Living the vanlife-style offers rare freedom and the ability to experience enriching cultural events. It may come as something of a surprise, but many of the top music festivals in North America are van-friendly. There’s no need to cram shoulder-to-shoulder in concert halls, or pay for expensive hotels when you can set your GPS and bring all the comforts of your home to these festivals. Check out the top music festivals that are camping friendly below and get ready to have the best summer ever.
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Edmonton, AB – Aug. 4-7
After more than four decades, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival has emerged as something of a Canadian tradition. Held in Gallagher Park, the gathering maintains a grassroots feel and showcases popular and niche talents such as The War on Drugs, Allison Russell, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Lord Huron, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Vanlifers can secure a campsite at nearby Rainbow Valley Campground, located along the Whitemud Creek. For tickets and more information about this sustainable folk festival, visit Edmonton Folk Music Festival.
Bonnaroo
Manchester, Tennessee – June 16-19
This legendary music festival continues to offer Vanlife camping opportunities on the 650-acre Tennessee farm. Known for household name musicians, Bonnaroo offers options for RVs, pre-assembled tents, group sites starting at 24 people, and electricity. This year’s diverse lineup features Stevie Nicks, Machine Gun Kelly, J. Cole, Tool, CHVRCHES, Ludacris, and Whiskey Myers, among many others. For tickets and camping information, visit Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.
The Country Fest
North Lawrence, Ohio – June 15-18
The Country Fest showcases some of the genre’s most talented stars and three nights of camping. Vanlifers are advised to come prepared for a dry, non-electric event with headliners including Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett, and Hardy, among others. Every campsite at Clay’s Resort Gallstone Park is an ample 1,000 square feet, and the festival allows three rigs and up to 10 people at each. Off-site parking is also available. For tickets or more information, visit The Country Fest.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Telluride, Colorado – June 16-19
Held in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival features the finest talents in a fantastic landscape with panoramic views. They also know how to have fun a Telluride with Nightgrass events, Bela Fleck, Watchhouse, and Tenacious D is expected to make an appearance. Overnight stays come at a premium and there are nearby campgrounds such as Mary E. Campground, among others. Check your boondocking apps and visit Telluride Bluegrass Festival for more information.
Hinterland Festival
Saint Charles, Iowa – Aug. 4-7
Held at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, this laid-back indie-folk fest offers diverse camping and RV opportunities that even include electricity. Folk and roots music lovers will recognize some of the iconic talents headlining Hinterland. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Phoebe Bridges, UK band Glass Animals, and Lake Street Drive make this a compelling road trip. For more information and camping options, visit Hinterland Festival.
Photography: Jacob Avanzanto
Sonic Bloom
Spanish Peaks Country, Colorado – June 16-19
Held at the Hummingbird Ranch, Sonic Bloom boasts Colorado’s top electronic music lineup and activities. This year’s headliners include Tipper, Lettuce, Lab Group, Detox Unit, Of The Trees, and Yheti, among other EDM talents. One of the more proactive festivals concerning camping, EDM-lovers can reserve family camp spaces near the Kids Zone or experience Vanlife among revelers. Sonic Bloom is tailored for festival stays and even posts a camping checklist for people new to the lifestyle. For tickets or more information, visit Sonic Bloom.
Electric Forest
Rothbury, Michigan – June 23-26
Known for funky jam bands and electronic music, Electric Forest continues its in-the-trees tradition with another stellar lineup. The Disco Biscuits, Griz, Porter Robinson, and Big Gigantic co-headline a seemingly endless lineup of talents over four days. Although a parking space and camping spot come with a general admission ticket, Vanlifers and camping enthusiasts can upgrade to an electric RV spot, tent camping spaces, or cabins under the shady trees. For tickets and more information, visit Electric Forest.
High Sierra Music Festival
East Quincy, California – June 30-July 3
Between headliners, late shows, and troubadour sessions, the High Sierra Music Festival continues to prove it’s a year-over-year must-attend Vanlife event. This year’s lineup features Railroad Earth, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, and artists at large such as Scott Pemberton. The festival embraces the nomadic lifestyle and weekend campers with ample tent and RV spaces. If the melodic sounds and sunshine attract Vanlifers en masse, High Sierra offers off-site camping complete with a shuttle service. For tickets or more information, visit High Sierra Music Festival.
Photography: Peach Music Fest
Peach Music Festival
Scranton, Pennsylvania – June 30-July 3
Reportedly founded by the Allman Brothers, the Peach Music Festival is immersed in the picturesque landscape of the Montage Mountain Ski Resort. Known for classic rock and iconic bands, this year’s lineup features The Black Crowes, The Revivalists, G. Love & The Juice, The Wailers, and groups celebrating the legacy of the Allman Brothers. RV parking passes are available as well as camping opportunities. For more information, visit Peach Music Festival.
Boots and Hearts Music Festival
Oro-Medonte, Ontario – Aug. 4-7
Held at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, the lineup of Country music stars features some of the most popular artists. Shania Twain, Sam Hunt, Walker Hayes, Niko Moon, and Florida Georgia Line are among the top talents making this worth the trip. Vanlifers will be pleased to discover the grounds offer tent camping, RV spots, hybrid options, and car-camping is a thing. You can select from dry, and 50-30 amp locations. This is considered Canada’s largest Country music festival. For tickets and more information, visit Boots and Hearts Music Festival.
Photography: Jake Jacobson
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Oak Hill, New York – July 14-17
Held on the hillsides of the Walsh Farm, Grey Fox ranks among the premier roots music festivals in the country and remains camping-friendly. A well-oiled camping fest machine, the folks at Grey Fox provide detailed information about camping passes, what to bring, and a comprehensive map. It’s important to keep in mind the terrain can be hilly when selecting a camping space. Festival-goers typically gather at campsites, playing music and singing songs into the wee hours. This year’s lineup includes Steve Earl and the Dukes, Bela Fleck, The Del McCoury Band, Donna the Buffalo, Sam Bush Band, The Steel Drivers, artist-in-residence Jerry Douglas, and host band Dry Branch Fire Squad, among others. For camping information and tickets, visit Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.
Rocklahoma
Pryor, Oklahoma – Sept. 2-4
Labor Day Weekend is the last breath of summer, and Rocklahoma has knocked the rock n roll socks off attendees year after year. This all-outdoor camping rock fest has featured among the most famous performers. Past headliners include Anthrax, Rob Zombie, Disturbed, Bush, and Godsmack, among others. If you like big hair, wearing leather, and hard-rocking music Pryor, OK, might just be the place to be his Labor Day. Keep an eye out for the 2022 lineup or roll the dice and secure a pass for one of the five adjacent campgrounds. For more information, visit Rocklahoma.
Wherever you choose to travel, we hope you have a chance to attend some of these camping-friendly, North American music festivals. For the van to take you there, visit Rec Van.
