Prolonged wait times greeted thousands of festivalgoers looking to start their camping experience in Indio’s desert, which was really hot. According to one report, attendees faced waits as long as 12 hours, an unexpectedly severe delay compared with previous years.
Early arrivals hoping to beat the usual rush found little relief. “They usually open the gates around 3:15 to 3:30 a.m. every year, which is why people wait around the area,” said repeat attendee Hailey Maxwell. “We’re usually at the campsite before sunrise. I’m not even to the security checkpoint yet.”
Cars inched forward at a frustrating pace. Drivers noted few signs or staff members offering clear guidance. “There was no traffic control, so nobody knew where they were going. It took us four hours just to travel half a mile,” Maxwell added, underscoring the confusion. Some described the backlog as nearly unprecedented, especially when compared to “two hours max,” in the words of four-time camper Oliver Standring.
Amid the standstill, frustration grew. “I made a joke earlier that I didn’t know Fyre Festival tickets were included in admission this year, but that’s honestly how I feel,” said Adam Roberts. “I feel duped.” Many described the immense disappointment of arriving in the middle of the night and making no progress for hours.
Festival officials shared minimal updates. Attendees checked the app in hopes of instructions, but found mostly brand sponsorship details. Maxwell recalled, “The directions were the same they had on the website in past years, but this time, they’re directing people a different way.” Some sought help outside official channels: “People in my group were calling the police and letting them know what is happening because, at this point, it’s a health hazard.”
Stuck in prolonged queues, campers faced acute restroom shortages. “It’s the middle of the desert; there isn’t a bush to hide behind,” said Kayla Standring. “I had to open both of the car doors to block myself, then the girls in the car behind us saw, and they started doing that. I started a revolution for the women.” Roberts noted, “People are peeing in cups,” capturing the sense of desperation.
Temperatures were really hot, adding another layer of discomfort. “It’s already really hot outside,” Maxwell said. “My car is air-conditioned, but if it weren’t, I would be dying. I know people’s cars are overheating, and some people have already run out of gas.” Others worried about long-term effects if these conditions persisted over multiple weekends.
In large-scale campground or RV park settings, widely accepted measures can prevent congestion even during peak arrival times. Clear, well-marked routes and designated staging areas help keep vehicles moving. Digital updates and text alerts can also inform attendees of changes or delays, reducing confusion in the queue.
Many on site expressed frustration with the scant communication from festival staff. Maxwell singled out the lack of immediate guidance in the official app: “So the Nobu thing felt really out of pocket to post and not at all address what’s happening.” Without steady updates, people could only speculate about the cause of the jam or when gates would smoothly open.
Offering sufficient restrooms or portable units in long wait areas is another widely recognized approach that can ease discomfort. Frequent announcements through social media or an event app can also let attendees plan for potential wait times. Onsite personnel, equipped with accurate information, can then direct vehicles away from hot spots and address minor issues before they escalate.
Those witnessing the chaos firsthand voiced growing disillusionment. “It was truly the worst experience ever and also super disappointing because of how much money we spent to be at an event that we really loved,” said Kelly Jensen, who described it as “literal hell.” She explained, “We finally got in, but no one has energy to start setting up camp.” Organizers have not publicly addressed these complaints, according to that account, and have yet to issue a statement clarifying what might change for future dates.
With additional festival weekends and other events like Stagecoach on the horizon, concerns remain over whether conditions will improve. Officials reportedly have no revised traffic plan, and many now fear an encore of the same gridlock. “Given this experience, I would never camp again — and camping is a big part of these experiences,” Roberts said. “I’m sure once we get there, things will be better, but this is absolutely not the way to start the event.”