Camping questions

[scruz88]

Hi!

I've never been to any of the festivals nor Colorado. I'm planning on attending the Folks Festival. I'm traveling from Texas and I'm looking at the campsite options, my questions are: What are the differences in the campsites other than location and price? I'd prefer a campsite with grass. I saw some pictures and some had gravel. Is one campsite better than the rest? Also, what are the bathroom and shower options? What are some important things I should bring to both the festival and campsite? I noticed tarps are used. What about the floating tires for the river, are those there for rent or should I bring my own? Any other advice or comments is appreciated, Thank You. 

 Listening to: Sufjan Stevens

[jado]

Congrats on your first trip to CO!  I can speak to some of the camping spots.  Onsite camping is at the venue.  It can be the loudest one because of that, and seems a bit cramped if you ask me.  We usually camp at Meadow Park.  It's about a 5 minute walk to the venue.  Due to the floods, the river access has been fenced off.  I'm not sure if it is accessible yet, though they were hoping so by Folks Fest time.  Otherwise, camping in solely in the ball park, which is grass.  It tends to be quieter there, but folks still tend to hang out and play music after the shows.  We love the vibe there.  This year, we decided to camp at River Bend, just to get some river access and hopefully shade.  This camping area was opened for Rocky Grass last year and now (thank goodness) for the Folks Fest this year.  It should be pretty sweet.  I hear it is right across the street from the venue.  Side note: you will be given a wrist band to wear for your camping area.  Meadow Park and River Bend are allowed to cross-pollinate, but no others are. 
We always bring our own tubes, but I think you can buy them at the (not sure what to call it) auto shop between Meadow Park and the venue on the West side.  That's a maybe though, I'm really not sure. 
I can't speak to showers either.  At Meadow Park, there are usually pay showers, but we just aren't sure what the state of affairs is there. 
Other advice... bring a sunshade for camp if you have one.  bring a festival chair (a very short chair) for the venue, bring a tarp to grab your space at the shows. 
I think that's it for now.

[scruz88]

 

Thanks!  This really helps.

[Ice Tre]

The main campground has grass.  Last year, the backstage campground had wood chips (maybe that was what you thought was gravel?)  It used to have grass, but the wood chips were the result of damage from teh flood of 2013.  It might have grass this year, maybe someone who was at Rockygrass, or one of the staff could clarify?

One the main campground you can have a vehicle, if you buy a vehicle pass.  Backstage you can't have a vehicle. 

The previous response covered the two off-site campgrounds.  (They're walking distance)

There is a bathroom with showers and hot water.  Not just port-a-potties.  Very nice for a festival.

There are food vendors with good food.  You can walk 1/4 mile to the grocery in town for lunch meat, bread, fruit, ice, etc.  And there's a liquor store in town.  You owe me a beer for answering this. 

It can get a little cool in the evenings, during the song circles, so bring a fleece jacket or hoodie or something. 

Hope that helps!  You'll love it!

 Listening to: my own music, actually. I'm recording a new album.

[Blueleaf]

Thank you! Excellent info for a noob like me who wants to have the best experience.
Driving in from Houston, and will be arriving mid-day on Thursday.
First steps should be what???

[Mountain Nana]

Thank You Ice Tre for the overview of the camping facilities. did you mean that both the Meadows Park and River Bend have bathrooms with showers and hot water. Are there electrical outlets in case I want to get rid of "festival hair"? Thanks much. I am a newbie too and sooooo looking forward to this!   



 Listening to: Alison Krauss

[Mountain Nana]

The main campground has grass.  Last year, the backstage campground had wood chips (maybe that was what you thought was gravel?)  It used to have grass, but the wood chips were the result of damage from teh flood of 2013.  It might have grass this year, maybe someone who was at Rockygrass, or one of the staff could clarify?

One the main campground you can have a vehicle, if you buy a vehicle pass.  Backstage you can't have a vehicle. 

The previous response covered the two off-site campgrounds.  (They're walking distance)

There is a bathroom with showers and hot water.  Not just port-a-potties.  Very nice for a festival.

There are food vendors with good food.  You can walk 1/4 mile to the grocery in town for lunch meat, bread, fruit, ice, etc.  And there's a liquor store in town.  You owe me a beer for answering this. 

It can get a little cool in the evenings, during the song circles, so bring a fleece jacket or hoodie or something. 

Hope that helps!  You'll love it!