New camper at TRF, have a couple of questions

[myrandajm]

Hello all so a couple of friends and I are come down to TRF for Halloween weekend and we will be camping at the fair grounds. We are from out of state so this is our big trip of the year.

Ok so I read on some other sites post that there is a fire ant problem. How bad is it? Are we allowed to spread ant killer around are tent area?
Are we allowed to park next to our tent or do we unload and then park elsewhere?

I want to ask if there is an area were people camp that aren't big into partying and being loud and rowdy but still like to get together and socialize?

If anyone would like to post anything that wound be helpful for a first timer to know. It would be very helpful.
Thank you for your time.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Welcome to the TRF threads and to RF in general.  Hail fellow, well met!

The fire ants aren't that bad but it is recommended to toss down some fire ant killer before you set up your tent.  I usually don't, since by AHE, a lot of people have already bombed the area.
*One year I tore down my tent to find a huge nest had popped up under my tarp*

You can park your transportation right next to your tent and leave it there for the weekend but if you need to use it, make sure you park near the access roads so you don't get blocked in.

If you go here- http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php/topic,23926.0.html
you'll find a map at the bottom of the page.  11-15 are "quiet/family" camping areas.  The further you go down the map, the louder it tends to get...although 1A-C usually tone down after 10-11pm(that's where my clan is at) but still go strong into the wee hours.  You REALLY don't want to be near the bonfire if you want P & Q.

Feel free to ask any other questions.  We can be a helpful group of people. 

[myrandajm]

So with this being our first trip to Texas do we need to worry about poisonous snakes, scorpions, or spiders?

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Not unless you bring them with you.    There are some little creepy crawlies about but nothing to worry about.
Snakes- Too many people about.  They stay back in the woods with the Wolley Booger.
Scorpions-  I know there are some in this area(little brown ones) but I've never seen one or heard of one in camp.
Spiders-  The one thing that may come cruising along but the usually stay low because of all the people as well.  Mostly little wolf spiders.

The camp grounds are very well maintained and are mowed multiple times before campers set foot on them.  That being said, the grounds cover around 110 acres, so it is possible to run across something with a bad attitude...other than some hung over Rennies.   

Do come prepared for any type of weather.  From the 90's down to around freezing...bright sunshine & fair weather to gully washing downpours and tornados.
*Yes, we had one of those, AHE 2013...the infamous "Rennado"*

[myrandajm]

Thank you very much for all the help. It has eased my mind about coming down. Now I want it to be October already.  Oh I found this and thought it needed to be reposted so other new people can see it.

http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php/topic,8479.0.html

[mpullen]

That FAQ is a bit out of date, as three years ago the campgrounds vastly expanded and a new entrance established.

I believe the new campgrounds manager and the paid campgrounds host will post updated information before the season opens.

If you desire to camp in the quiet camping area, you will have more than enough room to setup your camp. Wherever you camp, you can drive your vehicle down to rows 1-5 when you go into Faire.

Also, some additional info: there are now flushies (toilets) available at the campgrounds entrance. There are also showers by the campgrounds entrance with plenty of hot water and even grooming areas. There is also a dump station for RVs to dump their tanks when leaving. There are also six potable water stations at the campgrounds entrance.

Check with the new (paid) campgrounds host who will hopefully be touring the campgrounds from opening and throughout the weekend.

Regards,
You ex-campgrounds volunteer host

[AngieT]

We've stayed in multiple areas and honestly never had to deal with critters.  We love camping at TRF; the faire is exhausting, and it's nice to know that 5 minutes after you walk out of the gates, you can be chilling out for the night.  My son likes to party, so he's at the bonfire at night, but my husband and I save our strength for the faire. 

Before there were showers, we used to bring a coleman shower bag with us, and I'd shower in a baby pool, lol.  Now, though, the showers are hot, clean, and I've never had to wait... best $5 ever spent.  We use the porta-potties in the am, and early evening, but late at night, depending where you're camping, they can get gross.  (They are cleaned daily). 

If you're not going to stay in the quiet camping, bring earplugs to sleep.  Folks can get LOUD, and earplugs drown everything out.  It isn't necessary; heaven knows we've camped without it; but a few years ago, we camped next to a really rowdy bunch, and this dude screamed the F word at the top of his lungs all night long... apparently just to do it... people are just strange. (And I swear I'm not a prude; I use that word in every sentence, lol.)  Last year, with my earplugs on, I woke in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.  There were crazy lights everywhere.  I came out of my tent, and there was an extremely loud ambulance parked in front of a camper a short ways away.  My "neighbor" was sitting at his fire still and told me that they were there for like 2 hours.  We never even noticed, and if I hadn't woken up on my own, wouldn't have even known they were ever there. 

[KeeperoftheBar]

I have heard rumors of the camping fee going up to $25 this year but I have not seen anything official, even after checking the TRF website and the book of faces.
Terre, level with us. is the fee increase true?
Not that it will stop Studmuffin and me from attending.  I just want an end to the rumors.
See you all opening, I hope.

[Terre Albert]

We announced that a few weeks back.  After 6 years and many improvements we increase the fee to $25.  We have many more improvements planned for the coming years.   

[KeeperoftheBar]

We announced that a few weeks back.  After 6 years and many improvements we increase the fee to $25.  We have many more improvements planned for the coming years.   

Guess I must have been sleeping as I missed it.
Thanks for making it official, Terre.  I knew I could count on you for the straight dope.

[mpullen]

We announced that a few weeks back.  After 6 years and many improvements we increase the fee to $25.  We have many more improvements planned for the coming years.   

For experienced campers who visit campgrounds throughout the country, $25 for a full weekend is far below the national average. TRF's deal is by far the best.

I wish I could continue as the campgrounds host, but past experiences from involvement with individuals who feel that rules do not apply to them, as they are "special". I wish the new campgrounds manager and host the best of luck.

[Tink]

Will there be another campgrounds open house this year?

[Terre Albert]

We are planning an Open House on October 4th after lunch.  More information will be posted on Facebook. 

[LadyJessica]

Thanks so much Terre!

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

WOOT!