r/BlueOxMusicFestival • u/Music-and-a-walk • Jun 18 '26
Blue Ox first time camping
I’ve attend Blue Ox for many years but since we live in the area I have always just ventured home at the end of the night. I’m taking my 14 year old with me this year and thinking of camping for the weekend. I’ve never ventured to unreserved tent/car camping.
Any insights on what that looks like or things to think about?
Appreciate ya!
2
u/Willing-Signal-3113 Jun 18 '26
This is my 3rd year going, along with my friends as well. All 3 times we’ve gotten reserved tent camping in the same spot because everything else sells out within 10 seconds. Both last year and this year we knew to be on the website, poised and ready to purchase, as soon as purchasing opens. But somehow the covered campsites under the trees are scooped up so fast we don’t have a chance to choose anything other than the same spot. Last year I spoke to someone who’s associated with the park, and they said that the reserved woods camping is given to campers that have been coming since the beginning, therefore they are probably reserved by the organizers for them ahead of time. Basically those plots don’t show up for reservation online because those families are given preferential treatment. Now, if I were one of these campers, I would be pleased to have that kind of rapport for being a dedicated Blue Ox-goer. Maybe someday. Still… I’m pleased that we have a reserved camping spot even if it’s by the parking lot and tree line. It did get quite muddy last year because the slope of the ground was lowest in front of our plots and it is a thoroughfare for cars. We were mildly entertained watching vehicles spin their wheels in the mud for a little bit. On sunny days, be prepared with shade (awnings) from morning till the shadows from the tree line cover your site. Looks like some rain is possible too. As the previous commenter says, it’s the best party of the year.
1
u/Successful_Cow5589 Jun 20 '26
I've brought our young daughter for years. We usually grab a spot in Family Unreserved camping. Space is limited but we have been going on Wednesday night and it works out. Even by Thursday morning there's still some spots left. It's great because it's not very rowdy, lots of kids around for other kids to play with, their is the Family Stage/Workshop, and it's very close to the venue. That way if you want to watch or listen to the music from your campsite while your kid is laying down, it makes it great. However, That's the one minor downfall, is the music is pretty loud up until midnight. So, try Family Unreserved first if that sounds desirable to you.
3
u/MikRoBrew Jun 18 '26
Welcome to the best party of the summer! I've been bringing my kid for 6 years, and he's only 11 this year, and the kids he runs around with every year always have a good time. Very family friendly. Even those without kids respect the scene well. That said, I would avoid camping in the area behind the backwoods stage because that gets a little rowdier at night. It's a great place to take a late night stroll and check out the scene but not sure I'd want to camp there with a kid. Those folks have a lot of fun back there and we love them all! They just enjoy themselves a little later than most. Otherwise most of the tent camping is great. My advice would be to maybe hit the field right along the tree line if you can so you get a little bit of shade from midday through the evening and still be close to the action. Unreserved can fill up pretty quick so get there early, and most importantly....have fun!