Hillberry

Camp amidst the music and the mountains at Hillberry, where melody and nature meet in soulful bliss. Set a course for the Ozarks and get ready to jam in Arkansas.

Event information

Imagine the sound of music in a clearing surrounded by the forest and with scenic mountain views as a backdrop. Hillberry takes place at The Farm in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and fans of Bluegrass gather here for a time of reminiscence and celebration.

Sway to the beat over four glorious days and in the evening, retreat to your oasis on wheels. Sleep under the stars and take this time away to rejuvenate your soul and mind. At the festival, there is plenty to do aside from the stage performances.

Over the years, workshops like wire wrapping and salve making have kept festival-goers busy learning a new craft. Take a yoga class or relax and watch an artist at work during a live art installation. The kids won’t be bored either, as there are activities geared toward the youngsters all weekend long.

The venue backs on Mark Twain National Forest. The Ozark Trail meanders through this National Park. Plan on a day of trekking as part of your trip to the region. If you bring your canoe or kayak, this park is the ideal location for a day of paddling.

Tickets

Buy your Hillberry Festival pass and add on an RV package so that you can stay amidst the music. In the past, passes to the festival have run between $55 and $225, with accommodation for your rig costing extra. Kids under 12 usually attend for free. Tickets are capped at around $3,000. If you plan to attend, buy early and book your camping spot at the same time.

Explore Hillberry RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

Schedule a stop at Beaver Lake or White River, which are within proximity to the event, as you meander through the forested roads. A picnic before arrival may be the perfect way to start the weekend at The Farm in Eureka Springs, and help keep hunger at bay as you set up camp. The weekend of music is only 3.5 hours from Little Rock, Arkansas, and 4.5 hours from St. Louis, Missouri. IDrive Arkansas will keep you abreast of road conditions or closures.

Parking areas

Park your RV in the designated camping lot and get ready to go on foot for the rest of the weekend, returning to your RV as you wish. Keep your pass visible as you enter the gates. RV’s are parked side by side with room for your shade awnings and sun shelters. It’s an organized lot, though, so respect your neighbor and don’t infringe beyond your site.

Public Transportation

Public transit does not make its way out to The Farm, but if you happen to venture into Eureka Springs, use the trolley while there. The colorful buses have a fixed-route service. For even more fun, take the Eureka Springs Open-Air Tram and see the sights around town in style.

Where to stay

Onsite

Staying onsite is the ideal way to really see the festival and all that takes place over the four days. Besides that, fall camping in the Ozarks is a treat in itself. At Hillberry, pre-purchased RV passes are the way to go. Plan for it and pack accordingly. Water and electrical hookups are not available, but there is a shower house on site.

Nearby

Within Mark Twain National Forest, there are many camping areas. For example, Cobb Ridge Recreation area has pull-through sites, and Lane Spring Recreation Area offers fishing in a creek and the chance to observe a bubbling spring. After the festival plan to see Hot Springs National Park and maybe camp a night or two in Ouachita National Forest.

Getting around

Pack comfy shoes for Hillberry. Walking will be a big part of the weekend as there is so much to see and do. The terrain is grassy and dirt-covered, making for the maneuvering of a stroller, kiddie wagon, or wheelchair a doable task. If it rains, have someone on hand to help in case the grass becomes slippery.

What to pack

Clothing

Well-worn jeans and a cozy sweatshirt are ideal for evening wear. You may find shorts and t-shirts a necessity as well if the weather heats up during the day. Rain gear is a must for kids and adults alike. A forest walk is beautiful after the rain. Bring along your camera for neat shots of the trees and insect life.

Gear

Pack lawn chairs because you will want to sit in awe of both the sunrise and sunset over the mountain range. A flashlight is a must for evening walks to and from the concert stages. Extra batteries, a portable radio, toiletries, and food preparation items round out the list.

Health & Safety

Bug spray and sunscreen are two essentials for any camping trip, but especially one where you will be camping in a field surrounded by a forest. Stay hydrated throughout the day and remind the kiddos to stop long enough for shade and rest. Bring a refillable water bottle into the venue and keep it topped up at all times.

Where to eat

Cooking

Hillberry is described as small and intimate. Keep this in mind as you cook and dine. Respect those around you by maintaining a clean campsite. Plan meals that are easy to prep and put together. Grills and campfires are not permitted at Hillberry. Consider tasty dishes like hummus and veggie wraps with a bean salad on the side.

Restaurants

A day trip to admire the leaves in full color may take you into Eureka Springs. Grab a bite to eat and then explore this historic town. Cajun, Italian, and French are just three of the food styles represented. Try regional food as an option and ask for a Santa Fe pita or a platter of meats and hand-crafted cheeses.

Vendors

Food and craft vendors alike are ready to display and sell unique creations and delicious food. Plan on bringing home a souvenir or sampling a tasty dish in the mountain air. If you forget an item needed for the campsite, pop into the supply store to get what you need.

Safety

Security

Trained staff are on hand to assist if need be throughout the weekend. Expect your vehicle to be searched when you enter the gates of the festival. If you leave the premises, you must show your wristband to re-enter the gates. Glass, weapons, and illegal drugs are forbidden.

Weather

Pack a pair of rubber boots for everyone in the family because mornings can be foggy and damp. There may be dew on the grass until the sun comes up. Bringing along full rain gear is a wise choice since the music and fun don’t stop at Hillberry. It’s a go, rain or shine.

Medical

Take note of the first aid tent as soon as you set up camp and head out to check the venue. Keep a well-stocked supplies kit in your motorhome. Take inventory before you leave to ensure you have pain reliever, gauze bandages, scissors, tape, and antibiotic cream. Pharmacy and emergency medical services are available within a 20-minute drive of The Farm.