A Few Camping Concerns

[MollyGrue]

Hey there! I'm a newcomer that stumbled into these forums while trying to google some answers to my questions about camping at TRF. After lurking for a little while, I've decided that I'll stick around. 

Anyway, some friends and I decided we want to camp out this year the weekend of Oct 31-Nov 2. I'm excited, but I don't really know what to expect. I hear that the camping scene is craaazy. Though that sounds pretty cool, I'm a little scared for my safety. Is there a section of the campsite that would appeal more to the meek, like myself? Like, a quiet corner that I could slink off to when things become overwhelming? Possibly, to sleep?

Also, do things fill up pretty fast? There's no way I can come on Friday, so will I be SOL to come early on Saturday morning? To reserve my space, I'm assuming we can just park Nov 1st morning in our spot, and then set up everything in the evening after coming back from the Festival (I just wouldn't want to risk theft by setting up the tents early).

Okay, cooking. What exactly is the policy for cooking devices? I have a little stove/grill thing that I like to use with either charcoal or sterno. Is that kosher as far as the rules are concerned?

Alright, I think that's it. Maybe I'm over-analyzing things, but I like to be prepared, in the "know". Thanks so much, and feel free to add any helpful advice/anecdotes/horror stories, whatever.

Thanks again!

MollyGrue

[Captain Kilian]

Is you want a quiet, as far as PEOPLE are concerned, area, then Family camping is for you. The worry there is the TRAIN that comes through, is very, very close, and will wake you up...but the people are very calm, and it is within walking distance of the "crazy" main camping. This is what the wife and I did for our first few camping sessions at TRF.

Other then that, find a group here between now and then that will take you in, and that you get along with. I am 100% sure you can find this before October, much less oct 31st! They will lead you around main camping, show you the ropes, the places to visit , the places not to visit, etc. We've been doing it for several years, and are till considered new at Main camping, but never had a problem...the key to that area is a group/clan/whatever.

Don't be afraid, just enjoy!!!

[mieljolie]

Our first year at TRF was last year.  Three of us and my 5 year old daughter all camped there.  We had planned to stay in the family camping, but once we go there it was waaay too quiet for us.  We set up over by the "quickie mart" and had no problems.  Everyone around us was friendly and adequately respectful.  The "crazy" parts are usually closer to the fire/drum circle.  The only complaint we really had was the noise from all the generators.  But, you get used to the sound after awhile.

It did fill up fast in the evening, but mornings cleared out a little.  You may have to walk quite away to get to the gate from you camp, but there should be room.

As for theft, just don't bring anything of value that you don't absolutely need.  Pack light.  And remember, "Out of sight out of mind."  Keep valuable stowed away.  Fortunately for us, we have someone to stay at camp and watch over things while we attend faire.  And, you can park right beside the tent at night.

I think stoves are okay, but you can't have open flames outside a fire pit.  You can rent a barrel drum thing and buy firewood from the quickie mart.

[Chandler]

I agree with Newbiehere.  We started camping back in 2005, and we've always stayed at the far end of the campgrounds (now it's by where the quickie mart is) and it's always been relatively quiet and calm where we camp, but we're easily within walking distance of the drum circle.

We keep all of our valuables locked in the vehicles during the day.

As far as being concerned for your safety, you shouldn't be.  For the most part, everyone's there to have fun peacefully.  There are cops patrolling as well.

[Macintyre]

as far as parking and then setting up tents after faire, i would set up first and then go in.  just because you parked, doesn't mean you'll have the room to pitch later, or even move your car.  tents tend to pop up everywhere, even when you think you're the closest to the road someone else will find a way to squeeze in closer and block you in.  it happened to me the first time i went camping there, so just a little heads up.

[MollyGrue]

as far as parking and then setting up tents after faire, i would set up first and then go in.  just because you parked, doesn't mean you'll have the room to pitch later, or even move your car.  tents tend to pop up everywhere, even when you think you're the closest to the road someone else will find a way to squeeze in closer and block you in.  it happened to me the first time i went camping there, so just a little heads up.

That's a good point, especially since there will probably be a couple of tents to house my party. I guess we just won't put anything in the tents until we get back(I was sort of afraid of coming back to find no tent at all if we did it that way, but theft can't be that big of a problem, right?)

I'm really stoked about this! Thanks to everyone who answered, it's been a big help to us novices.

[RenRobin]

I have been camping for 20 year and have not had anything stolen from my camp.

[*Teach*]

On the other hand, I had an ice chest stolen from my truck the second time I camped out there
You just never know what's going to happen. But, if you just do like you would in your normal every day routine then everything should be fine. Keep valuables out from sight and theives are far less tempted.
Since that time, I just keep my ice chest in my tent and nothing has vanished since.

*Lord help the poor soul that tries to take me rum...*

[KiltedPrivateer]

The last thing I want to do is scare anyone off from the experience of TRF camping - That said, the campgrounds have changed just in the five years I've been attending.  To reiterate Teach - Be Smart.  Don't leave anything of value, and alcohol has a lot of value in that campground, in plain site.  Anything of great value should be locked in your vehicle.  A zipper to a tent is only a slight deterrence.  From what I know, last years camping went off without any major infractions.  We had a great time, except for that nasty bit of weather closing weekend.

[Blue66669]

Clan McLotofus has always been a safe and fun place to be. Far enough away from the crazies, and closer to the front gates than camping by the quickie mart. Come by and stay awhile!!!

*psssst, we're at row 8*

[MollyGrue]

Thanks for the invite! I was thinking of bringing my group around at some point to meet the famous McLotofuses(is that the correct plural form?). We'll be sure to drop in =)

[Blue66669]

Erm, methinks it may be McLotofi.....wow- sounds like some secret society that sacrifices virgins and sings in Latin. WAIT! That IS what we do (does it matter that I sing in "Latin American"?)!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!

[Yrose]

Well, we sing in something that's for sure...lol and we do sacrifice Ren and Loki virgins.

[Element of Air]

I did not realize you were camping so close to me. I am in Safe Haven right next door on rows 6 and 7. I will have to hop on over and say hey to everyone in Clan McLotofus. I can not wait to see everyone there. 

[KiltedPrivateer]

Far enough away from the crazies, and closer to the front gates than camping by the quickie mart. Come by and stay awhile!!!

I did notice that the farther you get from the drum circle, the nicer the atmosphere.  We had a good time last year with our camp up at row 1.  Lots of good people up there.