American War Reenactments Across the U.S. To Take Your Tent

Whether you’re trailering horses to join the cavalry along the battlefield or simply pitching your canvas wall tent to sell goods to soldier reenactors, here are several American War reenactments across the U.S. where you can pitch an authentic military-style tent and show your American spirit.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Ready Your Tent and Head to These U.S. War Reenactments

To make it easier, we’ve broken the list down by date. As you can see, there’s a lot to offer, so we encourage you to investigate the location, details, rules, and regulations for each to see if it’s the right fit for you.

French & Indian War Reenactments (1754-1763)

Fort Niagara Encampment | Youngstown, New York

With the historic Old Fort Niagara as the backdrop, this reenactment emphasizes the landmark Siege of 1759 and how the French and Indian War leads up to and sets the stage for the American Revolution. Basic but detailed encampments of canvas A-frame tents and Sibley bell tents are period-appropriate.

Revolutionary War Reenactments (1775-1783)

Battle of Lexington & Concord | Lexington, Massachusetts

This cornerstone Revolutionary War reenactment is typically held around Patriots’ Day near the birthplace of the American Revolution. Experience the recreation of the “shot heard ‘round the world.” Encampments normally feature canvas A-frame tents that resemble early Continental and British military camps. There are strict attendance requirements for this reenactment event, but it attracts a large, immersive crowd.

Battle of Saratoga | Stillwater & Schuylerville, New York

The Battle of Saratoga was a critical turning point in the American Revolution, and this reenactment holds no punches. It showcases authentic military life among the large encampments of canvas wedge tents and early-period shelters scattered throughout the historic landscape. Check out their website for great reenactment resources, too!

Revolutionary War Weekend | Mount Vernon, Virginia

A must-attend event for American history buffs, Revolutionary War Weekend is a reenactment held on George Washington’s estate. Canvas camps are not only set up to demonstrate 18th-century military life in America but also to show how civilians support the army in their daily lives.

War of 1812 Reenactments (1812-1815)

Battle of New Orleans | Chalmette, Louisiana

This Battle of New Orleans reenactment highlights early 19th-century American military history along the Gulf Coast at the Chalmette Battlefield. Period-appropriate canvas shelters, such as A-frame tents and wall tents, are part of camp life and battle reenactments.

Civil War Reenactments (1861-1865)

Battle of Gettysburg | Gettysburg, PA

The Battle of Gettysburg, an infamous Civil War conflict, is reenacted for two days each year in July at Daniel Lady Farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Since it was a significant event during the American Civil War, it’s also one of the largest reenactments in which you can participate.

Battle of Antietam | Sharpsburg, Maryland

The Antietam National Battlefield manages this authentic reenactment. While it is considered a quieter event, reenactors take it seriously, creating detailed, historically accurate military setups and overnight soldier camps using A-frames, wall tents, and marquee tents.

Battle of Bentonville | Four Oaks, North Carolina

One of the largest Civil War reenactments in the South, the Battle of Bentonville is a two-day event featuring extensive encampments and draws a really strong turnout. Canvas wedges, wall tents, and Sibley tents are the main types of period-appropriate historical shelters you’ll need to have if you wish to participate.

Battle of Resaca | Resaca, Georgia

The Battle of Resaca is a long-running Southern reenactment held annually at Chitwood Farm. It had a reputation for well-organized camps on both the Union and Confederate sides. Again, traditional Civil War tents you’ll find are canvas wedge and wall tents.

Battle of Olustee | Baker County, Florida

The Battle of Olustee takes place at the sprawling Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park in northern Florida in February. As one of the largest U.S. Civil War reenactments, it draws thousands of reenactors to its multi-day event, complete with traditional canvas A-frame and wall tents.

Old West / Frontier Events (Mid 1800s to late 1800s)

Fort Bridger Mountain Man Rendezvous | Wyoming

Fort Bridger Rendezvous is not technically a war reenactment, but since it was a vital fur trading post to frontier pioneers and a resupply point for the U.S. Army, we figure it’s worth a shout-out. All kinds of canvas tents offer a historically accurate 19th-century frontier feel, including wall tents, A-frames, and even tipis.

Fort Stanton Live | New Mexico

Fort Stanton Live offers a reenactment of a frontier-era military post, complete with historic buildings around the site. Attend as an Old West military or civilian reenactor and bring a traditional tent, like an A-frame or wall tent.

World War II Reenactments (U.S. involvement 1941–1945)

D-Day Conneaut | Conneaut Township Park, Ohio

D-Day Conneaut is considered the world’s largest World War II reenactment – not just largest in the U.S. Allied and Axis camps feature shelter halves, wall tents, and fly tents across a massive encampment area to support reenactors of infantry, airmen, medics and more. Just be sure to pack your army green canvas duffel for WWII reenactments, too!

MAAM WWII Weekend | Reading, Pennsylvania

The Mid Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM) hosts a World War II Weekend called the Gathering of Warbirds. Set up directly on an active airfield, this reenactment focuses on airmen and pilot bases, where you’ll find shelter haves, wall tents, and fly tents throughout.

Ready to Join the Ranks?

These are just a handful of the American War reenactments you’ll find throughout this great country. If you’re looking for somewhere closer or smaller to get your feet wet, check out Milsurpia – a fantastic resource where you can search a comprehensive list of all sorts of military shows, events, and adventures.

Want to attend as a reenactor? The right tent completes the mission. Whether you’re signing up as a Continental soldier, a Civil War officer, a frontier scout or a WWI GI, Beckel Canvas offers a range of classic canvas tents and canvas tent accessories that provide an authentic look and feel, ready for the field. Match your tent to the era and keep the history alive