Why Hire an RV for Boots and Hearts
Burl’s Creek sits in rural Oro-Medonte. There are no major hotels within walking distance. The few accommodations in Barrie and Orillia book out completely for festival weekend, and what remains spikes in price.
An RV solves all of this in one purchase.
You camp on the festival grounds. Walking access to all stages, the Emerging Artist Showcase, fan zones, food vendors, and the after-hours campground community.
You skip the hotel scramble. Barrie and Orillia hotels typically sell out by spring. RV rental availability holds longer and rates stay relatively stable.
You bring your own kitchen, bed, and bathroom. Cold drinks all weekend, hot meals when you want them, and a private shower means skipping the queues at paid festival showers.
You handle Ontario August weather. Days are hot and humid, sometimes reaching the high 20s°C. Thunderstorms appear without warning. Nights cool down quickly. An RV gives you AC, heating, and shelter in one unit.
You share the cost across up to 8 people. RV sites are sold per site, not per person. A group splitting one rig pays a fraction of what separate hotel rooms would cost.
The campground is half the festival. Boots and Hearts campground culture is famous for impromptu singalongs, themed sites, late-night campfire communities, and the unofficial #BootsLife social scene that runs from Thursday through Monday.
Recommended RV Features for Boots and Hearts
Choose carefully on these.
Air conditioning. Ontario August at Burl’s Creek runs hot and humid. AC is the single biggest comfort upgrade for afternoon rest between sets. Verify your rental’s AC works before driving north.
Surge protector and 75 foot electrical cord. Required for hydro sites. Mandatory. Bring your own. If your rental does not include them, buy at Canadian Tire on the drive up.
Generator (for non-hydro sites). Quiet inverter generators are best for campground harmony. Maximum 5 gallons of fuel on site total.
Large fresh water tank. Aim for 40 gallons (150 litres) or more. Reduces reliance on paid on-site fills.
Onboard hot shower. Free, warm, private, available any hour.
Awning. Your 20 by 50 site is open field. Shade is not optional.
Comfortable sleeping for your full group. With up to 8 people per site, choose an RV that genuinely sleeps your crew. A unit listed as “sleeps 8” with a dinette and bunk conversion is not the same as one with dedicated beds for 8.
How Boots and Hearts RV Camping Works
Boots and Hearts camping is sold per site, not per person. Camping passes do not include festival admission. You need both a camping pass and a festival ticket to camp and attend.
Boots and Hearts RV Site Sizes
RV campsites measure approximately 20 feet by 50 feet. Maximum 8 people per site. One steering wheel per site, defined as either a Class A, B, or C motorhome (or truck-bed camper) or one vehicle plus one towed unit such as a tent trailer, pop-up, travel trailer, or fifth wheel.
All awnings, slides, and equipment must fit within the 20 by 50 footprint. Measure your unit including all extended slides before booking.
Hydro vs Non-Hydro RV Sites
This is the most important camping decision you will make for Boots and Hearts.
Hydro RV campsites include 30 amp or 50 amp electrical service. They sell out first every year. If you want to run your AC, fridge, and lights without generator noise or fuel limits, you need a hydro site. Hydro is available at time of purchase only and quantities are limited.
All RVs on hydro sites must have a surge protector. The festival does not provide them. Bring your own.
A 75 foot electrical cord minimum is required to reach the power source from your site. Standard 25 or 50 foot cords will not reach.
Non-hydro RV campsites are the standard option, with no power, water, or sewer hookups. You run on your onboard battery and propane plus a generator if you bring one. Cheaper than hydro, but harder camping.
Book hydro sites as soon as they go on sale through bootsandhearts.com. They sell out months before the festival.
Generators
Generators are permitted in the RV campgrounds only. Maximum 5 gallons of fuel on site at any time. Oro-Medonte Township fire authority can alter these rules based on fire bans or weather conditions, so confirm closer to the event.
Water and Waste at Boots and Hearts
Potable water is provided in the camping grounds for drinking and bottle refills. RV pump-outs and water fill-ups are available on-site for purchase. Pricing is displayed on arrival.
The festival main entertainment area is 100% cashless. Bring a credit card or contactless payment. Campground services including pump-outs, water refills, and showers operate separately and may require cash. Bring some Canadian cash for these.
Showers
Paid showers are available in the campgrounds. Prices displayed on site. Your onboard RV shower is the free, warm, private alternative. Fill your fresh water tank to capacity before arriving.
Campsite Assignment Rules
Reserved sites are assigned at purchase. General sites are assigned upon arrival on a first-come, first-camp basis. Saving campsites is not permitted. If you want to camp next to your group, all vehicles must arrive together and drive in as one convoy. No exceptions.
Boots and Hearts Camping Rules
- No glass containers anywhere on site
- No open fires or flames (small propane cooking appliances only)
- No fireworks, paper lanterns, or incendiary devices
- No drones or remote-controlled devices
- No pets in camping or entertainment area (service animals with current rabies vaccination are permitted)
- All campers must wear their event wristband at all times
- 2 bulk alcohol items per person over 19; anyone under 19 found with alcohol is evicted without refund
- Quiet hours and noise rules enforced by site staff
Camp Rentique: Festival Gear Rental Alternative
If you want to camp at Boots and Hearts but cannot bring an RV or a tent, the festival’s official gear rental partner Camp Rentique offers full packages for 1 to 4 people. Early bird pricing of 30% off typically applies through April 30 each year. Useful as a backup option, but for the comfort upgrade an RV gives you, gear rental is not comparable.
Where to Hire an RV for Boots and Hearts
Four pickup cities matter for Boots and Hearts: Barrie, Toronto, Orillia, and Hamilton.
Barrie RV Hire (Closest Pickup)
Barrie sits 15 minutes south of Burl’s Creek and is the closest city with significant RV rental supply. Peer-to-peer hosts through RVezy and Outdoorsy operate across the Barrie and Innisfil area. Many Barrie hosts offer delivery directly to your Burl’s Creek site, which is the easiest option for international visitors or first-time RV renters.
Toronto RV Hire (Most Inventory)
Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area have the largest RV rental fleet in Ontario. Commercial operators including CanaDream, Fraserway RV, Cruise Canada, Owasco RV, and Four Seasons Campers have GTA depots. Peer-to-peer hosts add hundreds more options.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the most-used international arrival point. The drive north from Toronto to Burl’s Creek takes about 1 hour via Highway 400 to Highway 11, longer in festival traffic.
Orillia and Lake Simcoe Region
Orillia is 15 minutes north of Burl’s Creek and Lake Simcoe Regional Airport sits just minutes from the festival site. Smaller RV inventory than Toronto or Barrie, but useful if you are flying into the regional airport.
Hamilton and Niagara Region
Hamilton (1.5 hours south) and the Niagara region (2 hours southwest) are alternative pickup zones if Toronto inventory tightens. Useful for visitors combining Boots and Hearts with a Niagara Falls road trip.
Boots and Hearts Pickup City Distances
| Pickup Location | Distance to Burl’s Creek | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Barrie, ON | 25 km south | ~15 min |
| Orillia, ON | 20 km north | ~15 min |
| Lake Simcoe Regional Airport | 15 km | ~15 min |
| Toronto, ON | 130 km south | ~1 hour |
| Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) | 140 km | ~1.5 hours |
| Hamilton, ON | 165 km south | ~1.5 hours |
| Niagara Falls, ON | 200 km south | ~2 hours |
| Ottawa, ON | 425 km east | ~4 hours |
Book your RV three to six months ahead. Ontario RV rental supply tightens sharply for the August long weekend window, especially for delivery-enabled units and larger motorhomes with hydro-compatible setups.
What to Pack for Boots and Hearts RV Camping
Festival gear
- Cowboy boots, hat, and country wear (the dress code is enthusiastically embraced)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Rain jacket and waterproof boots for Ontario summer storms
- Comfortable broken-in walking shoes
- Refillable water bottle (free refill stations on site)
- Earplugs and eye mask for sleeping in the lively campground
- Portable phone power bank
- A unique flag or banner to mark your site after dark
RV essentials
- Surge protector (mandatory for hydro sites)
- 75 foot minimum electrical cord (mandatory for hydro sites)
- Generator fuel (maximum 5 gallons on site)
- Camp chairs, folding table, awning shade canopy
- Small propane cooking appliances (charcoal not permitted)
- Toilet chemicals and one-ply RV toilet paper
- Trash bags (the festival has Trash Trading Posts that reward tidy campsites)
- Flashlight or headlamp
Payment essentials
- Credit card or contactless payment (festival main area is 100% cashless)
- Canadian cash for campground services (pump-outs, water refills, paid showers)
Drinks rule
Glass is banned. Bring cans, plastic, or reusable drinkware only. Each camper over 19 is limited to two bulk alcohol items.
Suggested Boots and Hearts Trip Timeline
Wednesday or Thursday: Pickup and prep
Collect your RV from Toronto, Barrie, or your chosen depot. Stock a full grocery shop at a Barrie or Orillia supermarket. Top up fresh water. Empty grey and black tanks. Fuel your generator. Buy a surge protector and 75 foot cord if your rental does not include them.
Thursday afternoon: Arrival at Burl’s Creek
Camping opens Thursday August 6. Arriving Thursday gives you choice of position within general sites, time to set up your awning and basecamp, and a relaxed lead-in to Friday’s gate opening. If you have group members travelling separately, coordinate to convoy in together. Saving sites is not permitted.
Friday August 7: Opening Day
Russell Dickerson, Brett Kissel, and Dasha headline the opening Friday night. Gates to the entertainment area open in the afternoon. Use the morning to walk the grounds, meet your campground neighbours, and locate your nearest water refill and food vendor stations.
Saturday August 8 and Sunday August 9: Full festival
The Chicks headline Saturday. Rascal Flatts and the Jonas Brothers close the festival Sunday night. Each day brings multiple stages, the Emerging Artist Showcase, fan experiences, and meet and greets.
Return to your RV between sessions for AC, hot meals, and rest. The campground itself is part of the festival. Impromptu singalongs and new friendships happen everywhere.
Monday August 10: Departure
Take your time packing. Exit Burl’s Creek by midday to beat the heaviest long weekend traffic. Extend your trip into Ontario’s Cottage Country. Muskoka is under an hour north. Wasaga Beach is 30 minutes west. Algonquin Provincial Park is 2 hours east. Niagara Falls is 2.5 hours south. All outstanding RV destinations.
Boots and Hearts RV Hire Cost Guide 2026
Expect four cost buckets when budgeting Boots and Hearts in an RV.
RV rental. Ontario peer-to-peer travel trailers typically range $99 to $200 CAD per night. Class C motorhomes range $200 to $400 CAD per night. Class A motorhomes can exceed $400 CAD per night. Multi-day discounts often apply for the full Thursday to Monday window.
Camping pass. Hydro RV sites are more expensive than non-hydro and sell out first. Tent camping is cheaper than RV camping. Boots and Hearts offers payment plans through Klarna and PayPal starting at $53 down. Final 2026 site pricing is available at bootsandhearts.com/tickets/camping.
Festival admission. Three-day general admission, VIP passes, and Daisy Duke’s Deck (new for 2026 VIP) are sold separately from camping. Admission passes do not include camping.
Extras to budget for. Generator fuel (if non-hydro), groceries, propane, paid showers, pump-outs, water refills. Plan for $200 to $400 CAD across the four days in extras for a group of six.
A typical four-day Boots and Hearts in an RV for a group of six lands somewhere between $2,500 and $4,500 CAD all in. Couples in a campervan can do it for under $1,800.
Combine Boots and Hearts with an Ontario Road Trip
The festival is one stop on a bigger trip if you have your RV for the week.
- Muskoka and Algonquin Provincial Park (1 to 2 hours north and east) for classic Ontario wilderness camping
- Wasaga Beach (30 minutes west) for the world’s longest freshwater beach
- Niagara Falls and wine country (2 to 2.5 hours south) for the iconic Canadian road trip stop
- Toronto (1 hour south) for a few days in Canada’s biggest city
- Bowmanville and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (where Boots and Hearts started in 2012) for motorsport fans
- Prince Edward County (3 hours southeast) for boutique wineries, beaches, and small-town Ontario
Boots and Hearts RV Hire FAQ
Do I need a separate camping pass for my RV at Boots and Hearts?
Yes. Camping passes are sold separately from festival admission. You need both a camping pass and a festival ticket to camp on-site and attend the entertainment area.
What hydro options are available on site?
Hydro RV sites are available with 30 amp or 50 amp service. All RVs on hydro sites must have a surge protector and a minimum 75 foot electrical cord. Hydro sites sell out months before the festival.
Are generators allowed on site?
Yes. Generators are permitted in the RV campgrounds only. Maximum 5 gallons of fuel on site at any time. Fire authority rules can change based on local conditions.
Is there water hookup at my RV site?
No. RV sites do not include water hookup. Potable water for drinking and bottle refills is provided in the campgrounds. Water fill-ups for your RV tank are available for purchase on-site.
How many people can share one RV site?
Maximum 8 people per RV site. Sites are 20 feet by 50 feet. One steering wheel per site.
Can I choose my exact campsite location?
Only with a reserved camping pass. General sites are assigned upon arrival on a first-come, first-camp basis. Saving sites for friends is not permitted.
What is the weather like at Boots & Hearts in August?
Daytime highs typically reach the high 20s°C with humidity. Nights cool to the mid-teens. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Ontario August. Pack for hot days, cooler nights, and the chance of rain.
What are the alcohol rules at Boots and Hearts?
Each camper over 19 may bring two bulk alcohol items. Anyone under 19 found with alcohol is evicted without refund. No glass containers anywhere on site. Cans and plastic only.
What is the nearest airport to Burl's Creek?
Lake Simcoe Regional Airport is closest, 15 minutes from the festival. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the most-used international arrival, about 1.5 hours south.
Can I have a campfire at my RV site?
No. Open fires and flames are not permitted anywhere on site. Small propane cooking appliances are allowed. Charcoal grills are not.
Can I bring my pet to Boots and Hearts?
No, except service animals with current rabies vaccination. Pets are not permitted in the camping or entertainment areas.
How early should I book an RV for Boots and Hearts?
Three to six months in advance. Ontario RV rental supply tightens sharply for the festival window. Hydro camping sites sell out even earlier through the official ticketing system.
Can I rent camping gear instead of bringing an RV?
Yes. Camp Rentique is the festival’s official gear rental partner, with packages for 1 to 4 people. Early bird pricing of 30% off typically applies through April 30. Not comparable to an RV for comfort, but useful as a backup option.
How much does Boots and Hearts RV hire cost in 2026?
A four-day trip in an RV for a group of six typically lands between $2,500 and $4,500 CAD when combining RV rental, camping pass, festival tickets, and on-site extras. Couples in a campervan can do it for under $1,800.
Ready to Hire an RV for Boots and Hearts?
Book your festival ticket and camping pass at bootsandhearts.com. Then compare RV rental options across Toronto, Barrie, and Orillia depots. Lock in delivery early if you are flying into Ontario, and aim to arrive at Burl’s Creek by Thursday afternoon to settle in before the gates open Friday.
Boots and Hearts in an RV is the way Canada’s largest country music festival was meant to be done. The campground is half the festival. Book early, pack right, and prepare for one of the biggest country music weekends in North America.