To help you prepare for Camp EDC this year, we’ve compiled a list of items that are essential to your experience!
Since its inception in 2018, Insomniac’s Camp EDC has quickly become a coveted experience for festivalgoers. Each year, 30,000 attendees opt to camp right next to EDC Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, enjoying elevated experiences like exclusive artist performances, pool parties, workshops, and a plethora of activities. For many fans, camping at the venue also eliminates the stress of transportation and being stuck in lengthy traffic to and from the show.
This year looks no different as Camp EDC returns May 16-20 for another high-energy party under the electric sky. From Thursday through Monday afternoon, we can’t wait to explore all that The Mesa has to offer. Before the event kicks off, though, packing everything needed is crucial to ensure an optional time. To help enhance your experience, we’ve compiled ten must-have essentials you need to bring with you to Camp EDC.
Read on below for our top picks, and make sure to add these to your packing list!
10 Essentials You Need to Bring with You to Camp EDC
Plastic Mirror
Fit checks are essential before heading into each day of EDC Las Vegas or roaming around the Mesa. The bathroom areas have mirrors, but it’d be best to bring your own to save a walk over there. Target, Walmart, and Amazon have inexpensive options, like this LED Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror from Conair. Being able to do hair and makeup from the comfort of your campsite is such a nice feeling.
It’s important to note that glass and acrylic mirrors are prohibited items to bring into Camp EDC. When packing for the trip, opt for a plastic mirror.
Collapsible Stool
Bringing a collapsible stool to any music festival is a game-changer. Gone are the days of sitting on the dirty ground when your feet hurt or you need to take a breather. With this portable seating, you can just pop it open and enjoy the music.
The stool can easily be secured to your water pack or backpack to avoid having to carry it around. This would come in handy, especially after hours at Camp EDC, when you’re enjoy tunes on The Mesa into the early morning hours.
Pocket Tissues
Trust us, you’re going to need these. There’s no worse feeling than using a porta-potty at the festival and realizing there’s no toilet paper. Bathroom issues aside, pocket tissues are also great for plenty of other reasons, like getting all the dust and dirt out of your nose from the previous night, doubling as a napkin after eating, or lending to a fellow festivalgoer in need.
Earplugs
It’s 2024, and we need to talk about hearing protection. No matter how long you’ve been in the scene, it’s never too late to protect your hearing. Once it’s gone, it’s not coming back.
Eargasm Earplugs provide the ultimate defense against booming speakers and blaring music. You can still enjoy the show and hear your favorite songs clearly, just at a lower level. Plus, they’re so comfortable that you may forget you’re wearing them. Whether catching a set at the Mesa or Kinetic Field, make sure to always pop these in to ensure hearing protection.
Tapestry or Flag
Every ShiftPod at Camp EDC looks the same, and you don’t want to be caught getting lost on the way back to your campsite after the show. Bring along a few items to distinguish your tent from others, like a tapestry, flag, or totem. It’s a great way to make your temporary lodging more stylish and add a personal touch while setting yours apart from the rest.
Sunscreen
Even though EDC Las Vegas takes place at night and moonburn isn’t a worry, protecting yourself from sunburn at Camp EDC is essential. Days spent exploring the Mesa and splashing around at the pool parties can result in an uncomfortable burn. Dealing with the pain and discomfort from sunburn throughout the festival wouldn’t be fun at all; make sure you lather on the sunscreen during the day and opt for a high SPF.
Sweatshirt or Hoodie
While EDC Las Vegas is known for warm weather, nights have become cold, especially after the festival moved from June to May. Wind gusts can pick up overnight and add a deep chill to the air. With the weather in Las Vegas sometimes unpredictable, come prepared with a sweatshirt or hoodie to bundle up when temperatures drop. They’re especially comfy for early mornings on the Mesa when vibing to an after-hours set.
The Insomniac Shop has released a ton of merch for EDC Las Vegas, including this Gradient Waves Lineup Hoodie. You can check out the full collection ahead of the show and even get some items onsite at the event.
Rubber Ducks
Okay, we may be surprising you with this one. While not so much as a high-priority essential, bringing rubber ducks or other small trinkets to Camp EDC is always a fun time, both for the giver and receiver. Passing out little gifts to unsuspecting campers can brighten someone’s day or even result in a new friend. They’re also a great conversation starter if you need a little boost when approaching a potential rave bae. Most campers are friendly and receptive to trinkets, and it’s a great way to spread PLUR.
Portable Charger
Investing in a high-quality portable charger is necessary for any camping festival experience, even if all the ShiftPods have power running directly to them at Camp EDC. Extend your time on The Mesa with a portable charger with a lot of charge, especially since any charging stations will have a wait in the sun paired with them. Beyond that, this will extend your phone’s charge while in EDC Las Vegas itself, making it a dual necessity to have a great weekend under the electric sky.
Protein Bars and Snacks
The food trucks on the Mesa are pretty delicious, but festival food prices can quickly add up. Bring various snacks, like fruit, trail mix, granola bars, or protein bars, to prevent overspending at Camp EDC. These are also perfect for a quick bite when waking up in the morning or to hold you over until a proper meal. It’s also fun to pop open a bag of your favorite chips or other snacks at the end of the night after EDC Las Vegas. Don’t rely solely on snacks, though, and enjoy full-sized meals throughout the festival to get the energy you need to keep going.
