Coachella Campers Go All Out with Tents – Some British Attendees Feel Uncomfortable

British festival enthusiasts often associate camping with muddy fields and makeshift shelters, but Coachella attendees are redefining the experience. This year, many have transformed their car setups into full-fledged retreats, complete with beds, dressing rooms, and even personal showers. These elaborate encampments, far from the basic pop-up tents of traditional festivals, have sparked debate online.

Cost and Comfort at Coachella

Car camping at Coachella, held over two weekends in Palm Springs, California, has become the most popular overnight option. A five-day stay costs $500 (£370), including a prime campsite near the stages. General admission tickets add around $600 (£443) for three days. While some see this as an indulgent choice, others argue it’s a practical necessity, especially with the festival’s extreme weather.

British Reactions and the ‘Performative’ Trend

Ali Calder, a fifth-time Coachella attendee from Arizona, shared her luxurious setup on TikTok, amassing millions of views. “I got a three-inch memory foam mattress pad so it felt just like my bed at home,” she said in a

blockquote>. “For the tent itself, I built walls and added fun decorations.” Her camp featured LED lights, a cooler stocked with hummus and salsa, and even a disco ball. “Half the fun was all the decorating and having a cool place to come back to,” she added, highlighting the shift toward themed experiences.

Meanwhile, British festivalgoers remain skeptical. “I couldn’t stop laughing at the comments because obviously my setup was the ultimate girly glamping experience,” Ali joked, noting that some critics compared her luxury to the basic “chair in mud” setups common in UK festivals. “No-one’s really hating on [my set-up]—it’s all about personal preference,” she said, acknowledging the divide.

Weather Challenges Justify the Luxury

Khadijah Brown, a 25-year-old from Texas, defends the elaborate car camping setups. “The reality of camping is that it’s a truly out-of-body experience,” she said in a

blockquote>. “It’s nasty, gross, and unorganised—no matter how well you plan for it.” Last year’s record heat caused makeup to melt, while this year’s windstorms threatened to blow tents into neighboring areas. “We were sleeping in bandanas to avoid breathing in the dust,” she explained, emphasizing that their efforts were a response to the harsh conditions.

Others at Coachella have taken similar steps, incorporating inflatable sofas, fairy lights, and temporary kitchens into their camps. These additions, while indulgent, have become a point of discussion for British attendees accustomed to weather-resistant gear and mud-stained wellies. Despite the luxury, the trend seems to have taken hold in the U.S., with some questioning why the UK hasn’t adopted it yet.

Comparing the Experience

Coachella’s near-identical lineups for both weekends have made it a destination for those seeking comfort. Celebrities and high-profile guests often opt for hotel stays, mirroring UK festivals like Glastonbury. However, the rise of “performative camping”—where setups are designed for social media—has created a new dynamic. While British campers prioritize survival, Coachella attendees embrace the idea of turning their pitches into curated spaces, blending relaxation with spectacle.