Open Camping & Small Camp Infrastructure Guide for Burning Man
Deciding to camp independently in Open Camping—whether solo or with a tight crew of 2 to 6 friends—is the purest form of Radical Self-Reliance. There are no camp dues, no mandatory shift schedules, and no communal safety net. You build your own city.
The key to thriving in Open Camping is robust shade infrastructure, a functional kitchen, proper water storage, and an airtight waste plan. Here is your complete Burning Man checklist for small camp infrastructure.
1. Primary Shade & Anchor Infrastructure
Without shade, your tent becomes a 120°F oven by 8:00 AM. EZ-Up pop-canopies will collapse in desert winds. You need engineered shade.
[ ] Shade Structure System (Choose One):
[ ] EMT Conduit Shade Structure: 10ft. x 10ft. or 10ft. x 20ft. structure built using 1" EMT steel conduit pipes, 3-way/4-way canopy corner fittings, and Aluminet 70–80% reflective shade cloth tied with ball bungees.
[ ] Heavy-Duty Steel Carport: 10 ft x 20 ft fully enclosed carport.
[ ] Monkey Hut: Curved PVC pipe arches over a heavy-duty tarp.
[ ] Shade Anchoring System: 10 - 14 Lag Screws (3/8inch. x 14 inch.) + fender washers + ratchet straps to secure shade frame to the playa.
[ ] Heavy Tool Depot: Cordless impact driver (18v+) + socket set, sledgehammer, claw hammer, adjustable wrench.
[ ] Perimeter Safety: Bright pool noodles & solar LED lights attached to all guy-lines and corner posts.
2. Camp Kitchen & Food Storage
[ ] 2-Burner Propane Stove: Plus 2–4 small propane cylinders (or a 5-gallon tank with adapter hose).
[ ] Cookware & Tools: Frying pan, pot with lid, spatulas, tongs, chef knife, cutting board.
[ ] Mess Kits: Reusable plate, bowl, and utensils per camper.
[ ] Cooler 1 (Food): High-efficiency cooler (Yeti/RTIC type) dedicated strictly to meals & perishables.
[ ] Cooler 2 (Drinks/Ice): Opened frequently throughout the day.
[ ] Dry Food Pantry Bins: Latching plastic storage bins (keeps dust out of bread, chips, and snacks).
[ ] 3-Tub Dishwashing Station: Wash (soapy), Rinse (clean water), Sanitize (dilute bleach solution) + biodegradable dish soap & sponges.
3. Water & Graywater Management
Nevada state regulations prohibit dumping dirty dishwater or shower water onto the playa floor. You must store it or evaporate it.
[ ] Potable Water Supply: Calculate 1.5 to 2 gallons per person per day in rigid 5-gallon water jugs.
[ ] 2x4 wooden frame or PVC border lined with heavy-duty 6mil black plastic sheeting.
[ ] Mesh/felt suspension cloths or solar fountain pump to increase surface area evaporation.
[ ] Graywater Containment Bucket: 5-gallon bucket with Gamma Seal airtight lid to transport un-evaporated water off-playa.
[ ] Oil & Fuel Protection Tarp: Placed under cooking/fuel area to catch food spills or grease.
4. Waste Management & LNT Station
[ ] Landfill Trash (heavy contractor trash bags)
[ ] Recyclables (aluminum cans crushed flat)
[ ] Food Scraps (sealable container to prevent odors/liquids)
[ ] Magnetic Sweeper / Magnet Rake: Essential for sweeping your camp perimeter for dropped screws, nails, and wire before departure.
