On-Site RV Camping Options
Stagecoach calls its on-site camping area The Resort. RV sites are 20 by 50 feet, and the campground is divided into multiple lots with different amenities and price points.
Standard RV Lots (Lots 4B, 5, 7, 10). First come, first served site allocation within your lot. Lots 5, 7 and 10 offer optional power hookups (30A/50A), though powered sites sell out fast, and Lot 4B is typically dry camping with no hookups. All lots have access to community restrooms (showers, toilets, handwashing), the General Store, food vendors, water refill stations and charging stations.
Lot Yee Haw (premium). RV sites with exclusive festival venue entry points and private amenities, closest to the action.
Safari BYO RV (premium). Includes a 50-amp power hookup, assistance with water refills and waste pumping (additional fees apply), private parking for one car adjacent to the campground, and access to the Diamond Saloon, an exclusive VIP lounge with a private festival entrance, full bar, food and restrooms. Festival passes have been included with Safari packages in recent years.
RV camping passes are separate from festival admission, except with Safari packages, so all campers need both a Resort wristband and a festival wristband. Confirm current camping categories and pricing on the official Stagecoach camping page, since these are set fresh each year and powered lots and premium options go first.
Check-In, Checkout and Vehicle Rules
Check-in has typically opened Thursday at 9am, with no early access permitted, and checkout by Monday 10am.
Once an RV exits the campground, the site is forfeited, vehicle re-entry isn’t permitted, though person re-entry is, guests can walk or cycle between the campground and the festival freely with their wristband.
Vehicle lockdown has run Friday through Sunday, 9pm to 2am, with no vehicles entering or exiting during those hours.
The maximum is 8 people per RV site, with kids 10 and under not counted toward the limit.
All vehicles and campers are searched on entry, the person whose name is on the original order must be present at check-in, and all Resort attendees must be 18-plus with ID or accompanied by a parent.
Sites are filled first come, first served with no saving spots, so arrive together if camping together.
Campground Amenities
Community restrooms with showers, flushing toilets and handwashing stations are available throughout the campground.
The General Store sells camping supplies, medicines, food and sundries, typically open Thursday until 11pm and Friday through Sunday 8am to 7pm.
Roaming water and pump trucks service RV Lots 4B, 5, 7, 8 and 10 for an additional fee.
Free supermarket shuttles have run from the north-west corner of Lot 7, Thursday afternoon and Friday through Sunday mornings.
Mobile ice sales roam through all camp lots Friday through Sunday, and food vendors operate extended hours from Thursday afternoon through the early hours each festival night.
An activities tent runs games, prizes and entertainment throughout the day, alongside water refill stations, phone charging stations, 24-hour security, and bike racks for cyclists at the edge of the festival staging area.
Choosing the Right RV for Stagecoach
The non-negotiable is air conditioning.
April desert temperatures regularly exceed 35°C during the day, and without AC an RV becomes an oven by 10am.
Generator-powered AC is essential whether on a powered site or not, and if dry camping, confirm the generator has enough fuel for four days of daytime AC use.
A large, full-size fridge keeps food fresh and drinks cold across four days without relying on ice.
An onboard shower and toilet is far more convenient than community facilities, though bring extra water for showers if the tank is small.
An awning or shade canopy creates an outdoor living area, essential for socialising without baking in the sun.
If purchasing a hookup site, confirm the rental has the correct cable and connector for 30A or 50A.
Given how dusty the Coachella Valley gets, check that the RV has good seals on doors and windows, and reflective window covers help keep the interior cool during the day and provide blackout for sleeping.
Where to Pick Up Your RV for Stagecoach
Los Angeles is the most popular pickup city, with the widest RV selection and a straightforward drive to Indio via I-10.
| Pickup city | Approx. drive to Indio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | About 2.5 hours via I-10 | Widest RV selection |
| Palm Springs | About 30-40 minutes | Closer but fewer rental options |
| San Diego | About 3 hours via I-15/I-10 | Coastal alternative |
| Phoenix | About 4.5-5 hours via I-10 | Eastern approach |
| San Francisco | About 7 hours via I-5/CA-99 | Road trip approach |
| Operator | LA depot address | Distance from LAX |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise America | 2233 East 223rd Street, Carson, CA 90810 | About 18 miles |
| El Monte RV | 12818 Firestone Boulevard, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 | About 24 miles |
| Road Bear RV | 28404 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 | About 35 miles |
Road Bear RV’s Agoura Hills depot sits northwest of LA, in the opposite direction from Indio, so factor in extra backtracking time on pickup day. Full depot detail and operator comparisons for a broader Los Angeles or Coachella Valley trip are also covered in our Coachella RV Hire guide, since both festivals share the same venue and pickup logistics. Pick up at least one day before check-in (Wednesday) to stock groceries, water, ice and fuel, and test the generator and AC before arriving at the campground Thursday morning. Stagecoach weekend is a peak rental period, book 4 to 6 months ahead.
RV Hire Prices for Stagecoach (USD)
April is peak season across Southern California, and Stagecoach weekend, following straight on from Coachella’s two weekends, is one of the busiest periods of the year for RV demand in the region.
| Vehicle class | Approx. daily rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Class B campervan | USD 150-260/day |
| Class C motorhome | USD 200-360/day |
| Class A motorhome | USD 300-500/day |
These are indicative ranges. Use the search widget on this page for live pricing across operators for your specific dates. Add the Resort camping pass and festival admission, both confirmed directly through the official Stagecoach ticketing site, on top of the RV hire.
What to Pack for Stagecoach
Fill the RV’s water tank completely before arriving, and bring extra gallons, since water refill stations and roaming trucks are available but not guaranteed.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat and sunglasses for the brutal mid-morning desert sun, reapplied constantly.
Comfortable boots or shoes broken in beforehand, for three long days standing and walking on grass, dirt and gravel.
A warm layer for evenings, since desert temperatures can drop to around 12°C after sunset.
A cooler with ice as backup even with an RV fridge, keeping drinks accessible for the group at the campsite.
Camp chairs and a shade canopy for an outdoor living room across the weekend.
Earplugs and an eye mask for sleeping through campground noise and morning sun.
A portable phone charger, since the festival grounds are large and battery drains fast.
Cash and ID, since festival purchases are cashless (card only) but cash is useful at the General Store and for water or pump trucks.
Trash bags and cleaning supplies to leave the site clean on departure.
Suggested Trip Timeline
Wednesday (pickup day). Pick up the RV from the Los Angeles or Palm Springs depot. Stock groceries, water, ice and fuel, and test the generator and AC. Drive to the Indio area and spend the night at an off-site campground or parking area if The Resort isn’t yet open.
Thursday (check-in day). Arrive at the Empire Polo Club Resort campground from 9am. Set up the site, extend the awning, arrange chairs, and explore the campground to find the General Store and restrooms. Food vendors open in the afternoon. Get settled before Friday’s first day of music.
Friday to Sunday (festival days). Festival doors typically open around noon with music running until midnight each day. Use the morning and early afternoon to rest in the RV with the AC running, eat, shower and prepare for the day. Walk to the festival in the afternoon, return to the RV between sets if needed given re-entry is permitted, then head back after the last act for the campground atmosphere.
Monday (checkout). Pack up and exit the campground by 10am. Return the RV to the rental depot, or extend the trip into the surrounding desert if extra days remain on the hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an RV camping pass for my campervan?
Yes. RV camping passes at The Resort are separate from festival admission (except with Safari packages), so all campers need both a Resort wristband and a festival wristband, purchased through the official Stagecoach site.
Are power hookups available?
Yes, in Lots 5, 7 and 10, though powered sites sell out fast. Lot 4B is typically dry camping with no hookups, and the premium Safari BYO RV package includes a 50-amp hookup as standard.
How many people can stay in my RV?
A maximum of 8 people per site, with kids 10 and under not counted toward that limit.
Can I leave and re-enter with my vehicle?
No. Once an RV exits the campground, the site is forfeited. Person re-entry is permitted with a wristband, so walking or cycling between the campground and the festival is fine, just not driving in and out.
Are there showers at the campground?
Yes, community restrooms with showers, flushing toilets and handwashing stations are available throughout, though an RV’s own shower is more convenient across a multi-day stay.
Can I cook at my campsite?
Standard camping practices apply; check current Stagecoach campground rules for any restrictions on grills or open flames before bringing cooking equipment, since specific policies can be updated year to year.
What time does the festival run?
Doors typically open around noon, with music running until midnight each day across the three-day weekend.
Is Stagecoach an all-ages event?
Yes. All ages are welcome, and children 10 and under receive free general admission with a paying adult.
How far in advance should I book my RV?
At least 4 to 6 months ahead. Stagecoach weekend, immediately following Coachella’s two weekends, is one of the busiest RV rental periods of the year in Southern California.
What is Event Campers?
Event Campers is a comparison platform that helps travellers find and book RV and campervan hire from trusted rental operators, showing live availability and pricing across the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in one place.
Ready to Rent Your RV for Stagecoach?
Browse campervans and Class B, C and A motorhomes from Cruise America, El Monte RV and Road Bear RV using the search widget above, and compare prices across your Los Angeles or Palm Springs pickup options. Planning more of your festival season? See our guides to Coachella RV Hire, EDC Las Vegas, Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and Sturgis Rally, or browse the full USA destinations hub for more road trip and event planning guides.