FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Syncro Fest family-friendly?
Yes—100%. This is an all-ages event with tons of families, kids, and activities (including the famous GoWesty bounce house). As registration goes, of the 500 people that are here, about 100 are kids under 16… and about 100 dogs as well.

How many people attend Syncro Fest?

We typically see around 250–350 vans (2WD, 4WD and Trucks), which translates to about 450–550 people (adults and kids), plus roughly 100 good dogs. It’s big enough to feel like a real gathering, but still small enough to feel like a tight-knit community.

What vehicles are allowed inside the main event area?
The event is centered around VW Vanagons—both 2WD and Syncro 4WD—as well as related German classics. If a vehicle doesn’t align with the spirit of the event, it won’t be permitted inside the main camping area. This helps preserve the unique experience that makes Syncro Fest special.

If you’re attending on a day pass or arriving with a tow vehicle or modern car, we’ve got you covered. There’s a designated parking area on-site (lovingly referred to as the “looser lot”) that’s open for general use.

Our goal is simple: keep the main camp area true to the classic Vanagon vibe.

Tell me more about volunteering
Syncro Fest is 100% volunteer-run—it always has been, and it only works because people pitch in.

Some people do a lot, some do a little—but it all counts. This isn’t an event where you show up to be served. It’s about community, generosity, and taking care of the space and each other.

Even something as simple as picking up a piece of trash or helping a neighbor goes a long way.

Ways you can help:

Check-in
Food prep and service
Trash cleanup
Raffle support
Moving gear, setup, and general help around camp

At the Main Tent, you’ll find an official sign-up board with time slots and tasks—you can jump in for as little as an hour and make a real impact. Volunteers often receive a Syncro Fest tee (while supplies last).

What’s the vibe / culture?

This is a community-first event. Respect your neighbors, your surroundings, and the shared experience.

Keep noise reasonable (especially late night)
Be mindful of families and kids
Clean up after yourself

It’s a tight, shared campground—part of the fun is being close to everyone. Music, campfires, and late-night hangs are all part of the vibe, and yes, things can stretch into the night.

That said, you’re not out there alone—everyone can hear your music and conversations.

The State Park asks for quiet hours starting at 10pm, and as a community, we try to honor that. You can still hang and enjoy the night, just keep it respectful. If you want to keep things going late, bring it inside your van and keep the volume down.

Bottom line: don’t be the reason someone has to get out of bed at midnight to ask you to turn it down.

If issues come up, you may be asked to leave and not return.

Should Syncro Fest be a National Holiday?

Yes. We’ve submitted the paperwork, and the proposal includes:

Mandatory paid time off for all attendees (minimum 4 days, non-negotiable)
Kids automatically excused from school—consider it “experiential learning”
A federally recognized category of “Van-Based Personal Growth”
Tax incentives for camp gear, van upgrades, and raffle tickets (still under review)

We’re also working on getting it officially registered with the government. Until then, you’ll just have to request the time off the old-fashioned way and explain to your boss why this is more important than whatever meeting they scheduled.

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket covers:

Primitive camping
Welcome packet (with sponsor goodies)
Free firewood + fire pit access
All parties and events
Saturday Harris Ranch BBQ potluck dinner
Full access to Hollister Hills OHV park
Showers + restrooms
So much more

Are dogs allowed?

Yes—good dogs are welcome.

Keep them on a leash
Clean up after them
Be respectful of others

What kind of camping is it?

Primitive group camping in a large, shared campground.

There are 4 FREE State Park showers with hot water (bring sandals), along with 4 flush toilets. We also bring in ~30 portable restrooms that are serviced daily.

This is a true outdoor experience—no hookups—so come prepared to be self-sufficient for the weekend. Yes there is drinking water throughout the camp area.

It’s also a group camp, which is part of what makes Syncro Fest special. While there are a few more tucked-away spots, most camping is close to your neighbors. It’s a shared environment—we’re all part of the same ecosystem.

You can camp however you like: in your van, on the ground, in a hammock, or in a tent.

What’s the food situation?

Plan to bring everything you’ll need to eat and cook for a few days of camping. This is a self-sufficient event, so come prepared—and don’t forget a few comforts or “luxury” items to make it even better. you will have space to cook and spread out, even BBQ or cook over a fire pit.

That said, one of the best parts of Syncro Fest is the community. Sponsors and groups often host gatherings where people are welcome to swing by, grab some BBQ, a drink, and hang out.

In theory, if your social game is strong, you could get by—but we still recommend bringing your own food to be safe.

Are fires allowed? — Wait what, free firewood?

Yes—but only in the designated cement fire pits. No ground fires.

We’re in a State Park, so be responsible—always put your fire out if you’re leaving your site or heading to bed.

Part of your entrance fee goes toward providing you with free firewood. You’ll see large wood piles around camp—feel free to grab what you need and bring it back to your site.

One ask: don’t hoard wood.
When wood disappears, we assume we’re out and order more—only to find piles left unused at the end of the weekend. Help us keep costs down and share with the community.

What is the Saturday potluck?

Saturday night is our big night—a full community gathering that starts with a BBQ dinner and rolls into the raffle, awards, and campfire hangouts late into the evening.

Dinner kicks off around 6:30pm, and yes—there will be a line, so plan accordingly.

We’ll be serving Harris Ranch beef, chicken, and veggies, but this is a true potluck-style dinner, which means:

What you should bring:

A side dish to share (chips, salads, desserts, etc.)
Your own plate, utensils, and drinks

You’re welcome to drop your dish off at the community table before dinner starts.

This setup helps reduce waste, keeps costs down, and—most importantly—brings everyone together.

Any tips for first-timers?

Welcome—you’re going to love it.

When you arrive:
Head to the check-in tent first, check in and get your packet. If no one is there or you’re arriving after hours, swing by the Main Tent. If it’s late and everyone’s turned in for the night, no problem—track us down in the morning to check in, grab your wristband, and pick up your welcome packet.

Finding your camp spot:
Take your time. Camp #5 is a big, open group site, and part of the fun is finding your place. Cruise around, get a feel for the layout, and choose a spot that fits your vibe.

Want quiet + kids? Look for other families
Want late nights + campfires? You’ll find those zones too

And don’t stress—you can always move if you find a better spot later or want to be closer to new friends.

Getting around:
Bring a bike, scooter, or e-bike—it makes getting around camp way easier.
(No motorcycles or mini bikes allowed per State Park rules.)

Community tip:
Say hi. Introduce yourself. Walk around.
This is one of the most welcoming, inclusive communities you’ll find—and half the experience comes from the people you meet.

Is there water available?

Yes—there are water spigots throughout Camp #5 for drinking and basic use like dishes. You can’t hook up directly, but feel free to bring jugs or containers to fill as needed.

There’s also a main kitchen area where we stage community meals, which includes a running sink with water. Please be considerate when using this space—volunteers are often prepping food and organizing events there, so give them priority and help keep the area clean.

Alcohol & Drugs?

The same rules that apply in the real world apply here—we are in a State Park.

Alcohol:
Drink responsibly, but do not drink and drive. State Park Rangers actively patrol and can issue DUIs within the campground and on the trails.

Drugs:
If it’s illegal in Hollister, San Benito County, California, or California State Parks, it’s not allowed at Syncro Fest. No illegal drugs—no exceptions. Don’t be that guy.

What is the Syncro Cup Challenge?

The Syncro Cup is a mix of skill and knowledge, featuring:

A parts identification quiz
A driving obstacle course

What else can I do during the weekend?

There’s a lot going on all weekend long. You can join organized events, head out into the hills for some 4x4 adventures, or just hang around camp and enjoy the community.

Check the full schedule to see what’s happening—but don’t feel like you need to do it all. Half the fun is just being there, meeting people, and going with the flow.

Driving & Vehicles

5 mph speed limit in camp—watch for kids and dogs
No drinking or drugs while driving.
Stay on established trails only
Vehicles must be in safe working condition (seat belts + emergency brake required)

You are responsible for your own vehicle at all times—on and off the trail. Drive within your skill level.

Syncro Fest, its sponsors, and Hollister Hills are not responsible for accidents, damage, or theft.

Can I use the Driving Ramps?

This year GoWesty will be bringing their ramps for drivers to test their skills.

Use them at your own risk. While incidents are rare, please be smart, go at your own pace, and don’t exceed your comfort level or your vehicle’s limits.

Syncro Fest, GoWesty, and Hollister Hills State Park are not responsible for any accidents or damage on the ramps.

I hear there is a Bounce House?

GoWesty is bringing the bounce house back again this year—a guaranteed hit with the kids. It’s a great place for them to burn off energy, meet other kids, and have some fun while the adults hang nearby.

That said, please keep an eye on your kids throughout the day:

Check in regularly
Make sure they stay hydrated
Be mindful of rough play or overcrowding

This is a shared space, so let’s keep it safe, fun, and welcoming for everyone.

Can I enter and leave the camp at night?

Yes—camp access is open 24/7.

Just keep it mellow: drive slow, keep lights and noise down, and be mindful of your neighbors.

What Makes Syncro Fest Different?

Community and Volunteer run
No Corporations own it- No agenda
Built by enthusiasts
Real off-road and camping culture
Families + hardcore van people in one place

Will I have cell or WIFI service?

CELL:: Not really any Cell coverage at the main camp, but you can drive up the hill a bit and find coverage.

WIFI:: Thanks to Elon Musk the State Park now has Starlink at the camp. There are also many others that have Starlink at the event if you make friends and get there password. Or you can choose to go WIFI free too.

Can I ride along if I don’t have a Syncro?

Yes—and you should. There are always experienced drivers heading into the hills who are happy to bring passengers along. Ask if you see a seat and you will also notice that groups like PeaceVans, GoWesty and BusLab will be using there burner vans to take people up for the ride of there life!!

What about the raffle?

The raffle is a big deal at Syncro Fest—and honestly, one of the most fun parts of the weekend.

You’ll get tickets in your welcome packet, but you’re going to want more. Additional tickets are just $1 each and available at the Main Tent all the way up to Saturday night.

We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars in prizes—gear, parts, accessories, and all kinds of good stuff donated by the best brands in the industry. These companies show up big for this community, and the raffle is a huge part of what keeps this event affordable.

Saturday night during dinner is when it all goes down. The whole camp gathers, the energy builds, and numbers start getting called.

Buy a stack. Press your luck.
You might walk away with something awesome.

We take cash and credit card at the Main Tent.

Can I attend if I have a 2WD Vanagon?
Absolutely. 2WD Vanagons are a big part of the community and always welcome.

How do I get tickets?
Head to syncro-fest.com/registration. Space is limited—this event does sell out.