Campers Arrive Early for Coachella Weekend, Rancho 51 Offers Shade, Shuttles, and a Calm Retreat

The Coachella Music and Arts Festival officially begins tomorrow, but the crowds have already arrived. As of this morning, thousands of festivalgoers are in the Coachella Valley, setting up camp and preparing for the weekend ahead.

Among the busiest areas: Monroe, Washington, and Jefferson Streets, along with Avenue 52, which are expected to remain highly impacted throughout the day as attendees make their way to the Empire Polo Grounds and surrounding campgrounds.

One popular site drawing early arrivals is Rancho 51, a boutique campground located less than two miles from the festival grounds. NBC Palm Springs’ Brett Rosen visited the site to check out the scene—and found a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

“We are a date garden with 600 palm trees and a lot of shade,” said Claudia, the owner of Rancho 51. “We’re a smaller campground compared to others, but we offer unique amenities like yoga, cold plunge saunas, and a partnership with local vendors and sponsors.”

In addition to its serene garden setting, Rancho 51 provides shuttle access to the festival and has a reputation for keeping lines short—especially for restrooms and showers. “The county requires us to have two. We have eight,” Claudia added.

Guests arriving early are hoping to avoid the heavy congestion seen near festival entrances. Rancho 51’s location and amenities are giving visitors a more relaxed festival experience—and a deeper connection to the Coachella Valley community.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.