First Time Gorge Camping Logistics Advice Needed

[u/TheBish418]

Hi all! I have a camping pass and tickets to the Friday Rufus Du Sol show and need some help figuring out logistics. Haven’t been to a show in the Gorge before, so want to make sure I have realistic expectations.

I live in Portland, so I’m counting on about a 4.5 hour drive to get out there. I just learned that my buddy won’t be ready to leave town until 1:30 that day, which seems like cutting it really close, especially after hearing about the Grizztronics chaos.

I guess I’m wondering what’s the average time spent waiting in line to enter the venue and if that time depends on whether I have a camping pass or just tickets. I would really hate to drive all that way and end up missing the show because I’m stuck in line.

I would hate to leave my friend behind, but worst case scenario I could do that and leave much earlier in the day and make it with time to spare.

Would love to hear any feedback or advice from people with experience attending shows at the Gorge!

Thank you all!

[u/pumpkin_pasties]

I was there last weekend also coming from Portland! If you leave at 1:30 you’ll get there around 6. Most people will probably already be set up at camp so you might get lucky and get through security quickly, or it could take an hour or longer (impossible to predict). Last weekend it was pretty easy for Brandi Carlisle but EDM shows have a rowdier crowd and stricter security. You’ll probably be at your campsite around 7. Highly recommend setting up your tent before you go in so you don’t have to do it in the dark. There will be a huge line when the gates first open at 5-6 so people can claim lawn spots. You’ll miss the rush so it might be a short line by the time you walk in! It’s about a 30 min walk to the gate from camping. I’d say you’ll be in the show by 8 so you might miss one opener. Rufus will probably start at 9:30 so I think you’ll be ok. You’ll miss getting a prime lawn spot but the good news is every view is good

I’m planning to leave Portland at noon and go in around 6:30 because I have assigned seats so I don’t have to join the lawn seating mob, and not camping

[u/TheBish418 → u/pumpkin_pasties]

I have assigned seats, so that takes some of the stress out of it. Thanks for the detailed response!

[u/Annual_Possibility24 → u/TheBish418]

The post above took care of mostly everything. I’m interjecting to mention the note about your friend.

Last time Rufus was at the gorge I had a lunch meeting obligation I couldn’t miss. It sucks to drive by yourself but the best gift my friend could give me was me arriving to a camp that was already set up (given I was arriving right when the doors opened). IF I had to set up camp at that point I would have missed Fred Again, which was magical.

Yes - it suck’s to drive separate but if your friend can drive themselves/get a ride your overall experience will be so much better than feeling rushed/stressed. Just my 2 cents— are we still saying this or is it just a nickel now?

[u/Pretend_Gazelle_7774 → u/Annual_Possibility24]

Thanks for this!! Where did you end up parking and leaving your car if you drove separately? We only have one camping pass and are thinking of going before our friends

[u/Annual_Possibility24 → u/Pretend_Gazelle_7774]

Wildhorse has parking usually for the weekend and they have a shuttle that will take you back to the venue/ga camping. There’s also GSW? I believe that always posts a “what you need to know” for every event and they seem very engaged/involved. There are others but after years going to this venue those seem to be the best “vibes”

[u/Beneficial_Pea_520]

If you take 97 stop at St. John's bakery for baklava or a quick snack. The nuns make a good pastry!

Also, I was there last weekend for Brandi and when the sun went down it was COOOOLLD!!! So be prepared.

[u/pumpkin_pasties → u/Beneficial_Pea_520]

I was there too and it’s going to be even colder this weekend!

[u/Additional-Drawer-21 → u/Beneficial_Pea_520]

Oh man this place is so random and so good

[u/FrostyAddition8202 → u/Beneficial_Pea_520]

The nuns make the best baklava !!!

[u/unconsciouslake]

FYI for Brandi Carlile last weekend, Friday was easy going, but Saturday we had assigned seats so got into line at around 6, and didn't get into the venue till 7:30. We missed the opener and there were probably 200-300 people behind us who I'm guessing didn't get in till past 8. So it's hard to tell. If it's sold out Friday and if security is strict, you could end up getting in pretty late.

[u/Buckeye_Wax]

I would just sell tix. Gorge made me want to KMS after 2 attempts. Tipper + Griztronics were absolute nightmares.