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!!
Post by deatheater on Jan 30, 2013 20:53:04 GMT -5
Hey everyone, I was recommended this board by a few friends who have been to Manchester tons of times in the past. I had a few oddly specific questions I hope that some of you can help me out with. My wife and I are planning on attending this year, and are honestly a little intimidated with the planning. If you could help answer a few questions for us, I'd really appreciate it!
1. We'll need to leave early on Sunday. Will we be able to do this easily? Due to job responsibilities and other lame life stuff getting in the way, we'll need to leave Sunday before Noon. We're a little concerned that our car and campsite will be put in a huge mass of vehicles that would be impossible for us to navigate through. What's the best way of ensuring that we'll be able to have our site put in a place where we'll be able to leave?
2. What is the best time to drive in without having to wait too long? We've initially planned on arriving Thursday around 7pm or 8pm, but are willing to move this time around if we can get in without having to wait for hours and hours. What's the peak times for traffic and when does it typically slow down?
3. How much space are you allotted for a campsite? We have a pretty big tent for the two of us that has two rooms and takes up quite a bit of space. It's big enough to fit our king size blow-up mattress in, if that gives you an idea. We weren't sure how much space we'd actually or technically have for our camp site, I hoped you guys could tell me.
4. What kind of charcoal grills can you have at Bonnaroo? I've read conflicting information on this. The official site says you can have a portable grill, but isn't entirely clear on what constitutes an allowable portion of charcoal. Can you bring in those disposable grills that contain their own charcoal?
5. How rampant is theft at Bonnaroo? We're planning on taking only what's necessary, but I do realize I probably have to be careful and secure. I don't want my nice king sized inflatable mattress disappearing or anything else like that, but I also would hate to have to deflate and inflate it every day just because some jackass might steal it. What do you guys suggest?
Hey everyone, I was recommended this board by a few friends who have been to Manchester tons of times in the past. I had a few oddly specific questions I hope that some of you can help me out with. My wife and I are planning on attending this year, and are honestly a little intimidated with the planning. If you could help answer a few questions for us, I'd really appreciate it!
1. We'll need to leave early on Sunday. Will we be able to do this easily? Due to job responsibilities and other lame life stuff getting in the way, we'll need to leave Sunday before Noon. We're a little concerned that our car and campsite will be put in a huge mass of vehicles that would be impossible for us to navigate through. What's the best way of ensuring that we'll be able to have our site put in a place where we'll be able to leave?
2. What is the best time to drive in without having to wait too long? We've initially planned on arriving Thursday around 7pm or 8pm, but are willing to move this time around if we can get in without having to wait for hours and hours. What's the peak times for traffic and when does it typically slow down?
3. How much space are you allotted for a campsite? We have a pretty big tent for the two of us that has two rooms and takes up quite a bit of space. It's big enough to fit our king size blow-up mattress in, if that gives you an idea. We weren't sure how much space we'd actually or technically have for our camp site, I hoped you guys could tell me.
4. What kind of charcoal grills can you have at Bonnaroo? I've read conflicting information on this. The official site says you can have a portable grill, but isn't entirely clear on what constitutes an allowable portion of charcoal. Can you bring in those disposable grills that contain their own charcoal?
5. How rampant is theft at Bonnaroo? We're planning on taking only what's necessary, but I do realize I probably have to be careful and secure. I don't want my nice king sized inflatable mattress disappearing or anything else like that, but I also would hate to have to deflate and inflate it every day just because some jackass might steal it. What do you guys suggest?
Thanks so much! We can't wait until June!
You won't have any problem getting out on Sunday. Depending on where you are staying VIP, GA or tent only your exit difficulty may vary but it's all doable without to much hassle.
Last year I don't think anyone waited to long. You can go in on Wednesday night if you want and have essentially no wait. I'd get there earlier on Thursday at least. The music will be rolling by 7 or 8 and it'll take you a while to set up. We usually roll in around 8 or 9 Thursday morning.
If you're in GA that tent and your vehicle will eat up most of your space. A blow up mattress will likely closely resemble a jacuzzi in June. If space is a concern I would go smaller tent, cots and a pop up or two.
You can have a small portable grill. The self contained deals your talking about with the charcoal included are just fine.
Theft is a problem. I don't think I'd sweat a mattress but people steal coolers, radios, phones, wallets and the like all the time. I'm always disappointed in how much theft people report every year. I know lot's of people will say that they've never had a problem but the reality is there are 100,000 people there and some of them are dirt bag criminals. Lock it up if you care about it.
1. Day parking will allow you to leave whenever you desire. However, there is a fee to do so.
2. Gates now open on Wednesday so if you are getting there thursday evening then the majority of traffic will already be gone and you should not have to wait an obscene amount of time. This varies year to year though.
3. You have the area around your vehicle and directly behind it. Enough room for a tent or two depending on size and an EZ up for shade. If you can bring more people along with you and they drive then you can share the space. That is what a lot of people do to maximize their camping area.
4. Disposable grill would probably be your best bet. I have seen larger charcoal grills as well.
5. I have been to multiple roo's and have never had any problems with theft. Just lock up your valuable in your vehicle. Making friends with neighbors is also a good idea, that way they can keep an eye on your stuff if they are there and you are gone.
There are numerous helpful threads on the board and im sure if you look long enough you will find exactly what you are looking for. cheers.
Post by Dave Maynar on Jan 30, 2013 21:20:51 GMT -5
1. We'll need to leave early on Sunday. Will we be able to do this easily? They started setting up campsites with fire lanes this year. Leaving early on Sunday has always been doable from what I have heard, but this looked like it made it easy.
2. What is the best time to drive in without having to wait too long? Don't come in Thursday evening. Music starts at 4ish on Thursday, and Thursday always has some great smaller bands playing. Last year, the line moved super quick. I am not sure what they did, but I don't remember anyone here waiting more than an hour and change regardless of when they showed up.
3. How much space are you allotted for a campsite? Technically, 10 feet by the width of your car. Realistically, it varies but you can easily fit stuff for a two person camp. Just work out stuff with your neighbors.
4. What kind of charcoal grills can you have at Bonnaroo? I think the "allowable" amount is like it is with other things. Enough to take care of your needs but not so much that they are going to be worried about you selling it to other people. I would recommend that you bring money for food in Centeroo because depending on the heat and distance to your camping spot, you may not make food at camp nearly as much as you plan to.
5. How rampant is theft at Bonnaroo? It's spotty. Some people have been robbed. Some have never had a thing taken. You want to make sure to lock up valuable stuff in your car or take it with you. I have heard of someone's tent getting stolen, but thieves more often go after money, cameras, booze and party favors.
Post by theshining on Jan 30, 2013 21:26:37 GMT -5
Lock it or lose it would be the best advice. Anything left laying around your site or even in your tent (sadly I know) is liable to get ripped off. I always carry what I need with me at all times and then lock the rest in the car.
Really do make the most of your first Bonnaroo as it really is a special thing. Getting in late Thursday and leaving early Sunday will really rob you of a lot of the fun and as Dave said a lot of great music on Thursday afternoon/evening.
Lock it or lose it would be the best advice. Anything left laying around your site or even in your tent (sadly I know) is liable to get ripped off. I always carry what I need with me at all times and then lock the rest in the car.
Really do make the most of your first Bonnaroo as it really is a special thing. Getting in late Thursday and leaving early Sunday will really rob you of a lot of the fun and as Dave said a lot of great music on Thursday afternoon/evening.
Unfortunately, he said Sunday evening isn't an option due to work stuff but hopefully Thursday can work for him.
1. We'll need to leave early on Sunday. Will we be able to do this easily? The fire lanes have to make leaving early easy, i'm sure they will do the same this year, just try to park you car on one.
2. What is the best time to drive in without having to wait too long? I think they kinda fixed that this year from what I understand. I park in a super secret quickly filled area for $20 from a farmer joe on wed and drink beer until the gates open, granted I get there at 9am usually...
3. How much space are you allotted for a campsite? It's what I imagine an 1875 Oklahoma land grab looked like. I would recommend a smaller tent w/ an ez up. You can pull the ez up over your tent at night to angle some morning shade. Your not going to want to be in your tent after 8 am most likely anyway, last year was a rare breather from a usually warm environment.
4. What kind of charcoal grills can you have at Bonnaroo? Any type of tabletop grill is perfect. Quick hint - pre marinate and freeze your protein, keep your meals simple. Makes it less of a task to prepare food when you want to get your boogie on
5. How rampant is theft at Bonnaroo? I've never had a problem, then again I usually go in a group, and always make friendly with all my neighbors. I consolidate my things, lock up what I want, put things out of prying eyes, and try to reduce temptation. I also have a great habit of leaving a battery powered radio and light on at night(if you can tarp off your area).. Invokes a sense of habitation to others. I also lock everything I can in my car.
Post by steveternal on Feb 5, 2013 14:50:54 GMT -5
No Death Eaters at Bonnaroo. We don't want your kind here.
But seriously, other people have already answered your questions, so I just want to say welcome and good luck. My wife and I went together from '04 through '07, and had an awesome time. In fact, it just got better each year. I sincerely hope you have as great a time as we did.
1. We'll need to leave early on Sunday. Will we be able to do this easily?
In 2008 we left on Sunday. Our group was camped way far out by POD 9(search a site map and you'll see where we were.) And Sunday morning we packed up our camp and were able to drive over to day parking, where we left our car, and went into the festivities and enjoyed the day. During the last act, I believe it was WSP we walked out, got in our car, and drove away with slow but moving traffic. Now I totally understand that this isn't the nomal. I haven't pulled a maneuver since that year. But we were able to do it. People are usually understanding to others real life situations. And if you talk with your neighbors when you firs pull in I can't see it being a problem for everyone to park their cars accordingly.
2. What is the best time to drive in without having to wait too long?
In the early years this festival wasn't nearly as long. My mind wants to tell me that the first year was only Friday Saturday Sunday (i might be wrong) But I know for a fact that in 2006 when we arrived at 9am on Thursday morning there was a LINE. We waited for about 5 hours. Got to our camp. Unloaded. And then realized that we had a good 35 minute walk to Centeroo. 08 was almost identical. In 09 when I volunteered prefest and my husband and children were supposed to meet me there on Thursday morning. Well, morning turned to afternoon, and that turned to evening. Around 9pm they finally were at the toll booths. 12 hours later. There was a lot of extreme weather thatcame into play that day but it wasn still awful. The following 3 years were easier for me because in 10 I was in Guest camping and in 11,12 I was in Access so that a whole different ball park. But from what I hear is that they have made vast improvements in letting people in so that last year I never heard one complaint about the wait.
3. How much space are you allotted for a campsite?
Now again, this is something that varies. But in all of my years going in different locations with different titles(GA, VOL, Guest, Access) the only time we were ever a little cramps was when were cramps was when we were in Guest camp. Mostly because it was muddy and there were tons of GIANT RV's. I wouldn't be worried if its just a few people. And if space becomes an issue, then talk to your neighbors and see if they don't mind setting up a communal space for shade. Makes for more room and good company.
4. What kind of charcoal grills can you have at Bonnaroo?
There is a reason why this is vague. It really all has to do with the weather. At least that is what I was told the one year that we crought a disposable charcoal grill. One year we were told to becareful with our tiny propane tanks because it was so incredibly hot. So we left them outside, under the car, covered with a white towel. As far as charcal, I've heard of some people getting it taken which I kind of understand. But if you bring it. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure it's wet and cold before you go in to listen to the music. I can't stress this enough. Because while you may have an awesome camp, and you may think that it's secured. That will be that time when someone is stumbling through the dark with out a flash light and he has to pee. So he'll try to make his trip shorter by cutting accross a camp that doesn't have any people there and the last thing you want is for him to step on your grill or hot coals and burn his foot. Then he'll start hopping around and knock some of your stuff over. And if he really had to go the excitement will cause him to pee on your camp site. So basically nothing good happens from hot coals.
5. How rampant is theft at Bonnaroo?
Here is another thing that there is a large variable. I have personally never had a problem with this. Even this one time that I met up with my sister and her friend and they were SPUN. But when we saw them they were so psyched to see Ragina Spektor that when they told me they "think" they left the doors to their car not only unlocked but unopened and their tent opened, at the Which stage.( It's a sober 45 minute walk) I told them I would take care of it. So I left them at the Which stage with an hour and hopped a cab to POD 1. From there I ran to their site and saw the camp. Both her car doors were open. The tent door was open. There was a purse on a camp chair. And some party favors on the drivers side seat, which I accepted gratefully for my troubles. Nothing was touched. Nothing was stolen. ( I was able to hop another cab and make it back befoer she started her set.) It was the only time I ever used the cabs.
So in conclusion, while you have some unique requsts, they arent all that unique. But always remember to make firends , plan your trip, lock up what you don't want to lose, and expect the unexpected.
Post by cincinnatiroovian on Feb 6, 2013 15:00:42 GMT -5
Everyone else already answered pretty well, but I'll add my two cents since this is my first post on this wonderful site.
1. I usually get there early afternoon Thursday. It's a bout a 6 hour drive to the Roo and I've found that if you come in through the highway tolls around 1-3pm CST, you get a great spot in the Star Wars camping sections (that's exactly what's happened to me the previous 2 years). Also, I've never waited in line to get into the campground itself at those times. We always breeze right in. That way, you can get your tent up, celebrate with a beer, and head into night 1.
2. Kind of answered that with my last answer, so yeah, 1-3 pm on Thursday has never failed me.
3. Everyone's touched on that. It sounds like your tent is on the large end, but will probably fit. Especially if you're around a group of people that carpooled and made a massive spot for themselves.
4. Yeah, those cheap throwaway grills are best, just make sure it's totally out when you head into Centeroo.
5. Again, I've never had a problem with this. Just lock everything up in the car in the glove box/under the seats/under a blanket. ALSO, BRING AN EXTRA SET OF KEYS! This is one of the most important things ever. Keep the spare on you. Finally, don't forget to gas up the car before you enter the campgrounds. I've never had issues with traffic getting in, but it always takes a little time to get out (I usually leave Sunday around 8pm).
Enjoy your first Bonnaroo! You'll never forget it!
we locked our keys in the car last year.. it only took about an hour for someone to come unlock it and it was free! tip well though because we heard rumors that it was going to cost us a few hundred to get unlocked!
Post by glitterous on Feb 11, 2013 19:40:36 GMT -5
1. We'll need to leave early on Sunday. Will we be able to do this easily? Definitely. I left at 8pm last year and it was a breeze. There are fire lanes between the rows of campers so you can just pull out. Sometimes people camp in the fire lanes. Just let them know before they leave for Centeroo that you'll need to pull out. They should be more than accommodating.
2. What is the best time to drive in without having to wait too long? Wednesday night in the ungodly hours between 1am and 4am. If you wouldn't want to be up at a particular time, hungover Bonnaroovians won't either. Just keep in mind, if you get there TOO early, they shove you in BFE. No one wants to be in BFE (Pod 1). We got there about 2am on Wednesday and ended up in Pod 10. It was a long walk, but it stayed super clean and quiet and we were able to make a quick get-away on Sunday.
3. How much space are you allotted for a campsite? The space you get is the width of your car and about 10 feet behind it. If you take up more than that, people WILL walk all over the edges of your tent and you WILL be setting it back up every night.
4. What kind of charcoal grills can you have at Bonnaroo? Not sure about this. But if you have a tent that big, you won't have anywhere to set up a grill.
5. How rampant is theft at Bonnaroo? I didn't have a problem. No one I knew had a problem. I stood in the lines for the showers every day, so I heard all the gossip. But your mileage may vary. Like I said, 10 was pretty quiet, but if you're close to Centeroo, there are strangers walking past your tent literally every minute of the day and night. Half of them are trashed and pretty things that are easy to grab are... easy to grab. Lock it up tight!
I spent every second of every day on the forums last year and I knew more about Bonnaroo than a lot of the regular folks! The more you read, the fewer surprises you'll run into. Also, PM me and I'll totally tell you where my secret, clean port-a-pots are. I'd tell everyone, but then they wouldn't be clean!
Post by OldLadyRoo on Feb 11, 2013 20:09:02 GMT -5
Hi - my husband and I have been at Bonnaroo since 2006. We stay in VIP where this is easy in/out access and virtually no wait to drive in. Space is more than adequate. Charcoal grills seem to be frowned upon since it's almost always dry (same with teki torches). Small propane grills are generally cheap. Theft, as long as you lock up valuables and booze is low risk. I can't comment on GA, but I will give you a couple of tips --- bring in low beach chairs - much better than sitting on the ground. Also, put a couple of beach towels in your backpack for Centeroo naps - you will actually find some shade and will be glad to take a snooze in the day. Camelback is a must and you can find generic knock-offs in Walmart for cheap. Last, bring wetwipes and extra TP into centeroo and don't forget gold-bond for the guys. And water, water, water. We are in our 50's and have a great time every year. Have fun and do-your-own-Roo.
I'd just add/emphasize that a big tent is not desirable. Last year was unusually pleasant tempwise but that will probably not happen again until 3012 and hanging in a tent in the daytime is like taking a sauna. If you really want a big tent then make friends with your neighbors who will likely have an ez-up to chill under.
2. What is the best time to drive in without having to wait too long? Wednesday night in the ungodly hours between 1am and 4am. If you wouldn't want to be up at a particular time, hungover Bonnaroovians won't either. Just keep in mind, if you get there TOO early, they shove you in BFE. No one wants to be in BFE (Pod 1). We got there about 2am on Wednesday and ended up in Pod 10. It was a long walk, but it stayed super clean and quiet and we were able to make a quick get-away on Sunday.
POD 1 is closer than PODs 10 and 11. I would much rather those campsites! Love me some BFE!
I've gone for the last 4 years. Only once did we have trouble with theft. We left our tent flap semi-open as we were sleeping and someone snatched our camelbaks (Which of course had wallets and other stuff that was hard to replace) while we were snoozing. I suggest keeping any valuables locked up when you're away and when you're sleeping. A little padlock or combo lock is good for your tent as well. Keeping things people may want out of site is your best bet. With that said, you don't necessarily have to pack up your grill and chairs and tables every time you leave the site. I've never had a problem with those left out.
