When going to Burning Man, many people think its the toughest and most harsh weather one can endure. Especially as a first time burner, it can sound intimidating and enticing to want the comforts of home while you are partying it up in the desert. I have personally tent and RV camped and here are some of my thoughts and things to consider.
RVs
Rv camping is expensive but a great option if you have access to one! I cant say you would really be experiencing "real playa livin" like you would a tent, but they are pretty sweet. I would recommend them but if it will break the bank, I'd stick with the tent life and spend the money somewhere else. Its definitely not a requirement to have a good time, no matter what anyone says.
Pros:
- air-conditioning
- private bathrooms
- kitchen space
- bedroom on wheels
- did I mention air-conditioning?
- showers
- refrigerators
- tv/internet (lame but sure, if you want that)
- built in generators
- lots of storage
- simple to set up
Cons:
- expensive to own and maintain
- hard to clean (I recommend hosing it down with water and vinegar THE DAY you get back)
- expensive to rent with lots of hidden fees they nail you with after the burn no matter how responsible and clean you are
- you still will not avoid the dust :)
- dealing with sewage/gray water
- need a vehicle capable of towing
- large and hard to maneuver
- some camps charge extra
- seem to always break down in the heat/weather
Tents
Tent camping is my favorite way to go! I'm a simple person and as long as I have a place to crash I'm a happy camper, although...I am a sucker for a/c for those hot days you want to sleep in. It's a very doable thing and no matter how hard you "rough it" after a couple of days you get used to it and its no big deal. Can't sleep and want to get your day naps in? There is a camp for that. Plus who needs sleep anyway....
Pros:
- 10 min set up and its party time
- fits in a backpack
- don't like your spot? move it after you finish your beer
- cheap and easy
- lots of options
Cons:
- not a lot of shady spots so bringing shade is a must
- probably want a mattress pad or air mattress (that always has a hole for some reason)
- a/c tents are kind of pricey
- very dusty
- stake them down or go chasing your tent during the surprise dust storms
There are always outside of the box options too. One of our campers was recommending a closed utility trailer. You can haul all the stuff you need, unpack it easily and even bring some comforts of home like an a/c, rug, and couch/bed setup. maybe a microwave/toaster oven and whatever you want! Eat some late night pizza rolls - now that's fancy living! Then at the end throw it all in the trailer and leave. The best part is when you get home, just pressure wash the thing and you have a trailer for whatever you need for the rest of the year! Now you can help all of your friends move into their new place - and get unlimited free pizza!
Don't over think it! Its your burn and you should do what makes you happy. You wont be loser if you don't spend a million dollars, and your burn will be epic no matter what you are sleeping in. Embracing the harsh environment is part of the fun, but so is living like a king. I hope you enjoyed my thoughts and ideas! feel free to comment your feedback and experiences below.