Ooooh dude. I'll give some of this a shot, but I've not volunteered myself...however, I'm sure you'll find all the answers over at
http://bonnaroo.proboards21.com/index.cgi
[quote]Should I...
a) Volunteer and work 6 hour shifts Thurs-Sun but get some meals provided and shower access, plus camp in volunteer area (is this closer than general camping area?), and it's free![/quote]
Probably it is closer. Do you know what hours? You might get to see some shows, but you might also be wiped out after working all day.
[quote]b) Not go the volunteer route, pay $200, drive in my car, sleep in it, be on my own as far as hygene, food, etc but enjoy the camaraderie of the Stew forumers?[/quote]
Might be kind of a blast...
[quote]Other questions:
1. How crazy would it be trying to only come in on Saturday? Would I be parking an extra 5 miles away?[/quote]
Not crazy at all. You will park a ways away, but it'll be more like 1 mile from all the action. And there'll be crazy peoplewatching and food buying oppys along the way.
[quote]2. Do they check your car as you come in? Could I seriously pack it to the hilt with food and beverages? (someone told me you can bring in coolers? Maybe they meant parking area only?)[/quote]
You can bring in coolers and you can bring your own food to the camping area. Just no glass bottles. You can bring small snacks, but no water bottles. You can bring in one of those Camelback backpacks, but it has to be empty.
[quote]3. How far a walk is the general parking from the main stage?[/quote]
About a mile, but that's worst case scenario. You may score a better spot up close in the day parking area. (One reason people spring for the insanely expensive VIP package is the much better proximity to your car/campsite from Centeroo, where all the action is.)
[quote]4. Do you know if the volunteers get a better parking/camping area? Is it closer to the stages? I would think something would be better since they have to be available to accomplish tasks, etc.[/quote]
Most likely. Check inforoo:
http://bonnaroo.proboards21.com/index.cgi