Freedom, dust, and the cleanest sunrise you’ll ever see. “I arrived dusty, tired, and slightly late. By sunset, I was barefoot, smiling, and fully at home.” Lightning in a Bottle is tailor-made for vanlife and your campervan is the temple.
If Coachella is a concert, LIB is a transformational escape with radical self-reliance, sustainable camping, and a conscious community by the lake.
Why LIB Was Made for Campervans
LIB’s philosophy makes vans a no-brainer: sustainable practices, and the space to truly spread out. Buena Vista Lake is beautiful, dusty, hot, and late-night lively. Distances are long and your van becomes home base, shelter, kitchen, wardrobe, and art piece.
What Vanlife at LIB Looks Like
In the van/RV zone you’ll see painted school buses with rooftop lounges, solar Sprinters with potted plants, DIY minivans scented with incense, and old RVs slung with hammocks. Luxury builds are optional; a thoughtful plan isn’t.
- Ventilation and shade for midday heat
- Cold storage for fruit and hydration
- A quiet, enclosed reset space after sunrise
- Room to express yourself with flags, fabrics, LEDs
Hire a Campervan for LIB
Search live availability from trusted brands. Filter by solar, roof fan/AC, blackout curtains, fridge/kitchen, and bed layout.
Quick comfort wins
Reflective window covers, a roof fan, and a spray-mister bottle with ice water. Thank us later.
Where to Camp & How to Get In
RV Camping / Vanlife Zone (Highly Recommended)
- More space and van-to-van community
- Quiet hours respected; separate entrance/security
- Compost toilets, water refill & greywater disposal nearby
- No hookups — bring solar or a quiet generator
You’ll need: General Admission ticket, vehicle pass (US$200–300), and an RV camping upgrade if applicable.
What to Pack in Your Van
- Ventilation: roof fan + clip/USB fans; reflective window covers
- Solar panel or healthy battery bank (no hookups)
- Greywater container & waste plan. Leave No Trace
- Reusables: cups, plates, cutlery; avoid single-use plastics
- Festival fits + warm layers (cold nights; hot midday)
- Radical self-expression gear: flags, LEDs, tapestries
Best decision: a cheap spray-mister bottle with ice water. Worst: forgetting baby wipes.
A Day in the Vanlife Flow
- Morning: Door open to ambient beats; coffee; journal; lake light.
- Afternoon: Nap in shade between yoga/sound baths; fridge lunch.
- Evening: Dress up; pre-game with neighbours; Thunder stage.
- Late Night: Cold fruit, rooftop stargazing, gentle wind-down.
Best Vans for LIB First-Timers
Nimble beats massive. You don’t need a full Class C to thrive.
- Solar setup + reliable charging
- Roof fans / max airflow
- Blackout curtains for daytime sleep
- Fridge or well-insulated cooler
- Outdoor table/chairs to create “living room” shade
Pickup hubs: Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, San Jose.
Tips to Survive the Elements
- Park with your side door away from direct sun.
- Reflectix/window shades + cover roof vents at night.
- Shower early (or embrace the body-wipe warrior).
- Hydrating snacks: watermelon, oranges, cucumbers.
- Bring your own power bank. Charging stations are scarce.
Final Word
Do LIB in a van at least once. You’ll feel it within the first hour: everything you need in reach, nothing on the schedule but sunrise, community, and music. No shuttles, no $20 queues, no soggy tent. Just your rolling sanctuary by the lake.
Want to live the vanlife at LIB 2025? We’ll help match you with the right ride for your energy.
Search Campervans – Live Availability
From Sunrise Stillness to Midnight Thunder
LIB is sunrise tea, daytime breathwork, and midnight bass. With your campervan as the quiet heartbeat between it all. Roll in self-contained, leave no trace, and let the lake light you up.
