Tennessee Renaissance Festival

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival, held on the grounds of privately-owned Castle Gwynn, does not offer onsite camping facilities. Day parking for RVs is permitted during festival hours, but you'll need to secure overnight accommodations at one of the many excellent campgrounds within 20-40 minutes of Arrington.

Central Tennessee welcomes RVers with open arms, offering exceptional camping options that put you within easy reach of the Renaissance festival while providing modern amenities and natural beauty.

Two Rivers Campground (about 30 minutes northeast in Nashville) is a friendly, full-service RV park with a concierge desk for booking attractions and dinner reservations. The campground features full and partial hookups, a swimming pool, playground, camp store with groceries and propane, hot showers, and seasonal on-site entertainment. They even offer a shuttle service to downtown Nashville, perfect for combining festival weekends with Music City exploration.

Nashville KOA (about 35 minutes north) accommodates big rigs up to 102 feet with full hookups and 30 or 50 amp service. Located less than 3 miles from the Grand Ole Opry, this upscale campground features complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV, a swimming pool and hot tub, sports courts, bocce, a children's playground, and a Kamp K9 off-leash dog park. The on-site Notes Cafe serves coffee and meals, while the concierge arranges tours and Grand Ole Opry tickets.

Nashville North KOA (about 40 minutes northeast in Goodlettsville) is an award-winning campground offering daily shuttles to downtown Nashville. Open year-round with sites up to 90 feet, the campground features full hookups, free Wi-Fi and cable TV, a well-stocked general store, swimming pool (late May-early October), playground, shuffleboard, and dog park. Thursday evenings bring food trucks and live country music to their outdoor pavilion.

Nashville East / Lebanon KOA (about 45 minutes northeast) sits in beautiful countryside 30 minutes from Music City. Pull-through sites accommodate rigs up to 90 feet with full hookups and 30/50 amp service. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a swimming pool (late May-September), a basketball court, horseshoes, and an off-leash dog park.

Anderson Road Campground (about 35 minutes east) provides a lakeside oasis on J. Percy Priest Lake with nearly 40 campsites. The temperate climate and long recreation season support fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground offers a swimming beach and lakeside fitness trail, making it perfect for active families.

Dad's Bluegrass Campground (about 45 minutes north in Franklin, Kentucky) sits just 5 minutes from downtown Franklin, KY, and offers spacious pull-through sites with 30 or 50 amp service. The campground features fire rings, hot showers, a swimming pool, a children's playground, horseshoes, a basketball court, a fishing pond, and a coin-operated laundry.

For additional options, explore campgrounds in Franklin, Nashville, Lebanon, and Columbia, all offering various amenities and proximity to both the festival and Tennessee attractions.

You'll spend most of your day on your feet exploring the 32-acre festival grounds, so comfortable, supportive footwear is essential. The terrain includes both paved and natural surfaces that can become muddy if it rains, especially in wooded areas.

Strollers are welcome and recommended for families with young children, though be prepared for some uneven terrain in certain sections. Wagons can make carrying festival purchases and gear easier throughout the day.

The festival provides wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout most of the grounds. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available—contact the festival in advance to arrange accessibility services and ensure a comfortable visit.

Embrace the Renaissance spirit by dressing in period costume—many festival-goers go all out with elaborate medieval attire. The festival atmosphere encourages creativity, and you'll find yourself in good company among knights, nobles, peasants, and fantasy characters. If you don't own costume pieces, don't worry; vendors at the festival sell authentic Renaissance clothing, accessories, and armor that make perfect souvenirs.

Comfortable modern clothing works perfectly fine, too. May weather in Tennessee typically brings pleasant temperatures (70-85°F during the day), but be prepared for variability. Layer lightweight clothing that you can adjust as temperatures change throughout the day. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are crucial—you'll cover miles of walking on varied terrain.

Costumed weapons like swords and daggers are permitted if they're sheathed and peace-tied according to festival regulations. Real weapons, including working firearms and functional blades, are strictly prohibited. Security conducts bag checks at entrances and will inspect costume weaponry.

Carry a valid photo ID along with your festival tickets (printed or digital). Essential items include sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Free water refill stations are typically available, helping you stay hydrated without purchasing bottled water.

A small backpack or shoulder bag makes it easy to carry purchases and personal items—just be prepared for bag checks at the entrance. Cash comes in handy as some smaller vendors don't accept cards, though ATMs are available on-site. A portable phone charger ensures your camera stays powered for capturing memories with the castle backdrop.

May in Tennessee brings warm, sunny days that require sun protection. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen liberally and reapply throughout the day, especially if you're spending time in open areas for jousting tournaments or performances. Bug spray can be helpful for wooded sections of the festival grounds.

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes prevent blisters and provide ankle support on uneven terrain. If you have mobility concerns, contact the festival in advance about accessibility services and pathways.

For safety, keep your group together in crowds and establish meeting points if anyone gets separated. Emergency services and first aid stations are available—festival staff can provide directions or radio for assistance. Festival security patrols the grounds during operating hours.

Most campgrounds in the Nashville area allow portable grills and camp stoves, though open campfires may be restricted depending on current drought conditions. Check with your campground about fire regulations before planning outdoor cooking.

Your RV's kitchen makes meal prep easy and budget-friendly. Several grocery stores, including Kroger, Walmart, and Publix, are located in Franklin and south Nashville along your route to the festival. Stock up on supplies for breakfasts and dinners at camp, saving your appetite and budget for festival food during the day.

Arrington itself is a small community with limited dining, but nearby Franklin (20 minutes) is a culinary destination. Franklin's charming downtown square offers everything from quick casual spots to upscale farm-to-table dining. Nashville (35 minutes) provides world-class restaurants representing virtually every cuisine imaginable, from hot chicken and barbecue to international fine dining.

Both Franklin and Nashville have numerous RV-friendly restaurant parking lots and suburban locations along major routes. Many campgrounds can provide dining recommendations and directions to RV-accessible eateries.

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival offers hearty, flavorful food that transports you to medieval times. Don't miss the iconic roasted turkey legs—massive, juicy, and perfect for eating while wandering the grounds. Shepherd's pies, Scotch eggs, bread bowls filled with stew, fresh-baked pretzels, and kettle corn satisfy every craving.

Savory options like sausages, meat pies, and fire-roasted corn complement sweet treats, including funnel cakes, candied nuts, and fruit tarts. For guests 21 and older, authentic English ales, meads, and wines are available alongside soft drinks, lemonade, and specialty beverages.

Vegetarian options are typically available at select vendors, though selection may be more limited than at home. Prices reflect festival standards, so budget accordingly. Eating a substantial breakfast at your RV before arriving helps stretch your festival food budget.