California Camping Music Festivals 2025 

The California music culture is as vast and diverse as its landscape. Experience the marriage of the two at a camping music festival this year! Campers will be thrilled at the gorgeous lake, mountain, valley, and desert venues to hear their favorite artists play. Whether you’re a folk fanatic, a pop princess, or an electronic adventurer, California has a music festival for you! 

This blog is your one-stop shop for this year’s music festival lineup in California! We discuss what festivals to go to, where and when they are, and how to camp there! Speaking of which, we cover how to camp like a pro, customize your tent, and enhance your overall experience!

2025 California Festival Lineup

This is our roundup of the year’s best camping music festivals in California. From the desert expanses of Indio to the mountains and forests of Quincy, music fills the air in this state. We hope you find the perfect festival experience. If you’ve never been before, we encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and try it out! The beauty of camping festivals is that it is a personalized experience. If you need to take a breather, your tent home awaits. And if you want to keep the party going all night, you can invite your new friends in! Remember to be responsible, and respectful, and to have fun!

Coachella – April 11-13 and 18-20

The camp festival that needs almost no introduction, is Coachella. This two-weekend extravaganza features a star-studded lineup from all over the globe. With camping experiences like none other, this culture-defining festival is one you won’t want to miss. For A-list celebrity sightings, artistic expression, and the ultimate party vibes, go to Coachella.

This year, Coachella introduces a van life camping experience! Regular car camping and tent camping are also happening. The festival has a shuttle system to transport attendees easily. 

Untz Festival – May 9-11

At the Sycamore Ranch in Browns Valley, Untz is the music event to ring in summer. It’s the ultimate space for electronic and underground bass lovers to dance from dusk to dawn! Beyond music, this festival features yoga sessions, craft workshops, and more. There are tons of onsite camping options. These range from car camping to RV camping, and walk-in camping.

Cosmico Redwoods Music Festival – May 16-18

Cosmico’s mission is simple: “to bring people together through music”. This festival encapsulates the meaning of community. The weekend showcases a range of musical artists at the serene, Dawn Ranch. Festival goers, campers, and glampers will love the beautiful nature-centric accommodations. Luxurious onsite accommodations like glamping tents, cabins, and chalets are available. 

Lightning in a Bottle – May 21-25

Memorial Day weekend just got a lot more magical! This elaborate music festival in Buena Vista Lake hosts your favorite DJ’s and artists. Between artist sets, participate in yoga, movement, arts, and the unique community formed at festivals. The venue features various camping options. These include RV, family camping, and a luxury boutique camping experience.

High Sierra Music Festival – July 3-6

What better way to enjoy the 4th of July holiday than camping in Quincy at an extraordinary festival? High Sierra features an eclectic blend of genres. They range from bluegrass and Americana, to alternative and international. 

Onsite tent camping is first-come, first-served. Families are in luck! Kids are welcome at the festival, and a family-friendly camping area is designated onsite. Glamping is a new addition to the festival. Festival-goers can reserve a luxury, fully furnished bell tent!

Northern Nights Music Festival – July 18-20

Spend a dreamy weekend dancing in the Redwoods! This year, NNMF is merging with Dirtybird Campout for the ultimate outdoor experience. At Cook’s Valley Campground, enjoy your favorite artists on riverfront stages! Partaking in creative camping experiences. Dance barefoot under old-growth forests, and splash under the stars in the river!

June Lake Jam Fest – September 5-7

June Lake Jam Fest is celebrating a decade of music in the outdoors! If you enjoy bluegrass, folk, rock, and funk, this is the colorful creative space for you. The festival at Gull Lake Park is truly home-grown. The festival also supports local arts education. That artistic enrichment reverberates throughout the culture of this festival and jam-band music. This is truly a camping experience. Attendees will camp offsite and are encouraged to check out USFS roads and local private campgrounds.

Nocturnal Wonderland – September 13-14

Nocturnal Wonderland is celebrating 30 years of “dancing in the dark” at Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino! Join the electric celebration of trance, house, techno, and more. The community feeling is strong at this festival– from yoga to lawn games, swimming, and hanging with your crew. Attendees can camp for three nights in a tent, RV, or car on designated land. Add more magic and serenity to the experience by camping along the waterfront! And if you really love this festival’s vibes, lakeside camping is also an option. Get ready to dance the nights into days at Nocturnal Wonderland!

Sugar Pine Music Festival – October 19-22

Spend the weekend in Grass Valley at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. For colorful, active family fun, enjoy days full of arts and crafts, and nights of spooky falltime events. Musical artists will span bluegrass, rock, Americana, and the like. Tent and RV camping is available onsite in designated areas. Car camping is also encouraged! 

Festival Camping Tents

Immerse yourself in the festival life! Camping at a music festival doesn’t have to be extravagant, but having the right tent makes all the difference! After long days and nights of being on your feet, you need a cozy, warm place to rest. A canvas wall tent makes the ultimate home base. 

The insulated yet breathable nature of canvas creates a comfortable living space. Tall structured walls also ensure plenty of room for multiple sleeping arrangements. A spacious wall tent like this is easy to optimize for hosting large groups. Adding a porch attachment, for example, extends outdoor living space. Using a tent stove provides a way of cooking for everyone. In a canvas wall tent, you’ll have a place to call home and room to comfortably host everyone in your crew!

Camping at a Music Festival: What to Bring

Camping for a music festival is simple! Think of it in two parts: practical and fun! Practicality is the priority. This will include some version of your 10 Essentials, modified for a festival. You’ll need all the basic building blocks of tent accessories. Such as a rainfly, poly tarp, tent stove, plenty of water, and more. Consider your group– how much food and water will you need? Sleeping supplies? Get in touch with your group and make sure everyone has a plan to pitch in.

Once you’re set on your camping basics, focus on the fun part! Customize your music festival tent! This is a definitive aspect of festival culture. After all, this is your home away from home for the weekend! In your camping bag, pack anything that will make it feel like an inviting and restful space. String lights, fuzzy rugs, tapestries– whatever fits your vibe, get creative with it! Bluetooth speakers are a great addition to keep the jams rolling throughout the day. 

See You There!

Music festival season is upon us, and this year, we’re heading to California! The best of the best artists, venues, and traditions are out there. To make the most out of your music festival camping experience, prepare accordingly. Check the festival’s website for details on camping expectations and amenities. Double-check the weather forecast, too! Remember that a canvas wall tent is best for festival camping. It offers ample room, cooking solutions, and breathability. Keep comfort at the top of your mind!

Pack with practicality, and for fun! Don’t skip your 10 Essentials, and modify them to match your potential needs at the festival. When it comes to customizing your tent space, go big! Music festivals are the ultimate place for artistic self-expression. Bring an inviting vibe to the party with your personalized festival tent. Ensure everyone in your group is pitching in to make it a reality. 

Remember to be responsible, respectful, and above all else, to have fun! Whether you’re going solo, with your family, or new friends, you will have an unforgettable time!