What’s the deal with theme camps?
Note: This article has been updated for the 2024 season.
Don’t get me wrong: Camping on our own with walk-in camping has some advantages: There are less time expectations, you can eat what you want and stick to your own schedule and budget.
However, theme camps come with their own sets of advantages that can (in most cases) outweigh the advantages of camping on your own:
Infrastructure.
Camps can pool resources and build shade structures, furniture, showers and kitchens. Less for you to pack and bring out into the dust.
Community
You can get a sense of community by staying in walk-in camping and meeting your neighbours, but it doesn’t really build a playa-identity like being part of a team.
When shit happens, as it will, you have a group of people who are drawn together, if only by communal perks, are easily accessible, remember their first burn, and will not only be ready to provide ideas and solutions, but may also have something in their back pocket that will totally unfuck your burn.
~ fluffy
Art
Most camps have a contribution for the event — whether it’s a service, a bar, or support for an art project. These individual camp contributions are what makes Burning Man into something more than just a party around an art project in the desert. It turns it into ten thousand parties around countless art projects in the desert.
The Catch: $
These camps cost cash to run, and all ask for some level of contribution from everyone to pay for the infrastructure. In general, you’ll find that low-cost camps charge as little as $50, to as much as $400, depending on what they’re offering.
Sadly, when money comes into the equation, things can get murky, and sketchy people can often find themselves in a situation where they overcharge and under-deliver on their promises, walking away with a sizable chunk of change in their pockets while delivering a terrible experience for the participants involved.
What to look for in a prospective theme camp:
So, I’ve convinced you to look for a theme camp! Terrific. Here’s what to look for:
A history.
It’s important to know how many burns the theme camp organizer has run in the past. If the answer is less than 1, you might be better off walking away and seeking out more experienced people. Camps that have been around for a while have a pool of resources and experience they’re bringing to give you the best event they can.
A reasonable explanation for the fees.
If you’ve got a camp asking for an exorbitant amount of cash, you’ve got the right to ask what they’re spending the money on. Some leaders of less scrupulous camps will pay themselves a big bonus and burn on your dime.
Look for camps that post budgets. Keep in mind that you’re not really paying for the camp infrastructure, as much as the boring off-playa expenses like transport, power, and storage. Well run camps can take the fees you provide and create a sustainable home that’s worth coming back to year after year.
Perks
Tied directly in with the idea of fees, you need to ask: What kind of contribution are they giving you back for your hard earned cash? Are they offering a communal shade structure? Do they supply water? Is there a meal plan? Do they have a bar? The more perks a camp has, the more expensive it can be, but also the more comfortable you’ll be in the 9 days you’re out there.
How did they do on the Moop Map?
Take a look at last year’s Moop Map (warning: Very large image) and judge for yourself. Seeing a camp place green in their LNT plan is a good indication that they’ve got their shit together and aren’t going to leave you holding the Moop Bag on the last Monday of the event.
Do they burn like you do?
Take it from me: You don’t want to be the crusty cynical burner in a camp filled with patchouli scented fest goers. Or the hippie doing vinyasas in the middle of the Thunderdome. Ask what they’re about and get a feel for their mission. If it sounds good, or if it takes you out of your comfort zone in a good way, it’s going to be a good fit.
What kind of time contribution do they expect from you?
Most camps have a expected set of volunteer hours. Some of those might involve helping out in the communal kitchen, tending bar, setting or striking camp or helping out with the artwork. This time isn’t usually enough to put a crimp your plans, but only you can know for sure if you can deliver on that expectation.
Where do you find a camp?
Many folks start by looking for local crews to camp with, and I strongly suggest resisting that urge. Camping with people outside of your city allows you to select the family you’re living with rather than having one that’s thrown together by geographic happenstance. Your friends will be at home when you return, so why not try something new?
So, that said, if you’re not reaching out to your local Burner-Fam, there are a few places you can reach out to to find an ideal camp:
- The Eplaya: Check out the official Burning Man forms here and look for camps seeing members. This is usually the first place I send people to.
- Facebook has a few great places for people finding a home. Camps 4 Campers and Campers 4 Camps both can help connect you to people offering a home.
- You can check out last year’s list here. That link is an exhaustive list of placed camps that may have contact and recruiting information.
- Your friends. Reach out to your fellow burners for camps they’d suggest. A personal reference is a great way to find a new home on playa!
In Summation:
Like anything on playa, everything should be viewed with a reasonable bit of caution. Camps are there to compliment your burn, not complicate it. Choose wisely.
