How to Camp at Burning Man

A reasonably comfortable campsite is a critical prerequisite for a positive experience at Burning Man. Weather is extreme on the playa. With daytime temperatures routinely above 100º F, frequent high winds and the possibility of sub-freezing temperatures in the pre-dawn hours, your health and even your life could be at risk if you are not well protected.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Tent gear
• Tent
• Tools for assembly
• Sleeping bag rated for temperature extremes
• Artificial shade

Bring Adequate Tenting Gear and Secure Your Camp

1. Bring a tent that you can secure against the wind, sand and elements. You will need 12-inch tent stakes, preferably with rebar support or reinforcement, or you may find yourself searching for your tent on the playa.
2. Ask for help with your campsite if you need it. People at Burning Man are friendly and helpful, and they realize that the "stakes" are high when it comes to securing your tent.
3. Outfit your campsite well, with a warm sleeping bag, an umbrella for shade, garbage bags, your own toilet pot, an ice chest which can double as ballast and flashlights and batteries. If you bring a vehicle, you will keep it next to your campsite, and it will double as a place to keep things you don't want to leave lying around the campsite.

Locate Your Campsite and Let Your Friends Know Where You Are

4. Give some thought to where you establish your campsite. Consider camping near friends, others from your Regional Group, or a theme camp or village that attracts you. Make friends with your neighbors. You will receive a Black Rock City map when you arrive at the Burning Man gate.
5. Bring a push pin indicator flag to place on the Dynamic Mapping Board at Playa Information. This will tell your campmates and friends where to look for your camp location within the city if your camp is unregistered. You may also be a part of the Burning Man Directory by registering at Playa Information Services.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not an experienced camper, forge a relationship with someone who is. Make friends with your campsite neighbors. Regional Groups often establish camping villages together. If camping is not for you, but you really want to be at Burning Man, you may be a good candidate for the Green Tortoise Shuttle Service custom-built sleeping coach.
• If your tent and poles are a little on the light side, leave something heavy and large in your tent, like a loaded ice chest. This may protect you from having to search for your tent miles from your campsite.