Music festivals are really trendy now, but for good reason: they offer a getaway from your usual routine with a long weekend outdoors, a lineup of loved or new-to-you artists and bands, and the ability to avoid showering if you feel so inclined. Our Isle Box staffers have been to several festivals, and agree wholeheartedly that one of the best parts of the experience is the camping itself. Festival camping is unique because you’re packed into a lot with other festival-goers, which leads to a lot of shared space and conversation. Since everyone is there for the same reason (music, we think), it ends up being a pretty cool environment, which can only be topped by awesome scenic views at the festival location.
Given our love for the outdoors, we want to highlight some US music festivals with beautiful scenery or landscapes that are worth the trip for the impressive views alone.
(1)
Location: George, WA
Dates: May 27-30
– This festival has topped our list for several years. It takes place in the Gorge Amphitheater, a beautiful outdoor venue in Washington. Sasquatch has picked up awards in past years for Best Outdoor Music Venue (see, we have good taste) and for Best Amphitheater. Old-fashioned tent camping is the most common way to go, but RVs and VIP “glamping” are also available for our more tidy festivalgoers. Sasquatch boasts views of the Columbia River, the Cascades, and the Columbia Gorge canyon, giving campers stunning scenery to enjoy in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. We can’t imagine a more beautiful place to enjoy live music at.
Photo credit: Isle Box ~ Kolin Karchon
(2)
Location: Hunter Mountain, NY
Dates: June 2-5
– Mountain Jam is one of the east coast festivals that we’re dying to hit. Attending Mountain Jam in early June will have you camping and dancing right in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. A road trip from the West and Midwest might take you through the Appalachians on your way there, too. Festivalgoers note that this place is known for its variable weather, but preparing ahead of time to get soaked or sunburned (or both) and being ready to just go with the flow will make for an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful parts of the Northeast. It’s repeatedly been rated as one of the top music festivals in the country, too.
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/tillthenextshow/
(3)
Location: Gulf Shores, AL
Dates: May 20-22
– Alabama’s Hangout Music Festival takes place right on the beaches of Gulf Shores, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Though you might miss slinging your ENO hammock up between the trees here, there are still plenty of places to lounge and swim at the oceanside festival, which is sure to make you feel like you’re on vacation. The biggest stages flank each end of the site, and sit right on the shoreline. We are convinced that combining live music, water, and sunshine is bound to make for the perfect weekend outdoors. To top that, the festival regularly pulls great lineups from a fairly diverse group of genres. Although the festival itself doesn’t provide camping, there are a couple of campgrounds near the site for tents or RVs if you still want to get that full festival experience.
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/lexsealuu/
(4)
Location: Rothbury, MI
Dates: June 23-26
– We might be dating ourselves, but we attended Electric Forest in its inaugural year (back when it was called Rothbury Music Festival) so it holds a special place in our heart, despite its many changes over the years. Electric Forest is held on a horse ranch in western Michigan, near Manistee National Forest. Its namesake comes from Sherwood Forest, a centrally-located installation of art, lights, and interactive displays that take over a sprawling pine forest each year. In recent years, artists have even played secret shows in Sherwood. One of our favorite parts of Electric Forest is their commitment to sustainability and to respecting the land that they use each year. We once volunteered for the festival, and found that they take “no trace left behind” VERY seriously. You’ll also find very visible recycling and composting crews distributed throughout the festival grounds, and will see tons of art made from reused materials. Electric Forest has really become a larger-than-life experience as it has evolved over the years, and it’s worth trying out.
Photo credit: Isle Box ~ Vanessa Tamez
Bonus pick:
Location: Black Rock Desert, NV
Dates: Aug 28 – Sept 5
– Ever since we watched Spark: A Burning Man Story on Netflix a few years ago, we’ve wanted to go to Burning Man. After talking with some Burning Man vets, we learned that although the doc doesn’t completely represent everyone’s experience there, each person agrees that it’s a life-changing experience. As you’ll see in the doc, the concept of Burning Man started in 1986 on a beach with a few friends: two of the festival’s founders fashioned together a wooden figure and burned it on a beach in front of a small crowd… and the rest is history. Burning Man requires heavy planning (and might thin out your wallet in order to live in the desert for the week), but is home to a community of art and self-expression like none other. Burning Man’s list of “10 Principles” sets it apart from other festivals. These guidelines were developed years ago to encourage sharing, inclusion, participation, and self-discovery, among others, and they’re taken very seriously. The exploratory spirit of the festival thrives in this unique setting, and it may be the only time you ever sleep in a desert for a week, so how could it not be life-changing?
So, what did we miss? Is your go-to festival not included in our short list above? We’d love to hear your recommendations – tell us in the comments below!
About the Author
Vanessa Tamez
Vanessa Tamez is the Chief Editor of Isle Royale Equipment, LLC. Vanessa recently earned her MA in Conservation Ecology from the University of Michigan. When she’s not cooking her favorite vegan dishes, you can catch her hiking in northern Michigan or riding her bike around town in Ann Arbor.
Reach out to her via email.
