Coachella

Quick overview — what you need to know

Coachella camping is available in several formats (Car Camping, Ready-Set tent camping and designated premium options) and is only permitted in designated campsite areas. All campers must hold a valid festival pass and wear the wristband for access to parking and camping grounds. Camping policies, prohibited items and age rules are enforced at entry. 

Camping types (short)

Coachella typically offers a range of camping experiences — choose the one that matches your comfort level and budget:

• Car Camping: Park your vehicle in a 10'×30' spot and camp beside it. Good for groups and those bringing more gear. 
• Ready-Set Tent Camping: Pre-set tents (with bedding) set up for you — faster arrival and less gear to transport. 
• Companion / Shared Spots: Options for groups who want adjacent spots or companion parking (rules vary). 
• Premium / Glamping (Safari / La Campana etc.): Higher-end options sold via official partners — include perks like delivered wristbands, dedicated check-in windows and sometimes private shuttles or services. 

Who can camp / wristbands / rules

All campers must have a valid festival wristband for the specific weekend they purchased — a wristband is required to enter camping, parking and venue grounds. Camping is only allowed in designated camping areas and is generally 18+ unless accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. No camping is permitted between festival weekends (i.e., you cannot remain on site across the gap between weekends). 

Key camping rules & prohibited items (highlights)

Major rules you should be aware of — always check Coachella’s official camping page for the full, up-to-date list before you pack:

• Alcohol: Campers 21+ may bring limited quantities (for example, a case of beer or a box of wine) — excessive alcohol for the number of people may be denied at entry. 
• No RV / Motorhome camping (policy note): Some recent pass pages specify restrictions on RVs/motorhomes — verify the specific 2026 policy for allowed vehicle types before you buy. 
• Propane & cooking: Propane stoves are allowed in many camping areas (Car Camping, Tent Camping, Ready-Set, La Campana) but with restrictions — follow festival guidance for safe use. 
• Bags & items: Large suitcases and certain items are prohibited; follow the official “What Can I Bring?” guidance for exact bag sizes and banned items. 
• Wristband checks: You must have your wristband to enter campgrounds — if yours is at Will Call you’ll need to collect it before attempting to enter the camping area. 

Check-in, arrival windows & on-site timing

Coachella publishes camping check-in windows and parking rules for each weekend — follow the arrival times sent with your camping pass and expect real-time traffic management on site. If you need to leave camping early on a show night, be aware of the venue's rules and cut-offs for re-entry; confirmed hours and changes are posted on official pages. 

What to pack for camping — UK-friendly checklist

Pack for desert days and cooler nights. This checklist focuses on items that make camping comfortable and compliant with festival rules:

• Small tent (if not Ready-Set), sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad (or confirm bedding if Ready-Set).
• Low-profile camp chair and small folding table (obey footprint limits for your spot).
• Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lightweight long sleeve layers.
• Shade: pop-up canopy (check festival allowances), tarps and guy lines — heat management is vital.
• Hydration: empty refillable plastic water bottles and electrolyte sachets (fill at water stations).
• Food & cooking: portable stove (follow propane rules), basic cookware, sealed cool box; avoid glass containers. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Power & charging: multiple powerbanks (consider leaving one at camp for charging between sets); solar chargers can help but don’t rely on them alone.
• First aid & meds: basic kit, any prescription meds (in original packaging), and blister plasters for walking.
• Comfort & safety: ear plugs, dust mask/bandana, headlamp or torch, zip ties, duct tape, spare tent pegs.
• UK-specific items: UK→US plug adapter(s), travel-sized toiletries, insect repellent, travel insurance details and copies of wristband instructions if shipped to you.

Food, alcohol & cooking — rules recap

Campers may bring food and limited alcohol (rules vary by camping area). Glass containers are prohibited; excessive alcohol for the number of people in a vehicle can be refused. Propane cooking is allowed in many camping areas but follow the festival’s safety rules and never leave stoves unattended. 

Sanitation, showers & amenities

Amenities vary by camping type. Basic portable toilets and hand-washing stations are available across campgrounds; premium glamping options may include private facilities and shower access. Bring hand sanitizer, wet wipes and a towel for convenience. Check what amenities are included with your specific pass. 

Safety, security & emergency tips (important)

Heat, dust and long queues are real risks at a desert festival. In 2025 some campers reported very long entry delays and traffic problems on arrival — plan for delays, keep water and shade available in your vehicle, and prioritise safety over haste when staffing queues. If you have health concerns, use on-site medical tents. Report suspicious behaviour to campsite security and keep valuables locked or stored in official lockers if offered.{index=15}

Accessibility & special needs

Coachella offers accessibility services — if you or someone in your party requires accessibility accommodations, check the festival’s Accessibility pages in advance and contact official support channels to confirm available options for camping and campsite access. 

Common camping FAQs (short)

Q: Can I drive in and out of my car camping spot during the weekend?
A: Generally car camping spots remain assigned for the whole weekend — you typically cannot drive in/out freely once parked; confirm the specific rules for your pass.

Q: Are showers available?
A: Basic showers may be provided in some premium or glamping zones; standard car/tent camping usually has portable facilities. Confirm at time of booking. :

Q: What happens if my wristband is at Will Call?
A: You must collect your wristband (Will Call) before attempting to enter the camping grounds — you cannot enter camping without a wristband. Plan for Will Call timings on arrival. 

Practical UK tips for campers (brief)

• Ship less: prefer Ready-Set or bring compact kit to reduce checked baggage costs and airport hassles.
• Pack powerbanks and spare batteries — charging in camp can be limited and queues for outlets are common.
• Label your gear and agree a meeting point with friends (mobile signal can be patchy in busy zones).
• Purchase travel insurance that explicitly covers festival camping and potential delays or lost equipment.
• Print or screenshot your camping pass instructions and Will Call info — useful if you have limited data on arrival.

1) Passports, visas & entry

UK passport holders travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for an ESTA before boarding. Apply only via the official U.S. site and allow time for approval.

ESTA approvals typically last up to two years but check the official site for current rules and fees. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

2) Best airports to fly into

Palm Springs International (PSP) is the closest airport to Indio (roughly 20–25 miles / ~30–40 minutes by road) and is ideal if you prioritise the shortest transfer time.

Ontario International (ONT) is a common alternative with more domestic connections; expect around a 1.5–1.75 hour drive to Indio depending on traffic.

Los Angeles International (LAX) offers the most international flight options from the UK but typically requires a 2–3 hour transfer to Indio (allow extra time for traffic and customs).

3) Getting from airport to the festival / venue

Coachella offers official hotel packages that can include shuttle transport — these are a convenient option for visitors who want streamlined logistics and generally sell out early.

The festival runs shuttle services from many official hotels; if you book an official hotel package, check whether shuttle transfers are included or available as an add-on.

Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in the area but expect designated pick-up/drop-off zones, long queues at peak times and surge pricing during headline sets. If you plan to use rideshare, allow extra time for pick-ups.

Hiring a car is an option — buy the correct festival parking pass and follow the festival’s parking instructions. Arrive early to avoid long queues and read the parking rules carefully.

4) Parking, camping & on-site storage

Coachella’s parking pages list opening hours and parking rules — arrive early and follow the venue instructions. Carpooling options and preferred parking passes are usually available.

The festival offers paid camping options (Ready-Set, car camping, etc.) with specific rules that cover alcohol, cooking equipment and prohibited items — read the camping policy in full before booking.

Lockers and left-luggage facilities are commonly available onsite; lockers are useful if you want to store larger or prohibited items while you enjoy the festival.

5) Festival entry rules & what to pack

Bags are subject to size limits — the venue typically permits bags up to ~18" x 13" x 8.5". Hydration packs are allowed empty (plastic only, with a limited capacity). Always check the festival’s official 'What Can I Bring?' page for the latest rules.

Essentials to pack: an empty refillable plastic water bottle or hydration pack, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, dust protection (bandana or face mask), basic first-aid items, ear plugs, a powerbank and a small secure bag (fanny pack or permitted backpack).

International visitors should consider Will Call wristband pickup if shipping deadlines conflict with travel dates — check wristband shipping cutoffs on the festival site.

6) Health, safety & money

There are medical tents, water refill stations and accessibility services onsite. If you or your party have accessibility needs, read Coachella’s Accessibility & Services pages well in advance.

The local currency is US dollars (USD). Many vendors accept cards, but it’s sensible to carry some small cash for tips or market stalls. Festival ATMs are available but often charge high fees.

The US uses Type A/B plugs and 120V/60Hz electricity. Bring a UK→US plug adapter and consider an eSIM or roaming plan if you want mobile data on arrival.

7) Time zone & scheduling — important for UK readers

Indio observes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7) in April. That is 8 hours behind UK British Summer Time (BST, UTC+1). For example, a 21:00 (9pm) headline set in Indio starts at 05:00 BST the next day — useful to know if you’ll be following livestreams or social coverage from the UK.

8) Practical UK-friendly tips & checklist

Top tips for UK visitors: apply for ESTA early, consider PSP for the shortest transfers (or ONT/LAX for more flight options), keep a printed copy of any Will Call wristband instructions, and pre-book lockers or shuttle passes if you want convenience.

Printable checklist:

• ESTA approved & saved copy
• Valid passport & travel insurance
• Confirmed hotel + shuttle or transfer booking
• Festival wristband (shipped or Will Call pickup)
• Permitted small bag (≤18"×13"×8.5"), empty refillable plastic water bottle/hydration pack
• Sun protection, light jacket, basic meds, powerbank
• Local currency / card with contactless enabled

Sources & useful official pages

For the latest, always check the official festival pages and government sources before travelling. Useful pages include:

• Coachella — official Festival Info, Getting Here, Parking, Camping, FAQ
• U.S. Customs & Border Protection — ESTA official site
• GOV.UK — travel advice and entry requirements for the USA

Food & Drink at Coachella — What to Expect

Coachella’s culinary program blends chef-driven restaurants, street food vendors, pop-up bars and experiential activations — from quick handheld bites to sit-down chef concepts and specialty cocktail bars. Expect a rotating roster of well-known LA and national vendors, festival markets and dedicated beverage areas. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Where to eat (formats & highlights)

The main food footprint includes:

• Indio Central Market & food courts: clusters of grab-and-go stalls and regional favourites spread across the polo grounds. 
• Featured restaurants / chef concepts: higher-profile chef-led pop-ups and signature concepts (often rotating year to year). 
• Late-night and stage-side vendors: quick options for when you need something between sets. 

Drinks & bars

Coachella runs multiple beverage areas: general beer/wine bars, cocktail activations and branded lounges. Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options are also prominently featured (for example, “The New Bar” and other alcohol-free concepts). Expect branded activations from major beverage partners alongside smaller craft offerings. {index=4}

Payments — mostly cashless

Vendors at Coachella primarily accept credit/debit and mobile payments; the festival has moved largely to cashless/card/mobile pay systems. Bring a contactless card or mobile wallet and check with your bank about overseas transaction fees. Some lockers or small stalls may accept cash, but don’t rely on it. 

Typical prices (what to expect)

Festival food prices are higher than high-street equivalents. Expect casual handhelds and mains to commonly range from about $10–$25, with chef or novelty items and specialty dinners (pop-ups / Outstanding In The Field style events) often $30+. Drinks likewise vary — beers and soft drinks are normally mid-teens USD or less, while cocktails and specialty pours will be more. (Prices vary by vendor and year.)

Dietary options & allergies

Coachella lists vegetarian (VEG), vegan (V) and gluten-free (GF) options among vendors, and many stalls label common allergens. If you have severe allergies, check vendor menus before purchase and use on-site medical services in case of emergency. Vendors and festival pages often publish a vendor list close to showtime with dietary callouts. 

Camping & alcohol (campers only)

Alcohol policies differ between the main festival grounds and campground. Inside camping, limited amounts of alcohol are usually permitted for campers (e.g., a case of beer or boxed wine limits apply; glass is prohibited). Alcohol is not allowed to be brought into main GA festival grounds — check the festival’s official camping rules for the precise 2026 allowances. 

Food safety & water

Coachella provides water refill stations; bringing an empty refillable plastic bottle or hydration pack is recommended. Food-safety standards are enforced by vendors — but if you have food-safety concerns, use medical/first-aid tents. 

UK-friendly tips

• Bring a contactless credit/debit card or enable Apple/Google Pay — UK cards generally work but check with your bank for overseas charges. 
• Expect high demand at the most Instagrammed stalls — visit popular kitchens earlier in the afternoon or between headliners to avoid lines.
• If you want the best value, look for standout “reasonably priced” vendors reported by festival press (some sandwich/sandwich chains have offered better prices than typical festival fare). 
• Plan for queueing at peak times — use festival apps or maps (when published) to find less crowded vendors near smaller stages.

Sustainability

Coachella runs recycling and waste-management programmes and promotes refillable bottles. Vendors increasingly use compostable packaging, but practices vary — bring a small reusable bag and behave responsibly with waste. 

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I bring food into the festival?
A: Outside food and drink are generally prohibited in the main festival grounds (exceptions for small snacks/medical needs may apply). Check the official “What Can I Bring?” guidance before you pack.

Q: Are non-alcoholic drinks available?
A: Yes — the festival includes dedicated non-alcoholic offerings and alcohol-free bars alongside standard beverage bars. 

Q: Do vendors cater to vegans / gluten-free?
A: Many vendors list vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free options — check vendor menus and the festival’s featured restaurants list for details.