Dirtybird Campout West Coast

If you loved summer camp and want to relive the experience, pack up your RV and head to the Dirtybird Campout on the West Coast.

Event information

The Dirtybird Campout West Coast is a unique festival that combines camping with electronic dance music. The event refers to itself as a summer camp for adults. Guests are transported back to their carefree days as children, enjoying games and sports at camp. The festival was started in 2003.

The venue features three different stages. The largest stage is called Birdhouse, and it is where the techno and house performances take place. The Bass Lodge is another stage where guests can experience bass music at its core and much more. This is also the site of the silent disco that takes place each night. Parallel events like comedy and talent shows take place at Claude’s Cabin, the third stage.

Festival-goers can dance the day and night away to tunes spun with DJs at the top of their game. Ardalan, Christian Martin, DJ Holographic, Mark Ronson, Slick Rick, Claude VonStroke, and Shiba San are some of the artists who have brought their music to Dirtybird Campout in the past.

In addition to the dynamic live music, visitors can enjoy taking part in various games, sports, and activities. There will even be arts and crafts, archery, and swimming, which add to the authentic summer camp vibe.

Tickets

Patrons can choose between General Admission and VIB (Very Important Bird) tickets. In the past, tickets have ranged in price from about $260 for Weekend General Admission Passes to around $430 for Weekend VIB Passes. Single-day tickets are not available, so you’ll need to commit to all three days.

You can also opt for various add-ons like early arrival, boutique camping, and RV camping. The different pass options are available on the festival website. It’s a good idea to book your Dirtybird Campout passes ahead of time since prices tend to go up closer to the event date.

Explore Dirtybird Campout West Coast RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

Dirtybird Campout takes place at the Modesto Reservoir Campgrounds located at Modesto Reservoir Regional Park. It is situated close to Highway 132, about seven miles from Waterford, California. The drive may take you about two hours from Oakland and three hours from San Francisco. You find yourself on I-5 or CA-99 to reach Central California.

Parking areas

In order to enter the grounds in a car or RV, you’ll need to purchase either a vehicle pass or an RV pass. This will give you access to a campsite where you can park and camp in your vehicle. Day parking is only available at a small offsite parking lot. Shuttles are usually available to ferry passengers from this lot to the venue.

Public Transportation

Public transportation options, including buses and trains, may be hard to come by in the area. If you’re coming from Oakland, the festival offers a paid round-trip shuttle service from the airport to the venue. If you’re staying at an offsite campground, you may be able to coordinate with fellow campers and carpool to the event.

Where to stay

Onsite

It’s a good idea to opt for one of the onsite campsites so that you can enjoy the festival to its fullest. You also won’t need to worry about finding your way back to your camp at night. Dirtybird Campout offers a limited number of RV campsites. Some of these come with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. In the past, there have also been sites with partial hookups and primitive RV camping sites. Showers and portable toilets will be available near the camping areas.

Nearby

The nearest RV park is about six miles away from the festival site at the Modesto Reservoir Campgrounds. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area offers wooded campsites with primitive camping. Caswell Memorial State Park another option. It is about 40 miles from the venue and offers primitive campsites and a serene outdoor setting.

Getting around

The terrain is relatively flat, so guests often get around on foot. Visitors can bring their own bicycles and cycle around the grounds. These will not be permitted in the performance areas. There are accessible pathways throughout the venue, making it navigable for patrons with mobility disabilities. Motorized wheelchairs can be recharged at the Access Center.

What to pack

Clothing

Enjoy the California sunshine in clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. You’ll fit right in by wearing casual clothing, although some festival-goers like to go all out by donning colorful costumes. There will also be Dirtybird Campout clothing available at the venue if you’d like to support the event.

Gear

You’ll need to carry a print out of your ticket and a valid ID to pick up your wristband at the box office. Don’t forget camping essentials like flashlights, camp chairs, blankets, bug spray, and sunblock. Be sure to take your swimming and hiking gear if you plan on taking part in the camp activities.

Health & Safety

Check the festival’s social media accounts to check if any road or weather alerts have been issued in Stanislaus County before starting on your trip. This way, you can plan your route ahead of time and pack accordingly. Some vendors do not accept cards, so it's a good idea to carry some cash. ATMs have been available onsite in the past.

Where to eat

Cooking

Open fires of any kind or large propane grills will not be allowed on the festival campgrounds. In past years, campers have been permitted to use small camping stoves with tanks that weigh less than 1 lb. You can also cook on the stove in your campervan. Dirtybird keeps a general store on site where you can pick up basic cooking and camping supplies.

Restaurants

You’re sure to find delicious food if you head to one of the restaurants that are frequented by locals. If you’re in the mood for something fast and familiar, many of the large national chains have branches in Waterford about a 15-minute drive. Be sure to try some of the delicious and authentic Mexican food that’s readily available in the city.

Vendors

Dirtybird Campout vendors will be selling yummy snacks and meals that represent the flavors of the region. You’ll also be able to try cuisines from different parts of the globe. Bars serving beer, cocktails, and wine will be present throughout the grounds. You may also encounter a Campout BBQ where you can feast on tasty grilled meats and veggies.

Safety

Security

Security personnel will conduct bag checks at the entrances, and the campsites will have 24-hour security. Officers will patrol the grounds, ready to assist anyone in need. Ensure that you keep your wristband on for the entire duration of the Dirtybird Campout West Coast.

Weather

Visitors to the area will be treated to the gorgeous sunny weather that the state is famous for near the West Coast. Rain is not expected, but it’s best to go prepared with ponchos and rain boots. A little rain will not get in the way of the proceedings. The festivities will go on unless the weather turns unexpectedly severe in California.

Medical

The Dirtybird Campout site will have a centrally located medical tent. It will be visible from a distance and clearly marked on the festival map. There will also be an access center on site where patrons with disabilities can find help and support. Advanced medical care and pharmacy services may be limited due to the remote nature of the event but are available within an hour's drive.