A Medieval Weekend In the Woods

When our son decided he wanted to visit a Renaissance Festival this year, we jumped all in. We did King Arthur and Medieval stories to learn the time period and paired it with a research unit to learn about the festival, costumes and, of course, RV life!

We settled on the Tampa Bay Ren Fest, called the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, held in Dade City, Florida, just north of Tampa, and only about an hour from our home base. This festival runs weekends for six weeks in February and March and we had been to it when it used to be held at MOSI in Tampa. Their website had great information on all the booths for food and merch, plus information on tickets and passes. We were excited to hear that we just needed to bring his grades and could get a student ticket good for the entire season, and we could snag a weekend pass for about the same cost as the daily pass with the military discount.

With dates and costs worked out, we just needed to find someplace to park our RV and since the Green Swamp area has lots of camping, we had many options. But when we found that the Withlacoochee River Park had the WRP RV Campground with water and electric sites AND it was literally backed up against the Ren Fest location for us to walk to (only a quarter mile from campground to the front entrance). We knew it was perfect!

We booked a long weekend reservation through Pasco County’s website for about $25 a night. The dump station and bathhouse were both close, if needed. We had no issues getting our 40 foot 5th wheel into the park and around the campground.

There is no check in station, so you just call the day of your reservation during office hours to get the bathhouse code and print your reservation receipt email and display it in your window so they can see it. Be sure to check your location when navigating. There are several areas along the Withlacoochee River and you could easily find yourself at the wrong location. Also, depending on the way you come in, if it is via Auton Rd from the south, you may have about a mile of bumpy dirt road, but from the north, the park’s entrance is just before the dirt road starts. There’s a map on the information sign when you first arrive–we highly suggest checking it out and snapping a photo to help you get around, and find the campground.

We chose site 7 and it was huge, under beautiful trees, surrounded by nature, and open space across from us. It was also just off the multi-use path, perfect for our daily walks/runs. It led to playgrounds, the boardwalk, observation tower, and the fishing dock on the river, so it was very easy to explore from.

They offer tent camping spots for groups or individuals, as well as cabins, and they have day use pavilions, so there are lots of options if you want to visit–and we highly recommend it!

While there we chatted with other guests. One couple had been there the weekend prior for a van life meet up and decided to extend their stay since it was so peaceful. Another group we met were part of the Pasco Astronomer’s Club that meets every month on New Moon weekend for stargazing since it’s a dark sky area. Sadly, the weekend we attended was overcast and rainy for part of the time, so there wasn’t much stargazing.

With partial hookups, we did make use of the bathhouse. It has only 1 shower in each restroom, but it was the size of the bunkroom in our RV and had great water pressure. Even on a spring weekend, and most sites full, we had no issues getting into the bathhouse. It was quiet and peaceful, even with most of the RV spots full, although the open field camping was not.

We had such an amazing time exploring, camping, and visiting the Ren Fest all weekend. They had so many food options (even celiac friendly ones, I am happy to report), and a variety of vendors with costumes, accessories, decor and services–and most were created by the vendors, so it really added to the authenticity. We enjoyed several of the performers and shows, as well. It was nice to come and go, too!

We were sad to leave and wished we had more time to spend in this peaceful location, especially since it is so close to home base. But we made some amazing memories as a family, and with friends and family we were able to spend time with at the festival. Best of all, for 6 nights of camping and two days at the festival, we only spent $350!

It was so amazing, and having a great campground made it even better. It was such a great spot, I was almost reluctant to share, wanting to keep it all to myself!

Let us know if you’ve been there, or if you go, be sure to tag us when you post about it!

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