: Lot 4 & Lot 8
RV Pass Cost: $950-$1,500+
Max RV Length: 40 feet
Hookups: None (generator required)
Why RV Camping at Coachella is Worth It
Coachella transforms the California desert into a surreal art and music experience, but the desert doesn't care about your comfort. Temperatures swing from scorching 100°F+ afternoons to surprisingly chilly nights in the 50s. Tent camping means waking up in a sweat box by 7am, trudging to porta-potties, and zero escape from the relentless dust.
An RV changes everything. You get air conditioning during peak heat, a real bed for actual sleep, your own private bathroom, a kitchen to save money on festival food, and a home base where you can recharge (literally and figuratively) between sets. Yes, it costs more. Yes, it's absolutely worth it.
Coachella RV Camping Lots Explained
Lot 8 - Premium Location
- Distance: Closest to festival entrance (5-10 min walk)
- Price: Higher ($1,200-$1,500+ typically)
- Vibe: More premium, slightly quieter
- Sells Out: Within minutes of going on sale
- Best For: Those prioritizing convenience and willing to pay premium
Lot 8 is the golden ticket of Coachella RV camping. Being steps from the entrance means you can easily pop back to your RV during the day to cool off, grab food, or take a power nap between afternoon and evening sets. The proximity is game-changing, especially in the brutal afternoon heat.
Lot 4 - Standard RV Camping
- Distance: Farther from entrance (15-20 min walk)
- Price: Lower ($950-$1,100 typically)
- Vibe: More social, party atmosphere
- Sells Out: Within hours to days
- Best For: Budget-conscious campers who don't mind the walk
Lot 4 is where the party's at. The longer walk to the venue means you probably won't make mid-day trips back to your RV, but the camping community is more social. Many Coachella veterans actually prefer Lot 4 for the atmosphere. The money you save can go toward upgrades elsewhere.
RV Requirements & Rules
Size & Vehicle Requirements
- • Maximum length: 40 feet (including trailer tongue/hitch)
- • Spot size: Approximately 15 x 40 feet
- • Vehicle types allowed: Motorhomes, campers, conversion vans, RV trailers, fifth wheels
- • Must be self-contained: No external generators, water, or sewer connections provided
- • One vehicle per spot: Tow vehicles must stay with the RV or park in general car camping
Important Restrictions
- • No hookups: You must bring a generator and fuel
- • Generator quiet hours: Typically 1am-8am (enforced)
- • No ground fires: Propane grills allowed, no charcoal or open flames
- • No external sound systems: Keep music inside your RV or use headphones
- • Check-in window: Usually Thursday 9am-2am, no early arrivals
How to Get a Coachella RV Camping Pass
Coachella RV camping passes are notoriously difficult to secure. They sell out incredibly fast, often faster than general admission tickets. Here's how to maximize your chances:
Sign Up for Coachella Emails
Get notified the moment passes go on sale. Timing is everything.
Be Ready to Buy Immediately
Have your payment info saved. Passes can sell out in under 30 minutes for Lot 8.
Try Multiple Devices
Have friends ready on their devices too. The queue system can be brutal.
Watch the Resale Market
Coachella has an official resale platform. Passes do become available as plans change.
RV Rental Options for Coachella
Option 1: Delivery Service (Recommended)
The smartest move for Coachella is having an RV delivered and set up before you arrive. You fly into Palm Springs (15 min away) or LAX (2.5 hours), and your fully-stocked RV is waiting. After the festival, you leave and the service handles pickup. No driving a massive RV through LA traffic, no stress about navigating the polo fields, no post-festival exhaustion behind the wheel.
Get a Coachella RV delivery quote →
Option 2: Rent & Drive Yourself
If you're local to Southern California or want to make a road trip of it, you can rent from traditional outlets like Cruise America, El Monte RV, or peer-to-peer platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare. Just factor in mileage fees, the stress of driving/parking a large vehicle, and the fact that you'll be exhausted after 3 days of festival.
Coachella RV Camping Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RV Camping Pass | $950-$1,500 | Lot 4 vs Lot 8 |
| Festival Ticket | $500-$600 | GA 3-day pass |
| RV Rental (4-5 days) | $800-$2,000 | Varies by RV size |
| RV Delivery (optional) | $400-$800 | Saves driving stress |
| Generator Fuel | $100-$200 | For 4 days of AC |
| Food & Supplies | $200-$400 | Stock up before arrival |
| Total per Person (4 people) | $750-$1,400 | Split RV costs 4 ways |
Surviving the Desert: Essential Tips
Beat the Heat
- • Run AC strategically - afternoons are crucial
- • Bring reflective windshield covers
- • Portable fans for circulation
- • Freeze water bottles overnight
- • Schedule mid-day RV breaks
Dust Defense
- • Bring a doormat and outdoor rug
- • Keep RV doors/windows sealed
- • Pack bandanas and dust masks
- • Wet wipes are your best friend
- • Shower at night to wash off dust
Generator Strategy
Since there are no hookups, your generator is your lifeline. Here's how to manage it:
- Fuel up before arrival - Gas stations near the festival get crazy. Fill up in Palm Springs.
- Bring extra fuel - 20-30 gallons for 4 days of moderate AC use.
- Respect quiet hours - Generators off 1am-8am. Your neighbors will thank you.
- Run it smart - Don't run all day. Cool down the RV, then let it coast.
- Consider solar - A portable solar panel can help charge devices and reduce generator load.
What to Bring
Check out our detailed Coachella RV Packing List for the complete checklist, but here are the essentials:
- Generator + fuel + heavy-duty extension cords
- Shade structure/canopy for outdoor hangout space
- Cooler(s) with ice restocking plan
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats - desert sun is brutal
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 10+ miles/day)
- Layers for cold nights (it drops into the 50s)
- Portable phone chargers - multiple
Weekend 1 vs Weekend 2
Coachella runs two identical weekends. For RV campers, there are some differences worth considering. See our full breakdown: Coachella Weekend 1 vs Weekend 2
Weekend 1
- • More celebrity sightings
- • Higher energy/hype
- • Passes sell out faster
- • Potential surprise guests
Weekend 2
- • Slightly less crowded
- • Artists more polished
- • Sometimes cheaper tickets
- • RV passes may be easier to get
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Coachella RV camping cost?
Coachella RV camping passes range from $950-$1,500+ depending on the lot and availability. Lot 8 (closer to venue) is typically more expensive than Lot 4. This is just the camping pass - RV rental is additional.
What size RV is allowed at Coachella?
Coachella allows RVs up to 40 feet in length. Each RV camping spot is approximately 15x40 feet. Fifth wheels and trailers are allowed but count toward the total length. Pop-up campers and tent trailers require RV camping passes.
Are there hookups at Coachella RV camping?
No, Coachella RV camping does not have electrical, water, or sewer hookups. You must be fully self-contained with a generator for power. Quiet hours for generators are typically 1am-8am.
Can I get an RV delivered to Coachella?
Yes, many RV rental companies and fleet services offer delivery to Coachella. This is popular because you avoid driving a large RV and can fly into Palm Springs or LA. Services like EventFleetRV handle delivery, setup, and pickup.
When do Coachella RV camping passes go on sale?
Coachella RV camping passes typically go on sale in January, shortly after general admission tickets. They sell out within hours to days, so you need to act fast. Sign up for Coachella emails to get notified.
More Coachella Guides
Coachella RV Packing List
Complete checklist for desert festival camping - don't forget the essentials.
Car Camping vs RV at Coachella
Comparing your camping options - tent, car camping, or RV?
First-Timer's RV Guide
New to Coachella? Here's what RV first-timers need to know.
Weekend 1 vs Weekend 2
Which weekend is better for RV camping? We break it down.
Ben co-founded EventFleetRV and oversees all fleet operations and logistics. With extensive experience coordinating RV deployments for NASCAR events, major festivals, and corporate productions, he ensures every fleet delivery exceeds client expectations.