Backwoods Music Festival
Would you like to camp in the beautiful Ozark National Forest while enjoying some great live music? Head to the Backwoods Music Festival in your RV.
Event information
Backwoods Music Festival is a multi-day music and camping event that takes place at Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas. Artists who have performed at the event in the past include The Floozies, Infected Mushroom, Break Science, Dirtyphonics, Keller Williams, Tea Leaf Green, Jade Cicada, Zoogma, Modern Measure, Linear Symmetry, Big Chocolate, Dreamers Delight, Danny Grooves and Deep Sequence.
It was first started as a non-profit music festival in 2008 and was called the Backwoods Bash. The organizers wanted to showcase local artists and bands from different musical genres like Indie, Folk, Jamband, Red Dirt, and Americana.
The first Backwoods Bash took place over the Memorial Day weekend in Prue, Oklahoma. Over the years, the proceeds from the festival have been donated to a number of worthy causes. After several years as a small local festival, it was expanded into a much larger event in 2014, featuring contemporary genres of music like EDM. The same year it underwent a rebranding, and its name was changed to Backwoods Music Festival.
In addition to the world-class music, festival guests can also enjoy incredible art installations, performing artists and fun activities like helicopter rides, yoga classes, dance workshops, billiards tournaments, and water park activities.
Tickets
General Admission and VIP tickets go on sale a couple of months before the event. The General Admission weekend tickets cost around $300 plus fees. You may be able to upgrade to a VIP ticket at the venue, but this is dependent on availability. You'll need to purchase an additional RV pass to camp in your rig at the Backwoods Music Festival.
Early arrival passes are also available for those who'd like to get there before the crowds and set up camp. Payment plans are available if you'd prefer to pay in installments. Check the official festival website for more information on tickets and pricing.
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Transportation
Driving
The venue is a 650-acre resort located in Arkansas's Ozark National Forest. To get there, you'll need to travel along the Pig Trail National Scenic Byway, which gives you the chance to enjoy some fantastic views. Detailed driving directions from major cities nearby are usually available on the festival website. Be sure to check if any road alerts have been issued before traveling to the Interior Highlands.
Parking areas
Paid day parking is available about a 10-minute walk away from the venue. You can purchase a day pass on the website in advance to avoid missing out on a spot if needed. This pass does not include camping privileges. Your car can only be parked in the lot for the allotted time.
Public Transportation
You can get to the venue using the regional bus service, which has regular routes from the nearest City of Fayetteville. Another option is to use a car share service in the area. If you're staying in a campground nearby, check if there is a shuttle service available to get you to the festival site.
Where to stay
Onsite
There are a few VIP camping options available like Primitive General Admission and VIP camping. A separate area will be cordoned off for RV camping. Electrical and water hookups are available for RVs.
Once parked, attendees are requested not to move their vehicles in and out until the end of the festival. Groceries and essentials can be purchased at the General Store on the grounds. If a larger selection of items is preferable, remember to select your favorites before arriving.
Nearby
If you'd prefer to stay at another location and travel to the Backwoods Music Festival every day, there are plenty of RV camping options for you to choose from along the way.
The Ozark National Forest has campgrounds scattered throughout its lands, many of which will require dry camping. The area is known for its natural, scenic beauty. You can take full advantage of this since the campgrounds are located away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you prefer less primitive camping, check the communities surrounding the forest in almost any direction. They also come with all the facilities you need to feel comfortable and at home.
Getting around
Non-motorized bikes will be allowed on the venue, and many patrons simply get around on foot. There is a concrete path that patrons with disabilities can use to get from one stage to the next. Keep in mind that many parts of the site are natural, so they may become difficult to navigate if it rains.
What to pack
Clothing
Wear casual summer clothing during the day for the Backwoods Music Festival. Temperatures can plummet at night, so go dressed in layers or carry a lightweight jacket. You're likely to see a good number of people sporting creatively minded clothing, Boho fashion, and standout accessories. So feel free to express your individuality by wearing something unique.
Gear
The onsite general store does sell supplies like sunscreen, bug spray, and lighters. But you won't be able to purchase camping gear or tents. Consider in advance how you wish to spend your time and bring items that will help you enjoy the woods. It's also a good idea to take a first aid kit to deal with any medical emergencies.
Health & Safety
Free drinking water stations will be accessible throughout the grounds. Carry a refillable water bottle and fill this up frequently to stay hydrated. Porta-potties and toilet trailers will be present as well, and the upgraded campsites will have flushable toilets. Pay per use showers will be available to guests in the camping areas.
Where to eat
Cooking
You will be allowed to cook on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or the cooking appliances within your RV. Groceries and any other cooking supplies can be purchased at the general store conveniently located onsite. Grills and fires may not be allowed if a burn ban is in effect in the national forest areas at the time of the Backwoods Music Festival.
Restaurants
Byrd's Mulberry Riverfront Restaurant is a short drive away from the venue and comes highly recommended by the locals. Also, be sure to try some of the delicious barbecues that the area is known for in these woods. If you're willing to travel a bit further away, you'll find plenty of delicious options in the nearby City of Fayetteville.
Vendors
Several food options will be available around the clock at the festival venue. Guests can expect to enjoy music festival favorites like fries, pizza, and hotdogs as well as tasty fare from some of the top local restaurants. There will also be some delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on offer. With the remote nature of the festival in mind, it might be best to bring both cash and card.
Safety
Security
Vehicles will be searched for prohibited items like weapons, alcohol, and drugs. All bags will be checked before entry to the staging areas, and periodic security checks may also be conducted at the campsites. You may leave and re-enter the campground, but your vehicle will be searched again upon re-entry. However, officials request that guests come prepared to stay and make every effort not to move vehicles in an out of the venue.
Weather
The weather is typically warm and sunny during the day, getting considerably colder at night. You're going to be high up in the mountains, so it's a good idea to go prepared for rain, high winds, and storms. Make sure your camping gear is waterproof and take a rainfly for any tents.
Medical
There will be a first aid center on site. Trained medical staff will be able to assist guests in the event of medical emergencies. Patrons with disabilities will have access to handicap-friendly porta-potties and other facilities. If you have special medical or dietary needs, contact the organizers for requests or information. Consider pharmaceutical needs before entering the forest areas; the nearest pharmacies may be an hour away near Fayetteville or along I-40.
