Sherwood Forest Faire
Want to travel back in time to medieval England? Sherwood Forest Faire is an RV camper’s dream with food, fun, and frolicking for everyone.
Event information
Do you fancy a trip to the medieval era to experience the glory and splendor of the times bygone? Well, Sherwood Forest Faire is the ultimate rejuvenation experience that lets one revel in a powerful journey to witness the tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The multi-day festival is organized throughout the weekends from early to mid-Spring.
The event is also RV-friendly which means guests can enjoy endless RV camping fun while stepping back through the portals of history. Sherwood Forest Faire is known for its medieval-style village that sprawls an area of 25 acres and has more than 100 permanent buildings. You will also find pubs, wedding chapels, stages, and merchant shops along with other structures.
Sherwood Forest is located in the Lost Pines section of Central Texas. Sherwood Forest Faire is a popular attraction in the region and is managed by a small team supported by volunteers. As you will immediately notice upon entering the venue, the festival echoes the values of quality, fun, authenticity, family, and community. It’s the perfect way to spend quality time with family and friends.
Guests can enjoy more than a hundred shows organized daily at almost 150 locations. The festival also features handicrafts and a vast number of food and drink options to choose from to keep your belly and taste buds happy. From sword fighting, castle siege, and knife throwing to fire juggling, and live band performances, it truly has something for everyone and every age group. The other popular events include Robin Hood’s feast, beer and wine tasting experiences, and Celtic Gatherings.
Tickets
Sherwood Forest Faire is conducted during the spring months every year, and the ticket sales go live as soon as the festival lineup is announced. The entry tickets vary from $5 to $30 per person. There are also camping tickets that need to be purchased separately by those camping on-site. Upon the confirmation of payment, you will receive a wristband which must be worn for the entire duration of the weekend stay. Please check out the official Sherwood Forest Faire website for more details about the current event pricing.
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Transportation
Driving
Sherwood Forest Faire is held in McDade in Texas on US Highway 290 and is approximately 45 miles from Austin to the east. It is located about 21 miles from Giddings, 120 miles from Houston and San Antonio, and 220 miles from Dallas. Guests should be wary of the GPS-suggested route as it can sometimes take them to a location far away. It is best to ensure that the location you choose when routing is located close to the Old Potato Road, which constitutes a major landmark. Remember to check the current road conditions before you leave.
Parking areas
You can park your RV or other vehicles in the designated parking area provided at the huge festival grounds. There are separate parking areas for day-trippers and campers staying on site. Remember to follow the route to the Faire Campground entrance address in case you are not directed close to the Old Potato Road.
Public Transportation
Several options are available for those who’d prefer public transport to reach the festival venue. Guests will also find buses to pick them up and drop them at the destination but be sure to check with the operators in advance. You could also choose shuttle and rental car services that are easily available.
Where to stay
Onsite
Taking an RV trip to Sherwood Forest Faire may appeal to you as a traveler, history nut, or costume imaginary. It’s the ideal way to experience the many events, shows, and performances the festival offers. Campers can bring in any type of trailers, tents, and RVs but remember that the campsites only offer basic amenities and there are no hook-ups. Remember to arrive with your water tank full when you come to make the most of your stay. Guests can also reserve chosen spots for their groups with prior approval from the Campground Director.
Nearby
Camping via the faire campgrounds is the best way to enjoy the festival with like-minded people. However, if you wish to stay outside of the Sherwood campground, you could choose to stay in one of the many RV campgrounds near the venue, including Bastrop State Park resting about 15 miles just southwest of the faire. There are also RV resorts in the McDade region and within about a 20-mile radius of the venue.
Getting around
The Sherwood Forest Faire village is spread across a large area of 25 acres. You’ll find lots of sandy soil to walk on. Differently-abled individuals might find some shops and regions difficult to access via wheelchair, but it’s doable with some support. Guests are advised to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes and shortlist events and shows they wish to attend beforehand to help simplify time spent in this large venue.
What to pack
Clothing
Sherwood Forest Faire does not issue a dress code, but it is strongly recommended to wear a historic costume to experience the event in the best possible way. Remember to pack according to the season and include your hats, sunglasses, and scarves to protect yourself from the sun. It is also recommended to keep some rain gear handy to prepare for the occasional shower or two as spring approaches.
Gear
Cameras are allowed for use in the Sherwood Forest Faire venue. The festival requests, however, that guests be respectful with the use of flash. You could also bring in a silent generator with you, but you’ll have to turn it off between the specified times unless you need to power medical equipment, in which case, an exception can be made.
Health & Safety
Remember to carry an insect repellant cream and sunscreen with you as you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Remember to keep a bottle of water handy with you at all times regardless of the season. In the early months of the event, you may need to keep an eye out for small patches of ice in some places.
Where to eat
Cooking
Guests must remember the RV camping rules during their stay. The festival does not permit lighting in-ground fires. Guests can only light fires in the designated fire pits that are raised above the level of the ground and with a mesh screen covering in place. Remember to keep flammable materials and tents away from the fire pit and keep a fire extinguisher handy. U.S. Forest Service notes how far firewood can travel in the area, but Sherwood encourages guests to select wood from the trees at the venue.
Restaurants
Dining options may be limited until you travel as far as Elgin or Bastrop, both about a 20-minute drive from the event site.
Vendors
Sherwood Forest Faire features a large number of vendors offering craft items, merchandise, clothing, gourmet food, and incredible beverages. It’s certainly a great idea to come with a hearty appetite to make the most of your time. You will find a fantastic variety of traditional delicacies, food from regions and lands afar, and unique beverages crafted especially for you by discerning chefs. The Sherwood Forest Faire marketplace presents more than 170 merchants and artisans each with their own unique offerings. Bring cash with you just in case, although ATMs are available in the faire grounds and most credit cards are accepted.
Safety
Security
Sherwood Forest Faire has a dedicated team of security personnel and volunteers who should be contacted in the event of any emergency. The festival does not tolerate any acts of violence or disruptive behavior inside the venue. Guests cannot bring outside food and drinks into some areas.
Weather
The event is held during the months of February, March, and April, which means you’ll have ample sunshine to enjoy. The event continues rain or shine, so it is best to pack for any weather and then enjoy it as it comes. If you attend during the start of the season, you may desire a winter hat and gloves, but as spring begins to shine, you may prefer an umbrella or sunhat.
Medical
Sherwood Forest Faire has a medical booth on the faire campus which provides basic first-aid. It is always best to take the help of faire volunteers in the event of any medical emergency as this is typically the fastest way to get medical help. It is also a great idea to carry your own first-aid box with basic medications. Pharmacy choices may be as close as Bastrop or Elgin with about a 20-minute drive if needed.
