2026 Vanlife Camping Guide

Everything you need to know before arriving at Northwest Tune-Up.

Welcome to Vanlife Camping at Northwest Tune-Up! We're excited you'll be joining us for four days of riding, music and summer adventures.

Vanlife Camping has moved to a new location for 2026, just across the street from the festival grounds at 300 W. Laurel St. While the Main Stage is no longer visible from camp, the new location offers more privacy and space to relax between festival adventures.

Heads up: The campground is located beside an active freight train crossing. Trains operate throughout the day and night and routinely sound their horns. We highly recommend packing earplugs.

Check-In

Check-In Hours

  • Thursday, July 9: 1–8 PM
  • Friday, July 10: 8 AM–5 PM

Arriving after hours or on Saturday or Sunday? Please email us in advance so we can coordinate your arrival with the campground host.

Check-In Location

300 W. Laurel St.
Bellingham, WA 98225

From downtown Bellingham, head south on Cornwall Ave., turn right onto W. Laurel St., cross the railroad tracks, then turn left into the Exhibitor Parking / Vanlife lot. Follow the event signage and our campground hosts will direct you to your campsite.

Note: A road closure may be in place on W. Laurel St. Please have your Vanlife camping confirmation ready to show event staff for access.

Get Google Map Directions

Check-Out

All campers must depart by Monday, July 13 at 12 PM.

Camp Rules

Your Vanlife campsite is guaranteed, but campsite placement is first-come, first-served.

  • Wear your Vanlife wristband and 3-Day Festival wristband at all times.
  • Display your Vanlife vehicle hangtag clearly.
  • If you leave the campground, your exact campsite may not be available upon return.
  • Camp access is limited to registered Vanlife campers only.

Read the Full Camp Rules

Camp Hosts

The Kimbo Camper team will be your on-site hosts throughout the weekend. They're available to help with check-in, parking, campground questions and general festival information. Contact information for after-hours assistance will be posted at camp.

Host Hours

  • Thursday: 1–8 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM–5 PM (on-call until 10 PM)
  • Saturday: 8 AM–5 PM (on-call until 10 PM)
  • Sunday: 8 AM–5 PM

Amenities

Vanlife Camping is self-contained vehicle camping only.

  • No tent or ground camping
  • No electrical hookups
  • No ebike charging stations

Available On Site

  • Portable toilets
  • Handwashing stations
  • Drinking water stations
  • Garbage and recycling bins
Grey water disposal is not permitted anywhere on site.

The campground is fenced and monitored, but please lock your vehicle and secure valuables whenever you're away from camp.

What to Bring

A few items will make your Vanlife experience much more comfortable:

Shade

Bring an awning, pop-up canopy or other shade structure. There is no natural shade in the campground.

Outdoor Rug

The campground surface is hard-packed dirt and gravel. An outdoor rug makes a big difference around camp.

Earplugs

The nearby train crossing operates throughout the night. Earplugs are highly recommended. Forgot yours? Camp hosts will have extras available.

Festival Map

Get familiar with the festival before you arrive. Locate the demo zone, race venues, music stages, beer gardens, food vendors and more so you can spend less time finding your way and more time enjoying the weekend.

View the festival map

Questions?

Need more information before you arrive? Visit our Festival FAQs or email us anytime at info@nwtuneup.com.

View Festival FAQs