After scarfing down funnel cakes and turkey legs all day at the Texas Renaissance Festival, the first thing on any festival-goer’s mind is a nap. Rather than packing in and heading home, our suggestion is to pitch a tent at the festival.
Spend a night under the stars at The Fields of New Market Campground and be one of the first in line for the next day’s activities at the fair. Back in the early days of the campground, it was not the most glamorous affair; though, now armed with showers and porta potties, a convenience store, overnight food vendors and security, this luxury camping add-on experience is all the rage among festival attendees.
Don’t own your tent? No problem. You can reserve one of two types of VIP tents offered: a bed tent or a cot tent. Bed tents come furnished with either a queen or two twin beds, bedding, table, chairs, lighting and even a parking spot for one vehicle. For the more cost-conscious camper, the cot tent comes with four cots, table, lighting and its own parking spot as well. Though, be sure to reserve yours early in the week, as the VIP tents usually sell out. If bringing your own tent, there is a per vehicle fee for entrance.
Although the VIP tents come with everything for your accommodation needs, don’t forget about bringing the essentials - food, water, bug spray, etc. It is said that toilet paper is a common form of currency for trading with other campers, so it wouldn’t hurt to pack a little extra TP, just in case your next door neighbor’s two-liter soda catches your eye.
As for the campground setup, there are separate areas for families, which has a 1 a.m. noise curfew and another for our more raucous, 21+ bunch that goes all night. Entertainment options also vary depending on the area you choose to camp in - from puppet shows for the kids to a profanity-laden comedy shows.
Whichever route you decide to go, one thing is certain -- this will be an experience not soon to be forgotten.
