Everything you need to know about renting a campervan for Burning Man — what to pack, how to prepare, and why it’s the best way to experience Black Rock City. It’s hot, dusty, wild, and unforgettable — and a campervan turns chaos into comfort.
Welcome to the dust — and the freedom. Radical self-reliance starts with your rolling home.
Welcome to the Playa
Burning Man is a week-long, build-it-yourself city rooted in radical self-expression, communal effort, and a clean break from the default world. Black Rock City is beautiful and brutal: sun, wind, alkaline dust, and endless creativity. A campervan gives you sealed shelter, shade, and a place to truly rest — so you can show up fully for the art and the people.
Why a Campervan Just Works at Burning Man
Tents and shade structures can work — but vans level it up with comfort and control.
- Dust protection: A sealed interior keeps playa dust at bay.
- Heat escape: Insulation + roof fans mean sleep after sunrise.
- Self-contained: Store food, water, gear and grey water — no shared bathrooms.
- Freedom: Road-trip Reno, San Francisco or Lake Tahoe before/after the Burn.
Tip: Seasoned Burners plan 6–12 months ahead. If you’re going, book ASAP.
Hire a Campervan for the Playa
Search live availability from trusted brands. Filter by ventilation, insulation, solar, water capacity and layout.
Pickup Hubs & Van Types
Where to pick up: Reno (closest — ~2.5 hrs), San Francisco (~8 hrs, more inventory), Los Angeles (~10 hrs, big fleets), Las Vegas (~9.5 hrs, often less busy).
What to look for:
- Ventilation: Roof fans/screened windows keep air moving.
- Insulation: Blocks daytime heat, holds warmth at night.
- Water tanks: Aim for ~20–40L per person (trip-length dependent).
- Solar power: Run fans, lights, and device charging.
- Simple interiors: Dust is brutal — avoid delicate upholstery.
Some providers offer Burner-friendly options (e.g., playa prep/cleaning). Always confirm terms: dust clauses, insurance, mileage, generator/fan policies.
Parking & Life Inside Black Rock City
Yes — you park inside the city. Here’s the gist:
- You’ll need a vehicle pass in addition to your ticket.
- Park within your theme camp if registered, or in open camping areas.
- No driving once parked — BRC is pedestrian/bicycle-first (mutant vehicles require authorization).
Tip: Bring bikes with lights. The city is huge and dark after sunset.
Playa-Proof Packing List (Van Edition)
- Reflective window covers & extra shade
- Greywater container (no ground dumping)
- Entry mat + rinse jug for dusty feet
- Duct tape & zip ties (fixes everything)
- Extra fan (battery/solar)
- Sealed food bins & plenty of snacks
- Personal lighting (headlamps/solar string lights)
- Dust masks/goggles; lip balm; electrolyte mix
- Burner décor (LEDs, fabrics — go wild)
Principles to live by: Leave No Trace. Pack it in, pack it out — every drop, every crumb, every zip tie.
Booking Window & Costs
When to book: Now. Playa-season vans often sell out 4–6 months ahead; Reno goes first.
Typical pricing:
- Budget campers: ~US$100–150/day
- Mid-tier builds: US$180–300/day
- Premium Class-B RVs: US$400+/day
Look for “Burning Man–friendly” listings and check: unlimited mileage, dust/cleaning clauses, insurance add-ons, generator/fan policies.
Extra Tips for a Dusty Good Time
- Don’t run A/C overnight off house batteries — you’ll flatten them.
- Protect your air filter; replace it post-Burn.
- Clean thoroughly before drop-off — dust fines are real.
- Respect camp boundaries and city layout — don’t block roads.
A campervan turns Burning Man into a different kind of experience — shade, rest, and a place to regroup when the chaos peaks. If you’re going full Burner, do it with wheels.
Ready to Book? Find a Campervan
From Dust to Dawn
Burning Man isn’t just an event — it’s a city built on art, generosity and self-reliance. With a campervan, you’re ready for the dust, the heat and the wonder — and you’ve got a sanctuary to return to when the sun (or the sound) goes nuclear.
