Growing Pains: How Desert Hearts Festival Fared—And Progressed—In Its Expansive New Home

Surrounding the lawn were the widespread campsites, which consisted of tent camps, RV campsites, car campsites and a new "glamping" lakeside campsite. Due to the layout of the state park, these encampments were far-flung and often out of the way from the festival core, adding to the expansiveness of the once compact weekender.

Rough terrain between the RV sites and the festival grounds also made it a bit difficult to navigate. Unpaved trails would meander down, some ending in ditches only to have campers walk across the main road with no clearly marked crosswalks. At night, these trails were even more problematic, as they were dimly lit and unsafe for traveling through after a night of revelry.

The "glamping" option promised an elevated camping experience for patrons. The add-on was advertised as a boutique camping package on the lakeshore, complete with an on-site bar. Although the tent set up for the package was included, the onsite bar never arrived. Nor did ice, outdoor seating, or other amenities promised by the organization.

The area encompassing the immediate glamping tents remained barren throughout the weekend, and with little to no shade, most campers left the area once temperatures began to climb. Subsequently, access to that side of the lake was restricted, leaving the scenic beach desolate, devoid of any activity.

Despite the unavoidable growing pains, this new chapter of Desert Hearts is being carried on by the unparalleled admirers of the decade-old brand. Throughout the five-day experience, familiar favorites like Frick Frack Blackjack, Pile Palace, and the wine & cheese party kept the spirit of Desert Hearts alive in its new setting.

Everyone in attendance dared to express their individuality in creative costumes and elaborate works of art. A sense of respect was distributed across the grounds for not only the land but for others and their identities, a common thread needled by the founders of the renegade festival.

The evolution of Desert Hearts was inevitable, and with it came a loss of the intimacy it was once known for. Although there are a few kinks that need ironing out, organizers managed to recreate that special je ne sais quoi in a sprawling picturesque lakeside setting.  

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