Country Jam Wi
Planning an RV trip to the Midwest? Don't miss the Country Jam Festival, a must-see music event that takes place in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Event information
Country Jam is a massive music festival that takes place in Eau Claire, Wisconsin every year. It was started way back in 1989, making it one of the oldest music festivals of its kind in the country. The event is held in west-central Wisconsin with the lush greenery and natural beauty of the area serving as the perfect backdrop.
Country Jam started as a small series of music concerts and was formerly called Shake, Rattle 'n Roll. Thanks to its incredible growth and success, it was eventually expanded into the large outdoor event that it is today. Additionally, other music festivals like Colorado Country Jam and The Blue Ox Music Festival were started as part of the Country Jam Family.
Performances are held over a three-day period. Stars of the country music scene like Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, Miranda Lambert, Sawyer Brown, Easton Corbin, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Carly Pearce, Farewell Angelina, and Maggie Rose have been a part of the festival in the past.
Country Jam is known for its incredible line-ups featuring world-renowned bands as well as upcoming local artists. Thousands of music lovers flock to the festival every year to enjoy the great live performances and immerse themselves in the experience.
Tickets
Country Jam Wisconsin usually has several different ticket tiers on offer, like General Admission, VIP and Ultimate VIP. You have the option to purchase single-day tickets or passes for all three days of the event. They range in price from $99 (single-day General Admission pass) to $4,000 (Ultimate VIP Plus Pass). The VIP and Ultimate VIP passes come with perks like reserved seating, VIP parking, complimentary food and beverages, and private shuttle rides.
Reduced prices are offered to students, veterans, and active military personnel. Camping passes and reserved seating options can also be purchased on the website. For additional information on tickets and updated pricing, take a look at the festival site.
Explore Country Jam Wi RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The Country Jam festival grounds are centrally located and easy to find just north of the Chippewa River and to the west of I-94 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. If you plan on driving your RV to the festival and camping onsite, you'll need to head to the Whispering Pines Campground entrance. You can find this on Google maps or your GPS app of choice. From here, you can take a short shuttle ride to the festival grounds. Be sure to check the Eau Claire County website or a similar resource for information regarding road alerts and short term road closures.
Parking areas
Paid parking is available a short distance away from the festival grounds. You have the option to park in the lot and walk to the staging areas or use the free shuttle service. Spots are allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis, and you can purchase a ticket at the festival. If you buy a VIP ticket, you may not need to spend money on an additional pass since parking is included in the package. Depending on your rig setup, you may or may not need to consider parking a vehicle in the day parking lot.
Public Transportation
A paid shuttle service will be operating on the days of the event, transporting festival guests to the venue from different locations in the city. Public buses operated by Eau Claire Transit (ECT) also connect the site to various parts of Eau Claire. Another way to get to the festival is by using a rideshare service.
Where to stay
Onsite
Camping is available at the nearby campgrounds of Whispering Pines and Whispering Fields. These are split into different areas, some of which are suitable for RVs. Big Rig access is offered at one of these areas called "Bear."
Some of the facilities provided at the campsites are a camp store, a hot shower building, a bar and shuttle transport. Water tank refills may be requested with a separate fee. Remember to bring blocks for your rig; the grass campsites may need leveling.
Nearby
Several RV parks and campgrounds in Eau Claire are clustered around the lakes in the area. RVers have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. Many of the RV parks accommodate long stays and come with facilities like full hookups, pool access, and laundry services.
Getting around
Within the venue, you can get around on foot or using the shuttles. Personal motor vehicles like ATVs, scooters, bikes, or skateboards will not be allowed into the festival. Most parts of the site are ADA accessible and separate viewing areas will be cordoned off for guests with disabilities. All Country Jam campsites are accessible as well.
What to pack
Clothing
Wear comfortable clothing made from light, breathable fabrics to stay cool during the day. Keep in mind that you may be using a port-a-potty, so dress accordingly. Summer temperatures in Wisconsin tend to decrease considerably at night; bringing some warm clothing is recommended for evening concerts and campfire sitting. Remember to bring comfortable shoes so you can dance the day and night away.
Gear
Pack a small or clear bag with a few essentials like sunscreen, a hat, earplugs, bug spray, a rain poncho, and an empty, reusable bottle. If you're in the General Admission area, take a light blanket or a small folding chair, so that you can get off your feet a bit. It's a good idea to carry a first aid kit, especially if you plan on camping in the area for a few nights.
Health & Safety
Be sure to stay hydrated and eat some of the delicious food on offer to keep your energy up. Weapons or illegal drugs will not be allowed anywhere on the grounds. You will need to have on a 21-ID wristband to purchase alcohol. These are available at designated locations on the festival premises.
Where to eat
Cooking
Grills are permitted in the camping areas and so are campfires as long as they are contained within a fire ring. It's a good idea to carry your own metal ring if possible, as these are not available for sale or rent. Fires must be supervised at all times. There is an onsite camp store where you can purchase essentials like ice and firewood.
Restaurants
As Eau Claire has grown as a music and tourist destination, so has its dining scene. Local restaurants serve up delicious Midwestern farm-to-table food. If you'd prefer to try different cuisines, there is some authentic Mexican, Italian, and Chinese food to be had in this northern community.
Vendors
There will be no shortage of delicious food and drinks at Country Jam Wisconsin. In the past, organizers have partnered with Cowboy Jack's restaurant group to provide an exclusive menu to festival attendees. So, be sure to stop by the pop-up Cowboy Jack's restaurant to sample some of the tasty treats.
Safety
Security
Eau Claire Area Law Enforcement and private festival security staff will be stationed inside and outside the festival grounds. They will be checking bags and belongings at the entrances and making periodic rounds. Take a look at the list provided on the website to make sure that you're not carrying any prohibited items because these will be confiscated. Remember to note what is allowed in the concert areas and what will need to stay at your campsite.
Weather
Wisconsin weather is typically sunny and pleasant during the day, with the nights considerably cooler. Be sure to take some warm clothing, especially if you plan on camping on site. Country Jam will go on, rain or shine. In the rare event of a last-minute cancellation or temporary changes to events, no refunds or exchanges will be given.
Medical
There will be a centrally located medical tent where festival guests can get information and assistance. It will be staffed with trained medical professionals and volunteers. If you or someone you know needs help, you can flag down one of the staff members for assistance. Medically required items will be allowed in on a case by case basis after proper inspection. Several pharmacy options are available within a 10 to 15-minute drive of the festival site.
