The Ultimate Electric Forest Packing List
Because forgetting your headlamp sucks.
Planning for Electric Forest can feel like prepping for a week on another planet—and in a way, it kind of is. Between the weather, the walk, the vibes, and the randomness, having the right gear makes all the difference. Here’s everything you actually need to bring, broken down by category for sanity's sake.
The Ultimate Electric Forest Packing List
Electric Forest is a camping festival, which means what you bring matters. This list breaks everything down so you can show up prepared without the stress.
Must-Haves
Ticket and wristband
ID and credit/debit card (cashless festival)
Phone and charger (car or power bank)
Printed directions and map
Spare car keys
Camel Pack (or water pack of sort)
Headlamp or flashlight
Earplugs and sunscreen
Toilet paper and wet wipes
First aid kit and pain relievers
Camping Setup
Shelter & Sleeping Setup
Tent + tarp (waterproof bottom layer to protect from ground water)
Shade canopy (10x10 per 4 people, staked down well)
Hammock or wind pouch (note: few trees except in Maplewoods)
Ground blanket (carpet, tarp, or picnic blanket for outside the tent)
Sleeping pad, air mattress, or cot
Sleeping bag, blankets, pillow
Tapestries or tie-dye sheets (for extra shade and airflow)
Flag + pole (to help locate your tent in the sea of camps)
Camp Kitchen & Food Storage
Cooler (fill with ice before arriving to save $$)
Dry food bin (keeps food clean, dry, and rodent-free)
Bowls, cups, plates, utensils (if you plan to cook)
Water jug (refillable, 2–5 gallons recommended)
Ziplocs or resealable containers (for snacks, leftovers, dry items)
Folding table (essential for food prep and organization)
Speaker (for tunes while cooking or lounging)
Note: No BBQs or open flames. Only small camp stoves like Jetboils are allowed.
Camp Comfort & Common Space
Camp chairs (at least one per person, plus an extra if possible)
LED string lights (solar preferred, for visibility and vibes)
Tent light + fan (battery or solar powered)
Reflectix or foil window shades (keep tent or car cooler)
Collapsible crates/bins (to keep things tidy and organized)
Trash bags (label for trash/recycling, tie to shade canopy)
Mini broom + dustpan (for muddy tent floors)
Camp Tools & Fix-It Gear
Duct tape
Zip ties
Scissors or multi-tool (no knives—prohibited!)
Paracord or rope
Bungee cords
Extra heavy-duty tent stakes
Rubber mallet (to drive stakes into hard ground)
Twist ties or velcro straps
Carabiners (for hanging gear, bags, or decorations)
Hygiene & Clean-Up
Baby wipes (biodegradable if possible)
Paper towels
Pee funnel (She-wee or similar)
Trash bags (for waste and muddy clothes)
Camp shower or jug for rinsing off
Hand sanitizer
Headlamp + extra batteries (for nighttime bathroom runs)
Bonus Tips
Label everything (chargers, lights, etc.) with duct tape + Sharpie
Pre-wrap duct tape strips around your lighter or water bottle
Bring a few extra carabiners to help camp neighbors or gift
A mini sewing kit or safety pins might just save the day
Waggon (game-changer for hauling gear from car to camp)
Daily Festival Essentials
Hydration pack or reusable bottle
Fanny pack
Phone clip (if you like taking pictures)
Reusable cup for drinks
Blanket or mat for sitting
Sweatshirt or light jacket for nighttime
Phone backup battery
Kandi, stickers, or small gifts
Snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses
Clothing
Michigan can swing from 95°F to 50°F in a day. Overpack if unsure.
Layers: hoodie, jacket, long sleeves
T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, pants
Onesie or warm pajamas (temps drop at night)
Rain jacket + poncho (there’s always one downpour)
Socks, underwear, swimsuit
Comfortable shoes + sandals/flip flops
Bandanas (light blocker, sun shield)
Blackout eye mask or blackout tent
Cooling towel
When it rains…
Rain boots - it will rain
Extra sox (way more than you think)
Waterproof shoes
Food and Drinks
Food vendors are great but pricey. Prep in advance, freeze water bottles as ice packs.
Pasta salad (pre-bagged), PB&J, granola bars
Hummus, pita, muffins, cereal
Lunch meat, bread, condiments
Pre-marinated proteins (burgers, chicken)
Fruits, veggies, snacks, candy
Water bottles (plus a refill jug)
Gatorade, Vitamin Water, or Pedialyte
Coffee/energy drinks
Beer (cans only) + boxed wine (1 per person max)
Fun & Festival Essentials
Totem or rage staff (within guidelines)
Glow toys, flow toys, biodegradable glitter
Face/body paint
Moon Mat or yoga mat (yoga daily at Tripolee)
Kandi, stickers, small gifts for trading
Sunglasses, extra contacts or glasses
Portable battery (or car charger)
Paper + pen
Festival app pre-downloaded
Phone on low battery mode
Hand fan
Koozies
Jumper cables
Printed map, directions, important numbers
Extra car keys
Tips:
Gifting is part of the Forest culture. Don’t bring plastic junk—handmade or thoughtful is best. And yes, the app works offline.
Health and Hygiene
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
Towels (1 for shower, 1 for backup)
She-wee or pee funnel or “pee jug” (just kidding not really)
Soap, shampoo, wipes
Body glide, Gold Bond
Make up remover
Hair ties
Nail & eyelash glue (for those that participate)
Thigh glide (for the thickness)
Tampons, condoms
Nail clippers, melatonin, magnesium
Shower option (solar or foot pump)
Hand sanitizer and hygiene kit
DanceSafe or Bunk Police test kit
Pro tip: Bring at least 2 towels—one for daily use, one for emergencies. Pack biodegradable glitter only.
What not to Bring?
Please help keep the forest safe and magical by leaving the following at home:
Fireworks, explosives, or flying lanterns
Open flames, candles, or charcoal grills (small Coleman-style campstoves are okay)
Generators that require external fuel (RV generators using the RV’s gas are fine; solar generators are allowed)
Gas or fuel cans (except small propane for campstoves)
Box trucks
Large sound systems (keep it respectful—turn it down if asked)
Glass items (mirrors are okay)
Kegs or hard liquor
Drones or laser pointers
Illegal substances, including nitrous oxide
Weapons of any kind (even pocket knives)
Tiki torches, golf clubs, or hammers
Helium tanks
Bikes, skateboards, scooters, One Wheelers
Boats or hard-sided floatation devices
Unauthorized merchandise sales
Offensive or culturally inappropriate items, including:
American Indian headdresses
Confederate flags
Threatening signs or apparel
Budgeting & Cost Tips
Tickets & Add-Ons: Use the loyalty program if you’ve attended before—it gives early access and discounts. Payment plans are available. Budget for extras like early arrival ($75+), vehicle passes, and upgraded camping (Good Life, Maplewoods, Lucky Lake). Group camping is $85/person but helps with coordination and shared supplies.
Travel & Transportation: Carpool to split gas and parking costs. If flying, look at nearby airports like Grand Rapids or Detroit and rent a car with friends. Shuttles are available but pricey. Budget $10–$20 for tolls if driving in from the east.
Camping Gear: Share gear like coolers, canopies, and stoves. Freeze water bottles instead of buying ice. Use dry food bins instead of overpacking. Don’t bring a generator—battery packs and car chargers will do just fine.
Food & Drinks: Vendors can run $15–$20 a meal. Bring your own food for breakfast, snacks, and at least one daily meal. Bring boxed wine (limit 1) or beer (cans only). Instant coffee, hydration packs, and pre-made meals will save you big. Share meals like pasta salad and wraps with your group.
Hygiene: Showers cost $10. Use wet wipes and deodorant instead. Bring your own toilet paper, soap, and dry shampoo. Have a hygiene bag ready so you don’t overpay on-site.
Spending On-Site: Most vendors take cards, Venmo, and Apple Pay. Expect to spend $50–$70 per day. Forest merch is high-quality but not cheap—hoodies are often $80+, pins $10–$20. Keep cash or card ready for spontaneous treats like massages, late-night eats, or art.
Gifting & Trading: Stick to handmade or meaningful gifts like kandi, art, stickers, or poems. Avoid plastic or dollar-store junk—it doesn’t match Forest values.
Extras: Don’t forget gas money, tolls, post-Forest meals, and emergency funds for car trouble or lost items. If you plan to explore nearby towns or eat out, budget for that too.
Pro Tips: Share a Google Doc with your group to split responsibilities. Borrow what you can. Shop thrift stores and discount shops instead of Amazon. For a basic trip, plan on $600–$900 total. Less if you're scrappy. More if you're going VIP.
Gift Giving & Trading at the forest
One of the coolest traditions at Electric Forest is gifting. It’s not about money—it’s about magic. People bring small, meaningful items to trade or give away. It’s a way to connect, spread joy, and make someone’s day better.
The Giving Tree(s)
There are two versions:
The Real Giving Tree – A tiny tree with shelves, lights, and a sign that reads “The Giving Three.” It’s hidden somewhere in the Forest and meant for “take one, leave one” magic. Small, thoughtful items only.
The Unofficial Giving Tree – A giant oak tree between Tripolee and Ranch. You can’t miss it. People leave items, art, notes, and more. No trash, no business cards. Keep it meaningful, not messy.
Gifting Etiquette
Take one, leave one: Don’t just take. Contribute something too.
No junk: Don’t hand out used wristbands, flyers, or things nobody wants.
Trade with intention: Make your gift personal or useful—stickers, beads, tiny art, handwritten notes, cool trinkets.
The Trading Post (if open): They want quality, not quantity. Think creative, handmade, rare, or funny.
For the Characters: Bring something small and unique for Forest performers or wild strangers—nothing too bulky, but something fun they’ll remember.
Common Gifting/Trading Spots
The Giving Trees
Random strangers in line or in the crowd
The Trading Post (when it’s running)
At group camps
During workshops or meetups
On your way to a stage
