QUICK REFERENCE
ICE SALES: Arctica Main (Center Camp @ 8:00), ICE³ (3:00 & G), ICE 9 (9:00 & G)
LARGE ORDER OUTPOST: 6:15 & K, Cash-free (Credit-only) ICE HOURS: Generally 10am-5pm event week, varies by location (see table below) ICE PRICES: Crushed (16 lbs) $12 | Block (10 lbs) $7 | Credit/tap preferred WATER: Bring your own (1.5 gal/person/day), limited delivery for large camps only CHARGING: Multiple camps offer device charging - check whiteboard for current options
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Where's the closest ice? → Arctica Main always closest to Playa Info, but it may not be the closest to your camp
How much ice do I need? → Depends on cooler size, typical: 1-2 bags per day for small camp
Can I buy water? → No water sales, bring your own or arrange delivery pre-event
Where can I charge my phone? → Check charging camps whiteboard, bring portable battery
Do I need a food permit? → Only if serving food to public or 125+ camp members regularly
REMEMBER: Come prepared with means to transport your ice back to camp (wagon/cart) - it's heavy!
See detailed schedules, pricing, and service locations below
Also see:
B2: Transportation Options (for ice transport, getting to services)
C3: Practical Services (for RV services, fuel alternatives)
F3: Waste & Cleanup (for gray water management, environmental compliance)
E2: Safety & Environmental (for food safety, fuel storage safety)
Basic needs troubleshooting:
Ice/water transport problems → B2 (bike trailers, help with transport)
Food safety questions → E2 (permit requirements, safety protocols)
Charging problems → C3 (repair services, solar alternatives)
Waste from basic needs → F3 (gray water, packaging disposal)
Ice Sales
Ice Locations & Complete Schedule
Ice Products & Pricing
Crushed Ice: 16 lbs = $12 (comes in heavy bags) Block Ice: 10 lbs = $7 (approximately 11" x 5" x 5") Large Orders: Orders over $200 go to 6:15 & K location (credit cards only)
Payment Information
Accepted Everywhere: Credit cards, tap pay (Apple/Android Pay) Cash Accepted: Arctica Main, ICE³, and ICE 9 only (NOT at Large Orders location) Preferred Payment: Electronic payments are faster and easier
Ice Transportation Tips
Essential: Bring wagon, cart, bike trailer, or multiple people to carry Weight Reality: 16 lb bags are heavy, 10 lb blocks are awkward to carry Distance Planning: Consider how far you'll walk/bike with ice Melting Factor: Get ice to your camp quickly, especially in hot weather, may want to use a cooler
Water Services
Water Supply Responsibility
Participant Requirement: Bring all your own water Recommended Amount: 1.5 gallons per person per day Usage: Drinking, cooking, basic washing, emergencies
Water Delivery Options (Limited)
MECO Water Delivery:
MECO requires a 5 RV minimum in order to make a reservation. All must be within the same location. Anything less than 5 RV’s will be a flag down service.
If you are pre-registered but are on the Playa and have no phone service or email, MECO will have an office trailer set up just south of K at 5:30.
Who: Pre-registered large camps and RVs only
Contact: TEXT ONLY to 775-762-3963
Required Info: Camp name and address (must be included)
Availability: Very limited, not guaranteed
"Flag Down" Water Trucks:
Identification: Orange flags above cab
Availability: Extremely limited, cash only
Reality: Not reliable for planning purposes
Water Alternatives
Ice as Water Source: Ice melts to clean drinking water Arctica Ice: Made from drinking water, safe for consumption Conservation: Use gray water systems, minimize waste
Important Water Warnings
DPW Water Trucks: Used for dust control, NOT DRINKING WATER Do NOT drink from dust control trucks - not potable water Do NOT run after trucks for "playa showers" - people get injured slipping
Device Charging Services
Finding Charging Stations
Current Options: Check whiteboard near Playa Info Oracle desk Directory Search: Use "Charging" keywords in Digital Services terminals Camp Offerings: Many theme camps offer charging as community service
Types of Charging Available
Solar Charging Stations:
Most common type
Weather dependent
Usually available during daylight hours
May have reduced capacity in early morning/evening
Generator-Powered Charging:
More reliable power
Often available longer hours
May have noise considerations
Specialized Charging:
Medical equipment charging (Mobility Camp)
Vehicle charging for accessibility needs
Large device charging (laptops, cameras)
Charging Station Etiquette
What to Bring:
Your own charging cables
Portable battery pack as backup
Patience for wait times
Best Practices:
Don't leave devices unattended for long periods
Respect time limits if posted
Be prepared to wait during peak times
Thank camp volunteers providing the service
Food Safety Requirements
All camps, theme camps, and individuals planning to serve food to the public at Burning Man must obtain a food service permit from the Central Nevada Health District (CNHD) prior to serving food, as the playa falls within their jurisdiction and is subject to Nevada state food safety regulations. Failure to obtain proper permits can result in immediate shutdown of food service operations by health inspectors, and camps must display their permit prominently. There is no way to apply for a permit on playa.
Who Needs Food Permits
Required Permits For:
Serving food/drinks to the general public (gifting food)
Cooking for 125+ camp members consistently
Any public food service operation
NOT Required For:
Cooking for your own small camp
Sharing meals with friends/neighbors
Bars serving only alcoholic beverages
Tea and coffee made with boiling water
Permit Process & Timeline
Application Authority: Central Nevada Health District (CNHD) Application Fee: $50 (as of latest information) Deadline for submission: August 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST
Permit Pickup: Must be collected at Playa Info before serving food Pickup Hours: Sunday to Tuesday, August 24-26, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Food Safety Requirements
Hand Washing Stations: Required in camp kitchens for food handlers Food Handler Attire: Gloves and appropriate clothing required Ice Source: Must use approved source (Arctica ice is approved) Temperature Control: Follow all CNHD guidelines for food storage
Special Considerations
Fresh Additions: Adding fresh fruit/produce to drinks requires permit "Sun Tea": Made without boiling requires permit Dairy Products: Fresh dairy in drinks requires permit
Fuel Services (Basic Information)
Hell Station is Burning Man's on-playa fuel depot that primarily serves mutant vehicles, art cars, and official city vehicles with pre-arranged fuel allocations, operating under strict safety protocols in the desert environment. Regular participants cannot purchase fuel at Hell Station for personal vehicles and must drive off-playa to Gerlach, Empire, or other nearby towns to access gas stations for refueling their personal cars, RVs, and generators.
Hell Station (Participant Fueling)
Location: Approximately 9:30 & halfway to fence Services: Gasoline, clear diesel, dyed diesel, propane Fuel: Tuesday, August 19 - Sunday, August 31 Propane: Wednesday, August 20 - Sunday, August 31 Hours: Daily 10am-4pm (office until 5pm) Eligibility: Registered Art Projects, Mutant Vehicles, Theme Camps only
Fuel Program Limitations
NOT Available For:
Personal vehicles
RVs (unless pre-registered)
Unregistered participants
General public use
Access Requirement: Must have proper driving sticker/decal from DMV
Off-Playa Fuel Options
Bruno's Shell, Gerlach: Closest gas station (11 miles) Planning: Bring sufficient fuel for your needs
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Ice Sales Guidance
Helping with Location Choice:
Arctica Main: Always open during event, longest hours
ICE³ and ICE 9: Convenient if you're near those plazas
Large Orders: Only for big purchases ($200+), credit only
Managing Ice Expectations:
"Ice is expensive because of delivery costs and community donations"
"Bring something to carry it - those bags are heavy"
"Electronic payment is faster than cash"
Water Reality Check
Key Messages:
"You must bring your own water - there are no water sales"
"1.5 gallons per person per day is the minimum recommendation"
"Ice melts to clean drinking water if you run short"
"Water delivery is extremely limited and not reliable"
Charging Service Expectations
Setting Realistic Expectations:
"Charging services are gifts from camps, not guaranteed"
"Bring your own cables and portable battery as backup"
"Solar charging depends on weather and time of day"
"Popular times may have waits"
Food Permit Guidance
When to Refer to Health District:
Complex questions about permit requirements
Specific food safety guidelines
Application process details
Inspection procedures
Common Misconceptions:
"I need a permit to cook for my camp" → Only if 125+ people regularly
"I can't share food" → Sharing is fine, public service needs permits
"The permit is just paperwork" → Fines are real
Common Problem Solutions
"Ice is too expensive": Explain costs include delivery, equipment, staff, community donations "I can't find charging": Check whiteboard, suggest portable battery, explain it's a gift service "Where can I get water?": Emphasize they must bring their own, ice is alternative "Do I need a permit?": Ask about scale - small camp sharing vs. public food service