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Is BFE a less than desireable location to be? Other than the hike to Centeroo? [Which would take how long?] It could be potentially laid back, but as a 'Roo virgin I just don't know. If it's sucky how do you avoid it if arriving early?
Pink = Centeroo Blue = VIP area Red = BFE - the little circled area is "Camp M"
BFE is the first area they begin filling up early Thursday. Once it's full, they start on the other sections.
No, there's really nothing wrong with BFE, other than the walk. It was really nice, dark and quiet at night and there were vendors all along the path.
The area with the trees between BFE and Centeroo has a small creek flowing through it. The staff has placed planks next to the road for campers to walk on. Seems like a good idea in theory; however, once it rained and everything got muddy, the planks became somewhat dangerous in flip-flops. The mud at The Roo is like none I have encountered before. It's like a silt rather than a gritty mud. This caused a suction-like situation with flip-flops, which is one of the reasons a lot of people recommend boots, Crocs or Tevas. As I type this I realize that this "danger" I'm typing about sounds silly, but when you are drunk (or something else), in almost complete darkness, with people walking body to body at different paces, it can be a buzz-kill.
I'm not sure how long it took to walk from camp to Centeroo. I've heard some people say it was 30 minutes and others say as long as 45. Whatever it was, it was long enough that we found that we had to pack up everything we needed for the entire day (water, snacks, toilet paper, map/schedule, extra shoes, hat, poncho, glow sticks, camera, etc.) when we headed out in the morning. Now, again, this doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but when you are not in your right mind, it's so difficult to pack a backpack. And carrying that much stuff in a backpack sucks. Everytime I wanted something out of it, we had to stop, my friend had to help me get it off and I had to dig through it. Again, no big deal, but after the rains, I couldn't just set it on the ground and dig through it. Oh, and dealing with it in the portapotties ... ugh. It just became a minor hassle in a place full of so much happiness and so much going on. As dorky as fannypacks are, I will be wearing one in '06 - do not laugh at me, mmm'kay?
To sum up, it's not that bad if you are able to deal with all the external stuff. I don't regret camping there at all and I loved the experience, but I feel that we missed out on a lot of Roo because of it. You are going to have to hike a little no matter where you are, but it was a little extreme.
Well, you can't avoid camping where the staff puts you. I felt they were very stern about the guidelines they were given in lining us up, which is completely understandable. As an example: We were part of a 12-car caravan and the staff didn't care and split us up into two totally different camps.
It's missing things that sucks... like rest or music. That's the trade off. No just "hopping back" to camp to catch a few zz's or munchies between sets- it was a commitment to go back or to go in.
Other than that, pretty much the same experience as everyone else, but with probably more tired legs.
Post by anima mundi on Mar 29, 2006 22:59:36 GMT -5
Last year I was in the camp you speak of, and yeah it was quite a hike. I'd say 20 or 25 minutes. But it wasn't bad. You're right, the area is pretty chill out there. There is a better chance that you will have a campsite next to the treeline, which is wonderful. We got there about 1:30 a.m. Thursday Morning, pretty early in relation to the whole crowd, and that whole area is where they were stuffing people. It's kinda random though, where you will get your campsite. We made the trek back to camp a couple times a day, and fared fine.
in 04 we were in mushmouth, it was a loooong walk, like 35 40 minutes, by the end of roo none of us could walk right, we all walked like the elderly all of our feet swelled up quite a lot and we all had nasty blisters and raw spots, it sucked but was well worth it, in 05 we had a 2 minute walk...it was awesome, it really is great, it only took 10 minutes to go back and slam some beers and whatnot...either way you will have a good time but its definetly easier if your not in bfe
i was considering it... but we could see the tent only area where we were last year...shiit we could see the top of the main stage.....it was my sisters first year...i felt like she missed some of the experience being that close, not having to walk 35 minutes in the blazing sun of 04, only 2 minutes in the comfortable weather of 05
but i guess if your going to miss any part of the experience the long hot walk is probably the part to sacrifice
Post by nativepangean on Mar 30, 2006 8:49:40 GMT -5
I stayed in camp M or Q last year i kinda forget, regardless it was in that vicinity, For my first roo i think it was better to be out there because to be honest i didnt come to see DMB and i just walked around the festival all day, i went to see J5 and yonder on sat but BFE area was quite, except for the guys next to us who shot large bottle rockets off, then the sticks came hurdling down a few seconds later, that was interesting. the path toward centeroo bugged me out because ive never been to a festival with that much substance and i mean i like to dip my fingers in it but when you get a footpath blocked by pushers, and people who literally push its kinda ridiculous. bonnaroo- DONT MIND IF I DOO!
Post by sparklybecca on Mar 30, 2006 10:00:30 GMT -5
I was in camp M last year as well, and i really really liked it. also we had friends right by centeroo so we hung out at there area during the day when we wanted to rest in between shows.
I was out there as well last year. There were some really good things about it and one sucky thing about it (distance from Centeroo). It really sucked having to make that walk. I missed Trey's set because I was just too tired to make the walk back. Actually a huge reason we're doing the RV this year is to ensure we are closer.
However, we were extremely lucky to be backed up against the border of the property. The farmer and his family cut a giant hole in the fence and backed up a large semi trailer. They sold ice and showers all weekend long. On Sunday night, for 20 bucks, they let us drive through their property and directly on to the Interstate. The whole thing too like 10 minutes and we were on the road. I was home in my own bed and showered on Monday morning.
Post by sparklybecca on Mar 30, 2006 12:40:53 GMT -5
heavyc said:
I was out there as well last year. There were some really good things about it and one sucky thing about it (distance from Centeroo). It really sucked having to make that walk. I missed Trey's set because I was just too tired to make the walk back. Actually a huge reason we're doing the RV this year is to ensure we are closer.
However, we were extremely lucky to be backed up against the border of the property. The farmer and his family cut a giant hole in the fence and backed up a large semi trailer. They sold ice and showers all weekend long. On Sunday night, for 20 bucks, they let us drive through their property and directly on to the Interstate. The whole thing too like 10 minutes and we were on the road. I was home in my own bed and showered on Monday morning.
we left thru that property too but we left a bit earlier and only charged us 10 bucks lol and we missed most of treys set as well for pretty much the same reasons....tired as hell
Post by keithk1055 on Mar 30, 2006 12:49:08 GMT -5
huh... ive never had it take me more then 5 minutes to leave for free... we left sunday night in 04 and left monday morning in 05 and i highly recommend leaving monday morningif you have a long drive.... it was so much better getting some sleep and worrying about breaking down camp and driving after your all done partying and seeing shows and get some rest
I have left Sunday and Monday and also have never paid nor waited in any lines to get out. I agree with keith, Monday is definitely better for leaving, even if you skip the headliner, it's nice to rest.
Post by melikecheese on Mar 30, 2006 17:10:02 GMT -5
We were right were you had the circle. It was kinda cool back there. It was quite, we left early cause we had to and we able to. I thought it was pretty sweet that the field behind us people had moved into and set up little camp cities by the few trees. The only thing that sucked was the walk. The walk was really far but it enabled me to drink a 6 pack and pick up some goodies on the way to centeroo.
Post by keithk1055 on Mar 30, 2006 18:38:32 GMT -5
the "smaller capacity " is not actually what it sounds like... they didnt sell out last year, they reduced the number of tickets to the number they actually sold last year... so if it sells out there will be the same number of people as last year but dont worry about superfly.. they managed not to let any of that money go through their hands.. they reduced the number of tickets but they jumped the ticket price up....
Okay so it looks to me like there are more than one entrance to Bonnaroo...which entrance is best to NOT end up in BFE....and what is a good arrival time to get a "under20minwalktocentaroo" campsite.
Post by futurecowboy on Mar 31, 2006 9:08:06 GMT -5
Last two years I took the main interstate entrace -- got in the traffic line around 9am on Thursday morning. Prime spot both times (5 mins to Centeroo, away from main vending).
Okay so it looks to me like there are more than one entrance to Bonnaroo...which entrance is best to NOT end up in BFE....and what is a good arrival time to get a "under20minwalktocentaroo" campsite.
It's one big crapshoot. Just roll the dice and enjoy the ride.
Post by sparklybecca on Mar 31, 2006 13:15:48 GMT -5
heavyc said:
kimmy417 said:
Okay so it looks to me like there are more than one entrance to Bonnaroo...which entrance is best to NOT end up in BFE....and what is a good arrival time to get a "under20minwalktocentaroo" campsite.
It's one big crapshoot. Just roll the dice and enjoy the ride.
I totally agree. No matter where you end up, it will be the place you end up so just go w/ it.
ey yi yi....i just really don't wanna be that far...haha...im a lazy f*ck. i would hate to miss a show because im too tired from walking all the time. well we are planning on arriving around 1:00pm thursday....hope that works.
Post by melikecheese on Apr 1, 2006 17:38:39 GMT -5
it all depends what areas they fill up first. We came off the highway and stopped on the ramp. We were shuffled somewhere, not sure where...then pushed into the back while everything else was empty. I guess it makes more sense to fill the backs first. No being lazy at the roo, lots to do, lots to see.
I think C said it best. Roll the dice and enjoy the ride.
Yea i was camped in BFE last year and it was a pretty far walk from their to centeroo. I missed a couple of shows because i was to tired to walk but, this year is going to be good because im deffinately staying in the Tent Only Area.
Post by hailboognish on Apr 16, 2006 11:21:47 GMT -5
Well, I would be shocked if anybody here had more experience camping in the BFE area than I have. Been to the roo every single year - and all but 1 year we've been stuck back there. It definately is a world of it's own - the walk certainly gives you lots of opportunities for 'shopping' - but it is a hike. The first year I missed most of the first night Widespread b/c of the distance (and fatigue) as well as some of the middle acts on Saturday. By year 2 we knew better and packed in the morning and were gone all day long. Last year was by far the worst though. We were CRAMMED into the smallest space that I've had yet for camping - our tent touched our neighbors on all but 1 side - made for a very cramped and unpleasant camping experience. To make it even worse we have arrived on different days & at different times each year hoping not to end up back there - UGH. So this year we made sure it won't happen again and went VIP. Screw the walk - I'm getting too old for that.
Post by chopperdave on Apr 17, 2006 22:26:09 GMT -5
What's the security situation in the Tent Only areas like? The only reason I'm not considering tent only is because I don't want my shit stolen. Anyone know anything regarding this?
Even though i'm planning on staying in the inforoo site section of the tent only area, i'm still kind of worried about getting stuff stolen out of my tent. However, that happening does seem unlikely since there seems to be a pretty big group of people staying in the inforoo campsite area.
tent locks almost attract a potential looter. all they need is a knife and your stuff is stolen and your tent is cut.
now, theres not a very big chance that youll get looted at Bonnaroo, but i say to just not bring anything of large value. if you do, then just lock it in your car when your not using it. my philosophy is that if you really need it, youll have it on you. and if you dont need it enough to have on you, then why chance it with such a pricey item?
and we missed most of treys set as well for pretty much the same reasons....tired as hell
