These are the most frequently asked questions concerning the campgrounds

Patron's Campgrounds Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is a Patron?

A. Patrons are the folks for whom we have created this magical experience. They are the folks who pay to enter our realm of adventure (either in garb or not), view our vast number of performances, enjoy the enormous array of delicious foods from around the world, and shop in the Faires numerous vendor booths.

Q. Where are the Patron's campgrounds, it's not on the directions to the Faire?

A. Follow the directions to the Faire posted on the website. Once you get close, here are the final details:

If coming from Austin east bound on Highway 290, continue about another mile beyond Old Potato Road and you will see the large billboards on your left. Turn in there and the campgrounds ticket booth in straight ahead (well, sort of straight ahead as the road bends to the right).

If coming from Houston west bound on Highway 290, you will pass through the vast metropolis of Paige Texas (well, at least you should see the Old Frontier restaurant on your right. A few miles later you will pass under Highway 21. About 1 mile further, you will see the large billboards on your right. Turn in there.

If coming from Dallas/Ft. Worth or San Antonio or other cities, just try to aim for the intersection of Highway 290 and Highway 21.

Q. What are the campgrounds hours?

A. The campground's gate opens at noon each Friday. All campers must exit by noon the following Monday.

Q. What does it cost to camp?

A. Basic answer is $5 per person for the camping wristband. In addition, you must have at least one Faire entry ticket. This can be in the form of an online ticket purchase printout, discount ticket from HEB, or COMP ticket.

Q. I just attended the Faire and really want to camp afterwards (i.e., I got an invite to party with someone in the camping area).

A. All you need is to have your hand stamped when you exit the Faire for the day. Otherwise you will have to purchase a Faire ticket or meet the other requirements in the previous Q&A.

Q. I just want to enter the campgrounds and party with friends for a few hours and then leave.

A. Sorry. In the interest of reducing the number of problems, anyone entering the campgrounds must meet the camping requirements (Faire ticket, hand-stamp, $5 per person fee, etc.).

Q. Can I bring in my monster 60 ft. long RV and camp?

A. Err, no. There is a sharp turn into the General/Open campgrounds that limits entry to small travel trailers (<20ft) and pop-up trailers. In addition, the soil in the campgrounds is best described as loose sand. If you get stuck, you will have to call in a tow truck, as the faire doesn't have the equipment to haul you out.

Q. Is there electrical power and water service in the campgrounds?

A. No. It's primitive camping.

Q. Are there any rules for the fire circle?

A. Mainly just one: no glass containers. This prevents any broken glass hazards for the dancers. Okay, no drunken jumping over the fire and falling and setting yourself on fire.

Q. Can I cut firewood or bring in firewood?

A. There is about a two-year supply of firewood in the presently dropped trees in the campgrounds and in the areas around the campgrounds. Bring a chainsaw and cut what you need. If you have extra time, please cut extra wood for the fire circle.

Please do not bring in firewood from beyond 50 miles from the site, as the U.S. Forestry Service doesn't want to have any foreign tree pests introduced.

Q. Can I setup camp in the areas outside of the General/Open Campgrounds?

A. No. There are several reasons why you cannot camp outside the General/Open campgrounds. There is a large oval area that is for reserved camping for groups who came out over the past year and cleared their areas. Only they can allow outsiders to camp in their area. Across the road from each of these reserved camping areas is their vehicle parking areas. In addition, future plans include Participants campgrounds expansion into this wooded area around year 3.

Q. I have a large group of people who would like to setup an area in the reserved camping area. How to we get a reserved area?

A. The area I have set aside for reserved group camping has been filled for several weeks. If you have a group willing to clear, maintain, and camp every Faire weekend, then please contact me and I'll add you to the waiting list.

Q. Can I reserve a camping area in the General/Open Campgrounds, either via email or phone?

A. No, there isn't any reserved camping in the General/Open campgrounds. It is first-come, first-served. When the campgrounds open at Noon each Friday, the earliest arrivals get their pick of the available camping areas. Do not mark off an area larger than what you need (e.g., setting up barriers for a 20 tent area and only putting up 2 or 3 tents).

Q. What facilities are available in the Patron's campgrounds?

A. There are 3 port-a-johns located by the General/Open campgrounds, along with two trash dumpsters. Up by the Faire entrance is a shower trailer, and a flushing toilet trailer available after Faire closing hours.

Q. Who do I contact for other questions on the campgrounds?

A. Either contact me at camping@sherwoodforestfaire.com or on my cell # at 832-567-7795. I am onsite from Thursday around noon to around 10 AM each Monday.