It’s festival season and no matter which festival you’re planning to attend, or even if you’re planning for next year – you want to make the most every moment. No matter if you’re thinking about Glastonbury or Download, your camping set up can make or break your experience.
These days, most festivals have various camping options, from eco-camping to campervan camping. If you’re a regular festival goer, you might be tired of waking up in a sweaty tent, with a sore back from sleeping on the ground – maybe it is time to upgrade. The camper van experience at a festival can not only improve the quality of your sleep, but also the quality of your experience.
Benefits of festival campers
It doesn’t matter if your campervan is a huge new motorhome or one of our converted VW transporter vans – at a festival there will be a whole host of different van types, each unique and offering the a slightly different festival camper van experience. Here are what we think are the key benefits of staying in a campervan over a tent:
Comfort
Festivals are full of long days and far more walking than you expect. The value of returning to a proper bed with bedding to ensure a good night’s sleep when you have to get up and do it all again the next day should not be underestimated. You even have the option of air conditioning or heating to help you regulate the temperature of the camper while you sleep.
You even have cooking facilities within a camper, meaning that you can cook proper meals without falling victim to ‘festival prices’. Fry up in the morning? No problem in a VW campervan.
Convenience
New campers might not be familiar with the dreaded walk from the car parking area to campsites. Heavy trolleys carrying camping equipment, food and other festival essentials are prone to breaking and often preparing the camping setup can take festival goers hours. In a campervan, this isn’t a problem. Once you have arrived, everything is already set up with no time wasted.
Even though it might appear that your camper is only equipped with a small space, you’ll be able to store more than enough to comfortably last you through the festival. Not to mention the easy access to toilet and shower facilities, avoiding the queues and smells of communal festival toilets.
Security
No matter if you have a large caravan or one of our VW campervan conversions, your belongings will be securely stored and safe from thieves while you’re out for the day enjoying all that the festival has to offer. Unfortunately, tents are not known for their security features and often festival goers fall victim to break ins and stolen items.
In a campervan, you’ll also be able to charge your devices, such as phones, so that you can stay safe and in connection with friends and family while out for the day.
Weather Protection
The great UK weather is famously unpredictable so one of the key benefits of being in a campervan is protection from the elements. You won’t have to worry about the rain pouring through the roof of a tent, because your van will offer an extra layer of protection. You’ll be able to use the climate control features of a campervan to offer additional comfort.
Another benefit is that your campervan will offer you reduced exposure to noise and light. This means you’ll likely have a better nights sleep, even if the afterparties continue long into the night.
Freedom
You have a lot more control over your festival experience in a camper. You’ll be able to arrive early, if you choose, to reserve a good spot, and even wake up a little later when you have to leave as you won’t have to pack up.
Sometimes, you might have had to travel a long distance to reach your festival location, so the other benefit of travelling in a camper is that you get to dictate your travel plans. Want to have a small road trip around the UK on your way home? That’s possible in a campervan. You aren’t inhibited by needing to book hotels to break up a journey, simply find a good spot to park up.
Our top festival tips
We know how important it is for all you quirky campers to make the most of every festival experience. Here are our top tips for making the most of your experience:
Arrive Early
Arriving early has many benefits, but mainly that you can nab the best spot. Choose a space that is close to amenities, such as water stations, and a little further away from areas prone to mud, like toilets.
You’ll also be able to relax before the festival begins, leading to a much more calm and chill experience.
Pack Wisely
While campervans and motorhomes offer more space than tents, packing efficiently is still important. Make sure you have a range of essentials in your vehicle, such as food and water, bedding and clothing that will keep you comfortable in all weathers.
Overpacking can take up valuable space in most vehicles, but it also important to make sure you have all your essentials to hand.
Consider the environment
Not only do some festivals offer incentives for eco-conscious practices, but lowering your footprint is always something that should be taken into consideration. Try to use biodegradable products and recycle where possible.
If you’re staying in a campervan it is a lot easier to maintain an ecological outlook. Cooking in your own kitchen will reduce the need for single use plastics. It is important that where possible, an eco-friendly outlook is maintained, as festivals often cause a lot of damage to the surrounding environment.
Maximise chill time
The main benefit of staying in a camper is that you’re staying in luxury and it is important to monopolise on that. Make sure that you have time to relax, even bring a speaker, so that you can make the absolute most of the festival. After a long day of dancing, relaxation will feel incredible.
Thinking about a campervan?
At Denby, we have a range of campervans for sale so if you’re considering a campervan for your next festival, make sure to browse our range. Our vans are complete with everything from a valid MOT to fully fitted kitchens, so you’ll have everything that you need to experience a festival in style.
