Heading to EDC this year? If you’re attending this iconic electronic dance music festival, congratulations–you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
Now that you’ve started planning your epic EDM weekend experience of music and dancing, it’s time to get serious about your EDC packing list. Before you can begin having fun, it’s important to think through the logistics of packing for a music festival.
If you’re wondering what you should pack for EDC specifically, this post is for you. If it’s your first time attending any music festival at all and are confused about where to start, we’ve got you, too.
Here’s your essential Electric Daisy Carnival packing list to grant you the most fun and comfort in your 3-day experience!
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Table of Contents
WHAT IS EDC?
Electric Daisy Carnival, commonly known as EDC, is the largest electronic dance music festival in North America. The annual flagship event is held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada during the month of May.
The event primarily features electronic dance DJs ranging from music sub-genres such as house, techno, dubstep, trance, and hardstyle. There are always big-name DJs performing, such as Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, Diplo, Alesso, Dillon Francis, Martin Garrix, Zedd, Kaskade, Kygo, Seven Lions, Adventure Club, Yellow Claw, Tiësto, and more.
EDC has also been held in a variety of other cities and countries in the past including Orlando, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the UK, Brazil, Japan, China, and India.
Most recently, EDC Las Vegas even expanded to include camping. This packing list includes an EDC camping essentials section to ensure that if you’re camping, you’re fully prepared for the whole experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT EDC
Weather
EDC Las Vegas is held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the month of May each year. Being so deep in the desert, you’re in for a very, very warm experience–yes, even in the month of May. Sorry, I’m not even going to sugarcoat it for you. I’m telling you this early on so you can mentally prepare yourself for it!
Las Vegas averages a daily maximum temperature for May that’s between 85 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 34 degrees Celsius).
The good thing about it is that you won’t need to spend too much time in the hot, sweltering sun as EDC primarily takes place during the nighttime.
EDC’s Opening Ceremony typically starts at 5:00pm, with the full grounds open from 7:00pm–5:30am. That’s right, you’re going to be partying all night long under the electric sky, not the beating sun!
Festival
Another thing you can expect at EDC is massive crowds. Seriously, there are so, so many people that attend this festival, with more and more attendees each year. With lots of people also comes long lines for almost everything–from the carnival rides to the bathroom lines, and food lines to the refillable water lines.
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is also humongous, and you will be walking 10+ miles at the venue alone. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must.
There will be carnival rides and visual exhibits for your enjoyment! Don’t have a DJ you want to see for a few hours? Go enjoy one of the many carnival rides or just walk around to take in the art installations all throughout the track.
Camp EDC
If you’re camping, there’s a lot more to look forward to.
At the heart of Camp EDC lies the Mesa, a bustling hub of entertainment, activities, and amenities that campers can enjoy and take part in all weekend long—from daytime pool parties, arts and crafts, to group classes that exercise your mind, body, and spirit.
Campers will have access to the Thursday night kickoff party on the Mesa, featuring surprise DJ sets.
There are also various shaded structures and areas you can explore, all featuring something different throughout the day:
- Sol – enjoy various activities like yoga, guided meditation, and rave aerobics
- Cascada – holds transformational activities, wellness workshops, and arts and crafts
- Tierra – features beauty stations, glam labs, the Camp EDC salon & spa, and massages with essential oils
- Oasis Pool – featuring drinks, special guest DJ sets, and tropical vibes all day long
As you can see, there’s so much to look forward to at EDC. And remember–if you are aiming to attend all 3 days, then treat EDC as a marathon, not a sprint!
With that, let’s dive into what you need to pack for EDC. (Looking for the EDC camping packing list? Jump down to the next section after this one.)
EDC PACKING LIST: FOR THE FESTIVAL
1. EDC tickets / wristbands
DO NOT forget these before you leave the house for EDC.
2. EDC Outfits
Don’t be afraid to get crazy with it! Anything goes at EDC, really–it’s a judgment-free zone!
Last time we went to EDC, we had an alien-themed night for one night, followed by regular outfits the next night. The fun part about it is that you have 3 nights to dress however you want.
The only recommendation I have here is this: PAIR YOUR OUTFIT WITH COMFORTABLE SHOES! You will thank me later.
Looking for some fashion inspiration? Here are some of my picks for fun and festive outfit choices for guys and gals!
3. Hydration Pack
A dedicated hydration pack can actually save you a ton of money inside the festival. There will be water stations all throughout the festival, meaning you can refill your water for free all night long. CamelBak backpacks are our favorite–these backpacks usually will have secure zippered pockets too, perfect for keys, phone, or other essentials.
Alternatively, you can also buy water at many food and alcohol stands. The drawback of this: not only will you have to wait in long lines, but you’ll also have to spend money on water, of all things!
4. Fanny Pack
If you are attending EDC with someone who is willing to share their hydration pack with you, then you can get away with just bringing a fanny pack to carry your belongings.
I love using fanny packs at music festivals because of how hands-free and secure they are. They won’t weigh you down at all, won’t get in the way of all the dancing you’ll do, and because you wear them in the front, it’s a lot harder for thieves to get to.
These fanny packs by Vibe Festival Gear were literally made for music festivals–they come in a bunch of unique patterns so find the one that fits your style the best.
If fanny packs are not your thing, good alternatives to the fanny pack are:
5. Neck pouch / wallet
If you’re a savvy festival goer, then you already know that music festivals are a pickpocketer’s wonderland. Hundreds if not thousands of people get their stuff stolen all the time at festivals. You don’t want to be that person.
If you think any of the above bags are too risky to keep your important possessions in (money, ID, credit cards), get yourself a neck pouch. These can be easily tucked and concealed under your shirt so even if your main bag gets stolen for any reason, you’ll still have your most important items with you.
We recommend Zero Grid’s Travel Neck Wallet because it also has RFID blocking which is crucial to protect against unwanted credit card scans and personal information theft.
6. Portable phone charger
Three to four days of camping and/or partying it up at EDC means your phone will inevitably run out of battery at some point. You won’t want to get lost and/or deal with a dead phone while trying to find your friends, so consider a portable phone charger a music festival essential and bring one along with you!
For a solar charging option, the Anker PowerCore Solar 20000 is great. It charges two devices simultaneously, and though it’s recommended to fully recharge the power bank before heading out on a trip, you can always recharge with the solar panels as a backup.
Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bank is another great option. It’s been tried and true by so many campers, festival-goers, and travelers alike! This one’s made for newer phones and can charge the iPhone 12 five times (or more than 4 full charges for Samsung Galaxy S10).
7. Cooling towels
Cooling towels are amazing because they can be used in so many ways–as a neck cooler, as a cooling bandana, or a chilled headband. Once, I’ve even had to put it over my head and eyes because the warmth of the heat (yes, even at night) was too much for my contact lenses while walking into the festival!
They work so well because the towel regulates the water inside to ensure water retention, acting almost like an air-conditioner. And just like sweat on your skin, when water evaporates, it cools.
It’s one of the best things you can bring with you to EDC if you plan to do a lot of dancing/sweating and want a way to cool off in between sets.
While I’ve loved the ChillPal for years because of how affordable it is, I recently discovered the Mission Cooling Hoodie Towel which is even more awesome as it acts as a cooling towel and as some sun protection (UPF 50, much needed at EDC during the day). What I love about this is that you can tuck the edges into your shirt and make it look like just a hood!
If you don’t want to invest in an actual cooling towel, you can always bring a regular towel and soak it with cold water to get that cool towel effect (though it won’t stay cool as long as an actual cooling towel).
8. Personal neck fan
These things have saved my life at multiple EDC’s throughout the year. Trust me when I tell you–there are times where being in the crowds is as breezeless as can be. If you are not one that copes well with heat like me, pack a battery-powered portable neck fan!
The O2Cool necklace fan works well, but another good option is the bladeless neck fan.
9. Face mask or Buff
Two reasons for this–dust and people. Keep yourself safe and healthy with a face mask or a Buff!
Pre-covid, we liked bringing our Buffs because they can be used for so many things other than as a face mask. Definitely a good investment.
10. Comfortable Walking Shoes
As I said, you will be walking 10 to 20 miles each night, easy. We recommend comfort over style here–that means running shoes are a better option than clunky Vans or stylish platform boots.
If you plan on going into the crowds, you can expect your shoes to be stepped on by other festival-goers at some point. Bring a pair of shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty!
If you don’t own any walking shoes or running shoes, here are some of my recommendations:
- On Cloud Running Shoes (men and women)
- adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe (women)
- adidas Ultraboost 22 Running Shoe (men and women)
A few weeks before the festival, you should start going on long walks, or at the very least, do some cardio to get used to standing/walking for prolonged periods of time. This helps your legs get used to the movement, so they don’t get completely fatigued after the first day of the festival.
If you plan on bringing some new shoes to EDC, walking in them ahead of time will help to break them in if they aren’t already.
11. Thigh Society bike shorts (for the ladies)
Let me be the first to tell you about my newest discovery on how to keep my legs and butt from becoming a huge sweaty mess… I love Thigh Society’s shorties for hot weather!
There are two different options I like depending on what look I’m going for. If I want to wear an above-the-knee dress on a hot night, I go with The Cooling 5″ option. It’s so thin, meaning “sweaty butt” won’t be an issue.
And it’s especially useful if it happens to be a windy day. These lil’ shorties make me feel so much more comfortable knowing that I have an extra layer of protection and coverage should the wind decide to do me dirty and lift my dress in one swoop. Or if I’m walking by a ton of people that are sitting down — can’t look up MY skirt!
The other pair that I have is The Original, which has become a staple in my hot weather arsenal too. They’re super-versatile because these guys are very opaque, meaning they can be worn alone or layered under clothes. I wear them while grocery shopping, working out, on airplanes, on road trips, and to music festivals when it calls for bike short vibes. Love ’em!
12. Flannel / Hoodie
Just because Vegas is hot as heck in the daytime does not necessarily mean it’s hot 24/7! Bring a hoodie, light sweater, flannel, or another sort of coverup for those unexpectedly cold, chilly nights.
For example–it was unexpectedly cold and windy at EDC 2019 and hoodies sold out fast (because everyone was freezing), so prepare for the weather ahead of time by checking the forecast.
Something you can easily pack away in your backpack or tie around your waist is ideal.
13. Wet Wipes / Hand Sanitizer
Very much necessary for after restroom use, before eating, after accidentally touching someone’s sweaty shoulder…there are lots of reasons where these WILL come in handy!
Because EDC requires that they must be sealed upon entry, these individually packed ones might be your best option. That way, you won’t need to bring in a new pack of unopened wet wipes every night.
14. Chapstick
Very much necessary if you are susceptible to dry lips. Remember, you’re going to be in the desert where dry air is all around you. Must be sealed upon entry.
15. Accessories
This includes anything that completes your EDC outfit, including hand fans, necklaces, bracelets, personal glow items (hula hoops, glowstick, light up headbands, etc.)
And of course, you can’t forget your wristbands, ID, wallet, and phone!
EDC PACKING LIST: FOR THE CAMPSITE
Our packing list below contains things you should definitely bring if you’re going to be camping at EDC. For a full list of things you CANNOT bring, check out the EDC car camping guidelines page here.
1. Camping pass
Seriously, don’t forget this. I have heard a lot of horror stories where groups have driven hours to get to EDC only to remember that they forgot to pack their festival wristbands and camping passes. Big, catastrophic uh-oh.
2. Camping chairs
You’ll want somewhere to sit when you’re not in your tent. Camping chairs are perfect and simple, but make sure they have cup holders for your drinks!
Alternatively, you can bring tufted floor pillows if sitting on the ground is more your thing.
Another option for seating is to get an inflatable couch. In fact, you might want to bring both for yourself just so you have multiple seating options. These things provide even more relaxation because you’ll feel like you’re resting in a hammock (as opposed to sitting up straight in a camping chair).
The Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch comes with elastic anchor loops to allow you to stake down your portable hammock when it’s windy. It also has large side pockets to hold books, glasses, snacks and an ice cold beer! Plus, they come in a lot of fun, unique colors.
3. Foldable table
A foldable table is a must-have for EDC RV or Shiftpod camping. This is where you will place all your food and drinks. If your group plans on playing games, it’s best to have a table to do it on so you’re not all straining your backs playing on the floor.
4. Foldable wagon or hand cart
Bring a foldable wagon with large wheels or carts to haul all of this stuff to your campsite. The reason why this is an EDC camping list essential is two-fold.
First, there is gravel (tiny rocks) everywhere. If you were planning on rolling your luggage to your campsite, good luck because your luggage wheels will be broken by the end of the trip.
Secondly, the distance from your car to check-in and then to your campsite is, well, quite some distance. You are physically going to get tired of lugging all of this stuff around in the heat!
Plus if you need to make return trips to your car the cart is that much handier.
5. Tapestries or tarps
In order to personalize your campsite so you can find it faster, bring tapestries to hang up. Tarps, bedsheets, and blankets from home will be your most affordable option, while colorful tapestries can be an affordable and really fun way to spice up the aesthetic of your campsite!
Consider some of these unique patterns/designs, or explore the expansive tapestry options here:
Flags and banners are also good options for distinguishing your campsite from others.
6. String lights
Spice up your campsite with some fun battery-powered string lights! Not only will string lights provide you with extra lighting at night, but they are so festive and will make your campsite easier to find in the dark.
String lights come in so many fun decorative shapes and sizes, so have fun with it! Here are a few that will help your campsite stand out from others:
7. Lanterns / headlamps
While it is usually really sunny and bright at EDC during the day, it gets pretty dark at night. If you need nighttime lighting for your campsite, bring something like this battery-powered LED camping lantern.
Bring a personal headlamp or small flashlight in case you need to build your campsite late at night, look for something in your campsite at night, or if you need to use the bathroom at night. Being hands-free while doing these activities is crucial!
8. Small locks
EDC recommends you bring 2 travel-sized locks for the doors to your tent. Preferably with a code so you don’t need to give a key to everyone who’s staying in your tent.
9. Air mattress / inflatable sleeping pad
For maximum comfort, go with an inflatable air mattress paired with a blanket or two. This is a good choice if you are not going to be camping with that many people and have more room for a larger tent.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring some air mattress repair patches or duct tape in case your mattress gets a leak somehow!
For a more compact option, bring your sleeping bag paired with a lightweight sleeping pad.
Whichever option you choose, these will be good investments as you can often use them in your own home, on future camping trips or even backpacking trips.
10. Sleeping bag / extra blankets
If you have the Moon Glow ShiftPod camping option, you will need to pack either an air mattress or a sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags will be fine for most people, but if you prefer more comfort, then an air mattress may suit you better. The artificial turf underneath the tents does offer some cushioning over the parking lot pavement, but I would still recommend you bring a sleeping pad to place underneath.
If you have the Desert Rose camping pass, then you won’t need any of this as beds and linens will be provided for you.
I would also recommend bringing a thin blanket in case it gets too hot at night to be inside your sleeping bag. If the nighttime forecast this year is going to be colder than normal, the extra blanket will be good as extra warmth over your sleeping bag.
11. Camping Pillow
Don’t forget to bring pillows for your camp setup! We like using inflatable pillows when we camp because they come with all of the comfort and none of the bulk.
12. Eye Mask / Earplugs
Eye mask: Absolutely necessary to shield your sleeping eyes from the bright sunrises of Las Vegas! An eye mask is also great if you are rooming with others and you like your privacy when you sleep.
Ear Plugs: Very, very necessary. Do you know how many people you’ll be camping with? Thousands! There will be so much noise all throughout the night (due to late-night partiers) and in the morning (hello, early risers).
The music tends to start up at 10am and you’re neighbors may play their own music even if you are far from the Mesa.
A good set of earplugs will grant you a decent if not a good night’s sleep! These earplugs by Mack’s are my absolute favorite.
Pro Tip: Earplugs are also good to bring into the actual festival because the music can be LOUD. Wearing earplugs is better for your ears.
13. Reusable Water Bottle
There will be lots of water refill stations inside CampEDC and the festival.
For something more durable that keeps your water cold for hours upon hours, Hydroflasks are my favorite for everyday use. These double-walled stainless steel bottles will be your best option because you will most definitely crave ice-cold water during your EDC trip!
14. Battery-powered fan
If I had to bring just five top essentials to EDC camping, this would hands-down be at the top of the list.
As a matter of fact, bring 2-3 of these battery-powered fans, because everyone will want to plop themselves down in front of a fan during the day. One is never enough! (Especially if you are with a group of individuals who need to apply a lot of makeup for the festival!)
15. Floor mirror / travel mirror
Speaking of applying makeup, don’t forget to bring a floor mirror! This will come in handy when the girls need to do their makeup or when everyone is getting dressed for the festival.
Any cheap, college student floor mirror from Target or IKEA will do!
For something more compact, opt for a battery-powered travel vanity mirror with built-in lights.
16. Portable Propane Stove or Camping Griddle
Cooking your own food is part of the camaraderie and fun of EDC camping! It’s always a good idea to cook at least 2 or 3 meals during your EDC camping experience. Planning the menu with your friends can be really fun, not to mention it’ll help the group save a ton of money collectively.
For a simple 2 burner option, go with the Coleman Triton Gas Camping Stove.
If your group is serious about meal-making, go with something more standalone such as the Camp Chef Explorer that comes with detachable steel legs and a 3-sided windscreen.
Along with your propane stove, you’ll also need to bring along any pots and pans you plan on using. And don’t forget to pack some gas tanks!
Don’t feel like cooking? You can always head to the food stands in the common campground area. Here, you’ll find lots of really great food options such as burritos, pizza, sandwiches, gyros, and even vegetarian options. But be forewarned, it won’t be cheap!
17. Cooler
For EDC, you’ll really want something with the power to really keep things cool. I mean, you’re in the desert so it’s going to be pretty darn warm. For us, this is the YETI Tundra 35 Cooler.
This cooler is an item that many outdoor enthusiasts yearn for in their lives, but not many pull the trigger on due to its heftier price tag. Bue one thing is for sure, with this cooler, your drinks and food will stay cold for days no matter where you are. It will most definitely hold up in the Las Vegas heat and save you money on having to replace the ice.
How expensive can ice be, you might think. Think $12+ per bag expensive! A Yeti Cooler might be expensive, but they are so worth the investment. Plus, given their durability and high-quality build, you’ll be able to use them in your everyday life for many years to come.
The best things to stock your cooler with are as follows:
- Fruits – pre-cut watermelon, tangerines, frozen grapes
- Pasta salads
- Vietnamese sandwiches – our personal go-to lunch meals
- Coconut waters
- Frozen water bottles – to keep cooler cold for longer
- Water
- Coffee beverages
- Wine / Beers / Hard seltzers – make sure it’s all in plastic containers, no glass is allowed at the campgrounds
- Must be under 16% ABV, up to 24 cans per person (under 12 oz.), or up to 5L of wine
- Any perishable foods you plan on cooking up (butter, eggs, meat, etc)
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack the seasonings for cooking with!
18. Snacks
Aside from the food you’re planning on cooking, don’t forget to pack some snacks for midday munching!
Some of the best snacks to bring to EDC are beef jerky, protein bars, chips, cookies, crackers, trail mix, King’s Hawaiian rolls, Rice Crispies bars, PB&J sandwich materials, etc.
Basically, anything that won’t melt from the warmth of the sun. Not the healthiest, but it sure will be nice when you’re drinking and relaxing during the day!
19. Things to eat with
Utensils, paper towels, napkins, cups, etc.
Most people go with plastic and disposable-everything, but if you’re really looking to make a difference in the world, you can bring reusable utensils to lessen your plastic waste and carbon footprint!
Alternatively, you can go with a compostable meal kit as it’s better than all the plasticky options out there.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack cooking tools and tools to open things with, such as:
- tongs
- a spatula
- scissors
- a bottle opener
- a pocket knife
20. Portable speakers
You will want to bring a high-quality pair of portable speakers. Everyone else will be playing music, so you’ll want something that will be loud enough so other campsites’ music doesn’t drown your music out.
We like the JBL Charge 5. Its long lasting battery delivers up to 20 hours of playtime and the built-in power bank lets you charge your devices without taking a break!
Pro Tip: If you do plan on listening to music at night after the festival ends, do remember to lower the volume to respect your neighbors. Not everyone likes to stay up until 3am, so turn the music down and allow others to get a good night’s rest.
21. Power strip
It can be a really good idea to bring a power strip so that you can charge multiple devices at the campground charging station instead of having to wait for a bunch of them to open up.
Within the pods, there is also an outlet, but having a power strip can multiply the one into a few more plugs!
22. Yoga Mat
To participate in instructor-led yoga lessons at The Mesa!
23. Baby wipes / body wipes
Baby wipes will come in handy for a lot of reasons. First, they are great for wiping excess dust off your body at the end of each festival night. Secondly, they can also be used for post-poop purposes!
If you want a body wipe that’s actually meant to replace a shower, we highly recommend Goodwipes Really Big Body Wipes.
While obviously, it won’t completely replace a real shower, I always feel way cleaner after using these. Plus, unlike baby wipes, you won’t smell like a baby’s bottom after using them!
For the body and butt, DUDE Wipes Flushable Wipes are great for both guys and gals.
24. Shower supplies
If you plan on showering at EDC (yes, some people can go days without showering, only relying on body wipe showers), bring along some travel-size toiletries.
Don’t forget to pack them in a waterproof bag or container so that it’s able to get wet in the shower (there is often no dry rack to put your stuff inside the shower).
25. Shower slippers / casual slides
Bringing a pair of waterproof slides or sandals is smart because you’ll be able to wear them around the campsite when you want to skip the shoes as well as get them wet in case you plan to shower.
The Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals are our favorite because they’re stylish enough to wear in your everyday life too.
26. Other Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, makeup, deodorant, dry shampoo, hair ties, extra contact lenses, contact solution, glasses, etc.
This also includes hair styling tools, bobby pins, hair glitter, hair gel, headbands, etc! Don’t forget to pack deodorant if you tend to smell when sweating! Because you WILL sweat at EDC!
Here are some not-so-ordinary toiletries that can help you make your EDC camping experience more tolerable:
- Evian Facial Spray – Cool your face off pre-festival; use before moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration or use throughout the day to refresh and revive makeup.
- Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo – Absorbs oils and adds lift at the roots. Works great as a pick-me-up when the sun’s been beating down on your scalp all day!
- boscia Blotting Linens – Stay photo-ready by keeping the face oils at bay with some oil blotting linens.
- Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelette Singles – Not just for makeup! These are great even for guys who don’t wear makeup because they’re great for removing dirt! And because they’re individually wrapped; you can leave them in a communal area to share among all your campmates.
Some fun things you can consider getting to spice up your EDC nighttime look:
- Face and hair glitter – spice up that look with some shimmery glitter (don’t worry, it stays on all day but comes off easily when you want it to.)
- Face jewels – another way to spice up your look.
27. Hand sanitizer
You’ll be happy to know that at CampEDC, there are sink stations outside the shower trailers for face washing and teeth brushing!
However, you’ll find that you can’t walk over to the sinks each and every time you need to cleanse your hands. This is where hand sanitizer comes in.
Bring one large bottle of hand sanitizer for the group to share. This can be left on the communal table so that everyone has access to it at all times.
Since you’ll be using hand sanitizer so much, it’s best to get a non-drying natural hand sanitizer to prevent flaky, dried-up hands. We love the following:
28. First aid kit
Always necessary for any type of traveling or camping! You can either make your own or buy one that’s premade.
Either way, you’ll for sure want to have ibuprofen (for hangovers or other mishaps), bandaids, alcohol wipes, allergy pills, Immodium, Pepto-Bismol chews, AZO for the ladies (due to the lowered hygienic conditions, UTI’s are not that uncommon), eye drops, lip balm, a sharpie, duct tape, and extra contact lenses (if applicable).
Think about the ailments you typically suffer from and have to deal with on a regular basis and adjust the contents of the bag as needed!
29. Rolls of toilet paper
The #1 rule of music festival camping–never assume there will be toilet paper in the portapotties. Always bring some with you when you go!
You don’t want to be that guy who realizes there is no toilet paper when it’s already way too late.
30. Trash bags
You will generate trash, so be sure to bring something to hold it all.
There are trash bins all over the place, but these can get overfilled pretty quickly (and maintenance can be a bit slow to clear the trash out).
It is a good idea to have a personal camp trash–that way you don’t have to walk to the trash bins whenever you have some trash to dispose of.
31. Quick-drying towel
Travel towels are probably one of the best inventions for efficient travelers and campers. They are light, super packable, and quick-drying. Definitely very useful if you plan on showering! This one is a great option if you’re in the market for one.
32. Electrolyte Packets
Emergen-C packets or Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets are a must for EDC camping. Even if you aren’t camping, these are just as crucial.
These are a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a trip. They are light, take up no space, and are very easy to pack!
Adding Pedialyte or Liquid I.V. powder packets to a water bottle will keep you hydrated and replace your body with electrolytes.
33. Powdered Greens
I’ve gone to enough music festival camping experiences in my life to tell you that you probably won’t be eating too many greens at EDC. Don’t let that stop you from getting the proper nutrients!
I’d recommend bringing Amazing Grass’ Greens Superfood Blend (powder smoothie form) or Amen Veggies (capsule form, which combines over 10 vegetables, herbal, and mushroom extracts) to make sure you get the nutrition you need while camping and partying.
34. Massage ball
A massage ball is an EDC packing list essential, no matter if you’re camping or staying at a hotel. Because of the extensive walking, your feet will be HURTING by the end of the night.
And if you know your body gets tired or achy from prolonged standing or walking, a massage ball can really help relieve the tension.
They are great for rolling your feet, legs, or back on after a long day of dancing! If you’re serious about getting that tension relief, you can even consider bringing a travel-sized foam roller!
Trust us, these are clutch items to have at your campsite. Even if you don’t end up using it, someone in your group will!
35. Board games
You’ll have a lot of time to kill while camping, which is half the fun of it! Bring board games to keep yourselves entertained. We recommend the following:
- These Cards Will Get You Drunk
- Cards Against Humanity
- Sequence
- Blockus
- A deck of cards
If you have more space in your cars, you can even bring things like:
- Cornhole (this one has LED lights for nighttime use)
- BucketBall (life-sized beer pong)
- Ladder Toss
- A simple football to throw around
And that’s it in terms of what to bring to EDC camping. It’ll be good to be prepared with the above, but don’t get too hung up on what to bring.
If you forget anything, remember that there is a grocery store shuttle, a general store in camp, food vendors, and other amenities to get you by. (Though I will say things are a lot pricier at EDC, so try to be prepared!)
36. Swimsuits
Did you know camping at EDC comes with one super cool perk? Pool access in the day time!
Yep, there’s a pool in the middle of the desert—featuring drinks, special guest DJ sets, and tropical vibes all day long. Enjoy a cocktail poolside, and soak up some sun while you wait for the gates of EDC Las Vegas to open.
37. Sunscreen
80 to 90-degree weather and the hot desert sun–sunburns are calling your name. Protect your skin with both body sunscreen and face sunscreen.
For the face, we are absolutely obsessed with the magical Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. No white-cast, no greasy film, so you can look good while staying protected.
TYPES OF EDC CAMPING
ShiftPods (Moon Glow and Desert Rose)
These are the tents that CampEDC provides to those in Moon Glow and Desert Rose. You can’t bring your own tents for this camping option, but these tents are similar to an emergency shelter–they’re roomy, come with a power strip, and a built-in A/C unit.
Desert Rose comes with lights, an air mattress, and bed linens.
Moon Glow does not come with these things. You’ll need to bring all those things yourself.
In terms of safety, the tents are safe to keep your belongings in and have the ability to be locked with luggage locks or small padlocks while you’re away.
RV Camping
Drive your own RV on-site! We offer a designated plot and options for power hookups, RV water refills, and pump-outs.
An RV camp spot is 45′ long and your vehicle must fit inside it (including the towing vehicle, if applicable). The RV camping area has 3 zones: dry camping (generator), 30amp, and 50amp. The 30/50amp people are separated from the dry campers and have their own section.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR SURVIVING EDC
- EDC is a marathon, not a sprint. Seriously, don’t go too hard the first night, otherwise, you’ll tire yourself out for the following days.
- Bring a Camelbak or other hydration pack. Continue to hydrate from the moment you leave your hotel until you leave the festival. The last thing you want is to be dehydrated, especially if you plan to be dancing all night long. Also–if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re likely already dehydrated, so drink up!
- Cell service is horrible, so when you send your text messages add a timestamp to your message. That way, your friends know the time difference from the moment you sent it to the moment they receive it. (Ex: “We’re heading to the daisy 11:45pm”)
- Put your phone on low battery mode for the night or bring a power bank with you.
- Get there early. It always takes forever getting into EDC–think security lines, friends needing to use the restroom constantly, walking through the massive venue, etc. Got an act you want to see that starts at 10pm? Starting heading out to the festival by 7pm (unless you’re camping). You can always kill time by riding rides, grabbing food, or discovering a new DJ.
- Comfortable shoes are a must. Again, you will be walking 10-20 miles each night.
- Carry your belongings in a fanny pack, neck pouch, or invest in an anti-theft bag. Pickpocketers love crashing music festivals–don’t become a victim and allow your night be ruined by them.
- You and your group will inevitably split up from time to time. Establish meet-up spots and times before you leave each other and be on time to meet back up.
- Take some time on 1 of the 3 days to enjoy the rides. The Ferris wheel is a must when the sun completely sets–all those colorful lights contribute to a truly epic experience in the air!
- If you want to buy EDC gear or merch, I would highly suggest buying it on Day 1. Sizes and styles will sell out early on and usually by the last day, there are only XL or even larger sizes left.
- Become friends with your neighbors–you’re going to be living next to each other for the next few days, might as well get friendly and party together!
- Bring and drink plenty of water. For an extra boost in hydration, bring hydration packets or even bottles of coconut water (it’s such a refreshing taste when hot).
- Keep your ice chest (and snacks) in the shade. Why try to melt your ice faster than it needs to?
- Bring at least one set of warm clothes. Remember you’re in a desert so it can get pretty cold at night. Always bring something warm for the nighttime. At the very least, bring one hoody and a pair of sweats or leggings.
- Don’t forget your portable charger! You don’t want to be one of those people stuck in front of the scarce charging stations for hours at a time.
- Professional video cameras are not permitted. Don’t bring professional camera equipment if you can help it either. Professional photographers must obtain a press photo pass. Photo passes are not required for standard cameras that do not have detachable lenses or handheld video devices under 6″.
- Currently, cars are not permitted to drive into the campground. Wagons with large wheels will be super helpful in transporting your camping gear and suitcases.
EDC PACKING LIST: DO’S AND DONT’S
Check out the official camping guidelines here.
Check out the official festival entry guidelines here.
WHAT TO WEAR TO EDC: INSPIRATION
LADIES: EDC FASHION INSPIRATION
GUYS: EDC FASHION INSPIRATION
And that wraps up our comprehensive EDC packing list. We hope the packing list and the essential tips have better prepared you for your ultimate music festival experience!
Ultimately, you’re going to want to pack things that you normally would for any music festival. The thing you’ll need to keep in mind the most is this–be prepared for sun and heat during the day and possibly windier weather during the night.
Most of all, stay cool, drink lots of water, make memories, and have an experience of a lifetime! You’re in for three really long nights, so don’t be afraid to take a break from time to time. Oh yeah, and don’t forget your wristbands and camping passes!
And with that, I think you’re all ready. Have fun at EDC!
Want more Las Vegas travel tips? Read More:
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