Camping at Excalibur

PRICE: $7.00/person/weekend

DESCRIPTION: Primitive camping is available on site at Excalibur for faire patrons only. Campers are required to show proof of Admission ticket purchase to the faire at check-in, or will be required to purchase faire admission tickets along with their camping pass. The campgrounds at the new Excalibur are much larger than at the old site. There are hundreds of large White Oaks, Cedar, Mexican plums, and Elms spread over the four-acre campgrounds. Unlike the old site, the campgrounds are mostly flat and there is a wet weather creek that runs through the forest. These grounds have been completely untouched by man since the Comanche once roamed these areas.

There will be portolet facilities in the campgrounds. RV camping will be permitted on a limited basis, and are required to remain in the area designated for RV camping. There are no hookups for RV's at this time. Our primitive camp grounds are Dragon-free (no generators).

CLEARING: Though there are many areas of the campgrounds that don't need much clearing to be made ready for camping, some of Excalibur's traditional Ren campers have already been clearing brush from their chosen camp sites. Please be aware that Excalibur has established a set of rules for clearing. These rules must be followed or your camping permit will be suspended and you will be required to leave.

RULES FOR CLEARING: You are allowed to cut and clear brush, brambles, cactus, and dead trees or limbs. It is not permitted to cut large, live trees of any kind. This includes all of the Cedar and small Live Oaks. Live Oaks are not plentiful here and we want to retain them. Small Elms (fingerlings) can be cut to make camping space for yourself. Use common sense and remember, we're trying to keep Excalibur camping fun, safe, and as natural as possible.

HAZARDOUS ITEMS: Please be aware that the forest is wild and harbors wild critters, some of which are poisonous. There are copperhead snakes and rattlesnakes on the property, and also scorpions. Be safety conscious! Don't go barefooted, wear boots. Wear gloves while working in brushy areas, and use tools to clear instead of hands. Keep tents zipped, and check bedding before you go to sleep. Once people start populating the grounds any snakes will likely go away, but the closest trauma center with anti-venom is Brackenridge Hospital in Austin. Be very alert and cautious while you're clearing your campsite. In some areas you will find Prickly Pear cactus, jumping cactus (Choya), Mesquite, and what we affectionately call Death Trees (a.k.a. Honey Locust). You are permitted to remove these at will, except for larger Mesquite. The fates of the large Mesquites are to be left to the owners of Excalibur. Be very careful when removing these prickly, sharp plants. Wear protective gear while clearing such as gloves, boots, hats, long sleeved shirts, and eye protection.

THE FUTURE: Excalibur plans in the future to install showers as well as permanent bathrooms. A large communal Fire Pit will be dug in the 'grande center' of the cleared area of the grounds. There will be a PX convenience store that will carry basic necessities. Cable TV will also be run to each tent. OK, just kidding about the cable. However, we are considering making the grounds a hot spot. But really, you should leave that nasty old techno stuff at home. This is about 'getting away from it all'.