The Essentials
Government-issued photo ID
Bedding and shelter of some type (tents/sleeping bags, pillows)
Tarps for under your tent and to keep your stuff dry during load-in/out
Tent stakes and a mallet – stake down your tent so it doesn’t become a sail!
Seating, because you can’t dance forever
Three gallons of water per person per day for drinking, dishwashing, food prep, etc. Keep a water bottle with you (try a reusable one!)
Enough food and beverages for your entire group for the length of your stay
All required prescriptions and medications
First aid kit
Hygiene items – toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.
Clothes for warm, cold, wet, and dry conditions (pack an extra set in a water-tight bag for pack-out!)
Sturdy closed-toe footwear. Good, solid rain boots are recommended.
Extra socks, likely more socks than you think you need.
Clothes, costumes, wigs, makeup. Be wary of anything with feathers, glitter, etc. that can become MOOP!
Garbage bags
Can or bottle opener
Portable ashtrays if you smoke (try mint tins)
Headlamps or flashlights
Fresh batteries
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Insect repellant
Reusable dishes and utensils
A cup for beverages. Many camps serve drinks, but you must have your own cup
Anything else you can’t live without (insurance card!)
Nice to Have
Shade structures, umbrellas, rain gear, other things to keep you dry if it rains
Coolers for perishable food and drinks
Cooking stove and fuel
Cooking utensils, pots & pans, etc.
Lighter(s) if you want to start a fire
Single-ply toilet paper
Paper towels or rags
Wet wipes (do NOT put “flushable” wipes in the portos or the toilets!)
Earplugs; not everyone will sleep when you do
Sleep eye mask; see above
Watertight protective bags like heavy Ziplocs for cameras, electronic gear, etc.
Rope, string, paracord, duct tape, zip ties
Sun hat or umbrella
Simple tool kit and a sewing kit
Spare car keys
Extra snacks and drinks for when you’re hungover or have an upset stomach (pedialyte is great, so are probiotics)
Drums, flow toys, etc. for the Effigy burn
Abundant amounts of whatever makes your life better: beer, bacon, chocolate, coffee, etc.