[Ansteorra] Re: [Steppes] Warlord Site Possibilities?

[padraig_ruad at irishbard.com]

As an autocrat, I have had opportunity and reason to seek out camping sites for events within a 100-mile radius of Fort Worth, and I can tell you that they are few and far between.

Sokol Halls, VFWs and the like are wonderful venues for one day events, but generally not at all suited to two-to-four day camping events.

State parks don't work well for an SCA weekend event, as they have restrictions on alcohol, noise after 10pm, and many lock their gates after dark, allowing patrons to go in or out only in emergencies.  Many privately owned campgrounds have the same or similar restrictions.  Others view our activities as "strange" and want nothing to do with us.

Of the remaining campgrounds that I have investigated, many had no shade available, being nothing but open fields; some of these, and others as well, had no amenities, not even running water.  A good number of them are set up primarily for RVs and trailers, and so are unsuitable for tent camping.  A large percentage are reluctant to open their grounds to groups of over 100, effectively eliminating all but the smallest camping events.  Misunderstandings, faux pas' and sometimes outright disregard for the property owners and their requirements has also cost our local groups several camping areas over the years.

The only somewhat local (for the groups in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex)camping areas that I am currently aware of that come anywhere close to meeting the needs of an SCA weekend event are Canton, Broken O in Glen Rose, and Tanglewood in Corsicana.  All of these have their disadvantages, but are certainly better than nothing.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I felt it was necessary to point out that finding an alternative to Canton is not as easy as it sounds.  I encourage everyone to look for and to pass along information on any camping areas that might prove suitable.  Keep on making suggestions, Vix; every possibility needs to be investigated.

In Service,
Padraig Ruad O'Maolagain

> Perhaps if Steppes wants to move Warlord to another site then why not try one
> of the various Sokol Halls??  I remember that Steppes that held an Steppes
> Artisan at the Sokol Hall in Ennis..  Maybe there is a Sokol Hall that is
> closer to Dallas and has the amenities that Steppes needs to host Warlord?
> Also there are a large number of parks, VFW (if you have a vet who can help
> with that), and rec centers in the DFW area?
>
> Just some thoughts,
>
> Isolda von Rugen
> aka vix