My Darlings, let’s talk about something that divides our industry right down the middle:

Patron Campgrounds.

Not a lot of shows offer them, but if you follow Renaissance Festival social media, you’ll see how passionately people talk about campgrounds. The folks who’ve experienced them just can’t imagine why anybody would have a festival without one. Meanwhile, many festival owners have never even considered adding one—and for good reason.

The truth is, the vast majority of Renaissance Faires in the US operate just fine without patron campgrounds.

But if you’re considering whether to add one to your festival, there are some serious factors to weigh:

🍎The Appeal – Why Patrons Love Campgrounds:

There’s no denying that patron campgrounds create devoted fans.

Part of that enthusiasm comes from the extended experience they provide—the festival doesn’t end when the gates close.

👉🏼Instead, it transforms into a nighttime party where guests can continue socializing, sharing stories from the day, and extending their immersion into the Renaissance community.

For many festival-goers, especially those traveling long distances, the campground becomes an integral part of their annual pilgrimage. It’s where friendships deepen, where the magic continues after dark, and where the Renaissance experience becomes more than just a day trip.

⚠️The Reality – Liability Comes with the Territory:

But here’s what festival owners need to understand: that nighttime party atmosphere comes with significant liability.

Your insurance rates are going to go up—sometimes substantially.

👉🏼Having people on your grounds overnight creates risks that don’t exist during regular operating hours.

You’re going to need a police force overnight. This isn’t optional. From my voice of experience, having seen problems at other campgrounds, you absolutely have to control access to the campground.

If outsiders can get to the party happening in your campground, rough actors will start to show up. It quickly becomes a market for activities that your security team will spend considerable time shutting down because they’re not legal.

In most situations, the liability outranks the value of having a patron campground. That’s not to say it’s never worth it, but you need to go in with your eyes wide open about what you’re taking on.

🌳When Campgrounds Make Sense:

Whether or not you need a patron campground has a lot to do with the distance your park is from major metropolitan areas or hotels.

If your festival is in a remote location where guests would otherwise face long drives home or expensive hotel stays, a campground might provide genuine value that justifies the risks.

The campgrounds that do work well typically have adult sections and family sections, unless the show is specifically geared as a family event and that attitude spills over into their campground policies.

💰The Hidden Benefits – Year-Round Revenue Potential:

If you do decide to build a campground, there are additional benefits beyond festival weekends.

A well-designed campground becomes another asset at your park that can generate revenue throughout the year:

⚜️Event hosting: You could host concerts, barbecue cook-offs, or big fundraising events
⚜️Facility rentals: Lease the space to other organizations during your off-season
⚜️Land banking: A campground is relatively inexpensive infrastructure to maintain while keeping land under your control for potential future expansion
This last point is particularly strategic. If you’re paying taxes on a large chunk of land, a campground allows you to utilize that space while keeping your expansion options open. In 20 years, if you need to expand your festival footprint, you have adjoining land that you could conceivably develop by relocating the campground.

💎Revenue Enhancement Opportunities

Well-run campgrounds also offer multiple ways to diversify your income:

⚜️Premium hookups: Locations with more services for RVs can command higher fees
⚜️Rental accommodations: Cabins or glamping tents for guests who want the campground experience without bringing their own gear
⚜️Vendor opportunities: Food trucks and other vendors specifically for campground guests

However, you’ll need clear policies about campground vending.

If food trucks want to come in for the weekend, you need to know what you’re going to charge them—and whether this might compete with vendors from within your park who you’ve promised exclusivity, and who’ve made substantial investments into your park’s infrastructure.

⚙️Practical Considerations

Before committing to a patron campground, consider these questions:

⚜️Noise ordinances: Do you need them, or are you far enough out in the country that weekend music and revelry won’t be an issue? Keep in mind that your regional Burning Man fans might bring EDM music, and there could be live concerts happening late into the night.
⚜️Insurance implications: Your insurance company will specifically ask if you’re open for anything overnight. This affects your coverage and premiums significantly.
⚜️Security requirements: Beyond just police presence, you’ll need controlled access, adequate lighting, and emergency procedures for overnight incidents.
⚜️Local regulations: Check what permits or additional licensing you might need for overnight accommodations. (Don’t forget hotel taxes if applicable.)

📊The Bottom Line

Patron campgrounds are definitely “a thing” in certain parts of the country, while other regions have never even heard of such a concept. If land is really expensive where you are, it’s not necessarily a good deal.

The decision ultimately comes down to your specific situation:

⚜️How far are you from hotels and major population centers?
⚜️Can you handle the increased insurance and security costs?
⚜️Do you have the space and infrastructure to do it properly?
⚜️Are you prepared for the year-round management this requires?

I know some of you reading this are thinking, “Why would anyone even consider the hassle?” while others are wondering, “How do festivals operate without them?” Both perspectives are valid, and both types of festivals can be incredibly successful.

The key is understanding what you’re getting into and making an informed decision based on your festival’s unique circumstances, not just the enthusiasm of campground advocates on social media.

Remember, my darlings: just because something is a fan favorite doesn’t mean it’s right for your festival. Sometimes the best decision is knowing what not to add.