Burning Man: Where to sleep?
10 types of homes to live in the desert
In 2022 I attended Burning Man for the first time. One of the most important decisions you make before you go to the desert is to choose where you’ll sleep when you get there.
You have to be aware of some things:
It's HOT so make sure to find shade. After 8 am and before 8 pm the sun is very strong. If you are connected to a camp then build your sleeping structure under an established shade area. If you are on your own, bring an extra tarp that can be erected above your main lodging. If you have the option of a fan or air conditioner, inside whatever home you choose, it is strongly recommended.
It's DARK so be part of a camp with electricity. There are no lighting poles in the city so it's better to have your own light source. A camping lantern or head lamp is critical.
It's DUSTY. Windows and doors to your home should be closed tightly and you should have a program for keeping dust out as best you can. Make sure to have a small area in front of your home to leave your boots, bags and dirty clothing before get inside of your home, otherwise, your bed may be full of dust.
There are so many different options for the shape and material of a Burning Man home. Here are some examples of homes that I found there:
1. Lotus Belle
That was my home for one week. This grey roof is a UV reflective material that reflect heat and help to create shade. Regardless of this cover it is still very hot inside during the day. A fan or some alternative form of air conditioning is key to keep things comfortable inside of the tent.
2. Shift POD
This tent is specially designed to keep the heat of the sun out and the warmth of the body in when it is cold out. For every 20 units sold they contribute one to a family in need.
3. Tents
4. Penta Yurt
5. Hexa Yurt
6. Motor Home
A popular method of lodging is the motor home. It is a more expensive alternative but can be shared with friends and provides additional comforts such as bathrooms and other resources. Here are some tips for taking an RV to Burning Man.
So, what is the BEST kind of home at Burning Man?
In my personal opinion the large tent under a shade structure with an installed air conditioning unit is the optimal home. This can be a Hexa Yurt or the big Lotus Belle. The Lotus Belle is an investment, but can be used for multiple Burns and for other trips. The yurts are normally just temporary. By being in the tent you are closer to the community of other attendees and its considerably less expensive than renting an RV if you don’t have a big group. If you do not mind budget and the logistics of pick-up, return and more then a nice Motor Home might be the right call for you.
In order to get all your items to the Burn a fantastic method is sending everything you need by containers. You can pack everything into inexpensive bins and label them clearly. They will arrive onto the playa and all you need to do is arrange a transport to get them to your camp location. This includes everything you need in Black Rock city - tent, mattress, sheets, pillows, bike, clothing, water and beyond…
The best home at Burning Man is the one surrounded by a great community of people so its important to choose a great camp. Then no matter if you have a tent or a Motor Home you have a great kitchen, shower and electricity to create a wonderful experience for the week.
