Same Venue, Different Rules: RV Camping at Stagecoach vs. Coachella

Both festivals take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, but the rules for RV drivers are very different, and it is worth knowing which is which before you book.

Coachella does not permit RV camping on-site. RVs, motorhomes, and any vehicle with built-in running water or a toilet are turned away at the tollbooths. Small Class B campervans without onboard running water facilities may be permitted if they fit within a 10x30ft space, but even the guidance on this changes year to year, so check before you travel. If you are heading to Coachella in an El Monte RV, the best approach is to base yourself at a nearby resort and use the festival shuttle.

Stagecoach is a different story entirely. It is one of the only major US festivals built around on-site RV camping as the primary way to stay, with powered hookups, dedicated lots, and a campsite culture that is central to the whole experience.

What RV Camping Options Are Available at Stagecoach?

Stagecoach offers a tiered system of RV camping lots, each with different locations, pricing levels, and booking rules. All RV sites are 20x50ft with 50amp and 30amp power connections. Each site includes eight Resort Wristbands, with children aged 10 and under not counted toward that limit. Festival Wristbands must be purchased separately, and both are required to enter the Resort. All attendees must be 18 or older with a valid ID, or accompanied by a parent.

Lot 8 is widely regarded as the best all-round choice for its proximity to the festival gates. Both Lot 8 and Lot 5 allow you to reserve your specific spot at purchase, so your site is confirmed and waiting when you arrive. Lots 4B, 7, and 10 are first come, first served with one spot per order and no pre-selection. Arrive together if you want to camp together, as the no-saving-spaces rule is strictly enforced.

The reserved lots come with additional perks beyond location, including re-entry privileges between the Resort and the venue, access from Thursday, and a Monday 10am checkout. Lots 4B, 7, and 10 are non-transferable and require the name on the order to be present at check-in. Spots sell out every year, so book as early as possible.

What to Expect on Arrival

The Resort is open Thursday 9am through Monday 10am, with no early access permitted. Vehicle check-in runs Thursday 9am to Friday 2am, then 9am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9am to 3pm on Sunday. You will need your Resort Wristband, Festival Wristband, and a valid ID at the gate. All campers and vehicles are searched on entry, so have documents accessible before you join the queue.

Arriving early on Thursday pays off. Lines build quickly after the morning rush, and being on the grounds early rather than queuing on the street makes a real difference. Resort campers arriving Thursday between 9am and 5pm can visit the Activities Tent in Lot 8 to pick up an early bird raffle ticket, with a drawing at 9pm for prizes including merch, ferris wheel tickets, and meal tickets.

The Resort is well-equipped for a multi-day stay. Beyond your powered pitch, you have access to free showers, food vendors, a general store, a grocery shuttle, and a Camp Lounge with WiFi and charging for when you need to decompress between sets. For full amenity details and hours, visit the Resort info page.

The noise curfew begins at 1:30am each night and applies to outdoor gatherings and audio. There is also a vehicle lockdown on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9pm to 2am during which no entry or exit is permitted.

Are Generators Allowed at Stagecoach RV Camping?

Portable generators are not permitted in the Resort. Your RV's built-in generator is fine to use, but portable standalone units are not allowed. With 50amp and 30amp shore power at every site, your air conditioning and appliances can run directly from the hookup throughout the day. This matters in April, when Coachella Valley temperatures regularly reach the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit.

All El Monte RV rentals include unlimited onboard generator use at no additional charge. Check the Resort FAQ for the latest rules, as these can change year to year.

Can You Socialise and Cook at Your RV Site?

The space around your RV is very much part of the Stagecoach experience. Set up your chairs, break out the games, and get to know your neighbours. Campers move freely between all the RV lots and the car camping area throughout the weekend. If you have heard that tailgating is restricted at Stagecoach, that applies to the parking areas, not the Resort itself.

Cooking outside is allowed, but open flames are not, so leave the charcoal and fire pit at home. A certified propane tabletop cooker is your best bet: one per site, maximum two burners, and cooking is only permitted between 7am and 2am. Your RV's built-in kitchen can be used as normal. Full cooking rules are on the Stagecoach Resort info page.

On drinks, everyone over 21 can bring up to two alcohol items on entry, choosing from a case of canned beer, a sealed plastic bottle of liquor, or boxed wine. Just remember there is no glass anywhere in the Resort, so cans, plastic, and boxed formats only. If you run low, a free supermarket shuttle runs during the weekend. One other thing worth knowing: powered speakers and external sound systems are not allowed, so keep music to your RV's built-in system.

What to Pack for Stagecoach RV Camping

The Resort's prohibited items list is more extensive than many first-time campers expect. The most important things to know upfront are that glass of any kind, portable generators, metal stakes, and home furniture will all be turned away at the gate. Review the full list on the Stagecoach Resort info page before you pack.

A few items worth adding specifically for RV camping at Stagecoach:

• A long extension cord and RV surge protector for your shore power hookup
• Camping chairs and outdoor games such as cornhole or giant Jenga
• A certified propane tabletop cooker, maximum two burners, and up to 20lbs of propane
• Non-aerosol sunblock
• A bicycle for moving around the Resort
• Canned, boxed, or plastic-bottled drinks

Which RV Is Right for Stagecoach?

Your choice of vehicle affects not just how comfortable you are inside, but how much usable outdoor space you have around your 20x50ft pitch. Here is how the main El Monte RV classes compare for festival camping:

Class C motorhomes are the most popular choice for event camping. They offer a full kitchen, private bathroom, shower, and air conditioning while leaving a reasonable outdoor footprint for chairs, a table, and a cooking setup. Class A motorhomes suit larger groups who want maximum interior space, though their longer chassis makes them tighter to manoeuvre into a festival plot. Class B campervans are the easiest to drive and park and leave the most outdoor space, making them a good fit for two people who plan to spend most of their time at the festival itself.

Browse the full range at El Monte RV Rentals and add what you need through Travel Extras before you depart. Convenience kits are available and include bedding, towels, and basic dinnerware, so you can travel light and stock up at pickup.

Which El Monte RV Location Should I Pick Up From?

Stagecoach runs Thursday to Monday, so most campers need their RV for five to six nights. El Monte RV has three confirmed locations in Southern California for 2026. San Bernardino is the closest to Indio and sells out fastest, so book early wherever possible.

Note: The Glamis seasonal branch near Brawley operates exclusively for off-road enthusiasts during dune season and closes by the end of March, well before Stagecoach weekend. Check current availability at El Monte RV Rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to buy before I arrive at Stagecoach?

You need two separate purchases before you arrive: an RV site pass and festival admission tickets. The RV site pass comes with eight Resort Wristbands for your group, but Festival Wristbands covering entry to the festival itself must be purchased separately. Both are required to enter the Resort. Children aged 10 and under do not count toward the eight-person site limit. Always buy through the official Stagecoach Festival website to avoid third-party pricing or invalid passes.

Do I need to worry about power at Stagecoach RV sites?

No, power is not something you need to worry about at Stagecoach. Every RV site includes 50amp and 30amp shore power hookups, so your air conditioning, kitchen appliances, and charging needs are all covered without relying on a generator. Bring a long extension cord to reach the hookup comfortably and consider an RV surge protector for peace of mind. Note that portable standalone generators are prohibited on-site, though your RV's factory-installed onboard generator is permitted.

Can I drive my RV in and out of the campground during the festival?

No, once you exit your RV site, it is forfeited. There are no vehicle ins or outs once you leave, regardless of lot type, and a lockdown is in effect on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9pm to 2am during which no movement is permitted. Plan your supplies so that you are fully self-sufficient from the moment you park up.

Is there a security deposit required when renting an RV through El Monte RV?

Yes, a refundable security deposit is required for all El Monte RV rentals. The deposit is returned after inspection at the end of your rental period. To explore rental options for your Stagecoach trip or to add accessories and kits before you depart, visit El Monte RV Rentals or browse Travel Extras.

Is insurance included with my El Monte RV rental?

Yes, insurance is required for all El Monte RV rentals. State minimum liability coverage is included with every rental, and additional coverage options such as damage waivers and trip protection are available to add through Travel Extras. Review your coverage options before departing for the festival so you are fully protected throughout the trip.

Final Thoughts

Stagecoach RV camping gives you the best of both worlds: your own fully equipped base and one of the country's most celebrated music festivals on your doorstep. There is something genuinely special about having your own place to return to at the end of a long day of music, with cold drinks in the fridge, your own bed, and the sounds of the desert night outside. Arriving prepared, with your passes confirmed, your campsite setup within the rules, and your supplies stocked for the full weekend, means you can focus entirely on that experience once you pull through those gates.

With El Monte RV rental locations in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and San Diego, there is a convenient pickup point regardless of where you are travelling from. Book early, add the right gear through Travel Extras, and you have everything you need for a fully self-contained festival weekend.