The Fields of New Market Campground

The Fields of New Market Campground stands as a distinctive and expansive destination within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience in Todd Mission, Texas. Spanning 230 acres of picturesque meadowland, this campground is uniquely positioned adjacent to the renowned Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF), making it an integral part of the immersive festival experience. It caters to a wide spectrum of campers, from those seeking traditional tent camping to RV and trailer enthusiasts, and even those desiring the comforts of "glamping."

The environment of The Fields of New Market Campground is characterized by its vast, open meadow setting. Unlike traditional campgrounds with predefined, numbered sites, this facility operates on a "dispersed camping" model. This means that campers have the freedom to set up their tent, park their RV, or trailer anywhere within the 230 acres, provided they maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from roadways. This expansive and flexible layout allows for a sense of freedom and offers campers the opportunity to choose their preferred spot, whether they desire a secluded corner or wish to be closer to the central activities.

The landscape, predominantly a large, open field, provides ample space for various camping setups. While it lacks dense forest cover, the open skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities, especially away from the main festival lights. The atmosphere transforms significantly from daytime tranquility to a vibrant, often lively, communal experience during festival weekends, particularly in designated "revel" areas where music and socializing continue into the night. For those seeking a quieter experience, a dedicated "Family Camping Area" is provided, offering a more serene environment away from the late-night festivities. The overall environment encourages community and shared outdoor enjoyment, with bonfires being a central element of the evening atmosphere, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

As a functional campground within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, The Fields of New Market provides a range of essential services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for its guests. Key services include:

• Restroom Facilities: The campground offers both permanent restroom facilities and portable toilets distributed throughout the grounds. While portable toilets are periodically serviced, the permanent facilities are typically better maintained.
• Shower Services: "The Royal Bath House" is available for campers, offering showers. Access to showers typically requires purchasing tokens, for example, $5 for an 8-minute shower, and the facility is fully attended and operational from 6 am to 10 pm.
• Convenience Stores: There are convenience stores located at the campground's entrance and near the main bonfire area. These stores stock essential items such as drinks, ice, firewood, and other camping necessities, proving invaluable for campers.
• Dump Station: For RV and trailer campers, a dump station is available for a fee, typically $25 for one-time use, ensuring proper waste disposal.
• Shuttle Service: Given the proximity to the Texas Renaissance Festival, a shuttle service is available to transport campers to and from the festival grounds. This service typically runs from 8 am to 10 pm, with various pricing tiers depending on the service level (e.g., standard vs. VIP/after-hours).
• Security: The campground benefits from 24-hour security, providing a safer environment for campers.
• Food Trucks and Vendors: During festival weekends, various food trucks and vendors are present within the campground, offering convenient access to food and beverages.
• Electricity: While the primary camping is dispersed and unserviced, specific rental options like cabins and RV pads include electricity, heat, and AC.

It's important to note that while there are amenities, the dispersed camping nature means some services are more centralized, and campers should be prepared for a more rustic experience than a typical RV park with individual hookups at every site.

The Fields of New Market Campground distinguishes itself within the Campgrounds & RV Parks sector through its unique blend of accommodation types and its integration with the vibrant Texas Renaissance Festival. Its features include:

• Dispersed Camping: This is the primary offering, allowing campers to bring their own tents, RVs, or trailers and choose their spot within the 230 acres. This flexibility is a significant draw for many.
• Glamping Tents: For those who desire more comfort without the hassle of setting up a tent, TRF Stargazing Glamping Tents are available for rent. These often include comfortable beds, linens, and provide a more luxurious camping experience.
• Cabins and RV Pads: The campground offers various rental cabins, including Deluxe, Large, Small Bunk, and Large Bunk Cabins, which come equipped with amenities like private bathrooms, AC/Heat, beds, and linens. Additionally, dedicated RV slots are available for rent, providing a more structured camping experience for RVers.
• Communal Bonfires: A central feature of the campground's social scene are the large bonfires that light up at dusk on Friday and Saturday nights. These serve as gathering points for revelry, live music, performances, and socializing.
• Apprentice Gazebo: This serves as an activity hub, particularly for family-friendly events and crafts during the festival weekends, providing entertainment for younger patrons.
• Proximity to Texas Renaissance Festival: The most significant feature is its direct adjacency to the Texas Renaissance Festival. Campers are within walking distance of the festival grounds, allowing for easy access to a full day of entertainment, including hundreds of shoppes, shows, rides, jousting tournaments, and themed weekends. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere without the need for long commutes.
• Designated Camping Areas: To cater to different preferences, the campground offers both "Revel Camping" areas, known for their lively late-night atmosphere, and "Family Camping" areas, designed for a quieter experience suitable for families with children.

The Fields of New Market Campground's operations are closely tied to the schedule of the Texas Renaissance Festival. The campground is typically open for nine weekends throughout October and November, aligning with the festival dates. This includes extended hours during Thanksgiving weekend, opening from Wednesday morning until Monday morning.

To enter the campground, a camping pass and a festival admission ticket are both required. These can be purchased online via the TRF website or at the campground entrance gate. Pricing for camping passes can vary, sometimes offered as a flat fee per vehicle. For those booking TRF rental accommodations (like glamping tents or cabins), camping passes for a specified number of people are often included, though festival tickets must still be purchased separately. Season pass holders for camping may have the privilege of roping off areas and leaving their campsite set up for the entire season.

Promotional packages, such as the "Stay & Play" package, are often available. These bundles typically include both festival admission for the weekend and a weekend camping pass (e.g., from Thursday noon to Monday noon), along with access to special campground events. Themed weekends at the Texas Renaissance Festival, such as Oktoberfest, 1001 Dreams, Pirate Adventure, and Celtic Christmas, directly influence the atmosphere and activities at the campground, adding another layer of promotional appeal. Campers are encouraged to check the official TRF website for the most current information on pricing, reservation procedures, and availability, as some rental options may be limited and book out quickly. The convenience of being able to stroll back to camp after a full day of festival fun, particularly after the spectacular fireworks display, is a major selling point.