New Campground Rules

[Taarna]

I actually like the tarp idea too. Thank you for sharing your knowledge Lairde Guardn MCrack!

[Aiacha]

When going to a place that does not allow you to rope off areas, Take along a few blue tarps that are really cheap to buy.    Lay one in each position where you want your tents to be and as each tent arrives put them up in those spots and move the tarp.  and I have found that no one will bother the tarps. 

That sounds like a good idea to try!  And Blue, as cool as a tiki border would be, that's a lot of tikis, and when lit, they become a flamable obstacle that is in the way of stubborn and unobservant drunks. 

Since I know there is a handful of us heading out for Highland Weekend, perhaps we'll give that a try.

[Lady Ann of Draycott]

We might consider using both tiki torches and tarps...I like the tarp idea, makes it pretty obvious that someone will be camping there...I don't think we have enough tiki torches to put around our entire area! 

[LadyElizabeth]

I personally would like to say I"m quite glad the roping off thing has been banned.  My friends and I don't camp with any "clans", but we had a spot we really liked the first 3 weekends of Fair.  This past weekend, the roping off thing got WAY out of hand.  Both Safe Haven and McLotofus seemed to have roped off more than they needed and also roped off the area WE had previously parked our camper in.  It was EXTREMELY inconvenient given that we ended up in an absolutely horrid area way far away...  Now, I truly love all my McLotofus friends and Safe Haven friends and I totally agree that the randoms should respect the clan camping areas.  But this should be within reason.  Like I said, our area was invaded this past weekend and we were pushed out just cause there weren't many of us and no one got out in time to rope off an area!  There have been weekends where we have 1 camper and 3 tents, so it's not like we're non-existent, but we truly don't take up much room normally!!

[rumy]

i think roping off should just be limited to a certain amount per person staying there... i see these huge camps with tons ropped off and only 3 people staying there.... it gets irritating.  but for the huge camps, the space is needed and people should be benefited for showing up early to get others space.  that is only fair.  i hate for the usual camps to be moved bc some dumb nobodies show up and don't move bc there's no rope there!!!  we'd never find anyone if the big camps had to move!!

i'm torn bout this new rule.... i really do hate running into the tape at nite when it's dark!!! but i like visiting certain camp sites and knowing i'll find friends there.... hmmm....

[eldatari]

OOO, not a bad idea. Although, I'm more inclined to say let's put up a tiki border.

It probably would be a good idea to do both.

Does anyone know if the no taping off rule is true or is it just rumor.  I would probably continue to tape off your area until you get conformation that this is the case from the security.  If they come by and say that you can't do it just apologize and take it down.  No harm done.

[Blue66669]

McLotofus marked off the space that they needed, especially since there were 30 tents with our group, including some vans and a 40 ft RV. We used every inch of space that we roped off, as well as Safe Haven and Brigadoon. ALL camps were packed to the hilt! And by the way, there is NO way that you could have possibly camped in McLotofus land in the past 4 weeks, seeing as though McLotofus has occupied the EXACT same space since opening weekend, except for 2nd weekend when I was graciously accepted as a guest to Brigahalla.

It takes a lot to get there early and plan out a camp, and we take our roles VERY seriously. ESPECIALLY with McLotofus. We have to have the same space everytime, because we are accepting new members everytime we set up our camp! Myself and other McLotofi show up earlier than most everyone else, in the dark, just to make sure that our clan is easily recognizable. If we have more space than we need, we pull the lines in as we fill in camp.

The long and short of it is- You don't like where you end up camping??? Show a little more initiative and get there early like the rest of us.

And yes, Eldatari, I will rope off my camp until they come and tell me personally not to do so.

[brigaqueen1]

I know it sounds bitchy of me....but usually when I get to camp Sat mornings...I do have to drive my jeep & trailer to our camp...and sometimes Ill have some yahoo screeching at me to NOT drive thru their camp. But hey, if I am not running over your stuff or pulling pop ups behind me as I drive thru.... deal with it. I don't do it to purposely anger people, I just need to get to my camp.

I would think though that once you do have an area roped off and 90% of your camp gets there and sets up...take the tape or rope down. I'm sure lots of camps/campers leave the tape tied around the trees, making more work for the people who come thru camp and grab all our trash after the weekend is over. Could be why they are attempting to put a stop to it. That's just a guess.

[Captain Kilian]

Captain Kilian, the pacifist (at camp) Pirate weighs in:

Our clan too is known for their border, and getting there early to claim it. We've always found this obvious mark as to who should be where comforting and easier to police our area, and make sure no one's stuff gets grabbed or damaged.

THAT said, perhaps, and yes it is a mighty large amount of HOPE, but perhaps if the new measures and cop presence and all that gets rid of the large amount of the undesirables then MAYBE we won't need borders near so much. Maybe the rest of us could recall why faire is great and enjoy the camaraderie, both planned (with our clans) and random (with new folks that camp near by).  That's my hope. Not for everyone to get into spats over a bit of grass or dirt that we all came to to enjoy each other's company anyway.

Also I hope this does not become another thread to get out of hand and get up to the "King" and he decided to use the camp ground as another orchard or the like that makes money a less stressful way.

Now someone pass me a good ale (or rum!)!

[batninja]

So as an infrequent camper (I come down once, maybe twice a year, and will be coming down around noon Friday before the Highland Fling), what are the rules governing the earlybird setup?

For instance, if I get there early Friday, get completely setup (two tents' worth), only later to have one of the bigger groups complain that they usually reserve that spot...how's a camper to know?  I mean, if they don't visit these forums, and nothing is marked, can we still claim 'first come, first serve', per the rules posted at www.texrenfest.com? 

I would hope so, but of course, this is why I ask.     Just don' wanna be steppin' on nobody's toes...

[Blue66669]

Well, later on in the day on Friday, most of the clan families are already set up. Nothing really to worry about. If you get there and a clan asks you to move, one of twoi things will happen- either you can move, or you can stay and have the clan set up around you (not desireable).

It is indeed first come first served. It is up to you to observe the clan boundaries if you want to.

[batninja]

It is up to you to observe the clan boundaries if you want to.

I fully intend to, as long as they get there before I do!   

Really, though, I'm not unreasonable...I would just expect the same respect if I do end up in an unmarked area.  My camping footprint is never that big anyway.

I know I say this every year, but I really would like to meet the lot of you.  If by chance you see the Swiss Berne banner, feel free to stop by and say hi.  Just look for the sign of the Horny Bear! 

[~*Lovely Lisa*~]

Honestly if you would like to meet us... going to the bigger known camps are the way to do it... most people know where us brigadoon and valhalla campers are...

[Tanyor]

So as an infrequent camper (I come down once, maybe twice a year, and will be coming down around noon Friday before the Highland Fling), what are the rules governing the earlybird setup?

For instance, if I get there early Friday, get completely setup (two tents' worth), only later to have one of the bigger groups complain that they usually reserve that spot...how's a camper to know?  I mean, if they don't visit these forums, and nothing is marked, can we still claim 'first come, first serve', per the rules posted at www.texrenfest.com? 

I would hope so, but of course, this is why I ask.     Just don' wanna be steppin' on nobody's toes...

Most clans send someone out on Thursdays to rope off an area. I promise you wont step on anyone's toes.
The ropes were to save room for family and friends and to keep riff raff out. I seen no problem with it.

But I understand that the other side of it also. When I first started camping I walked around a potential spot and asked everyone around if it was okay to camp and to also see what kind of campers they were if they were going to be loud or quiet.

LadyElizabeth I'm sorry you had to move your camper I'm sure if we would of known we would of accommodated you and your group.

[batninja]

Honestly if you would like to meet us... going to the bigger known camps are the way to do it... most people know where us brigadoon and valhalla campers are...

I've tried that in the past with some of the camps, but we mostly get looked at as either moochers or simple passers-by.  Believe, I bring alot of my own food.  

Is there a secret handshake or salute I don't know about?  I just always feel like we're intruding on sacred ground, without even setting foot in camp.