Welcome, Black Rock Citizen! Whether this is your very first burn or you’ve been brushing alkali dust out of your faux fur coat for the last decade, one thing never changes: preparation is everything.

Black Rock City is a beautiful, harsh, temporary metropolis built on a prehistoric dry lakebed. There are no stores (except for ice at Arctica), no trash cans, and no room for amateur packing mistakes. When you enter the gate, Radical Self-Reliance becomes your daily operating system.

Because no two Burners experience the Playa in the exact same way, a one-size-fits-all packing list just doesn't cut it. A solo Burner taking the Burner Express bus into a full-service theme camp needs a completely different strategy than a crew setting up a 50-person theme camp or a couple bringing an RV.

To make sure you don't overpack—or worse, leave behind essential survival gear—we've broken down our master Burning Man checklist into five specialized Burning Man guides.

Golden Rules Before You Pack Anything

Before diving into your specific checklist, write these non-negotiables on your bathroom mirror:

Water is Life: Plan for 1.5 to 2 gallons of clean water per person per day (for drinking, cooking, and hygiene).
If It Didn't Come Out of Your Body, It Doesn't Go in the Potty: Only 1-ply toilet paper goes into the porta-potties. No wipes, tampons, or trash—ever.
LNT (Leave No Trace): Everything you bring into Black Rock City must come back out with you. Secure your camp against 75 mph dust squalls.
Be Visible at Night: When the sun drops over the horizon, the desert becomes pitch black. Light up yourself and your bike with LEDs or EL wire.

Find Your Custom Burning Man Packing Guide

Choose the scenario below that best matches your trip to Black Rock City:

1. Solo Burner Packing Guide (Bus & Theme Camp Life)

Best for: Individuals flying in, taking the Burner Express shuttle, or joining a theme camp that provides shade, water, and kitchen infrastructure.
Packing limit: 1–2 suitcases/duffels + 1 daypack.
Key focus: Ultra-compact sleep setup, luggage-friendly tent anchoring, personal hygiene, and daily survival essentials.
👉 Read the Full Solo Burner Packing Guide →

2. Couple’s Burning Man Packing Checklist

Best for: Two people sharing a tent or shelter inside an established theme camp.
Packing limit: 2–3 large duffels or car trunk space.
Key focus: Shared shelter comfort, bed dust covers, 15-minute nightly foot baths (essential for relationship harmony!), and dual safety/lighting gear.
👉 Read the Couple’s Burning Man Packing Guide →

3. Small Camp & Open Camping Infrastructure Guide

Best for: Solos or small groups (2–6 people) setting up in Open Camping with zero provided infrastructure.
Key focus: Primary shade structures (EMT conduit / Aluminet), 2-burner propane kitchens, 3-tub dishwashing, graywater evap ponds, and 3-bin LNT sorting stations.
👉 Read the Small Camp Infrastructure Guide →

4. RV & Trailer Burning Man Survival Guide

Best for: Anyone renting or driving an RV, travel trailer, or camper van to the Playa.
Key focus: Pre-arrival upholstery sheet covers, engine drip pans/tarps, holding tank management, generator exhaust extensions, and avoiding costly detailing fees.
👉 Read the RV & Trailer Guide →

5. Theme Camp Infrastructure Guide (Back of House)

Best for: Theme Camp leads, quartermasters, and build crews managing 20–100+ members.
Key focus: Commercial shade grids, heavy lag bolt anchoring, OSHA-compliant fuel depots, power distribution (spider boxes), health department handwash stations, and graywater totes.
👉 Read the Theme Camp Infrastructure Guide →

Ideal For : Shuttle/Bus + Theme Camp
Key Infrastructure Needed
Personal Tent & Sleeping System
Main Challenge
Strict luggage volume & weight limits
Ideal For : 2 Burners in Theme Camp
Key Infrastructure Needed
Shared 4-6 Person Tent + Bedding
Main Challenge
Dust management inside sleeping area
Ideal For : Open Camping (2-6 People)
Key Infrastructure Needed
EMT Shade, Cook Stove, Evap Pond
Main Challenge
100% self-reliance (shade, food, waste)
Ideal For : Campers & Motorhomes
Key Infrastructure Needed
Tarps, Drip Pans, Seat Covers
Main Challenge
Keeping alkali dust out of vents & fabric
Ideal For: Large Group (20-100+)
Key Infrastructure Needed
Generators, Fuel Depot, Graywater Tank
Main Challenge
Back-of-house safety & Health Dept codes