Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
It's gonna be my first time at Bonnaroo and I'm trying to prepare to the best of my ability. I've read a lot on this forum and other sites so I have a good idea on everything.
However, I'm still a little confused as to what I should do about my tent and such. I have a 5-person tent that's 10x10. That may be big for Bonnaroo (not real sure), but I already had the tent and didn't really want to buy another one. Also, three other people will be going with me and staying in my tent, so I thought that size should be okay for all four of us to be kinda comfortable. Here lies the question. I'm seeing so much stuff about covering up the tent with tarps or using an EZ-UP. I don't have an EZ-UP and I'm not sure what's the best way to cover my tent. Most EZ-UPs or canopies I see are 10x10 and I know that wouldn't work covering up my tent since it's already a 10x10. I know some people use tarps or sheets, but I don't know how to make all of that stand up over my tent and whatnot for proper airflow. Would getting a 12x12 canopy be worth it or too big for the campsite? Or do I need to figure out some way to use tarps over my tent to block off some of the sun? Any assistance will be GREATLY appreciated!
You need an EZ-up just for the shade alone. I'd say you'd be fine as long as you have the rainfly for your tent. You will def want some shade at your campsite too though, so EZ-ups are key. I wouldn't think you would need a 12x12 though either. I have taken a 9x9 the past 5 years, but I only have a 2 person tent too. I set my tent door to be right under my EZ-up, then zip tie a tarp from my EZ-up over my tent because I don't have the rainfly for it. I usually camp with 4-5 people, and the 9x9 EZ-up works for all of us during the day before we head to Centeroo.
Definitely need an EZ-up or alternate shade. The tent will be broiling by 8am out in the open sun. Don't count on it to offer you shade. Our neighbors two years ago only had a large tent. We invited them over to share in the shade of our EZ-up, and now we're the best of friends. This will be our 3rd Roo together. If you can't get an EZ-up (they can be pretty pricey), then be sure to make friends with someone around you who has an EZ-up.
Not bringing an EZ UP is one of the biggest mistakes you can make at Roo. Trust me.
This. First year we tried to make it with a screenhouse, which ended up being quite the failure. Just picked up a new 10X10 Ozark trail canopy for 95 bucks. Make the investment.
Bring a compass along too, that way you can set the EZup to shade the tent in the morning when you'll need it.
Not bringing an EZ UP is one of the biggest mistakes you can make at Roo. Trust me.
This. First year we tried to make it with a screenhouse, which ended up being quite the failure. Just picked up a new 10X10 Ozark trail canopy for 95 bucks. Make the investment.
Bring a compass along too, that way you can set the EZup to shade the tent in the morning when you'll need it.
Going to any summer music festival pretty much requires an EZ Up. I dont think I would go without one.
Pack your car so that you have easy access to your tent and EZ Up and get them setup immediately before you unpack anything else. You need to claim your space immediately.
Turtles are, actually quite sexy, if you think about it. I’m getting an erection just thinking about turtles. No, not a stripper named turtles, that’s not funny. Actual turtles.
—?Thom Yorke
I've always had enough room for my 10x10 EZ Up and six-person tent. The initial land-grab can be awkward, but it's all good after you set up camp. Be friendly but secure your space. I put my EZ-up behind (or in front of) my car and my tent directly behind it, overlapping a little. Some years are more crowded than others, but I've always had room. I agree that bringing shade is mandatory. If you're creative and handy, you can rig up tarps to shade your tent, but I just bring a lounge chair and get up when it gets hot and move outside or pack up and leave my camp early to nap under the shade or trees in Centeroo. Also, a little O2 Cool fan with an extra set of batteries works wonders. I bring two, but I'm old and need the air flow
This. First year we tried to make it with a screenhouse, which ended up being quite the failure. Just picked up a new 10X10 Ozark trail canopy for 95 bucks. Make the investment.
Bring a compass along too, that way you can set the EZup to shade the tent in the morning when you'll need it.
Or...look at the sun
So what does OP do if he gets there noon-ish on thursday or wednesday night?
Post by bansheebeat on Jun 4, 2013 11:10:16 GMT -5
Your tent size should be just fine. Especially since you'll be sharing it with your camp mates. Like everyone else said an EZ Up isn't really something you can get by without. Last year our neighbors didn't have one so we invited them to use ours. They said it was easily the biggest mistake they could have made, they look miserable just sitting in the sun! You don't need to use it to cover your tent really, though if you can rig a way to shade your tent from the rising sun this can help you grab a few extra hours of sleep.
My advice would be, if there is something you want, but aren't sure u need, whether it be because of price or you're just not sure you'll use it, buy it at Walmart. Their return policy is awesome, my roommates just did Sasquatch essentially for free. EZ Up, cooler, and several other things all accepted, and full cash back. I guess their could be some ethical debate about this since you are basically borrowing everything, but it is Walmart, not a ma and pop shop.
My advice would be, if there is something you want, but aren't sure u need, whether it be because of price or you're just not sure you'll use it, buy it at Walmart. Their return policy is awesome, my roommates just did Sasquatch essentially for free. EZ Up, cooler, and several other things all accepted, and full cash back. I guess their could be some ethical debate about this since you are basically borrowing everything, but it is Walmart, not a ma and pop shop.
That's a pretty scum bag move honestly. Yes it's "just wal mart" but you're still "just stealing".
So what does OP do if he gets there noon-ish on thursday or wednesday night?
Even at high noon, the sun is still slightly south of us, so use that as a guide. Look up, and face towards the sun. Right is west, left is east, your bum is looking north.
At night, use Centeroo as your base. It is the most south-central point of the farm. Treat it the same way you treated the sun, and base your location/direction in relation to Centeroo. You can use the ferris wheel or clock tower, as you can see it from mostly everywhere.
last year I had a 6 man tent that was like 8x12. I had my EZ up about 2/3 covering it on the easterly side and then 10' of tarp area attached to the south end of that that came down at the end to within 3 foot of the ground. tent was nice and cool in the mornings and evenings. I got lucky in regards to my room but if you stake it out quickly, you should be ok. Under the tarp area, I had a nice card table, and a cooking area with stove etc... it was GREAT for afternoon naps.
Thanks everyone for the responses. They've been awesome! So, I know I need to get an EZ-Up now (I found a 10x10 canopy on eBay for $45 that should work for Bonnaroo).
Do you guys think I should cover up the East side of my tent with a tarp or something to allow me to sleep a little longer? I was thinking about having the canopy and letting it overlap the tent some and somehow draping a tarp or something over it (I read somewhere here that putting a beach ball between a tarp and the tent would help with airflow??). I'll probably use those spring clamps to attach it to my canopy. And maybe get some sheets to hang on the sides of the canopy (high enough to still have some airflow). If anyone has a pic or illustration of a good campsite example with Ez-up and tent, please feel free to post it.
I already bought some of those O2 fans so maybe I'll be good, but really I'm just ready to experience Bonnaroo at this point. I'm tired of preparing! Haha!
last year I had a 6 man tent that was like 8x12. I had my EZ up about 2/3 covering it on the easterly side and then 10' of tarp area attached to the south end of that that came down at the end to within 3 foot of the ground. tent was nice and cool in the mornings and evenings. I got lucky in regards to my room but if you stake it out quickly, you should be ok. Under the tarp area, I had a nice card table, and a cooking area with stove etc... it was GREAT for afternoon naps.
That sounds great! So, was the tarp attached to the EZ-Up on the South end? If so, what was on the other end of the tarp area to make it stand up? Sorry, but I'm totally a visual learner, so sometimes I can't visualize stuff from words... Haha
The 10x10 Sierra II EZ-UP (which I am guessing is the one you bought, as it's the one most commonly found online) has a 10x10 footprint, but the canopy itself is only 8x8. The legs are slightly slanted so it stays up. So if your tent is 10x10, you will want tarps and other things to create more shade for you. There's also the consideration of rain. Wherever something touches the outside of your tent, it negates the water resistance. If your tent is touching the EZ-UP legs, you have methods of water entry on all sides. Tarps will help with that.
Trying to fit a 12x12 in your spot would be tight. Most neighbors would be accommodating, but if they have large set-ups as well, you will have a real-estate war on your hands. Setting up camp was the most stressful part of Bonnaroo last year because of the competition for space.
Tarp was tied to the east edge of the EZ up. then went 10 foot or so to the east where I had two PVC upright poles and a cross member setup. this was staked down to remain stable. worked like a charm. I added another pole and set it on my table to prop up the middle of hte tarp like a bit tent.
We've gotten by the last 2 years without, but we fly in and do tents only, and just head into centeroo and b-line it for the mist tents and grab an extra hour or 2 sleep. we spend a lot of time in the mist tents throughout the day. So no, it's not 100% essential. But certainly better off. This year were going vip, and i'll have 2 tarps, some rope, a good amount of extra pegs, and 2 telescopical poles that JUST BAIRLY fit cross ways in my cooler with the rest of our gear. They extend to about 7 feet, and our tent is 10x10 and 6 feet tall. I just hope it's not raining Thursday morning so I can spend some time MacGyverin' Beach ball idea sounds intreaguing. Just might give that a go.
last year i only had room for an ez up...no tent. They had us packed TIGHT! most 10x10 ezups spread out larger at the feet so it may still cover your tent. I'd skip the tent all together(to hot). we plan to bring two ezups (2 spaces) and cover three sides of one with tarps that we can adjust and just sleep under it.
These posts worry me. This is our first 'Roo, and I really have no idea what to expect for space. I have seen photos here, and elsewhere on the interwebs and think, "Those guys have TONS of space." Then I read this and begin to question how I'll set up camp.
Thanks! I think our tent (which is already pretty big) is a requirement. It has a rain fly, so it will provide shade. We can couple it with our pop-up tent as needed, I hope. If htere is room for both, we will be living in style. Come on by for a visit!
The only tent I have is a 12'X 15' and I was planning to bring it until I started reading this forum.... Will I have room to set it up? 1/2 of it is a screen room, so we were going to sleep in 1/2 of it and use the other 1/2 to get out of the sun and relax during the day. I don't want to make our neighbors mad, but I also don't want to go buy another tent. Anyone ever had a setup that big?
My tent is 9 x 17, so it should fit into the space in one direction, if not both. Like your model, it has a screened "sitting area," which we discussed just collapsing if there were not room. Good luck!
I was checking out some photos the other day from previous Bonnaroos, and the disparity in space even within one pod was astonishing. It looked like the parking attendants had parked one row crooked, so the campers at one end of the camping area had HUGE space, while others had just a normal allotment. I would prefer huge.
Is this your first trip, roro? Or have you used the 9x17' at any previous roos? This is our first trip and I may just take a pop-up and my 12x15' and use whatever I can. It's just my wife and I this year- it would be great if we could find another couple to be neighbors with so that we can work together on a spacious setup. I've read that you do better to set up in groups.
Going to any summer music festival pretty much requires an EZ Up. I dont think I would go without one.
Pack your car so that you have easy access to your tent and EZ Up and get them setup immediately before you unpack anything else. You need to claim your space immediately.
Thanks for the advice :)After I read your post, I immediately went out and bought an ez up...found a 10'x10' on sale at Kmart for $60.
