Field guide

notes from camp, not a brochure

Shambhala RV and Camper Camping: Starlight and Sunshine Vehicle Passes

Jim sitting outside an RV at a desert festival camp

Shambhala at the Salmo River Ranch in BC includes free tent camping, but sleeping in your vehicle needs a Vehicle Pass.

What the official site says

  • Vehicle Passes are bought at the gate, first come first served, card only.
  • Starlight is for camperized vehicles or trailers with a permanent bed: $139 CAD regular, $225 CAD oversized (2026).
  • Sunshine allows vehicle or trailer camping: $99 CAD regular, $185 CAD oversized (2026). No power.
  • Anything over 20 feet total length, trailer included, counts as oversized.
  • No generators at all, including the one built into your RV. There's no public power for things like hair dryers; you can charge a phone at the General Store.
  • Propane or butane camp stoves are OK. BBQs, hibachi-style stoves, propane heaters, propane fire pits and campfires are not, and liquid fuels like white gas and jerry cans of gasoline are banned.

Source: the official Shambhala tickets and camping page and plan your journey page, checked 2026-10-18.

Rental tips

Vancouver and Calgary are the big rental hubs, both a long drive away, so take your time on mountain roads. If you're crossing from the US, check that your rental company allows taking the RV into Canada. Since generators are banned, pick a rig with a big house battery, or bring a solar setup, and plan on a cooler instead of the 12V fridge.

New to festival RVs? Read Renting an RV for a music festival first.

Book it

Check Cruise America RV dates and prices

Check El Monte RV rentals

Browse privately owned RVs on RVshare

Packing for it? Start with our fest kit, then run the Pack Planner to fill the gaps in the rest of your camp.

Quick answers

Can you camp in an RV at Shambhala?

Yes, with a Starlight or Sunshine Vehicle Pass bought at the gate.

How much is a Shambhala vehicle pass?

In 2026, Starlight was $139 CAD regular and Sunshine was $99 CAD regular, with oversized options.

Rules and prices come from each festival's official site as of October 2026 and change every year. Always confirm on the official page before you book.