Sustainable Campsite Challenge
11th Annual

Sustainable Campsite Challenge

Sustainable Campsite Challenge

Sustainable Campsite Challenge

With more than 2,000 campers in Lyons this weekend (more than doubling the size of our town!), it’s vitally important to be mindful of our camping footprint. In collaboration with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Eco-Products (suppliers of free compostable bags for your campground compost), we will again be rewarding campsites that excel in creative, sustainable camping.

All entrants are eligible for random daily prizes, while campsites that excel in achieving the highest levels of the Leave No Trace philosophy could win (2) FREE 3-day RockyGrass Bluegrass Festival Passes (with camping) to next year’s Festival.

How does our camp participate?

The contest is open to all campers in any of the Planet Bluegrass-managed campgrounds. Participating is easy!

  1. Complete the 1-page campsite entry form by downloading it ahead of time OR pick one up at the the Leave No Trace booth in Harmony Greene inside the Festival . (Download a PDF of the entry form below.)
  2. Fill out the entry form and tell us the name of your Camp and let us know how you camp and Festivate sustainably.
  3. Turn in your entry form at the Leave No Trace Booth.
  4. Listen for your camp’s name to be announced on the MAIN STAGE! DAILY RANDOM WINNERS will be announced each evening and receive prize packages from our awesome sponsors. Hint get your entry form in early!
  5. THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be announced on Main Stage Sunday afternoon. The grand prize winner will receive a pair of 3-day RockyGrass Fesival Passes with camping to next year’s Fest.

How do I win?

We will be judging on three simple criteria:

  1. Cleanliness. Are you repackaging the food you bring? Are you keeping a tidy campsite? Are items secure and not susceptible to wind gusts? Are you safely disposing of cigarette butts?

  2. Sustainability. Are you separating your recyclables, compostables, and then placing them in the correct bins at the campsite waste stations? Are you reusing products (cups, utensils, water bottles, bags) instead of trashing them? Are you using any alternative energy sources to power your campsite? Did you bike or carpool to the festival; are you offsetting carbon emissions using wind credits or carbon offsets? Will you pack out as much as possible when leaving? Did you do anything to reduce your homes’ energy while attending the festival?

  3. Creativity. Does your campsite have a theme? Did you decorate your campsite with lights, flags, or banners?Are you utilizing any unique and innovative camping techniques? Are you cooking any creative camping recipes? Are you upcycling any items from home

What do I win?

RANDOM DAILY WINNERS will be chosen throughout the Festival to win prize packages with goodies from our sponsors. Listen for your camp to be announced from the Main Stage! Pick up your prizes at the Leave No Trace booth in Harmony Greene.

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected and announced Sunday evening of the Festival. The grand prize winner will receive (2) FREE 3-Day RockyGrass Bluegrass Festival passes with camping to next year’s Festival.

Some Tips from Leave No Trace

  1. Before you arrive, repackage food into reusable containers. This will limit how much waste you bring to the fest and keep your camp that much cleaner.

  2. Re-use is the name of the game. Bring re-usable cups, plates, napkins, etc. This will reduce the amount of trash you generate.

  3. Good campsites are found, not made. Bring folding tables, chairs, or other amenities to make a comfortable camp. Remember to take everything you brought with you, and leave the area better than you found it.

  4. Establish a clean and green camping community. Work together with other nearby campers to share your resources and strive to Leave No Trace in a fun and festive manner.

  5. Secure your food. Human food is unhealthy for wildlife. Protect the locals and your food by storing all your food, trash, and compost securely in your camp.

For More Information

Share your thoughts about the contest, or even a little pre-contest “bet you can’t top our solar-powered strobing bluegrass baconizer” smack, over at the Festivarian Forum.

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide. Visit at www.LNT.org or call 1-800-332-4100