St. Louis Renaissance Festival

On-site camping and overnight parking are not allowed at the St. Louis Ren Fest. Book a spot at one of the other RV parks or campgrounds in the area in advance.

Rotary Park provides ample free parking for festival-goers, though RV-specific accommodation requires thoughtful planning since overnight camping isn't available on-site.

Day Parking at Rotary Park

Free car and RV day parking is available at Rotary Park during festival hours, with attendants directing traffic to appropriate spots based on vehicle size. Larger motorhomes and trailers should arrive early (within an hour of opening) to secure spaces accommodating bigger rigs. The park's wide gravel and grass lots handle most RV sizes, though extremely long combinations (over 40 feet) benefit from weekday reconnaissance or early Sunday arrival when crowds thin.

Parking Guidelines:

• Free admission to parking lots
• Attendants direct traffic flow
• RVs are accommodated in designated large-vehicle areas
• No overnight parking permitted
• Accessible parking is available near the entrance
• Gates open approximately 9:30 am (30 minutes before the festival)
• Parking lots close 30 minutes after the festival closes

Other Nearby RV Campgrounds for Overnight Stays

Since Rotary Park doesn't permit overnight RV camping, several excellent campgrounds provide comfortable accommodations within 20-45 minutes of the festival.

Cuivre River State Park Campground sits just 20 miles north of Wentzville near Troy, offering Missouri's finest balance of natural beauty and convenient festival access. This rustic 6,400-acre park features over 100 campsites with options ranging from primitive sites to full hookups (electric, water, sewer), modern shower facilities, laundry services, and a dump station. Lake Lincoln provides 55 acres of swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities, while 45 miles of hiking trails wind through diverse terrain from grasslands to limestone bluffs. The campground's proximity to Wentzville makes it perfect for morning departures to Renaissance Festival weekends, with campsites accommodating RVs up to 65 feet. Reservations strongly recommended for September-October weekends.

St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 KOA provides premium amenities 30 miles southeast of Wentzville, perfectly positioned for festival-goers wanting full-service comforts. This family-friendly KOA features pull-through and back-in sites up to 90 feet with full hookups supporting 50-amp service, a heated swimming pool, gem panning at Old Fox Creek Mining Company, hayrides, Kamp K9 dog park, and premium sites with patios, fire pits, and gas grills. Wi-Fi and cable TV keep you connected, while the campground's location along I-44 provides easy access to both Rotary Park (35 minutes) and St. Louis attractions like the Gateway Arch. The KOA's extensive on-site activities make it ideal for families spending multiple nights during festival season.

St. Louis N.E. / I-270 / Granite City KOA (Illinois side) offers another excellent option about 50 miles southeast across the Mississippi River, providing full hookups with 50-amp service, sites accommodating RVs up to 70 feet, and easy festival access via I-70 westbound. This location works especially well for visitors combining Renaissance Festival weekends with St. Louis city attractions, as it sits just 12 miles from downtown's museums and Gateway Arch.

You’ll need to get around on foot throughout the St. Louis Renaissance Festival. The fair takes place outdoors in an area with natural, wooded terrain. Although there are several wheelchair-accessible pathways, some parts of the park can be challenging to navigate. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed. Strollers are a good idea if you’re with young children.

Getting Around Wentzville

Once parked at Rotary Park, the festival grounds are entirely walkable, with all attractions, stages, vendors, and facilities within the contained 72-acre area. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating grass, gravel, and occasional muddy paths during wet weather. Wheelchair-accessible pathways exist, though some areas prove challenging after rain when the grass turns muddy.

The St. Louis Renaissance Festival embraces costume culture, with many visitors donning period attire ranging from elaborate royal garments to simple peasant wear. Costume rental is available on-site for those wanting medieval flair without packing challenges, though many dedicated Renaissance enthusiasts arrive in full regalia.

Costume Guidelines:

• Full face masks are prohibited for safety
• Weapons must be peace-tied or left secured in the RV
• Family-friendly attire required
• Consider comfort for all-day wear
• Bring street clothes for weather changes

Weather-Appropriate Layers: Missouri's September-October weather varies dramatically—morning temperatures may start around 50-60°F and climb to 75-85°F by afternoon, while evening campsite hangouts can drop back to sweater weather. Pack layers including:

• Lightweight base layers for warm afternoons
• Long sleeves or light jacket for cool mornings/evenings
• Rain gear or poncho (autumn showers arrive suddenly)
• Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes (grass and gravel paths)
• Sun hat or medieval headwear for daytime protection
• Warmer evening wear for campfire relaxation

Permitted Items:

• One sealed water bottle per person (refill stations available)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Small backpack or shoulder bag (subject to inspection)
• Still cameras (no professional equipment or video cameras)
• Blankets for sitting during performances
• Cash for vendors (ATMs available but lines are lengthy)

Prohibited Items:

• Coolers, lawn chairs, or tents
• Outside food and beverages
• Pets (except service animals)
• Weapons (costume weapons must be peace-tied)
• Large bags or backpacks

RV Supplies and Camping Necessities

Stock your RV for comfortable festival weekends and Missouri campground stays:

• Groceries and snacks for campsite meals
• Propane for cooking and heating
• Extra ice and coolers
• Campfire cooking supplies (check campground fire restrictions)
• Board games and cards for evening entertainment
• Bike helmets if exploring campground trails
• Fishing gear for Lake Lincoln (Cuivre River)
• Hiking boots for trail exploration

Missouri's autumn climate demands sun protection despite comfortable temperatures:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply frequently)
• Insect repellent for wooded campgrounds
• Comprehensive first-aid kit
• Blister prevention for costume footwear
• Antihistamines for unexpected allergies
• Personal medications plus extras
• Hydration supplies (drink more than you think necessary)

RV kitchens and campground facilities let you prepare your own meals, significantly reducing festival weekend costs. Stock up on easy favorites before leaving major cities—breakfast burritos, sandwiches for quick lunches, pasta salads, and grilling favorites for campfire dinners. Cuivre River State Park and KOA campgrounds permit charcoal and gas grills (check current fire restrictions), while picnic tables and fire rings facilitate outdoor cooking experiences.

Local Wentzville and St. Charles Dining

Wentzville's proximity to historic St. Charles (15 minutes southeast) opens excellent dining opportunities. St. Charles' Main Street features dozens of restaurants ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining, many occupying restored 19th-century buildings along the Missouri River.

For pre-festival meals, consider Wentzville's local favorites offering everything from classic American fare to authentic Mexican cuisine. Chain restaurants cluster near I-70 exits for convenient, quick meals, while St. Charles rewards adventurous diners with unique local establishments serving German, Italian, and contemporary American cuisine.

St. Louis Culinary Scene

Festival weekends combining Gateway City exploration reveal St. Louis' remarkable food culture—legendary BBQ (try Pappy's Smokehouse or Bogart's), iconic thin-crust St. Louis-style pizza, toasted ravioli (a St. Louis invention), and gooey butter cake for dessert. The Hill neighborhood offers authentic Italian-American cuisine, while food trucks throughout the city provide quick, delicious meals perfect for RV travelers.

The Renaissance Festival showcases diverse culinary offerings blending authentic period fare with beloved festival favorites. Roasted turkey legs remain the iconic choice, served massive and freshly carved, while shepherd's pies, steak on a stake, fresh-baked bread bowls filled with hearty stews, and scotch eggs satisfy medieval appetites.

Sweet treats include funnel cakes, fried Oreos, candied nuts, and kettle corn, while beverage options range from traditional English ales and meads to modern sodas and lemonade. Food prices typically run $8-15 for entrees, $5-8 for snacks, and $4-6 for beverages. Most vendors accept both cash and cards, though having small bills speeds transactions during peak lunch hours.