Bass Canyon at The Gorge Amphitheatre represents the gold standard of bass music festivals, combining Excision's signature sound with one of the world's most spectacular natural venues. The amphitheater's dramatic Columbia River Gorge backdrop creates an unforgettable setting where towering cliffs meet desert landscape, providing stunning sunset views that rival any stage production.
Headbangers from across North America converge for three days of non-stop bass, creating an electric community atmosphere where festival culture thrives. The Gorge's natural amphitheater design delivers exceptional acoustics, while Excision's production—including massive sound systems, lasers, and immersive visuals—transforms the venue into a bass lover's paradise.
What sets Bass Canyon apart is the perfect fusion of world-class music, breathtaking scenery, and Pacific Northwest adventure. You're not just attending a festival—you're experiencing days of camping under star-filled skies, waking to Columbia River views, and joining thousands of bass fans in celebrating electronic music's most powerful genre.
To maximize your Bass Canyon experience, explore Seattle RV rentals for the largest selection and SeaTac Airport convenience, or discover Spokane RV rentals if approaching from the east with equally easy access to The Gorge.
Bass Canyon experiences involve several cost components, with pricing designed to accommodate different budgets and camping preferences.
Festival Admission: 3-day passes typically range from $250-300, with single-day tickets available for $100-125. VIP passes offering elevated viewing areas and premium amenities cost $400-500. Thursday pre-party tickets require a separate purchase (approximately $50-75).
RV Camping Passes: Pricing varies by campground tier:
Additional Costs:
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One of the best things about Bass Canyon is its spectacular location and venue. The Gorge in Washington is very conveniently accessible to both British Columbia and the US Pacific Northwest regions. The nearest airport is SeaTac, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is about three hours away. The road offers amazingly scenic views.
The venue is located about 25 minutes away from Quincy, three hours from Spokane, and five hours from both Vancouver and Portland. Road traffic typically remains smooth, but you can check with the Washington State Travel Alerts system for the latest updates on their website or by directly calling them. It is advisable to follow the GPS-suggested route to reach in the shortest time.
Huge parking areas are provided at the festival grounds to park all types of vehicles. The parking areas are clean, well-lit, properly marked, and very secure. Appropriate signage has also been placed for the convenience of differently-abled guests. VIP and GA pass holders may park their vehicles during the daytime through the weekend without paying any additional charges. However, except for the camping vehicles, no other vehicles are allowed to be parked overnight. The local administration prohibits parking vehicles on county roads, private properties, or near the venue. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited in the parking lot.
Several options are available for those who prefer public transportation to reach the festival venue. You could choose shuttle services that operate in and out of The Gorge. Rental car services are also available around the clock. Guests can reach out to the festival assistance team to enquire about the current road conditions in the region and the latest festival updates. Shuttles and car rentals are also available from the Seattle-Tacoma airport.
Several different types of camping options are available around the Gorge Amphitheatre central stage. Guests can choose from standard camping, easy camping, gold camping, premier camping, and terrace camping. Each of these has its own unique features, capacities, and the facilities provided to the occupants vary between the options. RV campers should arrive with their water tanks full as no water or electrical hookups are available on the campgrounds. You might also need to purchase additional space if your RV is too large and does not fit within the campsite. One vehicle is allowed inside one campsite. Some camping passes also include portable toilets, comfort stations, and washstands at the campground.
Staying on the festival campgrounds is a great way to enjoy the festive feel and the company of like-minded people. However, if you wish to stay at a serene and peaceful site away from the crowds, you may find somewhat limited options available near the festival venue. Only a few campgrounds are situated in the proximity of the concert site. Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park sits about a 25-minute drive away, and Moses Lake offers a nice place for RV camping within a 40-minute drive.
Guests attending Bass Canyon will walk a lot on the festival grounds. Consider packing in comfortable flat-heeled shoes to keep your feet happy. Try to arrive early to your selected spot as space tends to get filled up fast for the performances. The festival is also accessible to handicapped guests. Those who do not arrive in a car and need support in reaching the main festival site can use the shuttles provided near the main entrance to get to a drop off point near the main stage.
Central Washington in mid-August delivers hot, sunny days (often 85-95°F) and surprisingly cool nights (dropping to 50-60°F). The Gorge is essentially high desert—expect extreme temperature swings, intense sun exposure, and minimal shade.
Pack versatile layers, including tank tops and shorts for daytime heat, plus hoodies, long pants, and a warm jacket for nighttime sets. The temperature drops dramatically once the sun sets, and you'll want warm clothes for late-night performances. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential—you'll be dancing on grass hills and paved areas for hours.
Dust can be significant, so bring a bandana or face covering. Festival fashion thrives at Bass Canyon—LED accessories, flow toys, and creative outfits are encouraged and celebrated.
Show your bass music pride with festival flags, totems, and EL wire decorations for your campsite. Canopies are crucial—stake them down securely as the wind at The Gorge can be intense. Bring camping chairs, coolers, portable grills (propane or charcoal), and string lights to create your festival home base.
Pack hydration gear—Camelbaks or water bottles are essential for staying hydrated in the heat. The venue allows empty water containers, and filling stations are available inside. Consider bringing earplugs (festivals provide hearing protection, but bring your own favorites) and a portable phone charger or power bank.
Many festival-goers bring flow toys, hula hoops, and LED accessories for enhanced festival vibes. A headlamp or small flashlight helps navigate campgrounds after dark.
Bass music festivals mean hours of dancing, often in challenging conditions. Bring sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, aloe vera, and electrolyte supplements. The combination of sun, heat, and bass can be intense—staying hydrated and protected is crucial.
Pack a comprehensive first aid kit with blister treatment, pain relievers, bandages, and any personal medications. Consider bringing earplugs specifically designed for concerts—protecting your hearing while maintaining sound quality enhances the experience.
Dust masks or bandanas help with dusty conditions, especially during windy days. Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and toilet paper are campground essentials.
Bass Canyon camping culture embraces communal cooking and sharing meals with your festival family. Fire up your portable grill for breakfast burritos before heading to afternoon sets, or prepare dinner together while reliving the day's best moments. Gas and charcoal grills are permitted at campsites (follow all fire safety guidelines).
Many festival crews make elaborate camp meals—from pancake breakdowns to grilled feasts. The freedom to cook your own food saves money and creates memorable bonding experiences. Just remember: no open containers or alcohol allowed in venue or public campground areas (keep celebrations at your campsite).
George and nearby Quincy offer limited dining options—small-town restaurants, fast food, and convenience stores serve the area. Most festival-goers stock up on supplies in Seattle, Spokane, or Ellensburg before arriving.
If you need a pre-festival meal or forgot supplies, Martha Inn Restaurant in George provides hearty American food, while Cave B Estate Winery offers upscale dining with stunning gorge views (reservations strongly recommended during festival weekends).
For major grocery shopping, plan your stop in Ellensburg (45 minutes west) or Moses Lake (45 minutes east) before arriving at The Gorge.
Inside The Gorge Amphitheatre, multiple food vendors offer festival favorites from pizza and burgers to vegetarian options and specialty cuisines. Expect standard festival pricing ($10-15 per item). Food trucks and vendors cluster near venue entrances.
The Gorge is known for relatively affordable festival food compared to many venues, though prices still reflect event pricing. Cash and credit cards accepted. Many vendors offer vegetarian and gluten-free options—ask vendor staff about dietary accommodations.
Bass Canyon maintains comprehensive security protocols to ensure safe festival experiences. All vehicles undergo search before entering campgrounds, and festival-goers pass through security screening at venue entrances.
The Gorge enforces strict safety policies, including no weapons, fireworks, glass containers, or illegal substances. Security teams patrol campgrounds and venues throughout the festival, maintaining a visible presence while respecting the festival atmosphere.
Medical and safety staff remain on-site 24/7. If you or anyone needs assistance, don't hesitate to approach security, medical personnel, or festival staff—they're there to help, not hassle.
Central Washington weather in mid-August typically brings hot, dry days with intense sun and minimal cloud cover. Temperatures frequently exceed 90°F during the daytime, dropping to 50-60°F at night. This dramatic temperature swing catches many festival-goers off guard.
Wind is The Gorge's constant companion—sudden gusts can knock over canopies, blow away loose items, and create dust clouds. Secure all camping equipment with stakes and guy lines. The combination of heat, sun, and dancing requires serious hydration—drink water constantly, especially during afternoon sets.
Weather can change quickly—afternoon thunderstorms occasionally develop, though August is generally the driest month. Pack rain gear just in case, and be prepared to adapt.
The Gorge provides on-site medical facilities staffed throughout the festival. Medical tents handle everything from minor injuries and heat-related issues to more serious health concerns. Festival staff can quickly direct you to medical services if needed.
For campground health, pack your comprehensive first aid kit with supplies for blisters, sunburn, minor cuts, and headaches. Heat exhaustion is the most common medical issue—recognize symptoms (dizziness, nausea, confusion) and seek shade and hydration immediately.
The nearest hospital is Quincy Valley Medical Center (approximately 20 minutes from The Gorge). For serious emergencies, Wenatchee and Moses Lake offer full hospital services about 45 minutes away.