Music Festival Guide: Top 10 Camping Fests (United States)

The best festivals also boast the best camping. Curfews are non-existent, parties last all night, and nobody is responsible for being the designated driver. If you’re looking for the full festival experience, it can’t be done without grabbing a sleeping bag and spending the night under the stars — – or in a hammock — or in a tent — or in an RV. We don’t care. Just get outdoors this summer.

1. Telluride Bluegrass Festival
When: June 20-23, 2013
Where: Telluride, Colorado

The Fred Shellman Memorial Stage in Town Park. Credit: Benko Photographics

Camping in the Rocky Mountains during the summer is an enlightening experience. Unfortunately, you missed your shot because Telluride Bluegrass sold out by Christmas. If you did manage to snag tickets, Town Park Campground is the Valhalla of camping with permanent bathrooms, waterfalls, and a location so close that you can listen to music from your tent.

2. Rocklahoma
When: May 24-26, 2013
Where: Pryor, Oklahoma

Looking for a contemplative weekend of jam bands and campfire singalongs  Then Rocklahoma is your nightmare. The only thing more legendary than the lineup at Rocklahoma are the campground ragers. Contests throughout the weekend inspire party animals to fully trick out their campsite in creative and often, puzzling ways.

3. Electric Forest
When: June 27-June 30, 2013
Where: Rothbury, Michigan

Photo Credit: Electric Forest

The legendary Sherwood Forest, beloved by music festival junkies around the world, sets the backdrop to Electric Forest. Located on the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan, the third year EF is quickly becoming a destination festival. At night, Sherwood Forest becomes alive with wacky activities. There’s also swimming in Big Wildcat Lake, and our personal favorite — Glow in the Dark Disc Golf.