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Heya, my group will be going Pirates weekend (best weekend IMO) and we'd love for you two to come hangout with us. We are all are 25-30 years old and work in various fields from medical, real estate, oil and gas, big transportation, and social media. We are very open minded, easy going, and prefer a really good laugh. I love to cook and we'll have 2 grills, a campfire, plenty of alcohol, cards against humanity, and tiki torches and music as well as drinking games and whatever comes to mind. We generally like to camp around 1A/1B , 2 or 3. We will have anywhere between 6-10 people as some of our group members won't be able to make it this year. We all dress up and would love to have you join us either on the camp grounds or in the fair. I know the grounds like the back of my hand and can give you advice for shows or anything else you two may need help with.


I know some girls prefer not to camp but I promise renfest does an AMAZING job keeping the porta potties clean, smelling great, and constantly stocked with toilet paper (although I still prefer to bring my own). On top of that there is showers and a better bathroom by the front gate that can be used to shower, dry your hair, and other such things. Air mattresses are pretty cheap, even for a queen size one. The one listed below I have been using for the past 3-4 years and it hasn't deflated over night and offers great comfort for a cheap price. If you end up camping feel free to let me know as I have an electric air pump that fills it up in about 30-40sec. I generally toss my big sleeping bag opened up on top, a giant fluffy blanket, pillow, and a throw blanket ontop that resembles fur so it looks very rustic and barbarian like. I sleep just as comfortable on it as I do on my queen bed at home. If you don't decide to camp, at least come to the bonfire, it is a whole new experience to camp though!! Tons of people to meet and tons of fun to be had. Sorry I wrote so much but I'm just so excited for ren fest!!! Let me know if I can help you with anything!

https://www.amazon.com/Intex-Classic-Downy-Airbed-Queen/dp/B002BW7QCU/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1474616885&sr=8-10&keywords=air+mattress


EDIT- Anyone else that reads this and want to come hangout just let me know! All I ask is that everyone have fun and not cause drama =)

Here are a list of camping tips I have compiled for my group this year.

Sports\Water Cooler

• Fill it with ice before you leave town and by the time you set up camp you already have cold water and clean ice for drinks. Easy to refill with ice.
  
  
  Tarps
  
  
• Always clear away debris from under your tent and use a tarp that is about the same footprint as your tent as a place mat for your tent to sit on. Tuck the excess sides of the tarp back underneath the tent so you don't pool water underneath if it rains.
  If it is going to be freezing cold, put an extra blanket over the tent covering the screen-mesh, followed by another tarp, then the rain fly. This will help keep the hot air from escaping as fast.
  
  
  Sleeping
  
  
• Always bring earplugs and a facemask/bandanna if you have trouble sleeping in light and noise. If you bring an air mattress that is low to the ground, bring a blanket to put underneath it as well. This will help protect the air mattress even more as well as insulate it from the ground so it doesn't suck all the heat out of the mattress.
  
  Sanitation
  
  
• Bring a roll of toilet paper to be sure you have some in case the porties run out, which they often do. A 5 gallon bucket, waste water treatment, and a bucket toilet seat makes for a quick cheap toilet. I've also heard of people using kitty litter instead of the water and treatment. Just toss the bucket at the end of the weekend if you do that. Baby wipes are great for getting the grime off. There will be showers and will more than likely cost around $5.00 a use but they are not a necessity.
  
  Wind Proofing
  
  
• Be sure to bring extra rope for guy lines and if possible purchase a package of tarp clips (http://amzn.com/B001M4HTB6) so you can fasten the tent/rainfly/tarps down once the wind gets blowing. Adjustable tent extension poles (http://amzn.com/B001DZNYFE) are also good for using with tarps.
  
  Vehicle Safety
  
  
• Always keep your vehicle locked. I generally will keep my wallet and keys in the vehicle with a spare key or two on me/in my tent. Knowing you can get into your vehicle at the end of the weekend is a great relief.
  
  Tent Prep
  
  
• Be sure to set up your tent at least twice before you go. If you buy a new tent, keep track of how you unroll the tent. Read the instructions and see if it gives you tips on folding it back up and fitting it in the bag. I've seen a lot of people show up to the camp grounds to find out they forgot their tent poles or something similar.
  
  Guys
  
  
• Chafing is an issue a lot of people run into walking around in costume or in the sun in general for a long period of time. Baby powder will give some relief afterwards but use a non-chaffing cream or petroleum jelly for a longer lasting preventative measure. As with any new cosmetics on a sensitive area... do a test run of this before you go camping. A few hours away from home is a terrible time to find out your balls are allergic to petroleum jelly. I've been told Monistat soothing non-chafing cream works well.
  
  Lighting
  
  
• String lights that are battery powered are great for decorating tents and canopies. A decorated tent makes it easier to find when you're lost. They sell balloons with LED lights in them that last for a few days at party stores and those I bet would be great for decorating as well. I've already heard about taking a gallon milk jug and filling it with water and attaching a headstrap light with the light facing the jug to produce a bright lantern for your tent for minimal cost. I also heard to just use an empty jug and put the light on the top facing down into the jug. Extra flash lights are always beneficial. Keep one attached to you at night at all times. Keep one in the tent, one by the bed, etc.
  
  Cellphones
  
  
• There is wifi on the campground but the towers that are out there get so bogged down. I tend to just turn my phone off for the weekend and use a watch or clock for time. Investing in walkie talkies may be a good idea as well, get a good radius, =/> 3 miles.

Cool, you have a lot more people to worry about heating than I do ha! I personally use this one (Amazon - $57) because there's 2 people at it and it folds. The legs are wobbly and need some fixing before use though. Still a good option is portability is very important.

But for bigger groups, I see a lot of people using custom ones similar to this (Amazon - $87) since they are deeper and throw more heat to the sides. They do seem to let out a lot more floating sparks as it settles so these might put small holes in nearby tents if you add a lot of wood.

FWIW my next one will probably be this one since it has a top and opens from the side - easier to add wood when it's burning hot imo! Plus it still has those little ports for foot heat. I just wish it was something other than woodland creatures cut into the metal ha.

Good luck!

Camping gear does have a startup cost. Basics are: tent, sleeping bag, and something to put under the sleeping bag. The under and sleeping bag can obviously be substituted somewhat: sleeping bag or blankets/quilts, air mattress or cots, etc. A decent tent will cost at least $50. $69, 4 person, good for two+stuff. A good sleeping bag is $20-$80. $30, 0F rated. Cots can vary, if you can find them cheaper, it's worth it. $30. MILSURP is good for cots, they're incredibly simple and very much worthwhile. Most of this stuff will last for a while, especially if well taken care of.

You might be able to find some acceptable shoes on amazon prime. I don't care for the quality on Amazon for anything else, but for some accessories it'll probably work. I found these on a quick search. https://www.amazon.com/121-Jack-Boots-Adult-Costume-Shoes/dp/B00DGQPXB6/ref=sr_1_5?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1538424415&sr=8-5&keywords=shoes+leather+men+boots+renaissance&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011. I don't know any places in HTX that have good garb for sale, I'd say just buy there or online (etsy) if you have the time. As suggested, you can also go on TRF's listed vendors website and see if there is a corresponding online store. I did that and found Moresca which I really like.

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Get a headlamp, it sucks trying to fumble around with a hand held flashlight to do anything at night and you don't want to be that camp site that blinds your neighbors by turning on your headlights to do anything. Bring lots of water, especially if you plan on drinking but also so you can rinse any dishes and wash your hands/face. Bring separate coolers for drinks and food because with people constantly grabbing drinks the ice will melt faster than you think. Also, if you do need to make an ice run don't be afraid to run to the gas station rather than paying the premium for ice at the shops on the grounds. If you're not a heavy sleeper, bring ear plugs because even if you get there early to set up chances are you'll get one or more RVs nearby who run generators all night no matter where you camp. Bring trash bags and use them, its one of the easiest things to forget. I think everyone else pretty much has everything covered.

If you look into George you begin to learn how weird the man is. When he dies he wants his body interred in a mausoleum at his arboretum (property next to fair that his house sits on) and for the arboretum to be opened to the public, for a fee. The man literally wants to turn his body into an attraction. Also he had previously accidently sold the festival and had to go to the Texas Supreme Court to get it back. Then there's lawsuits from former employees...

Edit:Here's Mind Wars by George Coulam

I am going to be using this small firepit/grill. https://www.amazon.com/UCO-Flatpack-Portable-Stainless-Steel/dp/B01HZF9FMG?th=1 I also bought some flame color changers to give a cool effect!