Camp Bestival is Dorset’s biggest and most joyful weekend, packed with family-friendly fun, music, and magical moments.
For many families, it has become a yearly tradition to visit Lulworth Castle and watch the excellent musical acts with their nearest and dearest.
If you’re camping for the weekend, then read on for the ultimate guide to all the essentials (or non-essentials) you might bring when attending.
There’s nothing like a weekend away, making memories with the family, though we’ll admit, the packing bit isn’t quite as exciting.
This guide is to provide you with everything you might need to spend the weekend at a festival with the family, from first aid kits to ear defenders.
Camp Bestival is all about fun, freedom, and a little bit of festival magic. This guide is here to take the stress out of packing so you can focus on the good stuff.
Clothing and Accessories
Wellies
The British weather is unpredictable, and festivals can get very muddy, so wellies are a must.
(Little ones love a pair of wellies, so they might be the only shoes they wear all weekend!)
Poncho
You never know when it will rain, so a pack-away poncho will keep you dry while being lightweight, saving you from carrying around an umbrella.
Hopefully, the sun is shining for the weekend. Sunscreen is a must, but it can easily be forgotten when you’re having a lot of fun.
Bring enough for the whole weekend and remember to apply regularly.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are perfect for adding a bit of festival flair to your outfit while keeping your eyes shaded from the sun.
Hat
Hats are also a great way to protect yourself from the sun, and you may even pick up a cool new hat at the festival.
Ear Defenders
Being a festival, the music will be loud, and children want to join in on the fun too, but sometimes it can get a little overwhelming.
Ear defenders are a brilliant way of protecting their ears whilst they dance the night away….or relax in the trolley.
Back pack
Many parents will know that you can’t go anywhere without a bag full of stuff.
Camp Bestival is no exception; as the site is large, you are best off carrying the children’s essentials, i.e., snacks, spare clothes, and water bottles, with you, as it can be a long walk back to your tent.
🎟️ Ready to join the fun? Don’t miss out on a weekend of music, magic, and memory-making. Grab your Camp Bestival tickets here and start planning your family’s best summer yet.
Childs Identity Wristband
An identity wristband is important. There are thousands of people at Camp Bestival, and a lost child is not something anyone wants to experience.
If the unthinkable were to happen, your child would benefit from having an identity band.
You will receive a band in the post from the Camp Bestival team. If it doesn’t arrive in time, you can pick one up at the welfare tent, which is open 24 hours a day.
Alternatively, you can purchase one from Amazon.
Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is a great way to travel around and get through the crowds.
Your baby will feel safe being close to you, and it’ll be easier if you don’t want to drag the pushchair around with you all day.
Fancy Dress
One of the most-loved Camp Bestival traditions is the fancy dress theme, everyone gets involved, and it’s one of the weekend’s highlights.
Don’t worry, you won’t be judged for not getting involved, you’ll get judged if you do!
The best-dressed group/ family will receive a prize of free tickets for next year’s festival.
The fancy dress event is held on the Saturday of the festival, and this year’s theme is the world’s biggest pyjama party.
All Things Festival
Remember, visiting a festival gives you the opportunity to get creative and dress for fun!
Don’t forget to pack the ultimate essentials, such as glitter, glow sticks, face paints, tattoo transfers, tutus, and anything else you can think of to add an extra bit of fun to your weekend.
🌟 Make it a summer to remember: Camp Bestival is waiting—pack your glitter, gather the gang, and book your tickets today for an unforgettable family adventure.
Campsite Essentials
Trolley
A trolley quickly becomes your trusty best friend for the weekend, ideal for ferrying tired little legs or lugging your festival haul in style.
You’ll notice other festival goers go ‘all out’ when using theirs, decorating them with fairy lights and bunting.
☂️ A handy tip is to purchase a small umbrella (typically used on pushchairs and available on pre-loved sites such as Vinted) to protect children from the sun.
Cool Box
A cool box is a great asset for the weekend; you’ll be able to keep food and drink items cool, saving you money.
You can pack lots of snacks for the children to keep them going, and keep food items neatly away from other areas of the tent.
Torch
The entire festival area is well-lit with pretty lights to help you navigate back to your tent or van.
However, a torch is always handy wherever you camp.
💡 Fairy Lights are always a quick and easy way to add extra lighting to your accommodation, whilst turning your tent into a cosy little haven when the sun goes down
Water Bottle
Water bottles are a must-have item, especially for little ones and the ever-changing weather conditions.
Refillable water stations are located throughout the site.
It might also be a good idea to bring some water with you to keep in the tent in case of emergencies.
Hydration is especially important when the weather is warm, as the tent will be hot.
Fan
Of course, if the weather is hot, it’s handy to have a portable fan.
At a festival, you can often be in the centre of large crowds directly in the sun, and a fan can help cool you down during these moments.
Toilet Essentials
This includes toilet roll, wipes, hand sanitiser and toilet seat covers. Without going into too much detail, festival toilets can get very gross, especially by Sunday.
The festival has excellent toilet facilities, but you may feel more comfortable bringing extra supplies.
Power Bank
Not all areas of the campsite have access to electricity, so a power bank is a great way to keep your devices charged.
First Aid Kit
Lulworth is a rural area, and once in the campsite, you will more than likely not leave until Monday morning.
A first aid kit will be especially handy when attending with children.
No need to worry if you forget, as there are places for first aid and a festival hospital if needed.
Toiletries
Toiletries are a great way to freshen up and feel a little less ‘festival.’
The weekend can be a long time to camp as a family, and you may have moments where you feel a bit gross.
Pack the essentials to make you feel more comfortable, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, flannels, hygiene wipes, dry shampoo, and shower gel, among others.
Mirror
A mirror will help you look your best so you can paint your face with glitter and strut your stuff around Lulworth Castle.
Rug for muddy boots
If (like me) you like to keep the tent as tidy as possible during the weekend, then a rug by the tent entrance is a handy place for everyone to leave their muddy boots.
It keeps the rest of the tent tidy and is a good spot for everyone to sit down and take off their shoes.
Dust Pan and Brush (or Hand Held Hoover)
A brush is a good way to get rid of any grass or outside dirt that ends up in the tent.
Another item you could use is a handheld hoover, just remember to fully charge it before the weekend.
Camping Stove
A camping stove is a great way to save money and allows you to sit in your tent to eat or drink in peace.
Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming queuing up for food with little ones. With this, you can heat their favourite meals and eat in a quieter environment.
Toys/ Games
Toys are an important addition to your packing. Although there are lots and lots of things for the children to do within the festival, they may still get bored in the tent from time to time.
You don’t need to pack their entire toy box; just a few favourites will do. Books and colouring will help keep them occupied during their time in the tent.
Travel Highchair / Little Camping Chairs
Children need a good place to sit, too, so a small camping chair is perfect for little bottoms when chilling in the tent.
If you’re attending with babies and toddlers, a travel highchair is perfect for meal times; they’re lightweight and easy to carry around, giving the baby a stable place to eat.
Thank you for taking the time to check out our guide to weekend camping at Camp Bestival.
Enjoying a weekend with the family is the main goal of the weekend, whilst taking the added stress of everyday life out of the equation.
It’s time to get excited for a fun-filled weekend, and hopefully, this guide has provided you with some guidance on things to pack. Enjoy!
To purchase Camp Bestival tickets, click here.
