Burning Man Survival Guide
Experience a gathering unlike any other in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, where for eight days, tens of thousands come together to build and celebrate community. Burning Man is more than a typical festival: It’s a pop-up metropolis brimming with interactive art, mutant vehicles, and themed camps. Whether you’re curious about this signature Silver State event or prepping to party on the playa, our guide is here to help.
Get details about this year’s Burning Man dates and theme—plus ticket and transportation info—from our event page.
What is Burning Man?
Depending on who you ask, Burning Man can be many things: an immersive art adventure, a social experiment, and an opportunity to discover your most authentic, joyous self. Once a year, more than 75,000 people transform desert dust into Black Rock City, a place dedicated to radical self-reliance and self-expression. The ethos of the event centers on 10 Principles that guide residents beyond the Black Rock Desert, eschewing consumerism in favor of decommodification, gifting, and inclusion.
Photo: Ryan Salm
Burning Man History
The Man first burned in 1986 on San Francisco’s Baker Beach when, during a summer solstice celebration with friends, Larry Harvey and Jerry James set fire to an 8-foot-tall, makeshift wooden sculpture. Over the next few years, the Man grew taller and the crowds grew larger, ultimately forcing the event to relocate.
John Law and Michael Mikel, members of the counterculture club Cacophony Society, helped move Burning Man to the Nevada desert. Already planning an event in the Black Rock Desert, the group invited Burning Man organizers to light their structure aflame there. In 1990, a 40-foot-tall Man burned in the Black Rock Desert for the first time. Burning Man has been held in Nevada ever since, with the structure regularly standing more than 65 feet tall.
Activities at Burning Man
All kinds of art and music abound at Burning Man, from sculptures and scavenger hunts to performances and dance parties. Walk or bike around the playa and be surprised by what you discover (or contribute). Center Camp is a hub for creativity, and The ARTery is another great resource for discovering new experiences.
While you’re a temporary resident of Black Rock City, be sure to visit as many theme camps as you’re up for. These bases are built by groups of people who want to offer services or experiences without anything in return. Theme camps can be anything from bars serving signature cocktails and fresh-cooked food from around the world to crafting spaces, casinos, roller discos, and family-oriented activities.
Of course, no Burning Man is complete without the burning of the Man. This ceremony happens on the Saturday night before Labor Day. The Temple, a spiritual gathering space where Burners often leave personally meaningful items or words, burns on the final night of Burning Man.
What You Need to Camp at Burning Man
Burning Man will be most enjoyable when you’re well prepared. After all, radical self-reliance is one of the 10 Principles for a reason.
- Water: Bring at least 1.5 gallons per person per day for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Desert temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated.
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect yourself from the late summer sun.
- Food: Bring all the food you want to eat for the length of your stay. Many theme camps serve food, but don’t rely on them for your sustenance.
- Shelter and Shade: You’re likely going to want a tent, RV, camper van, etc. that can withstand wind and dust storms. An umbrella or wide-brim hat can also protect you from the sun.
- Mask and Goggles: You’ll be glad you packed these items if/when those wind and dust storms pop up.
- A Bike: The best way to navigate the playa is on two wheels. Decorating and lighting your ride is highly encouraged.
- Exodus Bag: Departing Burning Man can take a long time. Keep comfortable with a change of clean clothes (kept in the car so they don’t get dusty), wet wipes, water, and snacks.
It’s also crucial to pack mindfully. Burning Man prides itself on being the largest Leave No Trace event on the planet, and it’s up to every single Burner to pack out every single piece of MOOP: Matter Out of Place. Bring a sustainable bag for MOOP everywhere you go, and aim to avoid common offenders like feathers, sequins, rhinestones, and glitter (which is not allowed in Black Rock City).
Reno, Sparks, and Fernley are going to be your best bets for stocking up before you hit the road.
After the Burn
It’s worth repeating twice: Leaving no trace is of the utmost importance for Burning Man. At the end of the event, Black Rock City should fully disappear as if it never happened. That can only happen if all Burners work together to leave the Black Rock Desert better than they found it.
Recreating responsibly also goes beyond the Black Rock. On your way back into Nevada’s communities, remember NOT to dump your trash at car washes, stores, hotels, or anywhere that’s not a trash or recycling facility. You can also donate your Burning Man bike in Reno.
Special Opportunities for Burners & Room Packages
Need a reset before heading home from Burning Man? Reno resorts typically offer special rates or packages, and each property is packed with amenities. The Biggest Little City often has decompression events after the Burn, too. And for one last Burning Man hurrah, stroll the city and discover sculptures that first debuted in Black Rock City.
Burning Man Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit the Burning Man site (Black Rock City) year-round?
Black Rock City is a temporary metropolis: It rises from the playa and then disappears for another year. However, you can visit the Black Rock Desert—where Burning Man is held—year-round. Follow the Burner Byway to this vast, beautiful expanse of public land for remote camping, stargazing, hot springing, and off-roading.
Is Burning Man for all ages?
Yes! Burning Man is an all-ages event. Children 12 and under get free admission (but still require a kid’s ticket). Children 13 and up will need a full-price ticket. If you’re considering bringing the family to the event, Burning Man Project has tons of insight and advice.
Do you need money at Burning Man? Can you buy food and water at Burning Man?
The short answer is no: You won’t need money at Burning Man because the only thing you can purchase in Black Rock City is ice. Burners will need to bring everything they need for the entirety of the event, including plenty of food and water, as there are zero vendors. Decommodification and gifting are two of Burning Man’s 10 Principles, so lean into the playa community if you forget or run out of something.
What is the best way to get to Black Rock City from Reno?
From Reno-Sparks, Burners typically take I-80 east to Wadsworth or Fernley. Then head north on State Route 447 through Gerlach. The Burner Express also buses and flies Burners into Black Rock City.
