Rootpile is a music-first theme camp bringing live bluegrass, country, dancing, and community to the heart of Burning Man.
Five nights of live music. Daily workshops. Cold drinks. Hot meals. Great neighbors.
Join us on playa.
The Experience
Imagine finishing dinner with sixty new friends.
Walking a few steps onto the dance floor.
Listening to a fiddle kick off the night's first tune while strangers become dance partners.
An hour later the crowd spills into the bar.
By midnight the DJ takes over.
Tomorrow you'll wake up, grab some coffee, attend a workshop, and do it all again.
That's Rootpile.
What is Rootpile?
For over a decade, Rootpile has built a home for musicians, dancers, artists, builders, and Burners who believe the best communities are built one song at a time.
Every evening our camp transforms into a dance hall filled with live bluegrass, country music, and late-night celebrations. During the day we teach workshops, jam with friends, and welcome anyone who wants to learn.
Whether you're an experienced Burner or preparing for your first trip to Black Rock City, you'll find a camp built around participation, hospitality, and making unforgettable memories together.
What You'll Find at Rootpile
Live Music Every Night
Professional bands performing throughout the week on multiple stages.
Rootpile University
Hands-on workshops in banjo, songwriting, live instrument DJing, dance, and more.
Community Meals
Our camp gathers for dinner together before the night's entertainment begins.
Camp Infrastructure
Shared bathrooms, showers, power, water, shaded gathering spaces, and a welcoming neighborhood that makes life on playa a little easier.
Dance Hall
Two-step, Cajun dancing, late-night jams, and plenty of reasons to stay up later than you planned.
Camp Dues
Camp dues help build the infrastructure that makes Rootpile possible.
They support shared power, showers, bathrooms, water, kitchen operations, camp improvements, entertainment, and the countless behind-the-scenes expenses required to create our home on playa.
Every member contributes because every member benefits.
Fill out the application and contact the TCO to given the opportunity to pay your dues.
Who We're Looking For
Rootpile is always looking for people who want to contribute.
Musicians.
Builders.
Bartenders.
Kitchen volunteers.
Dancers.
Greeters.
Campmates who simply show up ready to pitch in and become part of something bigger than themselves.
You don't have to be a performer to join camp!