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SkyFlyr
01-22-2012, 11:08 AM
Hello!

I am hoping to attend AirVenture 2012 -- it will be my first time. I am considering camping on-site. If I fly commercial to WI from Upstate NY, are shuttles available from any airports nearby to the event, or do I need to rent a car. Can anyone comment on what part of the campground to try and stay in? I would be attending by myself in a small tent (or if I drive, a mid-sized SUV). I am very low key and for personal reasons, prefer not to be around alcohol. I have read stories on this forum and others that make me think that there are certain areas to stay away from if you choose to not take part in that type of festivity. The scale of the event seems nearly overwhelming in terms of understanding what to do and how to plan, so I thought I'd ask here for some advice from those that have experience with the event. Also, if it turns out that I can not attend the entire event, is it better to attend at the beginning and leave in the middle, or arrive in the middle and stay to the end (it terms of ease of access to camping and the event itself)? Thank you all for any advice you can provide. I've always wanted to attend this great event, and it looks like I may finally have he opportunity to do so.

Chris In Marshfield
01-22-2012, 11:29 AM
Welcome to Oshkosh!

On-site camping is great, and for tent campers, is generally at Camp Scholler. I've camped there for a number of years, and while it gets crowded, it's quite civil. :cool: There will always be one or two knuckleheads out there, but that's pretty much everywhere. I believe that there may be a shuttle (not free, though) from Appleton, which is the closest regional airport to Oshkosh. But if you prefer the freedom of coming and going as you please, then a vehicle might be nice. Note that this is a big show, so you might want to get your car reservations in early, if that's your plan!

Camp Scholler is huge, and it can get crowded. I have the luxury of living close by, so I go and set up camp a week ahead of time. The closer to the Saturday-before-the-show you arrive, the harder it's going to be to get a camping spot close in. But there are plenty of buses and what-not that run through the grounds, so no worries getting to where you want to go while you're there.

All in all, a majority of the folks are *very* respectful of the grounds and the people around them, so I don't think you have much to worry about there. If you prefer to be in quiet areas, try to stay away from the 24-hour generator areas of the campground. There are also full-time pet areas as well, so you may choose to stay away from those as well. Here's a map that might help you plan for some of those things:

http://www.airventure.org/planning/av11_schollermap.pdf

(http://www.airventure.org/planning/av11_schollermap.pdf)Once again, welcome to Oshkosh!

Best regards,
Chris

martymayes
01-22-2012, 12:06 PM
There is a bus service during airventure from the KATW airport to the EAA bus park. The fare is ~$13 one way (cash only). You should be able to obtain a schedule prior to leaving your house for planing puposes.

My advice is come early and stay late. There's benefits to being there early and there's benefits to staying late. If I had to choose, I'd probably favor coming midway and leaving at the end.

Don't worry about being by yourself. You'll like it. A few years ago we had a camper from MN next to us who travelled by himself and camped in a small tent. We visited with him every day and fed him our campground treat that I whipped up, Louisiana style jambalaya - he liked it. Not much high level partying out where we stay in Scholler.

geraldvg
01-22-2012, 01:21 PM
Just a couple of considerations to add. My son and I attended AirVenture 2011, staying in a small RV (first time back since Oshkosh 20+ years ago). I'd suggest you be more concerned with finding a site that will he as high and dry as possible when (not if) it rains and that your site be somewhere close to a bath house and shuttle bus pick-up than with rowdy campers. Close to the roads, you will have traffic (and the accompanying dust) plus street lights. The lights may or may not be to your liking. If you are not an experienced tent camper, you may want to get as much advice as you can from someone who knows the ropes (no pun intended) ;).

malexander
01-23-2012, 04:47 AM
We've stayed at Sleepy Hollow Farm for the past 12 years. It's 1/2 mile west of the main gate & the owners are the greatest.

Marshall Alexander

SkyFlyr
01-23-2012, 05:39 PM
Thank you all for the very valuable advice! I have looked into the dorm room option and it looks like most are already sold out for 2012. After checking out airfare from my location to the event, it looks like it may be more economical to drive -- that way I would have my car to get around town if needed as well. I have a mid-sized SUV that I would probably just sleep in if the weather got real nasty. I am an experienced tent camper, so I would bring that too for the nice weather nights. If I were to drive and camp, is it easy to get in and out if I needed to go "into town"? Or is it the kind of situation that once you're in you're in? I see that there is a grocery store and such, but if I do bring the car, figured maybe I would hit town for a meal or laundry if needed. I'll have to check out Sleepy Hollow Farm as well... sounds like a nice place.

Thanks again for the info!

turtle
01-23-2012, 05:55 PM
If you have to limit your stay I think it is better to arrive early and leave in the middle. Last time I was there quite a few vendors were packing up by thursday afternoon. More camping spots as well. I also found the generator/pet area to be the least busy and almost party free. Mostly older folk in their expensive RV's. The "downside" of being away from the party people is that it's usually a further walk to the gate. And by walk, I really mean hike. We brought a scooter to shuttle us back and forth. If you drive, maybe bring a bicycle. Don't worry about the alcohol. It's nothing like a rowdy public park or KOA. Anywhere you go you'll feel safe. Well, except at the vendors. Those guys are experts at separating me from my cash.

We broke the day into a few shifts. Morning to go looking around outside, afternoon in the buildings, early evening for vintage or seaplane base, then the Fly-In Theater. Don't overdo it. It's easy to become exhausted and turn it from fun to work. Leave the last day open so you can return to places you liked or missed due to weather.

Auburntsts
01-23-2012, 09:24 PM
Yes it is easy to get in and out if you drive. We typically hit the Wal-Mart and/or Target for supplies (mostly food & ice) so we don't have to bring as much with us on the trip. We also go to the laundry-mat (even though there's a laundry service in Camp Scholler) just to get away from camp for awhile. We'll also go out to eat a few times (I like Kodiak Jacks over by the Wal-Mart). There are some peak traffic times to deal with, inbound in the mornings and outbound in the afternoons, but it's quite managable.

We camped this past year in the 101 Woods and loved the location. We had bikes so we rode to them to the show and to the showers/camp store. We were also only a few hundred yards from the SOS Bros tent so we spent a few evenings over there filling up on beer and brats and listening to the band. I understand that's not your thing and only bring it up to say that even though that was going on it wasn't noticable at all at our camp site. Yes there are pockets of "partiers", but they tend to be easily identifiable. IMO you will never find a nicer atmosphere which is amazing consider the sheer number of campers -- 35000+.

malexander
01-24-2012, 04:21 AM
I'll second what Todd said.
Sleepy Hollow is directly across the street from the SOS tent. It's pretty loud in the evenings, say, 8:30 til midnight. There must be a curfew because at 11 or 12, it seems like they just "pull the plug" and the noise is immediately.....not there anymore.
I think OSH is probably one of the safest places to go and take kids. We've been going since my daughters were preteens. They would walk solo from the campground, up to the main grounds to meet up with my wife, or me and never feel threatened or scared. It's altogether a different mentality of people there.

Marshall Alexander

rawheels
01-24-2012, 11:35 AM
is it better to attend at the beginning and leave in the middle, or arrive in the middle and stay to the end (it terms of ease of access to camping and the event itself)?

There is usually an exodus around Wednesday of the people who came the first weekend and need to go home. Then Wed & Thursday the spots all get filled back up with the arrivals for the second weekend.

I would come to the first weekend if you really like the opening band, really want to be there for the big announcements, or you see some tribute/event that you really want to be a part of. Otherwise, I would recommend the second half for a first-timer. If you are looking for a very specific item to purchase, then you might miss out, but 99% of the vendors & aircraft manufacturers will be there throughout the week. More importantly, you'll get more days at the actual show (since it starts on the Monday), you'll get to see the night air show, and you don't really need the first weekend to find all of your friends that you've met in previous years (that will be for next year).

longway
01-26-2012, 02:51 AM
Really very interesting discussion. I like it.

steveinindy
01-26-2012, 03:00 AM
I'll second what Todd said.
Sleepy Hollow is directly across the street from the SOS tent. It's pretty loud in the evenings, say, 8:30 til midnight. There must be a curfew because at 11 or 12, it seems like they just "pull the plug" and the noise is immediately.....not there anymore.
I think OSH is probably one of the safest places to go and take kids. We've been going since my daughters were preteens. They would walk solo from the campground, up to the main grounds to meet up with my wife, or me and never feel threatened or scared. It's altogether a different mentality of people there.

Marshall Alexander

I'll agree with that. I mean, the worst I've seen or heard about were a few cases of people who got too drunk and were being loud and obnoxious and a couple cases of non-injury DUI over the years (one was the Patty Wagstaff incident and another was some redneck over in that little WWII reenactors camp who was riding around on an old olive drab Harley).

Other than that, it's a very peaceful and friendly event. It's the only major event where I've seen people pull together to help folks that were stranded by mechanical issues or their intended ride home flaking on them.

It's

Mike M
01-26-2012, 05:20 AM
I am considering camping on-site. If I fly commercial to WI from Upstate NY, are shuttles available from any airports nearby to the event, or do I need to rent a car. Can anyone comment on what part of the campground to try and stay in? I would be attending by myself in a small tent (or if I drive, a mid-sized SUV).

boy, that triggered memories. one year i flew my AA5 by myself after a buddy's wife realized he wasn't going on a business trip. another year my family and i stayed in the dorm. one solo trip by commercial air, camping. another by MustangII, camping.

ok, to your questions. commercial air directly to KOSH, packed camping gear in seabag, picked up luggage and left the terminal walking west, stopped at first airplane camp/parking area and set up. satisfactory. with the AA5 i took my bicycle in the back, tent by plane on arrival. very satisfactory. with MII no bike, tent by plane, OK. drive car, family in dorm, unsatisfactory - but not because of dorm.

trips by commercial air and by MII i never left the airfield, no problem finding stuff to do, eat, people to talk to. with the bike i was able to explore town easily. staying in dorm was PITA because of conflicting family requirements, too much time lost in transportation.

your later post hints you plan to drive POV and camp. fine idea. take a bike. wear a name tag. volunteer for stuff, and you won't have any need to leave the airfield.

your mileage may vary.

steve
01-26-2012, 07:17 PM
So, Sleepy Hollow is that area on the Airventure map labeled as "Private Residences" between Camp Scholler and the Museum and immediately behind the big inflatable movie screen. All these years I thought that campground was miles away from the airport. I'd get a parking pass to the Red Lot and setup camp in the adjacent North 40, with permission from a friendly airplane owner of course.
http://www.airventure.org/images/av11_visitormap.jpg

(http://www.airventure.org/images/av11_visitormap.jpg)

*wingsOhio
01-26-2012, 08:29 PM
Dear SkyFlyr:

I hope that you do attend this year. I've attended more than half a dozen times and have either driven all the way or flew into Milwaukee Airport and rented a car. I do not know of any shuttles from the airport. Allow yourself about an hour and a half to drive up. Getting out of the airport and on to 41 can be a little tricky, just watch for the signs carefully. On your first trip I would park in the D lot right across from the museum. that way you are close to the museum and Pioneer airport where you can catch a shuttle that will take you on over to the main entrance. As far as the event itself, it's like being on a scout trip. It's a wonderfull venue, clean and noted for it's very polite people. If they serve alcohol on the grounds, I'm not aware of it. I cannot speak for the camping grounds. I usually stay in Horican or Mayville, WI at a bed and breakfast. Personally, I like the first part of the week, it's not as crowded. They are able to handle the people very well due to how organized the event is. The heat is usually wears you out, not the people. Your RV is the way to go as you are right there. I am sure that someone else will post information on a quiet RV area. Enjoy!

malexander
01-27-2012, 05:02 AM
So, Sleepy Hollow is that area on the Airventure map labeled as "Private Residences" between Camp Scholler and the Museum and immediately behind the big inflatable movie screen. All these years I thought that campground was miles away from the airport. I'd get a parking pass to the Red Lot and setup camp in the adjacent North 40, with permission from a friendly airplane owner of course.
http://www.airventure.org/images/av11_visitormap.jpg

(http://www.airventure.org/images/av11_visitormap.jpg)

Sleepy Hollow is the area behind the big screen. It's actually 1/2 mile west of the main gate on the south side of the street. You don't get a free pass to the parking lot either.:)
We take bicycles or scooters for transportation. It'd take longer trying to get out in the traffic and parking in the parking lot than it does to walk to the grounds.

We've stayed at Sleepy Hollow for years. Every year Jeff has improved something. He now has, last year being the first, permanant showers, RV dump station, REAL flushing toilets.
I'd be real hard pressed to try to find anything (campground) better. As long as we've been going, it's like a Sleepy Hollow reunion each year now. Everybody knows each others names, the kids look for their friends from the previous year. My daughters (17 & 22 now) are disappointed to leave and start talking about and looking foreward OSH next year as we're pulling out to go home.

Marshall Alexander

malexander
01-27-2012, 05:08 AM
Oh yea, Sleepy Hollow has rental cabins and a shuttle buggy to the grounds. If you want a cabin, call NOW.
They have a web site, just google sleepy hollow farm oshkosh. When you call them, tell 'em Marshall sent you.:D

Marshall Alexander

Trailbossbob
01-27-2012, 08:07 AM
EAA Chapter 44 in Rochester offers the Original Oshkosh Airlift that includes round-trip jet airfare from Rochester, private motor coach ground transportation to Oshkosh, 5 nights lodging at the University of Wisconsin dormitories in Oshkosh (only a short walk to the Dining facilities at Blackhawk Commons and the bus stop where we pick up our shuttle to AirVenture), and a "Go Anywhere" Oshkosh Bus Pass includes Shuttle Pass to and from the convention grounds. For reference LAST years price was $795. This years price has not yet been determined. You can learn more by going to our web site and clicking on the Oshkosh Airlift link.The Airlift is open to anyone and you do not need to be a member of EAA 44... But you are welcomed to join. ;-)Bob Nelligan-BarrettBoard Member

Bill
01-27-2012, 12:01 PM
EAA Chapter 44 in Rochester offers the Original Oshkosh Airlift

Rochester, MN, Rochester, MI, Rochester, NH, or the home of the nearly defunct optical company ??

rawheels
01-27-2012, 12:11 PM
Wow, that seems like a pretty good deal for those coming from New York.

Hal Bryan
01-27-2012, 01:50 PM
Rochester, MN, Rochester, MI, Rochester, NH, or the home of the nearly defunct optical company ??

Rochester, NY - here's their site with info on last year's Airlift:

http://eaa44.org/oshkosh.htm

steveinindy
01-27-2012, 02:10 PM
I need to find someone to "airlift" us from Indiana!

Keith Moorman
01-28-2012, 11:49 AM
I hope your plans come together. If you do camp in Scholler when you are at the registration area please let the volunteers (orange vests) know that you are a first timer. If there is enough manpower we may be able to help you find a spot or at the very least point you in the right direction. Most of the volunteers on the registration ramp are long-long time campers and are knowledabe on the camp grounds. If they can't answer a question they can point you to someone who can.

Larry Lyons
01-30-2012, 09:16 AM
My opinion only but finding a friendly aircraft owner and camping under his wing about rows 70 to 95 south of air show center is heaven on earth. You will see more everyday then you will in a life time of airplane watching any where else. F-16 running off the end of the runway, dream liner land and take off, flying boats land and have the gear collapse, Rousch do his yard dart impersonation, I mean everyday there is something going on along the north south runway. I do not remember the aircraft but a larger airliner coming in under less then ideal conditions to 18 imitating the pattern of a crop duster because of ceiling and visibility. Nothing flying as this guy approaches from the east, south of 27 and makes what looks like a fighter pass to land on 18 in front me sitting in my lawn chair enjoying the whole thing! Larry

CarlOrton
01-30-2012, 01:10 PM
Amen, Larry! My buddy would fly up in a friends Baron, and usually end up being parked on the end of the row right next to the grass taxiway; usually in the row 75 neighborhood. GREAT spot to just sit under the wing and observe. Having all the lawn chairs right in the Baron didn't hurt, either...