Virgin from Virginia First Burn

[Jeremy757jones]

Hello all! My gf and I will be attending our first burning man this year. We will be driving 40 hours west from Virginia to Nevada. For my first year am I better off setting up my own camp or trying to join a camp? Also I'm bringing a 10x20 carport for a shade structure, is a structure with a 10x20 footprint too large? Thanks you

[lucky420]

Hola and hello...

No that footprint is not to large, not at all.

Many camps will start recruiting for new members soon. Some charge dues some don't.

Be sure to read the first timer/survival guide on burningman.org. Lots of helpful info there too.

No question is stupid but if it is easily found, you might takes some guff for asking.

Stick around, we don't bite. Well at least not to hard...

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[Straightveg]

Greetings from a fellow Virginian, and welcome to eplaya! Remember to pace yourself and take breaks on that drive. As long as you have space to safely carry the shade structure on the way in you're fine. As for camping with/without a theme camp, 'better' is subjective. I had a blast going solo with no responsibilities to anyone else's schedule or needs, but can also see the benefits of involvement with community meals, events, etc.

Edit to add: Are you sure you really want to drive all that way? For me it's much easier to fly into Reno from the east coast. if you split the cost the drive can be cheaper, but it still takes significantly longer. I don't have paid time off so it's more cost effective to pay a bit more for a plane ticket and work the full week before the burn rather than leaving early.

[Jeremy757jones]

Yea my girl and I have been wanting to drive across the country for awhile so we are seizing the opportunity. How

Do you just buy all your water,food, and camping stuff after you fly there?

[Ratty]

Jeremy and friend, welcome. Your shade structure is not too big. If you think it is, (Or if you don't want to travel across country with that much stuff), reconfigure it. Clamshell style is your carport with the legs left off of one side. This makes a flat topped roof. Count the different lengths of pipe and see if you like a different shape and height. One 10 by 10 section can become quite cozy with a flat top. Put those 2 unused pipes on as the front legs and have a nice slanted roof. (tall in front) Have fun with it. The manufacturers original configuration is merely a suggestion. Like the picture on a food package.

[Straightveg]

I rented a box truck and camped in the back rather than using a tent my first year. You'd be surprised how much of your camping kit can fit in luggage if you remove excess packaging and pack your clothes around them. I did all my grocery and last minute oh crap shopping in Reno before heading out. Depending on what hotel you're staying at pre-event they may have a package reception policy so you could also ship stuff out to your hotel and ask them to hold it for you. Some theme camps and regional groups drive a big box truck with their camp infrastructure out to playa and have extra space available.

[Jeremy757jones]

Great info thanks a lot

[Savannah]

Welcome, Jeremy757jones!

Carports are much beloved. Make sure not to turn your back on that carport for a second when you're raising it, though, even on a calm day. Those things will cartwheel down the street under the power of a freak gust. Have your rope, rebar, gloves and sledgehammers ready to go.

[Jeremy757jones]

So as of right now this is my campsite setup.
Is this an appropriate size.

And yes I will have the carport lagged down with ratchet straps.