How to Stay Powered at Summerfest: Essential Festival Gear
Summerfest might be all about the music, but how you power your weekend off-stage makes a huge difference. From charging your phone to staying cool at night, the right gear transforms your festival experience into something seamless and stress-free. With smart packing and the right off-grid solutions, you can stay connected and comfortable all weekend. Here’s how to stay powered, prepared, and ready for anything while camping near the world’s largest music festival.
Can You Camp at Summerfest?
Technically, you can’t camp directly on the Summerfest grounds. The festival doesn’t offer on-site camping like some rural music events. That said, Milwaukee’s vibrant urban setting provides plenty of close-by camping options just outside the city limits. Whether you’re planning to bring a tent, roll up in an RV, or sleep in your car, you’ll find accessible places to set up camp within driving distance. Just be sure to book early, as sites fill up quickly during the festival season.
Camping Options at Summerfest
Even though Summerfest doesn't offer camping on the festival grounds, there are plenty of nearby options to fit different styles and budgets. From tent camping to RV resorts and even upscale glamping, you can build a comfortable home base for your weekend of music, fun, and off-grid living in Milwaukee.
Tent Camping: Traditional and budget-friendly, tent camping is perfect if you’re packing light and looking to stay connected with nature. Several campgrounds near Milwaukee cater to tent campers and provide basic amenities like showers, restrooms, and fire pits.
Car Camping: If you’re driving in and want to keep things simple, car camping is a convenient option. Some nearby parks and campgrounds allow overnight parking, making it easy to sleep in your vehicle with essential gear close by.
RV Camping: For those who prefer more comfort, RV camping provides space, electricity, and climate control. Many RV parks near Milwaukee offer full hookups and Wi-Fi, ideal if you want to stay powered up all weekend.
Resorts and Campgrounds: If you want a mix of outdoor experience and modern amenities, consider a local resort or full-service campground. These often include cabins, pools, and even general stores, providing a relaxed base after a day of music and crowds.
Glamping Sites: For a more upscale take on festival camping, glamping options in the area offer luxury tents or yurts with real beds, electricity, and even air conditioning. These accommodations are perfect for festival-goers who want the vibe without roughing it.
Each camping style comes with its own perks, whether it's affordability, convenience, or comfort. Choosing the right option depends on how you plan to experience the festival and unwind between sets. No matter which you choose, make sure your setup supports rest, recharge, and reliable power throughout your Summerfest stay.
Campsites Near Summerfest
While Summerfest doesn’t offer onsite camping, plenty of campgrounds just outside Milwaukee give you easy access to the festival without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Whether you’re looking for rustic tent sites or full RV hookups, these nearby options provide a variety of settings to suit your style of festival camping.
Harrington Beach State Park
Located about 40 minutes north of Milwaukee, Harrington Beach State Park offers spacious campsites, scenic trails, and access to Lake Michigan. Tent and RV campers alike enjoy this quiet, well-maintained park, which is far enough from the city to relax, but close enough to make the festival commute easy.
Cliffside Park Campground
Just under an hour south of the festival grounds in Racine County, Cliffside Park is a family-friendly spot with electric hookups, restrooms, and wooded campsites. It's an ideal base if you’re attending multiple days of Summerfest but want some breathing room between shows.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
Known for its hiking trails and peaceful surroundings, this forested campground is about an hour west of Milwaukee. Kettle Moraine’s Southern Unit offers rustic and electric campsites, giving you flexible options depending on how off-grid you want to go.
Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort – Caledonia
This themed campground is a hit with families and groups looking for amenities like pools, water slides, and rental cabins. Located roughly 30 minutes south of Milwaukee, Jellystone offers tent and RV accommodations and on-site entertainment when you're not at the fest.
Lake Lenwood Beach and Campground
This private campground just outside West Bend (about 45 minutes from Summerfest) features lakeside camping, electric sites, and paddleboat rentals. It’s a quieter option with quick access to stores and restaurants for convenience alongside your camping experience.
Choosing the right campground can make or break your Summerfest experience. From lakeside relaxation to family-friendly amenities, each site offers something unique. Just be sure to book early—these spots tend to fill up fast as festival dates approach.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 + 45W Solar Panel
What To Pack for Summerfest Camping
Packing smart for Summerfest means balancing festival essentials with reliable off-grid gear. Summer weather in Milwaukee can be unpredictable, and long festival days demand both comfort and preparation. Here’s what to bring to keep your camp functional and your energy levels up:
Shelter & Sleep: A weather-resistant tent, ground tarp, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad or air mattress are must-haves. If you're car camping or RVing, ensure your vehicle setup includes blackout shades or ventilation options for better rest.
Food & Cooking Supplies: Bring a cooler, portable stove, reusable utensils, and non-perishable snacks. Many sites allow campfires or charcoal grills, but always check local fire regulations ahead of time.
Power Solutions: Portable energy is key, especially if you’re capturing memories or staying connected. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is compact yet powerful enough to charge phones, cameras, and tablets throughout the day. For solar charging, consider the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) to keep your devices running without needing grid access.
Personal Items: Sunscreen, bug spray, a basic first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes go a long way. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle—hydration stations are available at the festival.
Cooling Gear: Hot tents can make rest impossible. An EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner adds off-grid climate control to your setup, helping you sleep comfortably even in peak summer heat.
Lighting & Navigation: Headlamps, lanterns, and solar-powered lights help you move around camp safely after dark. Consider backup batteries for essentials.
Power-on-the-Go: Keep an EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank in your daypack to charge your phone while walking between stages.
Packing with intention ensures you spend less time dealing with discomfort and more time enjoying the music. With the right mix of shelter, off-grid power, and personal essentials, your campsite becomes a home base for recovery and recharge. Gear up wisely, and your Summerfest weekend will be one to remember—for all the right reasons.
Tips for Camping at Summerfest
Camping during a major music festival like Summerfest can be one of the most memorable parts of the experience. But you have to plan wisely, or it may be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
The following tips will help you stay safe, comfortable, and fully powered up throughout the weekend so that you make the best memories possible.
Book Early: Campgrounds near Milwaukee fill up quickly during Summerfest. Reserve your spot well in advance, especially if you’re aiming for an RV site or family-friendly campground.
Charge Everything Before You Go: Make sure all your gear is fully charged before arrival. This includes your phone, backup batteries, portable fans, and lighting equipment. Start with a full battery on your EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus or EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) so you’re ready from the get-go.
Stay Cool During the Day: Festival tents can turn into saunas by noon. Position your tent in the shade if possible, and ventilate it with the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner to stay comfortable between sets.
Keep a Daily Essentials Kit Handy: Store sunglasses, earplugs, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen in an easily accessible pouch. It saves you from rummaging through your entire bag when time is tight.
Secure Your Camp: Store valuables in lockboxes or hidden compartments. Avoid leaving expensive gear in plain sight when you're away at the festival.
Be Neighborly: Festival campsites are social spaces. Respect quiet hours, keep your area clean, and bring extra water or supplies to share; it’s an easy way to make new friends.
A little planning goes a long way when you're living off-grid at a major music festival. From powering devices to staying cool and organized, these small tips help avoid big headaches. With the right setup and mindset, your Summerfest camping experience can be just as unforgettable as the headlining acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Summerfest?
Summerfest itself doesn’t offer official camping, but nearby sites range from $20 to $60 per night, depending on amenities. RV parks with hookups or resort-style campgrounds may charge more. When booking, always check for additional fees, like firewood permits or extra vehicle charges.
Can You Sleep in Your Car at Summerfest?
You can’t sleep in your car on the Summerfest grounds, but some nearby campgrounds allow car camping. Always confirm with the campground in advance, as overnight parking rules vary. Consider privacy shades, ventilation options, and a portable power station to stay comfortable overnight in your vehicle.
How Long Is Summerfest in Milwaukee?
Summerfest takes place over 9 days—much longer than your typical weekend music festival. Expect 12 permanent stages, over 600 artists, an exciting vibe, and plenty of beautiful scenery; after all, the festival is located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Final Thoughts
Camping during Summerfest is a great way to extend your experience beyond the festival gates—just make sure you’re equipped for off-grid living. From staying cool to keeping your devices powered, the right gear makes all the difference. Explore the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series to upgrade your festival setup and stay energized from sunrise to encore.