Hi Sherry,

Let me give you my opinion on the camping options available at the festival. 

RIVERSIDE

Riverside is the nicest and most popular but has some drawbacks.  It is the only one that has abundant shade in most sections which in hot years is a big consideration.  Other than at set up and tear down times, vehicles are not allowed in the area.  In other words you can drive in to drop your stuff off but then must move your vehicle to a parking lot for the duration of the festival.  Since it is the most popular, it is also the most crowded.  Be prepared to be elbow to elbow (tent to tent?) with your neighbors.  For some this is a feature (make new friends) for others a detractant (no privacy).  While there are many level places to pitch a tent, much of the area is sloping which I find tough for sleeping.  This campground also is where the Arlo Hagler and Revival stages are so you can hear some good music right from your camp site if you set up near one of them.  Riverside tends to have the most spontaneous activity meaning that the party goes pretty late.  If you desire 8 hours of sleep and can't block out extraneous noise it's not the best place to be.  It is the closest campground to the event area and the river and is very near the shower building.  It fills fast on Friday so if you are aiming for it, arrive early.

CAMPING MEADOW

The rest of the camping is in what I call the "camping meadow".  This is a flat field about a quarter mile long and maybe 200-300 yards wide.  In general this is open field camping with little shade.  It is divided into rough areas designed to meet various needs which I'll describe below.  Vehicles (cars, trucks, RV's, etc) are permitted in your camp site.  The event area is accessed from the one end of this meadow (through a parking lot).  That end is the most crowded and as you move farther and farther away from that end the camping density diminishes.  You can see a map at http://www.cumuluspresents.com/kate/maps_directions.html. The meadow runs NW to SE but since it parallels US-101 I think of it as N to S.  the event area (vendors, main stage, first aid, etc.) is at the north end.  Other than a few trees scattered around, the only shade is along the western edge where it is adjacent to a wooded area.  If you snuggle up to that tree line you'll get afternoon shade.  T

The areas described below are all in this meadow in order starting with the area closest to the event area. 

FAMILY CAMP

This area is roped off.  It is for families with kids.  It is adjacent to the Riverside campground and some shade can be found.  It is close to the showers and as I understand the new Utah stage (Utahopia?) will be near this area.  If you have kids with you this may be a good choice.

MEADOWLANDS CAR CAMP

This area makes up the bulk of the real estate available for camping.  There is one wooded area in a hollow that is reserved for Crew and Staff so if you see a nice wooded area in the middle of the meadow it's probably that reserved area.  In general though it's full sun all day but level and you can have your vehicle with you. As mentioned above afternoon shade can be found along the western edge or under one of the trees scattered around.  The camping here is less "urban" than riverside.  More like the suburbs of the camping options.

QUIET CAMP

Quiet camp is at the farthest end of the meadow.  It does have some good shade trees that you can get under.  Usually it is very roomy there with plenty of elbow room, and is the most peaceful area.  Fewest people, and a concerted effort to keep it peaceful.  You won't have late night jams or noisy neighbors at night.  It is about a 15 minute walk from this location to the food court/main stage area assuming you don't stop along the way to visit or listen in on some jamming.  They do run a golf cart shuttle service through the campground for those that need a lift. 

    Hope that helps  -- Dan

PS - for those that don't know, Bear Camp that Sherry mentioned is a backstage camping area for performers and staff. -- DH