Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Despite the beauty and the size of Golden Gate Park, camping is not permitted. Areas surrounding San Francisco have a variety of experiences to offer when it comes to relaxing in the RV with the family, like San Francisco Candlestick RV Park. The hardest part of the planning will be deciding on which campground to choose!

You can camp with a view of the sea by pointing the RV toward the Pacific Ocean and driving until you see the shore. Golden Gate National Recreation Area sits just across the Golden Gate Bridge and is surrounded by the iconic beauty of San Francisco.

If a scenic mountain setting is more your style, head across the bay. Wine country is nearby, and you may want to pull your RV into a campground and relax by the fire with a glass of wine at a spot like Napa Valley Expo RV Park.

Fans can bike to the venue but must park bicycles upon arrival. Self-parking and valet services are also offered. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass sees the attendance of 800,000 people over the three days of the event. Bringing a stroller or wagon for the kids would be nigh impossible; allow the kids to walk there slowly while they enjoy the trees and flowers, or consider giving them a lift on your shoulders. Get there early to set up your blanket, and you may avoid some of the incoming traffic.

The daily temperature will dictate your attire for the day, but you will typically see most festival-goers dressed in layers. Jeans, your favorite t-shirt, and a light sweater make for a comfortable bluegrass concert outfit. Bring along a jacket, as the evening may be damp or chilly. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, too. A hat that covers the neck is a must for the kids. San Francisco sees a lot of sunshine in October!

Guests can bring a cooler with a delicious picnic into the park, along with beer and wine but no glass, please! Bring plenty of cold, non-alcoholic drinks to keep you cool in the California sun. Sunglasses are a must as well. Folding chairs must be short-backed to allow for better viewing for all attendees. Blankets are permitted but no saving spaces overnight. A clean sweep of the park will be done at the end of each evening.

To keep the family feeling great, apply sunscreen often and stay hydrated! The little ones especially mind the heat, the crowds, and the noise, so consider setting up your gear in a space where there are fewer people. With a selection of six stages, it won’t be difficult to scope out the quietest area. The crowds will be plentiful so set some rules for sticking together right from the start.

Not sure what to do in your RV kitchen? Stock the RV refrigerator with picnic-friendly food like crunchy vegetables for easy munching, meat, hummus, pitas, and cheese for savory wraps, and muffins for a mid-afternoon snack. Don’t forget to start the day off with bacon and eggs or some oatmeal cooked on the galley stove. In the evenings, hotdogs and burgers are a yummy way to end the day.

If you’d like a break from food prep, try Korean barbecue San Francisco style. Other options are spicy Mexican dishes like tortilla chips dressed just right, creative California pizza, or a delicious cafe sandwich. Flavors of all kinds can be found within minutes of the park. Pick up your lunch on the way to the park and support local business surrounding this outdoor festival.

Over 50 food vendors are ready to serve you in Golden Gate Park. The choices are kept simple and the dishes easy to manage for young and old. There will be artists’ merchandise in the form of CD’s and t-shirts for sale, too. Bring along cash (there are no ATMs on site) or use your credit or debit card to make the purchase.