ROOTPILE

What should you expect if you join Rootpile Theme Camp at Burning Man?​

We are Rootpile, a Theme Camp at Burning Man. Rootpile exists to bring live Bluegrass music and southern mountain culture to Burning Man. Expect nightly jam sessions, spontaneous performances, fireside music circles, two-step dance lessons, and Southern gourmet food throughout the week. Whether you play banjo or just enjoy a good fiddle tune, you are welcome.

​

What's New This Year?

Rootpile evolves each year as the community grows and adapts. For 2026, we are focusing on sustainability and participation.

​

Changes this year include:

• One communal dinner each day instead of two full meals

• Continental breakfast offering in the morning

• Two-step dancing lessons replacing formal instrument workshops

• Bathrooms will not be provided this year.

• 2 shower rooms (one warm, one cold) remain in camp

• We will not be providing bikes or bike delivery in 2026
   

These changes allow us to continue Rootpile, while still preserving the music, dancing, and shared meals that define Rootpile. The spirit of the camp remains the same: music, community, and a little bit of desert magic.
 

2026 In-Camp Offerings:

• Spontaneous live Bluegrass music and late-night acoustic jam circles

• Two-step dance lessons

• Firepit

• On-site power for tents and RVs

• Shade for camping & common areas

• Communal dinner each day of Burn week

• Light continental breakfast **This will be a simplified breakfast offering, rather than a full breakfast. Plan accordingly if you wish to bring extra food for your personal breakfast.**

• Lunch is self-reliant

• Drinking Water, Electrolyte Water, Coffee

• Two shower rooms with warm and cold water 24/7

• Refrigeration for communal food
   

Participation:

• Campers are encouraged to come to concerts and learn more about Bluegrass and southern food and culture. Everyone needs to know why You Can't Hurt Ham!

• Team participation shifts will be arranged in advance of Burning Man by each team lead. Each team will be organized so that team members will typically be doing a two hour shift per day, but shift lengths might vary by team.

• Campers are expected to do one shift each day of Burn Week. There are also opportunities to work Build or Teardown.

  • See the Camp Involvement page to find out more details about camp team and team lead options.

• Campers are encouraged to do at least one volunteer shift at Burning Man in addition to Rootpile camp duty shifts.

• Campers should practice the 10 Burning Man Principles: Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-Reliance, Radical Self-Expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leave No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy

​

Questions? Contact: hillcountryrounders@gmail.com