An RV carries a lot, which is exactly why crews overpack the wrong things. This is the list we work from for a US festival weekend in a rented or owned rig.
Check the fest rules first
RV rules decide half this list. Coachella doesn't allow RVs at all (coachella.com/camping). At Bonnaroo there are no water hookups or dump areas, just a paid mobile water and pump service (Bonnaroo RV FAQ). At Camp EDC, water and pump-outs cost extra and there's no refueling (Camp EDC RV page, Camp EDC guidelines). See RV-Friendly Festivals 2027.
Power
- A quiet power station where gas generators are banned: Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 or Goal Zero Yeti 300. Rules: Generator & Power Rules 2027.
- Power banks for the day: Anker 20K 45W.
- If you're buying a hookup at EDC, the power add-on needs a cable of at least 75 feet with a 30 or 50 amp connector (Camp EDC RV page). Ask your rental company what's on board.
Water
- Refill jugs so you're not paying for water service every day: Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 gal 2-pack.
- Personal bottles: 32 oz wide-mouth bottle and electrolytes.
- Save the tank: no-rinse body wipes and RV-friendly toilet paper.
Dust and the deposit
- Sealed goggles and N95s for you.
- Sealed bins for clothes and bedding, a boot tray at the door, and a dustpan and brush.
- Full method: how to dust-proof a rental RV.
Shade and outside space
Your site is your whole footprint (about 20' x 50' at Bonnaroo, and awnings must fit inside it), so plan shade that fits: Shade & Canopies, screw-in stakes, ratchet straps, and how to secure a canopy in wind. Chairs: Camp Chairs & Comfort.
Kitchen
Check cooking rules per fest; Camp EDC allows small propane grills or stoves with small tanks, up to 4 lbs per group (Camp EDC RV page). Our picks: Camp Kitchen, collapsible sinks and cooler packing.
Sleep and night
Mask and earplugs, a rechargeable fan, headlamps and camp lights.
Paperwork
RV pass, companion vehicle pass if you have one, and everyone's wristbands. At Bonnaroo a companion vehicle must arrive with the RV or its pass is void (Bonnaroo RV FAQ).
Related
Renting an RV for a festival · Festival camping from an RV or car · RV vs tent · printable checklist
Shop the kit: our Festival RV Kit pulls the basics into one page, with an Upgrade tier too. Then run the Pack Planner.
Rules come from each festival's official page as of October 2026 and change every year. We only list what the festival has published. Always confirm on the official page before you book.