Renaissance Fairs and Medieval Reenactments in the US (With On-Site Camping)

Transform your canvas tent into a Medieval encampment and hit the road for Renaissance fairs and festivals. Across the country, there are countless Renaissance fairs and Medieval reenactments. You just need to know where to look – and where you can pitch a tent!

Read on to discover the best spots to transport yourself back to the Middle Ages and join in on the fun, immersive experience back at the site once the main show is over.

Ren Fairs and Medieval Reenactments for Immersive Tent Goers

Renlist is the best place to find a comprehensive list of all the Renaissance Fairs offered throughout the United States (and even countries across the pond and around the world). Renlist breaks down the top-rated Renaissance Fests, including the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, Maryland, the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and many more.

However, we wanted to put together a list that focuses on United States Ren fairs and events that allow on-site camping and encourage you to truly participate in the experience by choosing historically accurate canvas tents, period-appropriate clothing, and simply getting into the Huzzah! Spirit.

Texas Renaissance Festival | Todd Mission, Texas

Early October to late November

The Texas Ren Fair (TRF) is the largest in the United States. Spread across 55 acres are 21 stages, over 400 shops, and tons of themed weekends (think Oktoberfest) and activities throughout the entire event.

Drawing 500,000 guests annually and offering 230 acres of dispersed camping, it’s a great place to pitch a Medieval tent and participate. Whether you are catering to the huge crowd and selling goods or need a nearby crashpad where you can join the after-party festivities and step back in time, the TRF is a bucket-list Renaissance Fair you can’t miss.

Age of Chivalry | Las Vegas, NV

Early to Mid October

The Las Vegas Renaissance Fair, also called the Age of Chivalry, is set up just south of the iconic Vegas Strip. While the event takes place only over a single weekend, you can rest assured that the LVRF goes all in, simply due to the sheer number of actors that reside in the "Entertainment Capital of the World.”

On-site camping is available for all LVRF event attendees, staff and patrons alike. General camping sites (3-day; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and Preferred camping sites (4-day; added Thursday night) invite you to pitch your own Medieval canvas tent. Then there are yurts and bell tents (for extra guests or to try it out for yourself). Either accommodation or site you choose, book early!

Louisiana Renaissance Festival | Hammond, Louisiana

November - early December

Thanks to the warm Southern weather, the Louisiana Renaissance Festival (LARF) runs later in the year, all of November into early December. Each weekend has a different theme (pirates, Celtic, Vikings, etc.), so if you’re indecisive about a time to visit, choose the dates that interest you most.

LARF offers on-site rustic camping for festival attendees wanting a fully immersive experience. You can expect a communal bonfire where you can meet and greet other Ren faire fans. While fair staff do take up most sites, the campground is open to everyone, so book early to grab a spot for next year’s Louisiana Ren Fest. If you can’t, there are plenty of other full-service campgrounds nearby, too, such as Hidden Oaks Family Campground, Fireside RV Resort, and Adventures RV Resort.

NorseForged Gathering | New London, North Carolina

May (Memorial day weekend)

NorseForged Gathering (NFG) is an especially unique Viking-themed fair. Merchant stall displays, live performances, and even interactive adventures will keep you thoroughly entertained for the few days it’s open. While this is a smaller, up-and-coming event, it’s gaining popularity. If you’re into Norse mythology and the Viking era, be sure to check it out.

On-site tent camping is available at NFG and is conveniently close to the event and all its activities. However, please note that RV and camper parking is not permitted (this probably means overlanders too!). Instead, embrace the adventure with a Viking-style canvas tent.

Pennsic War SCA | Pittsburgh, PA

Late July - early August

Okay, while you can’t categorize this event as a Ren fair, it’s worth mentioning. More than a festival, the Pennsic War is a 2-week medieval city pop-up that comes to life each year in Western Pennsylvania. However, this event is solely for serious world-building participants who enjoy Medieval history. Expect it to look extremely lifelike, with period-style tents, pavilions, and full-on encampments.

The Pennsic War event is not for wishy-washy spectators – it’s go big or go home! Plan to set up a Medieval-style canvas tent or even a historically themed camp, where you can showcase real period craftsmanship.

Check out the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) to discover more historical Middle Ages events all over the country.

Conclusion

Looking for a Medieval camping tent and other accessories to pull off your entire Ren Faire look? Check out our article, The Ultimate Medieval Camping Checklist: What to Pack for Your Tent.

Do you have a favorite Renaissance Festival with on-site camping that isn’t on the list? Let us know in the comments.