This guide is for:

• First-timers wondering what is Lost Lands;
• Returning ravers ready to level up;
• Anyone curious about how to survive a festival filled with volcanoes, raptors, and one million watts of bass.

Let’s walk you through the full Lost Lands experience, where it happens, what you’ll hear, what to wear, and how not to get eaten by a T-Rex (just kidding... mostly).

The Origins of Lost Lands Festival

Who created the Lost Lands Festival? None other than Canadian dubstep legend Excision (real name Jeff Abel). The idea was to build a bass-fueled paradise that not only delivered elite music but also told a story, and that story is primal.

Lost Lands roared to life in 2017, and since then it has:

• Grown from a passion project into one of the most iconic bass festivals in the world;
• Maintained its core theme: prehistoric landscapes, giant dinosaurs, erupting volcanoes;
• Created a signature community vibe unlike any other festival on the circuit.

The visuals are as important as the sound; it’s an immersive experience. Think Mad Max, Jurassic World, and alien tech merged into one.

Where and When Is Lost Lands Held?

Lost Lands is held every September in Legend Valley, a festival-friendly stretch of land in Thornville, Ohio. It’s a place that transforms into a bass battleground every fall, with fog rolling in, dinosaurs roaring, and lasers slicing through the trees.

Legend Valley is accessible by car or shuttle and is large enough to house multiple stages, sound camps, and thousands of bass-hungry ravers. 

Need a weather tip? Ohio in September is unpredictable. Expect sunny days and chilly nights. Pack layers, bring rainproof outerwear, and always prep for a temperature dip after sunset.

What Kind of Music Does Lost Lands Feature?

This isn’t your fluffy house music playground. Lost Lands is all about bass. The kind that rattles your ribcage and melts your face, in the best possible way.

Featured genres include:

• Dubstep;
• Drum & Bass;
• Riddim;
• Trap/Bass House.

It’s the sound of prehistory meeting the future, heavy drops, gritty distortion, and deep primal rhythms.

Notable artists that took part of the festival are:

• Excision (of course);
• Subtronics;
• Zomboy;
• REZZ;
• Illenium;
• SVDDEN DEATH, and many others. 

Whether you love melodic dubstep or want to be steamrolled by riddim, the lineups cover every corner of the bass universe.

The Lost Lands Experience

Lost Lands is a multi-day, multi-sensory spectacle. The entire site is packed with life-sized dinosaur installations, flaming volcanoes, moving animatronics, and post-apocalyptic tribal aesthetics.

Key features to expect are:

• Over 1,000,000 watts of bass;
• Custom-built stages like Wompy Woods and Prehistoric Paradox;
• Fire cannons, CO2 blasts, and synchronized light shows;
• Dinosaur statues up to 50 feet tall;
• Roaming performers in elaborate costumes and UV-reactive body paint.

The crowd culture is also special, most people come in character, in costume, or as their wildest rave selves. Respect, community, and wild creativity are central to the vibe.

Stages and Festival Grounds

Lost Lands is laid out like a post-apocalyptic theme park where ancient beasts and future bass collide. The festival grounds are massive but designed with intentional flow, from the fiery main stages to hidden chill zones and renegade sound camps.

Main Stages

Here are the main stages of the Lost Lands festival:

• Prehistoric Paradox is the crown jewel, gigantic, bone-covered, and often spitting flames during climactic drops. Expect pyrotechnics, 3D projection mapping, and the biggest names in dubstep here.
  
  
• Wompy Woods offers a deeper, forested feel. Nestled among the trees, it creates a more intimate (but still thunderous) bass experience. It’s a favorite for nighttime sets and melodic bass lovers.
  
  

The Subsidia Stage showcases rising artists from Excision’s own label. This is where the future of bass is being forged in real time.

Sound Camps and After Parties

When the official sets end, the night is just beginning. The sound camps host afterhours DJ sets, renegade performances, and surprise back-to-backs. 

They’re open until sunrise and feel like underground parties within the larger universe.

Navigation Tips

Lost Lands is huge, prepare accordingly:

• Download the site map on your phone or print it in advance. The app updates with live stage times and alerts.
• Mark your tent with tall flags or LED strands to find your way back after a long night.
• Use designated paths and landmarks to avoid getting lost when it’s dark and foggy.

The grounds are wild but organized, just chaotic enough to feel like a journey, but structured enough to keep you safe. From the first gate to the last stage, the layout immerses you in a fantasy realm that’s both tribal and futuristic.

Camping and Accommodations

Camping at Lost Lands Festival isn’t just a sleeping arrangement, it’s a full part of the experience. From sunrise wake-ups to late-night renegades, the campsite becomes your home, your rave village, and your personal survival hub.

On-Site Camping Options

There’s a camping setup for every kind of festival-goer, whether you’re roughing it or glamping like a bass-loving queen:

• General Tent Camping - The standard option, bring your own tent and gear, set up with friends, and live right in the thick of the action. You’ll be surrounded by thousands of other attendees, and the vibes are community-driven and energetic.
  
  
• VIP Camping - Offers extra space, access to nicer showers and restrooms, quicker entry at the festival gates, and exclusive lounges. It's ideal if you want a bit more comfort but still want to be part of the action.
  
  
• Dino Den (Glamping) - Pre-set luxury tents with beds, electricity, and shaded chill areas. This one’s for those who want all the Lost Lands festival magic without the setup stress. Think tribal comfort meets EDM luxury.
  
  
• RV Camping - Hookups available, but sell out early. This is a favorite for seasoned festies who want comfort, air conditioning, and a little extra security. Note: You’ll need to bring a generator or book a powered spot.

Off-Site Options

If camping’s not your thing, there are hotels and Airbnbs in nearby towns like Newark, Zanesville, and even parts of Columbus. These offer comfy beds and real showers, but they do mean commuting.

Hotels often offer shuttle packages, so check the official Lost Lands site for details. Airbnb can be a great option for groups, but book early - places fill fast once ticket sales drop.

Packing Tips for Campers

Camping at Lost Lands is raw, wild, and can get messy. 

Here’s what you’ll absolutely need:

• A weather-proof tent, sleeping pad, and extra tarps (Ohio rain doesn’t play);
• Hydration pack and refillable water bottle;
• Earplugs (trust us, the bass never really stops);
• Portable phone charger;
• Festival-ready outfits (UV-friendly, warm layers, rain gear);
• Wet wipes, sunscreen, basic toiletries.

Expect a dust-drenched, music-soaked, community-powered few days. The campsites themselves become mini-festivals, with group art, costumes, renegade sets, and shared survival gear.

Want the full Lost Lands experience? Camping is non-negotiable

Tickets and Pricing

When it comes to Lost Lands, there’s more than one way to enter the dino domain. Tickets range from basic entry to full-on luxury glamping, each offering different levels of access and perks. But one thing’s true across the board: you want to buy early.

Ticket Tiers and Pricing Explained

Here are the options when you want to choose your Lost Lands ticket:

• General Admission (GA) - The standard pass gets you into all 3 days of the festival, plus access to sound camps and general camping (if you add the camping pass). Great for first-timers or those on a budget who still want the full Lost Lands festival experience. Usually ranges from €250–€300 depending on release wave.
  
  
• VIP Admission - Includes faster entry at the gates, access to exclusive viewing decks, shaded chill zones, private bars and upgraded restrooms. Also comes with a VIP lanyard and Lost Lands guidebook. Starts around €450+.
  
  
• Dino Den Passes - This is the glamping option and includes everything from a pre-set luxury tent to private bathrooms, power outlets, and early access. It’s the plushest way to experience primal chaos.  €900–€1500 depending on package size and tent type.
  
  
• Single-Day Tickets - Sometimes released closer to the event, but limited in supply. Great for locals or those testing the waters.

Camping and parking passes are sold separately, make sure you add them when you check out, or you’ll be left without a place to sleep or park.

Payment plans are often available through the official Lot Lands site, so you can split the total across several months.

Where to Buy Your Tickets & Security Info

Always buy tickets directly from the official Lost Lands site or their authorized partners. Avoid sketchy resellers, here are frequent scams targeting new attendees.

Once purchased, you'll receive an RFID wristband in the mail weeks before the event. This wristband acts as your ticket, cashless payment tool, and lifeline, do not lose it.

How to Get To The Lost Lands Festival Grounds 

Whether you’re arriving from across the country or the next town over, getting to the Lost Lands Festival is part of the adventure. Held in the rural rave haven of Legend Valley, Ohio, the site feels like its own world, because it kind of is. 

Here's how to reach it safely and smoothly.

Driving to Lost Lands

For most attendees, driving is the easiest and most flexible option.

Legend Valley’s Address:
7585 Kindle Rd, Thornville, OH 43076

It’s located:

• 45 minutes from Columbus, Ohio;
• 2 hours from Cleveland;
• 3.5 hours from Pittsburgh;
• 6 hours from Chicago.

The roads leading into Thornville can get congested, especially on Thursday (camping arrival day), so plan to arrive early to beat the rush.

Parking Tips

If you’re getting to Lost Lands with your own vehicle, parking is arranged as follows:

• A parking pass is required for all vehicles, separate from your festival ticket.
• Choose from GA, VIP, or RV parking zones.
• Want to park near your campsite? Opt for Car Camping, where your car stays next to your tent.

No in-and-out privileges are available once you’re inside, so pack wisely.

Shuttles and Group Transport

For those flying in or looking for a no-driving option, shuttles are the move.

Official Lost Lands shuttles typically run from:

• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH);
• Select downtown Columbus hotels;
• Occasionally from Cleveland or Pittsburgh (check the site for seasonal routes).

Shuttle packages often include round-trip rides, water, and early entry benefits. Book early, they sell out fast.

Flying In

If you're flying to Lost Lands, aim for:

• CMH – Columbus (closest and best-connected)
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• John Glenn Columbus Intl. is about a 50-minute drive to the festival site.
  
  

Once landed, your options are:

• Renting a car with friends and driving in
• Booking a festival shuttle
• Using rideshare apps (limited in rural areas, so not recommended for return trips)

Accessibility & Travel Tips

Lost Lands is accessible for attendees with mobility needs:

• ADA parking, viewing decks, and restrooms are available
• Reach out via the official site to set arrangements in advance

Whatever your method, plan your arrival time thoughtfully. Thursday is the busiest day. If you can swing early arrival or VIP check-in, you’ll have a much smoother setup.

Tips for Lost Lands First-Timers

If this is your first Lost Lands rodeo (or dino stampede?), there are a few golden rules to help you survive, and thrive, in Legend Valley. This Lost Lands guide wouldn’t be complete without the kind of practical advice that turns chaos into comfort.

Lost Lands is thrilling, but also intense. Prepare like a dinosaur-surviving warrior.

What to Bring:

• Hydration pack;
• Earplugs;
• Rave fits (more on this below);
• Sunscreen and light clothing for day;
• Warm layers for night.

What NOT to Bring:

• Outside alcohol;
• Glass containers;
• Weapons or large flags;
• Unsealed liquids;
• Unauthorized drones.

Pro Tips:

• Set a meeting point in case phones die.
• Use your browser offline mode for site maps.
• Label your gear, there’s a lot of shared chaos.

What Makes Lost Lands Special?

It’s not just the music. Lost Lands has developed a near-mythical status in the bass community.

3 things that make it unique are:

1. The Theme - Full prehistoric immersion, there’s no other EDM fest like it
2. The Sound - Unmatched bass quality, from underground names to legendary headliners
3. The People - The crowd is passionate, respectful, and wildly expressive

It’s a place where strangers become tribe members and music becomes ritual. It’s as much about the energy as the lineups.

What to Wear to Lost Lands: Tips and Inspiration

Time to talk about the style of your Lost Lands outfit. Because here, you don’t just show up, you transform.

Tribal & Primal

Tap into the dinosaur-core aesthetic with tribal patterns, earth tones, and layered pieces:

• Wrap skirts, cut-out bodysuits, hooded tops;
• Arm cuffs, belts, and gladiator-style sandals;
• Accessories like faux fur, bone-inspired jewelry, or braided hairpieces.

BADINKA's desert/tribal-inspired collection offers pieces that look like they were born from the lava pits. Go full prehistoric goddess or cavepunk king.

Fairy Fantasy

Lighten the primal with a touch of mysticism:

• Mesh fairy tops, iridescent skirts, butterfly wings;
• Sheer layers and holographic makeup;
• Pastel tones and flowing silhouettes;

Great for daytime sets or adding dreaminess to harder styles.

UV Reactive & Structured Prints

When the sun sets, the UVs rise. 

Go for:

• High-contrast prints that glow under blacklight;
• Structured bodysuits with geometric lines or sci-fi cuts;
• Neon hooded jackets and cut-out catsuits;

Combine with LED glasses or face jewels for that “festival meets another dimension” vibe.

Final touches might include:

• Face gems, body stickers, and kaleidoscope goggles;
• Platform boots or rave sneakers;
• Hydration packs that double as accessories.

Your fit should feel like armor and expression all at once. This is a place to evolve.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go to Lost Lands?

In a word? Absolutely.

If you crave immersive environments, next-level sound, and a crowd that’s as wild as the lineup, Lost Lands Festival is where you need to be. It’s not just another rave, it’s an expedition. A time-traveling bass-powered jungle party.

Compared to events like EDC or Ultra, Lost Lands leans deeper into thematic immersion, community culture, and underground energy. It’s not about flashing lights for the 'Gram, it's about losing yourself in the bass, the setting, and the moment.

This is your Lost Lands guide. Now use it, gear up, and get ready to enter a world where the dinosaurs stomp to dubstep, and every night ends with fire in the sky.