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!!
This will be my first Roo and I'm a little worried about arriving Wednesday around 11pm/midnight - firstly, wondering if I will get placed in BFE around that time. But really I'm just concerned about setting everything up in the dark - we have two lanterns, a few flashlights and two of those headlamp lights. Setting up two tents & an ez-up with only that amount of light just seems like it will be really difficult. I'm planning on setting up my tents before the trip so I can (hopefully) get them up quickly and easily when we arrive. Have any of you guys had to do this? How dark is it, really? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
Post by Dave Maynar on May 28, 2013 19:25:20 GMT -5
I did it two years running. It's not that bad if you have set the tent up before which is another reason a dry run is so essential. Also, there are streetlights placed throughout the campground, so it's not like you are operating in total pitch black.
This is all based off of us showing up at about the same time last year:
If you arrive around that time, you will wait in line and get to your campsite around 1:30-2am. Since they open the gates earlier, they fill in BFE first, and I don't think you'll have to worry about getting put in BFE (although we were still about a 15-20 minute walk from Centeroo, so it's not like you'll be close either). It will be dark, so it may be a little difficult, but with headlamps and lanterns, you should be fine. They also have large spot lights set up sporadically through the campsites, so they will help, but the headlamps will help the most since you'll be able to spot specifically what you're trying to set up, like tent poles/stakes/etc.
Post by smoothaseggs on May 28, 2013 19:31:31 GMT -5
LED Headlamp will be enough. It is really quite easy. As long as you know how to set up your all of you gear before hand you shouldn't have a problem. Plus everyone is really friendly and will be willing to lend a hand.
The secret is have gear ready when you park and flash lights. Mark your area fast and get some gear out and start futherest out and work in leaving enough room. It is not bad with two lights. Meet your neighbors, make friends help each other with light if no moon. YES practice dry run this sunday. Chill and have fun.
Post by broobabegoblue on Jun 6, 2013 22:27:41 GMT -5
I have a question relating to this:
This will be my 4th year at bonnaroo. The first year the campsites opened thursday morning so we got there early and got up near the VIP camping. 2nd year is when the wed night thing started, and we got there around 2 hours after they opened (after sitting on the interstate for 4 hours) and still got up near VIP. last year, we got there right on time and got put in BFE. My question is, has anyone gotten there thursday morning before? And if so, where did they put you? Because honestly, I think it is completely random.
I'm wondering if they fill in BFE first, then the really good camping, then go back to BFE? Because hypothetically, shouldn't I get really good camping if I show up Thursday morning instead of Wednesday night? They really just mess with your head when you think getting there early will give you good camping, but then it doesn't.
It is very organized as they are parking people from 3 gates and route locations and switch sections. Early folks get good spots and best locations from entering direct from interstate. As time/days go on it is a toss up but BFE is usually last. it can be over 30 minute walk from far out sites
This will be my 4th year at bonnaroo. The first year the campsites opened thursday morning so we got there early and got up near the VIP camping. 2nd year is when the wed night thing started, and we got there around 2 hours after they opened (after sitting on the interstate for 4 hours) and still got up near VIP. last year, we got there right on time and got put in BFE. My question is, has anyone gotten there thursday morning before? And if so, where did they put you? Because honestly, I think it is completely random.
I'm wondering if they fill in BFE first, then the really good camping, then go back to BFE? Because hypothetically, shouldn't I get really good camping if I show up Thursday morning instead of Wednesday night? They really just mess with your head when you think getting there early will give you good camping, but then it doesn't.
I think BFE is a confusing term because it can reference one of two areas. Area #1, which is Pod 1 (far southeast of the Roo map) is ALWAYS filled first. VIP uses the road for Pod 1 in the OPPOSITE direction starting early Thursday morning, so they HAVE to fill Pod 1 first.
If you come from the interstate, they USUALLY start filling the west side of the grounds from there. Hypothetically you could end up with an awesome spot coming that way.
If you come from the east, they use your gate to fill Pods 2 (I believe), 9, 10 and 11. Area #2, Pods 10 and 11 are also considered BFE, so yes, you could see BFE (1) filled, then good spots (2 and somewhat 9), then BFE (10 and 11).
Roo has changed this up nearly every year, both to keep patrons on their toes and to find the best way to fill the parking lot, so these are not hard and fast rules.
Last year we arrived at around 2am (the line, not actual check-in) through the east gate and were placed in 10.
Does anyone else think that the entry and placement into 'Roo will be REALLY streamlined this year? Fema used the Bonnaroo farm for training this year. I have to believe 'Roo used this opportunity to learn A LOT about moving large and crowds in and out of the area efficiently.
Post by broobabegoblue on Jun 7, 2013 23:33:05 GMT -5
Yeah I think I got placed in 11 last year, and I came from the east at around the time when the campsites opened. I really have no idea when to get there. I don't want to get screwed over by showing up Thursday morning, but it might be easier for my group to leave then. Grrr it's always less stressful once you are all set up at the campsite haha
The secret is to start drinking as soon as you get out of the car. Not heavily, of course, but you've had a long drive, you deserve a cold drink. Then it's easy to get camp set up in the dark.
LED Headlamp will be enough. It is really quite easy. As long as you know how to set up your all of you gear before hand you shouldn't have a problem. Plus everyone is really friendly and will be willing to lend a hand.
We did a dry run this week in the dark (new tent, first time 'Rooers), and headlamps worked great. Not as hard as I thought. We made an effort to keep our tent parts on the tent bag, so we didn't lose any stakes/poles/etc. in the grass in the dark.
RoRO, happy it worked out, rain would suck forecast is rain Thursday/aftnn/eve. consider small bin for tent parts or use a white plastic trash bag easy to find in the dark. good luck have a great first Roo!
