The Stoney Zone with Stoney Jonez

The Noob’s Guide to Bonnaroo

This guide is just a collection of tips and things I observed going to Bonnaroo. I have only gone with a tent, never in an RV (until this year's Bonnaroo), and wasn't VIP. Since I will be going in an RV this year, I will update this after Bonnaroo 2012. If anyone has any suggestions or corrections, please leave it in the comments. I may make a video version of this guide at some point as well.

A. Pre-Bonnaroo planning

You may want to start planning and preparing for Bonnaroo a few months before it begins. Obviously the top priority overall is to get your tickets, but there are quite a few other things you will need. Some of these are more obvious than others but this guide is supposed to cover it all.

1. Camping supplies

• Tent - You don't want to cheap out on this. Bring a good quality tent. If you have to buy one, don't spend less than $120. It may seem like a lot if you don't really go camping regularly but a good quality tent will last decades if you take care of it. You don't want a massively huge one unless you are going with multiple vehicles and sharing it with others.
• Hammer - For the tent stakes!
• Water Jug - Try to get a collapsible transparent water jug with a spout. This is not for drinking but for cleaning hands, rinsing dishes, etc. I'll get more into detail about this later, but this will be one of the only things I would recommend using the local water for. Mine holds about 5 gallons and I only had to fill mine two times during the whole festival.
• Canopy - It gets EXTREMELY hot in Tennessee during the summer months, so shade is extra important. Depending how much space your tent will be taking up, you may want to bring more than one. If you have an extra large canopy or more than one, I would suggest using any extra shade over your tent because it WILL feel like an oven inside during the day. Try to find a collapsible canopy so you don't have to waste time putting the poles together.
• Tarp(s) - This might be obvious to some, but not necessarily for the reasons you would expect. We actually staked a bunch of tarps on the ground underneath our canopies to act as a floor for the campsite. They can also help for extra shade and as an extra roof over your tent to help manage water if it rains.
• Rope - Various uses, including tying down tarps for cover.
• Stove - There is plenty to eat at Bonnaroo but it isn't cheap, so you'll want some way of cooking at your campsite (and campfires are not allowed). I would recommend a modern propane stove (older models don't cook as hot or as fast). A good one will cost between $60-$100. Also, don't forget to buy a few propane canisters. I brought 4 last year and only used 2 but it will depend on your stove and how you use it. You can also buy or build a sun-grill since it will be extremely sunny and hot but it will take significantly longer to cook with.
• Table - I would suggest at least one folding table for your stove, water jug (remember I said to get one with a spout!), etc. Together, we had 4 cars of people last year, 4 canopies combined to chill under, and a total of 5 folding tables of varying sizes for all to use. This is just an example though. You can get by with just one.
• Fan(s) - Every person in your group will need their own personal fan to use. Don't expect to share fans and be comfortable. It is HOT! I got a couple of fans at Dick's Sporting Goods for under $20 each that run on D batteries. I never had to change the batteries even once while I was there but obviously they aren't all the same. I would also recommend a fan you can hang in your tent at night, but usually it is cool enough by then that falling asleep isn't a problem.
• Lighting - This is an absolute MUST. You'll need at least one large decent-quality lantern. Nowadays, you can find a good one from Coleman that will run on D batteries or their rechargeable battery packs for under $40. Also don't get crappy flashlights. Some cheaper ones may seem okay, but they often aren't very bright. I bought some that came in a 2-pack with batteries for something like $10 and they were so bad I didn't even use them for anything except going to the bathroom. You may also want to get some lights just for hanging in your tent or under your canopies.
• Batteries - Bring more than you think you will actually need! Remember you will be using your fans nonstop when you are at camp and may be keeping your lanterns on for extended periods of time at night. If you have extra that you won't need, you can save them for next Bonnaroo! You'll most likely just need a whole bunch of D's and AA's
• Blankets/sleeping bags - You'll definitely need a sleeping bag or blanket for nighttime as it does start to get colder around midnight. I would also recommend a smaller, lighter blanket for chilling at camp or bringing to Centeroo.
• Chairs - Bring enough comfortable folding chairs for your group. You may even want to bring one or two extra for friends or guests you may have at your campsite. I got some nice camping chairs with cup holders for about $10 each last year. You can also bring your chairs to Centeroo!
• Cooler(s) - I'd suggest one with a drain spout. You will be emptying your melted ice water out a lot because of the heat, and this will make it much easier.
• Something to sleep on - Many people are fine with just sleeping with some blankets on the floor of their tent, and there's nothing wrong with going that route. Personally, I bought an air mattress last year. It was good for the extra cushioning but made me sweat a lot (they are made of rubber and plastic). I would suggest some kind of fold-up cot or portable hammock instead. If you do decide to go with an air mattress, try to get one with a battery-powered air pump. I almost accidentally bought an electric one that required an AC outlet.
• Percolator - If you want to be able to make coffee in the morning, you'll want to bring a percolator that you can use on your stove.

2. Food/drinks

These are just suggestions based on what I did. It may not match what everyone else likes but you'll at least get a general idea of what is and isn't good food to bring.

• Water - You'll need at least 1 case of 24 bottles (16oz or more) per person. This is a bare minimum and you may want to bring more. It gets hot as hell and you will have to stay hydrated!
• Granola bars/cereal bars - These are great because they are fairly cheap (especially if you get the store brand), they don't need to stay cold, and you can easily keep them in your pocket or backpack to go to Centeroo. I brought a few boxes of each last year to share with my girlfriend and it was one of the best snacks we had at camp.
• Hot dogs/burgers - Why have a stove for your trip if you're not going to cook up some burgers? This is another one that is just cheap and easy. Slap it on the grill, slap it on a bun, and slap some ketchup on that bitch!
• Bread/rolls - Just make sure to have enough rolls for any hot dogs or burgers you are bringing. You might want to bring some bread to make toast or grilled cheese sandwiches. Make sure to keep all bread in a spot that won't get hit by the sun. You might even want to keep a fan blowing over the bags of bread during the day to help keep them from going bad.
• Ham and cheese - For making ham and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches. Try to use these during the first few days because they probably won't last as long unless you are good at keeping your ice fresh.
• Beer - You can bring beer to drink at your campsite but you can't bring it into Centeroo. Remember, glass bottles aren't allowed into Bonnaroo at all and don't plan on bringing a keg!
• Ramen noodles - These need less than a bottle of boiled water and don't need to be kept cold.
• Trail mix - You can even make your own however you like it. Chex mix works great too.
• Easy Mac - Another quick one that just needs hot water.

3. Clothing

As mentioned before, it is going to be very hot so plan your clothing appropriately. I would definitely suggest packing a few pairs of shorts and a bunch of t-shirts. You can get by with pants instead but you definitely won't want to. Make sure to only bring clothes you are willing to get dirty, especially with shoes. It would also be a good idea to bring sandals (try to avoid flip-flops). Pack a sweatshirt or two for when it gets cold at night. A large hat would also be a good idea, and when I say large I mean LARGE. It will keep the sun from burning your eyeballs out of their sockets. Don't forget underwear and socks!

4. Other stuff to bring

This stuff was just too random to put into another category.

• Cigarettes - If you smoke, you definitely don't want to buy cigarettes at Bonnaroo. They are way too expensive. I'd suggest bringing a carton from an outside source.
• Lighters - Especially for smokers.
• Cameras - Disposable ones work great. Remember that there are limits to the types of cameras allowed into Centeroo.
• Backpack - You'll want a backpack for going into Centeroo. Try to find one with mesh shoulder straps to help stay cool. I have a smaller backpack with a water pouch and tube, similar to a Camelbak. You may want something larger. Plan so you can carry disposable cameras, water, snacks, napkins or baby wipes, and possibly a small blanket.
• Sunglasses - Very important! I didn't bring any sunglasses and I walked around squinting and holding my hand above my eyes half the time! It's not just hot, it's very bright.
• First aid kit - Just play it safe.
• Drugs (the legal kind) - It's not a bad idea to bring some Advil or Tylenol, not to mention any prescription drugs you may need to take during Bonnaroo.
• Paper towels/napkins/baby wipes - For staying clean.
• Deodorant - You will sweat like crazy but you'll smell like 10 people sweating like crazy.
• Sunscreen - You don't want to go even a single day without sunscreen or sunblock here. The sun is just too brutal in Tennessee during June!
• Toilet paper - The porta-johns at Bonnaroo usually have some toilet paper, but don't count on it. Bring a few rolls along just in case, and don't leave your roll in the porta-john. Don't forget to always keep a roll in your backpack while you are at Centeroo too.
• Toothbrush/toothpaste - Too easy to forget these on any trip.
• Glow sticks - They are good for lighting in the porta-john and they just look awesome.
• Cell phone - Mainly for emergencies or just checking in with someone at home. Try to keep it turned off.

5. Money

Here are some of the biggest things you're likely to spend your money on. Plan accordingly! I'd personally recommend at least $250 after gas money spent.

• Gas money - Make sure you have more than enough to get there and back.
• Food stops - You may want to stop for some dinner or snacks on the way there, depending on your personal plans.
• Potential vehicle problems - You never know what could happen!
• Ice - Ice is both extremely important and extremely expensive at Bonnaroo. Also keep in mind that each time you buy ice you have to buy enough to fill your cooler(s), which can be multiple bags. You'll be buying several bags of ice throughout the day if you want your cooler to stay cold and dry. These are usually small bags too, very pricey small bags. I'd recommend filling your coolers with ice from a gas station right before lining up to enter Bonnaroo, if at all possible. Expect ice prices at Bonnaroo to be between 3-10 times the amount you spend at a gas station.
• Food and drinks - There are tons of options for food at Bonnaroo, and the same goes for beverages. The prices are similar to the food and drink prices at a big-name amusement park.
• Clothing - Believe it or not, there are a decent number of clothing vendors at Bonnaroo. At the very least, pick up a Bonnaroo shirt for the year you are attending!
• Other vendor items - Pipes, posters, glass art, tapestries, etc. I can't really name all the things you can get from the vendors because there is too much.

6. Preparing your vehicle

• Make sure it's legal - This shouldn't have to be mentioned, but just make sure your registration, inspection and insurance are in order before you leave.
• Get rid of those subs! - Unless you are in a larger vehicle or are going with just one other person, you probably won't be able to fit all your stuff if you have a trunk full of subwoofers and amps! Just get rid of any large sub boxes or other junk before even thinking about packing the car.
• Check your fluids - Make sure that your oil has been changed recently and is not low. Also check your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Tire pressure - You don't want to venture out to Tennessee with low air pressure in your tires, especially if you are travelling from more than a state away like I did.
• Windshield wipers - Not a huge deal, but make sure your wipers don't suck and that they are properly fastened and secured.
• Wax - This one is entirely optional. If you have a car with paint that you want to stay looking nice, I'd recommend waxing your car within two months of leaving for Bonnaroo. There is a lot of dirt and you WILL get scratches on your car.

7. Packing

There's obviously not too much to tell you here. All I would recommend is to keep your coolers and any snacks or drinks for the road easily accessible. That way you don't have to unpack a bunch of stuff just to get your snack on or refill the ice in your cooler. If you have to pack things on the seats, make sure it won't easily fall over or slide around so people are comfortable and safe.

B. The road to 'roo

I'm not going to get into detail on how to get to Bonnaroo. These are just some minor tips on making the road trip easier and what to do when you arrive.

1. Leaving

Technically, Bonnaroo starts on Thursday but most people will want to arrive on Wednesday. You want to get there early enough to be done setting up camp before dark. The earlier you arrive, the less time you will spend waiting in line to enter. That being said, leaving early enough is also important. I obviously can't give tips for when to leave for where you live, because I have only ever gone their from Pennsylvania. Plan it out on Google Maps ahead of time, and even add a couple of hours to your estimates to play it safe. Make sure to compensate for some time waiting in line too. My suggestion is to try to time your trip so that you are in line to enter Bonnaroo by 2pm Wednesday.

2. The trip

Depending where you are coming from, it may be a very long trip. I came from Pennsylvania, which is about 780 miles according to Google Maps. Unless you are planning to rest for a while on the way or you like driving long distances on your own, it's a good idea to go with someone else who can drive. Just switch up the driver a few times on the way if you can and it'll make it much easier. I actually drove the entire 14-hour trip on the way back and I felt dead afterward. It actually made me appreciate what truckers do for a living. Once you get close, I would recommend filling up your gas tank. Also, there is a Wal-Mart nearby where you can meet up with other people who are going to Bonnaroo, if you have the extra time. Make sure to have some good music for the road and plenty

2. The line

When you finally get close, you'll start seeing electronic signs telling you where to line up but you'll probably see the line at the same time. If you arrive late Wednesday or even on Thursday, you may have to wait several hours in line before you even get to Bonnaroo. We arrived in the afternoon on Wednesday when it was still light out, and waited maybe about two and a half hours (just an estimate, I didn't time it).

3. Entering Bonnaroo

When you finally get into Bonnaroo, you will still have a little bit of a trip to get to your campsite. This part can take about an hour as well because everyone is moving very slow and stopping frequently. Before starting the journey to your campsite, you will pass through a security checkpoint. This is normal and everyone goes through it. They will ask if you have any glass bottles or containers and they'll ask if you have any drugs. Even if you say no, it is possible your vehicle will be searched. It is mostly random but if they do a search, it is usually not too thorough and shouldn't take too long. If you have things that you don't want found, I would suggest hiding them well. After the security checkpoint, you will go down some small paths and be directed toward your camping area. Hang in there, it's coming soon enough!

4. Setting up camp

When you actually arrive at your campsite, you will line up in a row next to the cars in front of you and/or behind you. Your camping space is the whole area right in front of your car so you might want to leave a few feet between your vehicle and the one next to yours to try to allow for some extra room. If it is dark out by the time you get to camp you can use your headlights to help get things laid out. Lay out your tarps on the ground first, then get your tents and canopies set up. After that you just gotta get lighting and tables out, and it's time to celebrate!

C. Life at Bonnaroo

Living at Bonnaroo is a lot like living at home, except you can smoke joints out in the open while you walk with your friends. Sure, there are police around, but as long as you aren't being an asshole about it or blowing it up in their faces, they usually turn a blind eye to it (the same cannot be said for selling). You will see strange folks from all parts of America and even other countries. An odd dude named Andy walks into your campsite and sits down to talk about the 5 hits of acid he just ate. A 7ft ginger walking down the street yells out that he is looking for shrooms. Some guy with a southern accent offers you some MDMA for the free hat you just won in the Adult Swim area. Yes, this is Bonnaroo. Now, don't get me wrong, it ain't all about getting fucked up and partying. There's a ton of awesome artists to check out, comedy shows, games, a water slide, free stuff, all just waiting for you!

1. Waking up each morning

Every morning, you will almost inevitably wake up around 8am, if not earlier. It's almost unavoidable. It starts getting warm out, light is shining into your tent, and people start making noise outside. You make a mad dash to the porta-johns and you are met with multiple lines of people waiting to shit and piss. It is best not to get too upset about this because everyone is dealing with the same thing. Each toilet area has a whole row or two of porta-johns so it doesn't take too long until it's your turn. By 9am, it will already be getting extremely hot.

2. What's outside Centeroo?

Even outside of Centeroo, you can find tons of vendors. One of my favorite food places wasn't even in Centeroo. It was called Bearly Edible and they had awesome garlic grilled cheese sandwiches for $1. There were quite a few stands selling pipes and other glass smoking pieces with good deals. You'll find many spots to sell ice, but the best is the closest to your campsite.

3. Going to Centeroo

Depending where your campsite is located, it can be a long walk to and from Centeroo. My friends and I were camped in pod 1 (each larger camping area is called a pod) and it was quite a long walk, at least a mile each direction. It may not seem like much, but going back and forth throughout the day can become very tiresome. There are taxis you can take instead (4-wheelers), but I believe they cost $10 a ride. You only want to bring things you'll need, which will always include a few bottles of water. Don't bring anything that isn't allowed in Centeroo or you might have it confiscated. When you arrive, you sometimes be patted down. They will usually ask to look inside any bags you are carrying as well. This is all very fast and usually not too thorough. Once inside Centeroo, your map will guide you wherever you are trying to go. You did bring the map with you, right?

4. Music

The coolest thing about Bonnaroo is that you get to experience all kinds of music you may not have listened to otherwise. I didn't really listen to Wiz Khalifa until I saw him perform at Bonnaroo 2011. I never even heard of Chiddy Bang until that year either. You'll even see and hear some lesser known bands and artists. Keep a lookout for the smaller tents and stages to check them out. You pay about $300 for a Bonnaroo ticket, you might as well make it worth it and see as many performances as possible!

D. Partying at Bonnaroo

1. Drinking

Lots of people drink at Bonnaroo, but most aren't acting like drunken assholes starting fights. Just don't be a douche and everyone gets along.

2. Smoking weed

Now this is where the line between 'allowed' and 'tolerated' gets blurred. Cannabis is still illegal for recreational use in America, and that doesn't change at Bonnaroo. That being said, I know I walked right past several police officers while smoking a joint without even having them look at me. That was just last year, Bonnaroo 2011. Keep in mind, this isn't a guarantee, and you could easily be told to put it out or worse. Anyway, illegal or not, my friends and I smoked a shitload of weed while we were there. A shitload.

3. Tripping/rolling

You can't go through a single day at Bonnaroo without seeing at least one person on some sort of hallucinogen. We had a guy named Andy (the one I mentioned earlier) come into our camping area, sit down on one of our chairs, and start talking nonsensically about the acid and shrooms he ate. He was clearly out of his damn mind and couldn't find his own campsite, but it was hilarious. So anyway, there is acid, MDMA, shrooms, and more available if you ask around. Personally, I'd recommend bringing some from home so you don't have to worry about it while you are at Bonnaroo.

E. Going home

We left on Monday, the very last day you can leave. I've heard that if you leave on Sunday it is much more difficult and takes longer. This would make sense because on Sunday there are still people out and about, walking around. It didn't take nearly as long to leave as it did to enter Bonnaroo. It's a sad feeling when it's all over, but you'll probably be talking about it to all your friends until next year's Bonnaroo comes around!