Wheatland Music Organization NEW Gathering Tent Policy

BACKGROUND: WMO provides camping on a “squeeze-please” basis. In recent years, even though WMO has not increased the number of tickets issued, ticket holders have difficulty finding camp space. While there are various reasons for this problem, many ticket holders have complained that a lot of space is being used for large awnings/tents.

PURPOSE: This policy is intended to increase camping space and help provide camping for all ticket holders by limiting the size and location of Gathering Tents at the September festival.

DEFINITIONS:

1. “Fire Lane” means any road on WMO property.

2. “Gathering Tent” means an awning or other tent set up for gatherings such as jams, parties, or eating (as opposed to tents intended for sleeping).

3. “RV” means a trailer or motorhome with an attached roll-out awning.

4. “Working Camp” means a camp of essential volunteers, e.g., stage crews, fencing crew, carts, etc.

POLICY: Each camp shall be limited to no more than one 10x20 size Gathering Tent to be set up toward the back of the campsite if possible, or, if necessary, with minimal space along the Fire Lane. Camps are not permitted to use their RV awning to extend the Gathering Tent area along the Fire Lane.

PROCEDURE:

1. Each camp shall be limited to no more than one 10x20 size Gathering Tent.

2. The Gathering Tent shall be set up toward the back of the campsite if possible, or, if necessary, with minimal space along the Fire Lane (10 feet along the Fire Lane).

3. RVs or trailers may use their attached roll-out awning along the Fire Lane if the Gathering Tent is not along the Fire Lane. Camps are not permitted to use their RV awning to extend the Gathering Tent area along the Fire Lane. RVs or trailers may use their attached roll-out awning if the Gathering Tent is behind the RV/trailer.

4. Ticket holders camping in tents are allowed to use a 10x20 Gathering Tent toward the back of the campsite if possible, or, if necessary, with minimal space along the Fire Lane.

5. Each camp shall cooperate with requests from WMO to move or remove Gathering Tents or roll-in awnings in order to comply with this policy. No camp shall return a Gathering Tent or roll-out awning to where it had been before the request. Ticketholders who do not comply with this request may be asked to leave, with no refund.  

6. Prior to the Wednesday before the festival, WMO may approve exceptions to this policy for Working Camps.

Voted on and passed by the Wheatland Board of Directors on May 13th, 2025.