It’s been 55 years since hundreds of thousands of gentle people camped out on the Woodstock festival site. Meanwhile, the serenity of that experience has never been repeated. However, now, the iconic and historic site is opening to campers for the first time on concert days. Read on to find out how you can enjoy a camping experience on the historic 1969 festival site.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts opens the 1969 Woodstock Festival site for campers

The 1969 Woodstock Festival is one of the most iconic events in pop culture history. Back then, almost 460,000 people experienced an “Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” Musical icons such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Joan Baez, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival and more entertained a peace-loving crowd of people.

Moreover, the event was held some two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City in upstate New York. While people were drawn by the big names appearing on stage, Woodstock became a cultural revolution that has yet to be repeated.

While we can’t travel back in time to attend the music festival, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has made it possible for concert attendees to camp on the iconic piece of land for the first time since 1969.

In the meantime, the Pavilion Stage amphitheater on the 800-acre site has, since 2006, hosted major music artists. The 2024 summer season will see musical greats such as Alanis Morissette, Hootie & the Blowfish, Train, Jason Mraz, REO Speedwagon, Hozier, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Melissa Etheridge and more. However, this time it is different.

Camping options for concert attendees

While concertgoers have been enjoying a musical event since 2006, this year sees the site opened up on show and festival dates for campers. Moreover, they have a choice of different experiences to choose from, from the very basic to “glamping.”

On the basic level, tent-only campgrounds are on a simple grass site close to the amphitheater. With this option, concertgoers can bring their own tents and share access to portable toilets, showers and hand-washing stations.

On the next camping level, guests are accommodated in a furnished bell tent, including bedding and an electrical strip. With this option, guests will also share shower and toilet facilities.

For those who prefer comfort, the glamping option offers three types of luxury tents. Each has electricity and Wi-Fi, a full bathroom with shower, bedding and furnishings. Moreover, the tents have outdoor deck seating with a panoramic view over the campus. For convenience, the glamping tents are around a five-minute walk to the pavilion stage and the Museum at Bethel Woods.

Not to be outdone, the site also offers RV parking, including the Primitive RV package on a grass site. This option features pump-out and water delivery for a fee. Standard car camping sites are also available with access to shower facilities and restrooms.

Meanwhile, the Premier RV package offers a gravel pad, a 50-amp electric hookup, water and sewer pump access.

Music in nature

Speaking to Travel + Leisure, Eric Frances, CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts said:

Given the unique legacy of the property, and the expansive 1,800 acres surrounding the Center’s historic footprint, we’re thrilled to be one of the first venues in the country to offer an outdoor getaway that blends our rich history and picturesque scenery with live music — further elevating the experience here.

“With this new offering, luxury travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike now have an opportunity to engross themselves in both nature and music against the beautiful backdrop of the Sullivan Catskills,” Frances added.

If you are seeking to experience the magic of Woodstock, visit the Bethel Woods Center’s website to book your concert ticket.