Yes, it can be done.

If you don't have camping experience, I'd kinda recommend against it - it IS the desert after all, and high altitude desert at that. But if you've been out in the sticks before and can take care of your basic-type needs, you can probably manage fine. Read the survival guide, and head over to the Burning Man virgins tribe for other helpful-type advice.

tribes.tribe.net/2009burningmanvirgins

btw, solar showers can be rigged up out there (if you've got a way of taking care of the water afterwards), or you can go the 'baby-wipes' route. And you'd be far from the only stanky person out there, so don't bug out over that.

Just go. You dont need a big camp or a group. As long as you can keep yourself hydrated,feed, and somewhat protected from the elements you'll have a blast. And you'll end up socializing with your neighbors more when you don't have a bunch of obnoxious camp mates. : )

if you have a burning desire, then you should go. that's the best way to adventure out there, because you're drawn to do it. just read all the stuff on the burning man site and in burner tribes about survival, and go for it. lots of people go solo and love it.

as far as being stinky -- no need for that even without a shower (and with all the rules about showers and grey water, they're hardly worth it in my opinion).

baby wipes are great, and help a lot with keeping you feeling fresh. and i take a small plastic bowl and one of those shower puffs and use a touch of biodegradeable dr. bronners for the daily freshen-up (which for me is in the afternoon). an inch of water goes a long way in keeping clean, and it's way easier to dispose of (since no soap, you can sprinkle it right onto the playa, or let it evaporate in another bowl, while you put the cleaning bowl and puffy back into a ziplock to keep them clean).

have a great time!

You have to go! BUT heed the good advice given. Working out shade is pretty key too...your tent is unbearable once the sun rises.

Get a kiddie pool, a basin and a scoop, and you can have a refreshing "shower". It works great. Solar shower bags (from a sporting goods store heat up water great - sometimes too hot).

Read the survival guide...and then read it again a few more times. If the guide says to do it, then do it...no shit.

You are in for a totally great time.

would u happen to need a person to help split gas and driving? my ride just ditch me for a cheaper ride. it will be my first year as well and i'm really scared i might miss it. all of my friends live in san diego so i can't get rides from any of them without going 500 miles out of my way.

If you have camped before the only difference is take more water and forget about buying anything once you get there. Might want to keep socks on too or suffer the dreaded playa foot syndrome. You can buy a camping shower at most stores and get a concrete mixing tub to stand in so you don't foul the playa. Put in on top of the van to dry when your done. Try to sleep before it gets too hot and you will be ahead of most veteran burners. Oh yeah, and don't forget a bike (and lock), it is a long way around out there.

Nothing like it, you'll have a blast. Why has it taken so long for you to find it????????????