Choose your camping style below. Your guide will be personalised — you'll only see what's relevant to you.
🏕️
In-Game Camping
You're sleeping on-site, and your tent and gear will be a visible part of the immersive Shire. Canvas tents, warm lanterns, and Hobbit-appropriate décor are part of the experience.
Most Popular
⛺
Out-of-Game Camping
You're sleeping on-site in a modern camping area, just outside the immersive zone. Any tent works — no aesthetic rules apply here.
🚗
Day Traveler
You're staying off-site — a hotel, rental, or home — and commuting to the festival each day. No camping setup needed.
🏕️
✦ Quickest Route to In-Game Camping
Want to skip the setup entirely? Rent a tent.
Arrive in costume, walk straight into The Shire. Your tent is pre-pitched, dressed, and ready before you get there — no canvas shopping, no assembly, no guesswork.
Pre-pitched before you arrive
Dressed to look fully In-Game
Bedding & lighting included
Meets all IG aesthetic rules
No tent sourcing or building required
Priority arrival window included
Not sure which to choose? In-Game is the most immersive option — you'll need a canvas-style tent, but it's magical. Out-of-Game is perfect if you want a simple, practical base. Day Travel is great if camping isn't your thing — you'll still be fully part of the world during the day.
🏕️ In-Game Camper
Step 2 of 8
Arriving at the Festival
Here's everything you need to know for the day you arrive — so you can walk through the gates without a hitch.
Before You Leave Home
Book your arrival window. All campers must choose a timed arrival slot through Camping Registration. Each window is capped at 300 arrivals to keep traffic moving. Early Arrival tickets are available to purchase separately. Full instructions will be sent by email by June 1st.
Priority windows go to: large groups requiring coordination, those with accessibility needs, and tent rental customers who need staff assistance.
When You Arrive: Step by Step
Check-In StationPull into a clearly marked lane. Show your ticket (digital or printed) and a valid photo ID. Fill out a parking card — this must stay visible on your dashboard for the entire event.
Get Your AssignmentYou'll be directed to your zone (In-Game or Out-of-Game). Staff will send you to a drop zone near your pitch. Lay a tarp down to stage your gear — within about 25–30 feet of your spot.
Unload Your CarUnload everything onto the tarp — tent, bins, décor, all of it. You cannot drive to your actual tent pitch. The furthest pitches are no more than 200 feet from the drop zone.
Move Your VehicleImmediately move your car to the main parking lot once unloaded. Parking is approx. 1km (0.6 miles) from camp. Shuttle options may be available during busy periods.
Set Up Camp!Return to your tarp and start building. A Camp Attendant can show you exactly where your pitch is. Help your neighbours — it's the Hobbit way.
💡 Pro tip: Practice setting up your tent at home before the event. Know how it works, how long it takes, and which bag everything lives in. A few minutes at home saves a lot of stress on the day.
Your First Day
Check In at the Main EntryOn your first day, check in just like campers do. Show your ticket, a valid photo ID, and fill out a parking card. This must stay visible on your dashboard every day.
Park in the Main LotDay travelers use the main parking area. It's approximately 1km (0.6 miles) from the event zone — build that walk into your plans each day.
Walk In & Enjoy!From day two onwards, park and walk straight in. No need to check in again — just make sure your parking card is on display and your costume is on.
Gate hours matter. Check the posted times for entry and exit — especially if you're arriving or leaving in the evening. Avoid slamming car doors near quiet zones, and don't drive into camping areas.
🏕️ In-Game Camper
Step 3 of 8
Your Tent & Space
What you need to know about your pitch, your tent, and how to set up your corner of The Shire.
Your space: 12ft × 12ft per person. Each registered camper gets a 12×12 foot pitch. Groups get combined space (e.g. 4 people = 48×12ft). Guy lines and décor must stay within your footprint — no spilling into paths or your neighbours' space. You cannot purchase extra space without registering additional campers.
🏕️ Have a tent rental? Your tent is already pitched, dressed, and ready before you arrive — skip the tent style and materials guidance below. The sections on lighting, cooking, and camp décor still apply to you.
In-Game Tent Requirements
Because your camp is part of the visible, immersive world, your tent needs to look like it could belong in Middle-earth. The golden rule: earth-toned fabrics, historical shapes, no visible modern materials.
✓ Approved Tent Styles
Bell tents (canvas or poly-cotton)
Wedge / A-frame tents
Wall tents
Scout / pup tents
Medieval pavilion tents
Vardo wagons (by approval only)
✕ Not Allowed in IG Areas
Bright nylon or polyester dome tents
Pop-up or instant cabin tents
Reflective surfaces or bright colours
Visible brand logos (must be covered)
Exposed metal poles (must be wrapped)
Materials matter: Your tent should be canvas, cotton, wool, or poly-cotton blend. Poly-cotton (65/35%) is ideal — lighter, more weather-resistant, and still looks the part. Polyester is not permitted in IG areas, even with decorative covering.
Inside Your Tent
If your tent is kept closed, you're free to use modern gear inside. If it will ever be open to view, visible furnishings should feel like they belong in The Shire.
Wooden crates, chests & wicker baskets
Canvas or burlap-covered bins
Bedrolls, quilts & wool blankets
Tin, enamel or ceramic dishware
Rugs, woven mats or sheepskins
Simple wooden stools or tables
Air mattresses (covered with blankets)
Personal touches: letters, maps, trinkets
Lighting Your Camp
All lighting must be warm-toned — think candlelight and oil lamps, not office lighting. No open flames inside tents — ever.
✓ Approved Lighting
LED lanterns with amber/yellow bulbs
Battery candles in tin or glass holders
Faux oil lamps with LED inserts
Mason jar lights with hidden LEDs
Warm string lights hidden in vines/fabric
✕ Not Approved
Cool-white / daylight LEDs (5000K+)
Any open flame inside a tent
Exposed LED strip lights
Visible power banks or cables
Glowing smartwatch screens (during IG hours)
Out-of-Game: Any Tent Works
There are no aesthetic requirements in the OOG area. Bring whatever tent you own — any colour, any brand, any style.
✓ All of These Are Welcome
Dome tents & backpacking tents
Pop-up and instant-cabin tents
Inflatable air-frame tents
Tunnel tents & family cabin tents
Bright colours, logos, reflective strips — all fine
Vans & pop-up campers (in designated vehicle area)
Still a few rules to follow: Your tent must fit within your 12×12ft per person space, including guy lines. Keep tent entrances facing inward where possible, and store gear neatly when not in use — your neighbours will appreciate it.
💡 Remember: Even from OOG camp, you can walk through In-Game areas fully in costume. Your tent just stays out of sight from the immersive zone.
Lighting in OOG Camp
Use headlamps, LED lanterns, and modern lighting freely. After dark, please keep lights warm-toned and non-intrusive as a courtesy to your neighbours.
🏕️ In-Game Camper
Step 4 of 8
Cooking & Food
Second breakfast is non-negotiable. Here's what you need to know about eating and cooking at the festival.
Communal cooking fires are dotted across the In-Game area — anyone is welcome to use them. Bring period-appropriate cookware and serve from IG-appropriate dishware to keep the immersion alive.
✓ Approved IG Cooking
Communal fires (open to all)
Small personal fire pits (approved areas only)
Cast iron cookware, tripods & spits
Clay, ceramic or enamel cookware
Concealed gas stoves (hidden from view)
✕ Not Allowed in IG Areas
Visible modern propane stoves
Bright plastic plates or cups
Paper plates or disposable cutlery
Branded travel mugs or tumblers
Any open flame inside a tent
Dishware in IG Areas
When you're out and about, use wooden, tin, enamel, ceramic, or pewter dishware. Save plastic for inside closed tents. Dishwashing stations are at the Sanitation Village — bring biodegradable soap, a sponge, and a towel.
In the OOG area, you can cook with whatever equipment you like — modern gear is fully permitted.
✓ Approved OOG Cooking Equipment
Propane camping stoves & butane burners
Electric hot plates or induction cookers
Charcoal or propane grills (tabletop or ground)
Jetboils and backpacking stoves
Coolers, ice chests & thermal bags
Plastic utensils, paper towels, cutting boards
No cooking setup needed on-site — but you're welcome to bring food and eat at the festival. You can also eat at communal areas and food vendor stalls.
Pack a Hobbit Day Pack 🧺
Since you won't have a base camp, pack everything you'll need each morning:
In-Game appropriate water bottle
Snacks or a packed lunch
A mug or cup
Light cloak or outer layer
Props or instruments
Battery pack or small light source
Small blanket or ground mat
Any in-character items or props
💡 A small woven basket, satchel, or character-themed bag keeps you in-theme while carrying your essentials.
Food Safety — Everyone Must Know This
🔥 Never cook inside your tent — not even in OOG. All flames must be on stable, non-flammable surfaces. Never leave a stove or fire unattended. Store all food in sealed containers overnight — unsealed food attracts wildlife.
🏕️ In-Game Camper
Step 5 of 8
Choosing Your Zone
The campsite is divided into three zones — each with its own vibe, noise level, and quiet hours. You'll pick yours in the Backer Survey.
🔥
Social Zone
Laughter, music, late nights, and storytelling around the fire. For performers, social Hobbits, and those who thrive in the thick of it.
Quiet from ~11:00 pm
🌙
Quiet Zone
For early risers, light sleepers, and anyone who needs a genuinely peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
Quiet from ~9:00 pm
👨👩👧
Family Zone
Friendly, safe, and relaxed — designed for families with children. Warmer than the Quiet Zone but calmer than Social.
Quiet from ~9:30 pm
Groups: Decide on a zone together before completing your Camping Registration. We'll do our best to honour all requests, but placement depends on availability. Unregistered last-minute group requests can't be accommodated.
💡 Free earplugs are available at the Sanitation Village. Please don't set phone or clock alarms — they break immersion and wake your neighbours. Zones apply to both In-Game and Out-of-Game camping areas.
You won't be assigned a camping zone, but it's worth knowing they exist. Be mindful of Quiet Zone areas when arriving or departing in the evening — no slamming car doors, and keep your voice down if walking near tents after dark.
🏕️ In-Game Camper
Step 6 of 8
Rules & Safety
A short list of things everyone needs to know — for the safety and enjoyment of the whole festival.
Please read this section carefully. These are requirements, not suggestions. They keep the site safe and the experience magical for everyone.
✓ Always Fine
Battery lighting (warm-toned)
Festival-approved prop weapons
Registered service animals
Sealed food in bins or coolers
Biodegradable soap at wash stations
Cameras before/after in-game hours
✕ Never Permitted
Open flames inside tents
Fireworks or pyrotechnics
Drones (without explicit written approval)
Cameras during in-game hours
Generators (unless cleared by staff)
Unregistered pets or animals
Real steel blades or projectile weapons
Bluetooth speakers during in-game hours
Toilets, Showers & Cleanliness
Portable restrooms are stationed throughout the site in both IG and OOG areas. They're cleaned and restocked daily, with handwashing stations nearby. ADA-accessible units are clearly marked. Shower trailers are also available — bring a towel, biodegradable soap, and flip-flops. Dishwashing stations are located at the Sanitation Village.
Waste & recycling: Bins are clearly marked across the site. Pack-in, pack-out as much as you can. If you break glass, clean it up and alert staff. No cigarette butts, bottle caps, or food scraps left on the ground — The Shire doesn't have trash goblins. (Hopefully.)
💡 Need help? The Info Tent is staffed throughout the event. Staff and volunteers are here to assist, not to police you. If you spot a problem, report it rather than ignoring it.
🏕️ In-Game Camper
Step 7 of 8
Your Packing List
Tick these off before you leave home. This list is tailored to your camping style.
Essentials — Everyone Needs These
Event ticket (digital or printed)
Valid government-issued photo ID
Full costume for warm days & cool nights
Rain gear or waterproof cloak
Water bottle or tank (1 gallon/person/day)
Sunscreen & bug spray
Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
Small first-aid kit
Toiletries & biodegradable soap
Power bank (charging is limited on-site)
Earplugs (also free at Sanitation Village)
Eating utensils, cup & bowl or plate
Camping Essentials
Tent & stakes (must fit your footprint)
Sleeping bag or blankets (nights get cold!)
Sleeping pad, cot, or air mattress
Pillow
Tarp or ground cover (for the drop zone)
Lantern or headlamp + batteries
Food & snacks (especially for dietary needs)
Trash bags
Towel for the shower trailer
Wash basin, dish towel & sponge
In-Game Extras
Canvas or poly-cotton tent (earth tones)
Warm amber LED lanterns (flicker mode if possible)
Period-appropriate dishware (tin, ceramic, wood)
Wooden crates or wicker baskets for storage
Rustic décor: bunting, rope, dried flowers
Fabric or burlap to cover modern bins
Cloak or robe for shower/sanitation visits
Biodegradable soap + sponge for dishwashing
OOG Camp Extras
Your modern tent (any type welcome)
Camping stove or portable grill
Cooler or insulated bag
LED lanterns or headlamps (any colour)
Folding chair & table
Storage totes for food and gear
Inflatable mattress or sleeping pad
Your Hobbit Day Pack
Character-themed bag or satchel
Packed lunch or snacks
Small blanket or ground mat
Extra outer layer or cloak
Props, instruments, or in-character items
Small battery pack & light source
💡 Packing tips: Label everything — especially in shared camps. Group items by function: cooking, bedding, costume, etc. And bring more socks than you think you'll need.
🌿
You're Ready for The Shire!
You've covered everything you need to know. The full details for every topic — including topics you may have skipped — are always available in the complete reference guide.
Still have questions? Check the FAQ or visit the Player Hub for your next steps. If you need to speak with someone in person, the Info Tent is staffed throughout the event. You can also reach us at Support@Burgschneider.com.
