Your Phone's Battery Life
Between finding your friends, capturing sets, and posting to Instagram, your phone battery will drain faster than you think. The combination of spotty cell service in a massive crowd and constant use is a recipe for a dead phone by early evening. Many
first-timers assume they'll find charging stations easily, but they're often crowded or inconveniently located. The pro move is bringing a fully charged portable power bank. You'll be the hero of your group when you can stay connected and still get a video of the final headliner. And since the festival is cashless, a dead phone can mean no food or drinks.
A Real Transportation Strategy
Getting to and from Dodger Stadium is a logistical challenge you can't just 'wing'. While driving is an option, parking passes should be purchased far in advance as they often sell out. Rideshare services seem easy, but surge pricing will be astronomical, and finding your specific driver in a sea of thousands of departing fans can be a nightmare. Many seasoned attendees swear by the free shuttle service from Union Station, which is accessible via several Metro lines. It's a structured system designed to handle the massive crowds, but remember that thousands of others will have the same idea, so plan for lines on both ends of the night.
The Hills and the Walking
Camp Flog Gnaw takes place on the grounds of Dodger Stadium, which is famously built into a hillside. This isn't a flat, grassy field like other festivals. You will be walking up and down steep inclines and navigating a huge, sprawling venue to get between the three main stages, food vendors, and carnival rides. Comfortable shoes are not a suggestion; they are a necessity. Forgetting to wear broken-in sneakers or comfortable boots is a classic rookie mistake that can lead to serious pain by the end of Day One, potentially ruining your entire weekend. Leave the brand-new, stiff shoes at home.
A Layer for the Nighttime Chill
Don't let the sunny Los Angeles daytime fool you. Once the sun sets behind the stadium around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m., the temperature can drop significantly. Standing around in a t-shirt waiting for the headliner can get brutally cold. Many first-timers forget to account for this temperature swing and end up shivering through the final sets. Bringing a hoodie or a light jacket is crucial. If you don't want to carry it all day, consider renting a locker to store your warmer layer until you need it. A locker is also great for stashing merchandise so you don't have to carry it in the crowd.
The Merch Line Is an Event Itself
Camp Flog Gnaw is known for its exclusive GOLF WANG merchandise, and the lines to buy it are legendary. If there's a specific item you're dying to get, you need a game plan. Some fans recommend heading to the merch booth immediately after getting through the gates on Day One. Others wait for a lull during a less popular set. Either way, expect to dedicate a significant chunk of your time to waiting. If you're with a group, you can try a tag-team approach, but don't underestimate the wait. Assuming you can just pop over and grab a hoodie in five minutes is a fantasy.
Strict Bag Policy Enforcement
Music festivals have been cracking down on bag policies for security reasons, and Camp Flog Gnaw is no exception. The rules are typically very specific: only small clutches or fanny packs (4.5” x 6.5” or smaller) or clear bags (12” x 6” x 12” or smaller) are allowed. Don't assume the rules are flexible. Security will make you throw away a non-compliant bag or force you to take a long walk back to your car. This is one of the most easily avoidable mistakes. Double-check the official festival website for the exact bag dimensions and rules before you leave home.
