Country Thunder Az
Looking for an RV-friendly music festival to hit this summer? Head to Country Thunder for some great music, camping, and entertainment.
Event information
The Country Thunder festival is a music event that takes place in different parts of North America every year. Arizona and Wisconsin were the first places where the festival took place, and concerts have been organized there since 1996. Thanks to its resounding success, Country Thunder has now spread to Canadian provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Well-known national and international artists perform alongside upcoming local acts at the festival. Multiple stages are set up where the various performances take place. The biggest acts are hosted on the large main stage with the upcoming artists performing on the smaller stages throughout the day.
Country Thunder Arizona takes place over four days in Florence every year. It usually runs from Thursday through Sunday. Attendees can purchase single-day tickets or passes for all the days of the event. Artists like Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Cole Swindell, and Blake Shelton have performed at the Arizona Chapter of Country Thunder in the past.
It is the biggest music event of its kind in Florence with over 29,000 people attending each day of the festival. The Academy of Country Music gave country Thunder the "Festival of the Year" award in 2018. Head to Country Thunder for some great music, RV camping, and phenomenal entertainment.
Tickets
There are a number of ticket options available such as general admission, reserved seating, and platinum experience. They range in price from $80 (single-day general admission ticket) to over $850 (four-day platinum experience). The platinum experience includes access to an exclusive elevated lounge area, executive flushable restrooms, private food and beverage options, and many other perks.
A four-day festival pass is necessary to enter the campgrounds. Depending on the size of your RV, you can choose either a standard or premium campsite. Payment plans are available for purchases over $100. Check out the Country Thunder website for updated information on tickets and pricing.
Explore Country Thunder Az RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Motorists are likely to enjoy the beautiful drive to the event grounds. The Country Thunder site sits about 90 minutes from Phoenix and Tucson resting somewhat in the middle between the two cities. If you plan on camping in your RV on site, you can drive directly to the venue and set up camp. You may want to set your GPS settings to 20585 E Water Way, Florence, AZ 85132. Festival staff will be available to direct you to your camping or parking spot once you arrive.
Parking areas
You will need to purchase an extra vehicle parking pass to park your car or tow vehicle. A day parking pass is adequate if you're driving to the venue but not planning on staying overnight. Planning to stay at your friends RV campsite? If you don't want to purchase a campsite but need to park your vehicle overnight, you can buy a weekend reserved or weekend overnight parking pass.
Public Transportation
Shuttles will be operating on festival days to get people to and from the grounds. There are pick up/drop off points at the Tucson, Mesa, and Apache Junctions. You can check out the schedules online and also purchase passes. Another option is to use a taxi or rideshare service.
Where to stay
Onsite
Country Thunder guests do have the option to camp out in an RV on site. Keep in mind that you'll need to purchase either a standard or premium campsite, depending on the space you need. If your RV exceeds the space available at a premium campsite, you'll need to buy two campsites. Trucks will be present on the campgrounds providing pump services and water fill-ups for a nominal fee.
Nearby
Guests will find several nearby campsites and RV parks to suit different budgets within a 20-minute drive of the venue. RV spots sell out fast on the days of the festival, so be sure to make your booking well in advance. The wider Phoenix and Tucson areas are a bit further to the northwest and southeast but also provide excellent RV camping thanks to the beautiful desert scenery.
Getting around
Golf carts, ATVs, or any other types of recreational vehicles will not be allowed on the campgrounds. Motorcycles will be permitted in the camping area, as long as you have a vehicle pass. Additionally, golf cart shuttles will be making rounds, so you can flag one down if you need a lift from one point to another.
What to pack
Clothing
You're likely to see lots of people donning their plaid shirts and cowboy boots at Country Thunder. However, you'll also fit in if you choose comfort over style and simply wear jeans and a t-shirt. It's a good idea to carry some rain gear and a light jacket to stay dry and warm.
Gear
Only clear bags and small clutches will be allowed into the concert bowl; guests cannot bring backpacks, large bags, camera bags, or coolers. Some useful things to take are sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, a disposable camera, a beach towel, and a portable charger. Soft lawn chairs will be allowed, but they may be removed from their bags and searched.
Health & Safety
You will be able to bring in one unopened bottle of water. Take frequent breaks to get off your feet and seek some shade. Weapons or illegal substances of any kind will not be allowed anywhere on the festival grounds. Guests with food-related health concerns are encouraged to contact the festival staff in advance regarding bringing in outside food items.
Where to eat
Cooking
You will be allowed to cook in the camping areas. However, outside food or beverage items are restricted in the staging areas. You can prepare food using a gas or charcoal-burning grill as well as on the stove associated with your RV. Bonfires, Tiki torches or open fires of any kind, are prohibited in the campground and festival areas.
Restaurants
The culinary scene in the Phoenix and Tucson areas has come a long way in recent years. It is incredibly diverse, and you'll find everything from hole-in-the-wall dive bars to exquisite fine dining eateries. There are even a few James Beard award-winning restaurants. Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll find it in these cities on your way to or from the festival. Closer in Florence, you might enjoy traditional Mexican eateries, American grill or cafe settings, or restaurants with outdoor seating.
Vendors
You'll find plenty of vendors on the venue selling food and beverages throughout the day and night. Many of Arizona's best chefs and restaurants will be serving up delicious treats at the stalls. Apart from the usual deep-fried festival fare, there will be plenty of healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on offer at Country Thunder Arizona.
Safety
Security
The security measures at Country Thunder have been stepped up in recent years. Security personnel will be present at all of the entrances. Any items you plan on taking in may be subjected to an additional inspection before entering the venue. Festival-goers are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to security personnel or staff.
Weather
A majority of the performances take place outdoors. Guests can look to enjoy plenty of sunshine and slightly warmer weather throughout Arizona in April, though spring storms are not uncommon. Country Thunder is a rain or shine event. In the event of a cancelation due to severe weather, no refunds will be given. Evacuation measures are in place to get attendees out safely.
Medical
A medical tent will be staffed with trained healthcare professionals. Anybody with additional medical equipment such as oxygen bottles and wheelchairs can visit the medical tent for assistance. You'll need to contact the organizers in advance if you have an allergy or dietary restriction and need to gain authorization to bring in food.
