PARKING AND ACCOMMODATION

Rustic camping is readily available and you will have your choice of lovely spots for your tent or RV.  Rv’ers are welcome to park in any of the 3 fields, tents are requested to camp in the second field or in bush sites.  The third field is for quiet camping.  Day guests must park in the first field day lot.

There are a limited number of cabins available for rent at the Ness Creek Site. For more information, please visit PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK

There will be volunteers on site to assist with parking.  If you arrive earlier, there may not be greeters stationed but if you know the lay of the land, you can get settled.  Please keep in mind that if you are not parked in such a way that will accommodate the remaining RVs that come in for the festival, you may be asked to reposition.  Best to ask someone if you are uncertain.

Please DO NOT block roadways or walking paths.

There are no electrified sites, however modern washroom facilities with flush toilets and coin (loonies only) operated showers are available to registrants.  You must bring your own towels and toiletries. As a courtesy, please be conscious of others who may be waiting to shower or to use the sink/mirror area and keep these areas clean.

 CELL PHONES

There is Cell Coverage on site, some say it’s a bit sketchy but we have found it does the trick.  Camp selfies on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are encouraged!!

GENERATORS

Everyone is asked to keep their generator use to a minimum.  Noisy units interfere with jamming!   No generator use allowed between 11 pm and 8 am.  Campers requiring overnight use for medical reasons will be advised where to park.

WATER

Potable water is available to campers in the first field water tap and in a tank in the second field.  There will be water cooler/dispensers in various locations as well. Bring your own water and conserve.

FIRES

Fires are allowed in designated pits ONLY. If conditions are very dry, a fire ban may be in place. Fires must not be left unattended. Please check in about local fire bans before lighting any fires.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING

Containers are all around the camp.  Please help us keep the camp clean. Also, Bears!

ENVIRONMENT

The camp experience is held mainly outdoors.  The classes and food services area are all under shelter, but open to the air. One can expect sun, clouds, wind, rain, and mosquitoes during our camps so be prepared!   Each evening there will be an opportunity for a campfire, so get out your warm clothes.  It can get quite cold at night in the month of August.  But it can also be sweltering hot during the day, you can always visit the beach and go swimming over at beautiful Nesslin Lake after class.

Be Bear Aware

Please remember that we are moving into the bear’s natural habitat. Please read more about our furry forest friends HERE .

TRANSITIONING FROM CAMP TO FESTIVAL

Immediately following music camp, we begin the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Festival where you will see your instructors and additional bands perform.  It begins with the Kitchen Party Kickoff on the main stage on Friday afternoon. There is no formal instruction on the Friday of camp, however, all students and instructors are invited to participate in the kick off to the Northern Lights Bluegrass & Old Tyme Festival on Friday evening.  During the week each class will be taught a song that the whole camp will perform as a group for the kick-off.  There will be a rehearsal for the kick off on Friday immediately following brunch.  The Songwriting Contest will also be taking place Friday afternoon at the workshop stage.  This is all kinds of awesome.  Plan to be there and bring a chair!

Some of the areas you had access to at music camp, such as backstage and the cantina will become secured areas when the festival time rolls around.  Volunteers will be around the festival site to guide you accordingly.

The Music Festival is not included in your camp registration. You can attend the festival by purchasing a ticket here: (camp attendees will receive advance ticket pricing) or by signing up to volunteer for a weekend pass here.
As always, festival passes for ages under 12 are free. 

UNFORGETTABLES (further details will be sent to each registrant)

  • Extra snacks or food (especially if you didn’t purchase full meals or have a medical condition) and beverages. Also, bring your water bottle as we will have water dispensers!
  • Your instrument(s), tuner and capo and accessories if applicable such as finger picks for your banjo, rosin, slides, etc.
  • Warm clothing as well as clothing suitable for hot weather AND a rain coat
  • A flashlight with extra batteries, and if you plan on walking the trails, pack a whistle!!
  • Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat
  • A travel mug or two. We will not be providing cups at food services this year so we ask that you bring your own. They will also be available for sale at camp.
  • A receptacle for your butts if you smoke
  • Chairs without arms are great for jamming, a music stand is helpful if you read music, charts or tab, and some students like to bring a small audio recorder to class. John LeClaire has a repair shop on site for strings and such, but don’t forget your tuner and capo!
  • Dishes, cutlery and a dish towel for meals.