How To Be A Bonnaroo Blackbelt

•Book a hotel room for the Wednesday night before the camping grounds open. The earlier you arrive on Thursday, the better camping spot you can potentially get. You’re trying to avoid a lengthy walk to the festival gates everyday.

•Water! Water! Water! You cannot have enough. You are allowed to bring as much as you want into both the camping area and the festival. So take advantage! Every year, I see at least one person pass out from dehydration. It’s not a good look.

•Bring your own shade. I know camping implies trees, shade and seclusion but none of that really exists in the camping grounds. A pop-up canopy is a really easy solution to shade. I’ve seen some pretty elaborate tarp forts, also. You don’t want to be sitting in the sun for the first half of every day.

•Make friends with your neighbors. They will return the favor. Remember, it’s close quarters with 80,000 people over the next 4 days. Nobody likes rude neighbors, so don’t be one.

•Know the layout of the land. Study the maps and schedules they provide. There is nothing worse than being lost in the campgrounds at 3 a.m.

•You may want to consider marking your area with a tall flag or a balloon, so as to find your way “home” more easily.

•Be prepared for cooler weather. The days are sweltering but the nights are surprisingly chilly. A light jacket and some jeans will be fine.

•Bring as much beer and liquor as you desire into the camping area. Just make sure it’s plastic or in a can. NO GLASS!

•Bring an extra ice chest and hit the grocery store right before you roll into the camping entrance. There is a lot of good food out there, but it’s also beneficial to have your own when you need it. A small propane grill will go a long way.

•Hit the food truck oasis! This is one of the newer (and my favorite) additions to the food menu. Quality and variety!

•Go to the restroom inside the camping area facilities. It’s just a good idea for several reasons. The lines are also a little less forgiving inside the festival.

•Splash-a-Roo is not a bathing alternative. It’s an area that includes big water slides, kiddie pools, and by the end of the first day, probably hepatitis.

•Don’t go in the fountain. The fountain is the center of the festival. It’s a great reference point and meeting area. It’s beautiful! But again, enter at your own risk. The color of the recirculated water is significantly different by the second day.

•No fold-out chairs allowed inside the festival gates. This is the best rule ever! (I’m looking at you Jazz Fest). Bring a blanket.

•Bring a survival pack into the fest every day. Camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, a snack, blanket, rain poncho, flashlight, water, etc.

•Stay fresh and energized. The days can be long and exhausting. Take a shower. Take a nap (there’s no shame in that game). Drink a coffee. Feeling like a pile of turds and trying to fool yourself into enjoying one of your favorite bands is never fun.

•Wet-wipes might save your life out there! That is all I will say on this.

•And finally, if you plan on picking up a specific souvenir or event t-shirt, take care of that within the first two days. They will sell out by the end.