First, please don’t arrive in Bloomington without some kind of plan. There will be about 600 people and another 100-200 people in bands showing up. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD.
Don’t assume you will find a place to crash, we are a small town and we live in small houses made of wood, there just isn’t enough room in town for everyone to sleep on the floors of the punk houses. Of course, if you have friends in Bloomington, you should try to stay with them, but confirm it with them before you arrive.
The best idea, and the one that’s worked the best in the past is motel 6. It’s a 15-20 minute walk from the venue and around $40 a night. I suggest that you find 4-8 people to share a room with and it will be super cheap, plus everyone stays there, so it’s really fun. Here is the info: MOTEL 6 BLOOMINGTON…
People always ask about camping. The problem is, the campgrounds are all about 20 minutes away by car and I don’t suggest it because I don’t like the idea of people driving on the twisting roads late at night after a long day of the fest. There are some though:
McCormick’s Creek Park is my favorite and I think it’s the closest.
And here is a guide to camping in Bloomington, which includes free camping in state forests. Camping Guide.
There are more expensive hotels that are very close to the venue, which would be really nice for you to stay at. You could just walk to and from your room in between bands if you wanted to. Check out the Marriott. Rooms are $180 or so… but if you split them 5-8 ways, it would be okay…
Also, please don’t show up and try to sleep in your car in Rhino’s parking lot, or in a public park. You will be woken up and kicked out. Of course, some of you are pro-travel punks and I know you know how to find places to sleep. There are many places for the experienced to find. Rooftops and Bridges with dragons and trolls.