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Four years ago, I drove through the gates of Black Rock City for the first time, and every August since, I’ve returned home — to that dusty utopia in the Nevada desert. My name is Anatoly Koptev, and I’m writing this guide as someone who’s built camps, survived Mudpocalypse 2023, and learned where the hidden pitfalls of radical self-reliance actually hide.
Why Burning Man Isn’t a Festival
First thing to understand: Burning Man isn’t a music festival. It’s a temporary city of 80,000 people that we build from scratch in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. There are no headliners, no VIP areas, and no commerce (except ice and coffee). There’s radical self-expression, unconditional gifting, and responsibility for every trace you leave behind.
Over 4 years with PLOVKRAFT camp, I’ve gone from confused virgin to core team member, handling logistics for our 35-person camp. In 2023, I was one of six people who stayed an extra week after the historic flooding to dig our camp out of the mud. Those 2+ weeks in the desert changed my understanding of what it means to be a Burner.
Tickets 2025: The New Pricing Philosophy
In 2025, Burning Man radically changed its ticket sales system. Now every sale offers tickets from $550 to $3,000. The $750 price point? That’s the actual cost of your spot in the city. Everything above that is your contribution to art grants and accessibility programs.
2025 Ticket Sales Calendar
| Date | Event | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| March 5-12 | Stewards Sale | Theme camp members only. If you’re in a camp, this is your best shot |
| April 30 | Tomorrow Sale | Last chance for $550-650 tickets. They’ll go fast |
| May 19 | STEP Opens | Official resale at face value. Safe and legit |
| July 30 | OMG Sale | Final sale. Must register July 21-29 |
Pro tip from experience: Don’t panic if you miss the first sales. Demand has softened since 2019 — in 2024, tickets were selling below face value. STEP really works, especially closer to the event.
Getting There: Routes & Timing
The journey to Black Rock City is part of the experience. Here are the main routes Americans take:
From the Bay Area
The classic route: I-80 East through Sacramento and over Donner Pass. Stop in Reno for supplies (Walmart on Kietzke Lane is Burner central). Total drive time: 8-10 hours depending on gate wait.
From Los Angeles
Three options: The boring but fast I-5, the scenic US-395 along the Eastern Sierra, or the desolate US-95 through Death Valley. I’ve done all three — 395 is worth the extra time for the views.
From Portland/Seattle: I-5 South to I-80 East, or take US-97 through central Oregon for a more scenic route. From Denver: I-80 West all the way — it’s a long haul but straightforward.
PLOVKRAFT: My Desert Family
PLOVKRAFT is my family of 35 people who build a creative oasis in the desert every year and serve plov (pilaf) daily to anyone who’s hungry. We don’t sell spots — we look for co-creators ready to contribute to something bigger.
What Being in a Theme Camp Really Means:
- Before Burning Man: Helping with prep, transporting gear from storage
- Build Week: Arriving early to construct the camp (if you can get early arrival)
- During: 2-3 shifts of 2-4 hours (bartending, greeting, kitchen duty)
- Strike: Breaking down camp and hauling everything back
Real talk? It’s hard work. But when dusty Burners show up for our sunset happy hour and you see their faces light up with that first cold cocktail — you understand why we do it.
Mudpocalypse 2023: Lessons from the Storm
In 2023, the unthinkable happened — it rained in the desert. Not just rain — a deluge that turned the playa into an impassable mudflat. 70,000 people were trapped, unable to drive out. The media painted it as apocalyptic, but the reality was different.
What I Learned Stuck in the Mud:
Community Works: We threw mud parties, helped neighbors reinforce tents, watched rainbows, and sang songs in our camp kitchen — the only dry spot left.
Acceptance is Key: Understanding that whatever happens will pass. We just waited for the sun to dry the playa. Those who stayed got an incredible gift when top DJs gathered at Robot Heart for an impromptu sunrise set on Tuesday.
I was one of six people from our camp who stayed an extra week. We literally dug our tents out of dried mud. It was hell, but also an incredible experience of solidarity. I was the last from PLOVKRAFT to leave — spent over two weeks in the desert.
Desert Survival: Practical Tips That Matter
💧 Water is Everything
Official recommendation is 1.5 gallons (6 liters) per person per day. From experience: bring 2 gallons. In 105°F heat, you’ll drink like a camel. Pro tip: freeze two-thirds of your water bottles — they’ll thaw and keep the rest cool.
Hydration: Not just water! Electrolytes are critical. Nuun tablets, Liquid IV, or just salt+sugar+lemon. Coconut water is nature’s sports drink. Always carry water when leaving camp.
🌪️ Dust — Your Main Enemy
- Lung Protection: N95 masks minimum. Without them, you’ll get “playa lung” by day 3
- Eye Protection: Ski goggles work best. Don’t cheap out — contact lenses in a dust storm are torture
- Electronics: Everything goes in Ziplocks. Phone, camera, power bank — everything
- Dust Storm Survival: Goggles + respirator should ALWAYS be on your person
🦶 Foot Care
- Playa foot — alkaline dust literally eats your skin. Every night, wash feet with water and vinegar (neutralizes alkalinity)
- Only wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals = guaranteed chemical burns
- Bring 2-3 pairs of shoes — one will always be drying after foot soaks
- Change socks twice daily minimum
🗺️ Navigation and Getting Lost
- Memorize your camp address like a mantra: “4:30 and G” — better yet, write it on your water bottle
- Photo of your tent from all angles saved on your phone
- Laminated card with camp address in your pocket
- At night EVERYTHING looks the same. The Man is always in the center — use it to orient
🏥 Medical Hacks
- Saline nasal spray saves you from “playa nose” (nosebleeds from dryness). Aloe cream helps too
- Chapstick with SPF — apply every hour
- Baby wipes. Unscented, 10 packs minimum
- Melatonin for sleep when the bass is thumping
- Cold sore meds — the stress and sun trigger outbreaks
- Paint your nails before you go. Yes, even guys. Trust me on this
- Moisturizer for hands and feet is essential
🔊 Hearing Protection
- Quality earplugs are mandatory! Sound camps play 24/7
- Musicians recommend Etymotic or Alpine PartyPlug
- If you’re in a “quiet” camp, pitch your tent away from the street
🍽️ Food in Extreme Conditions
- Protein bars melt. Everything melts. Nuts and jerky are ideal
- Frozen grapes = desert delicacy
- Pickle juice — secret weapon against dehydration
- Morning tip: hunt for camps serving breakfast. Lots give food away, few people are awake
🛌 Sleep and Recovery
- Eye mask + earplugs = must have
- Melatonin or CBD helps you sleep
- You can nap anywhere. Literally anywhere, but shade is better
- “Siesta schedule”: active until 11am and after 4pm
🧠 Mental Preparation
- First 24-48 hours = adaptation. Don’t panic if you feel overwhelmed
- “Playa time” — forget schedules. Time flows differently here
- FOMO kills joy. You can’t see everything — accept it
- Take a rest day mid-week — wise decision
📡 Tech and Communication
- Baofeng UV-5R radios for camps. Channel 5 is usually “general”
- Offline maps on your phone (maps.me works)
- Power bank in ziplock with silica gel packets
- Polaroid = best gifts (physical photos are treasured)
- Some camps have Starlink, but I recommend living without connectivity. Amazing experience
Tent vs RV
| Factor | Tent | RV |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $800-2000 (ShiftPod recommended) | $3000-8000 (weekly rental) |
| Comfort | Hot days, cold nights | AC = heaven in the desert |
| Community | You’re part of camp, always outside | Easy to isolate yourself |
| My Choice | ShiftPod + swamp cooler | Only if health requires it |
Consent Culture and Unwritten Rules
After 4 years, I’ve learned: Burning Man isn’t anarchy, it’s a society with clear social contracts. Breaking these rules won’t get you arrested, but it’ll make you persona non grata faster than you can say “radical inclusion.”
✋ Consent is Everything
The Golden Rule of Consent
“Ask before you…” — hug, kiss, photograph, give something, touch a costume, apply body paint, offer participation in anything. This applies to ALL physical and social interaction.
✅ How It Works
- “Can I hug you?” — normal question
- “No” or “No, thank you” — complete answer, no explanation needed
- “I changed my mind” — consent can be withdrawn anytime
- Silence ≠ consent
- Intoxicated people can’t give consent
❌ Common Virgin Mistakes
- Touching people without asking (“but it’s a hug camp!”)
- Taking photos without permission
- Insisting after a “no”
- Entering private spaces uninvited
- Giving food/drinks without warning about contents
True story: In 2022, I saw a guy get kicked out of a camp for “just joking around” and spraying a girl with water without asking in the heat. At Burning Man, even good intentions require consent.
📸 Photo Rules: Don’t Be That Guy
Photo Etiquette on Playa
Core principle: Burning Man isn’t your content farm for Instagram. These are real people in vulnerable states of radical self-expression.
- ALWAYS ask permission — even if they’re in a unicorn costume on stilts
- Group photos — need consent from EVERYONE in frame
- Nudity ≠ invitation to photograph
- Delete on request — immediately, no discussion
- Commercial use — only with Media pass and model releases
🎪 Other Unwritten Rules for Community Survival
MOOP (Matter Out of Place) is Sacred
- Pick up others’ trash? You’re a hero. Walk past it? You’re part of the problem
- No confetti fireworks — you’ll hand-pick every piece
- Cigarettes — portable ashtray required. See a butt? Pick it up
- Glitter, feathers, sequins = public enemy #1
Gifting: It’s an Art
Good gifts:
- Useful: batteries, wet wipes, earplugs
- Edible with warning: “Contains [ingredients]”
- Experience: song, massage, story
- Handmade with soul
Bad gifts:
- Anything that becomes MOOP
- Drugs (seriously, don’t)
- Anything with glitter
- Business cards/promo materials
🔊 Sound Etiquette
- 2:00 and 10:00 — loud music zones. Don’t camp there and complain
- Your generator — someone else’s headache. Minimize use
- Megaphone at 6am — fast track to neighbor hatred
⛺ Camp Etiquette
- Someone’s shade — not your living room. Ask before sitting
- Walk-in camps — read signs. “Camp members only” means NOT YOU
- Borrowed = returned in better condition
🚨 What to Do If Boundaries Are Crossed
1. Say NO clearly
“Stop,” “No,” “Back off” — loud and clear
2. Find Rangers
Khaki uniforms, radios. They’re mediators, not cops
3. Support exists
Sanctuary at Center Camp is a safe space
4. You’re not alone
The community has your back. Don’t stay silent
Finding Your Tribe – theme camps
With thousands of theme camps, finding your people can feel overwhelming. Here’s my curated list of camps that consistently welcome newcomers and deliver amazing experiences.
🏕️ Great Camps for First-Timers
Orphan Endorphin
📍 Location: Changes yearly
🎯 What they offer: Specifically designed for “orphans” — Burners without a camp. Daily activities, shared shade, instant community.
💬 Vibe: Perfect landing spot for solo travelers and first-timers.
Camp Contact
📍 Location: Usually Esplanade
🎯 Activities: Partner acrobatics, contact improv, morning yoga
💪 Why it’s great: Healthy, connective environment. Great way to meet people through movement.
Black Rock Roller Disco
📍 Location: Mid-city
🎯 Gift: Exactly what it sounds like — a roller disco in the desert!
🛼 Pro tip: They have skates to borrow. Pure, simple fun.
🎪 Regional Camps Worth Checking Out
Comfort & Joy (Bay Area)
🎯 Known for: LGBTQ+ friendly, amazing parties
🎉 Famous for: Thursday night party is legendary
Playa Boutique (LA)
🎯 Concept: Fashion and costume exchange
👗 Bring: Your extra costumes to trade
Camp Mystic (Pacific Northwest)
🎯 Offerings: Tea ceremonies, healing spaces
🧘 Atmosphere: Chill vibes from the PNW crew
Fresh Fruit & Veggie Camp
🎯 Gift: Fresh produce in the desert
🥭 Why amazing: After a week of canned food!
💡 How to Find Your Camp
📅 When to Look:
- November-December: Camps start forming for next year
- January-February: Active recruiting for new members
- March: Last chance for established camps
- April-May: Only if people drop out
✅ What to Ask:
- Camp dues (typically $300-800)
- What’s included (meals, shade, power?)
- Work commitments (shifts, build week)
- Camp culture and vibe
- Leadership experience
Veteran advice: Visit different camps during the event. Hit their bars, join workshops, feel the vibe. By week’s end, you’ll know exactly where you want to camp next year.
Non-Obvious Tips
🚴 About Your Bike
Don’t bring an expensive bike. Ideal is a simple cruiser for $100 from Craigslist. Front basket is essential. LED lights aren’t for beauty — they keep you from getting hit at night.
🎁 About Gifting
Gifting isn’t just things — it’s primarily experiences. I gift memories by shooting great videos, give massages, serve tea, and lead “Follow the White Rabbit” tours.
🏕️ About Camp Setup
Set your tent under shade and positioned so your neighbor’s RV blocks the rising sun — buys you 30 minutes of cool morning. Replace rebar stakes with large construction screws and use a cordless drill. Anything that can fly away, will fly away.
⚡ About Power
100W solar panel + Jackery battery = independence. Powers lights, phone charging, even a small fan. If using a generator, get a separate fuel storage container — it’s required.
The 10 Principles of Burning Man
About the Principles
Burning Man co-founder Larry Harvey wrote the 10 Principles in 2004 as guidance for the emerging regional network. They weren’t created as rules for behavior, but as a reflection of the ethos and culture that had organically developed since the event’s inception.
🔥 Radical Inclusion
Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.
🎁 Gifting
Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.
🚫 Decommodification
In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising.
💪 Radical Self-reliance
Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on their inner resources.
🎨 Radical Self-expression
Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content.
🤝 Communal Effort
Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication.
⚖️ Civic Responsibility
We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants.
🌍 Leave No Trace
Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather.
✋ Participation
Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through deeply personal participation.
⚡ Immediacy
Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves.
“The world becomes real through actions that open the heart.”
— From the Principle of Participation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Burning Man really cost?
Budget minimum: ticket ($550-950) + vehicle pass ($150) + gas ($200) + camping gear ($800-1500) + food/water ($200) + camp dues if joining ($300-600). Total: $2,200-3,600. But you can do it cheaper by buying used gear and sharing expenses.
Can I go solo without a camp?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for your first time. Solo camping means bringing EVERYTHING yourself: shade structure, water for a week, possibly a generator. In a camp, these costs are shared, plus you get support and community. If you do go solo, camp in open camping and actively meet your neighbors.
How do I survive the heat during the day?
Siesta from 11am to 4pm isn’t laziness, it’s survival. Wet towel on your neck, feet in a bucket with water and vinegar (neutralizes alkaline dust). A swamp cooler in your tent is a game changer. And remember: if your pee is dark, you’re not drinking enough water.
What if I don’t get a ticket?
Don’t panic. STEP (official resale) really works, especially in August. Many people cancel last minute. Also check regional groups — people sell at face value. Never buy from scalpers on playa — lots of fakes out there.
Is it really that dusty?
The dust is fine, alkaline, and gets into EVERYTHING. It’s not just annoying — it can damage electronics and irritate your skin. Bring goggles, dust masks, and ziplock bags for everything electronic. Vinegar neutralizes the alkalinity. Accept that you’ll be finding playa dust in your stuff for months afterward.
Final Words Before the Desert
Burning Man changed my life. Not in a “I found myself” way — but in understanding what people are capable of when you remove money from the equation. In the desert, I learned to build, survive, gift, and receive. I learned to stay when everyone panics and runs (looking at you, Mudpocalypse).
If you’ve read this far and feel the desert calling — congratulations, you’re already halfway home. Black Rock City is waiting for you. And if you need help, advice, or just want to talk about what it’s like to live for a week in a city that doesn’t exist — find me out there. Look for the PLOVKRAFT camp serving plov daily.
Welcome Home! See you in the dust. 🔥
Save this guide — I’ll update it as we get closer to August 2025!
lost it at ‘paint your nails before you go. yes, even guys’ – this is the realest advice nobody tells you. my cuticles looked like i fought a cheese grater by day 3