When to arrive at Camp Scholler to camp EAST of Doolittle?

[glider90]

I have been camping at Oshkosh at Camp Scholler since 1972 (when I was nine months old). Back then we would come up about four or five days before the start and camp where exhibit building "B" now sits. Heck back then even the woods were partially open that late I think. More recently we have been arriving the Saturday before the start, and have basically been camping on 41. More people come up early, and the campgrounds have been absorbed for other uses. All part of change, and I understand it.
This year I am bringing my young family, and would like to camp closer to the action. Does anyone know how soon one need to arrive to tent camp EAST of Doolittle? The area in particular I am hoping for is shown in the red box on the attached image. We plan on getting to OSH Tuesday before the show the 21st ***EDIT, Tuesday the 17th, thanks Sawdust***, the , so six days before open), anyone know from recent experience how well I can hope to fare?
Thanks
~Jim

[Sawdust]

Great Question. But one clarification - opening day is the 23rd, so the 21st (Sunday) is only two days before open. If you're arriving the Tuesday before, that's the 17th. Assuming that's what you mean?

Last year I arrived two days before (Saturday evening) and the best I could do was 17th at Elm. I'm planning to arrive the morning of the 21st (Saturday before opening), and hoping to end up East of Stits.

I think a lot depends on attendance each year, and how big a space you need. When we arrived last year, there were some very small spaces open closer, but not big enough for our large tent, canopy, grill, and vehicle.

Would love to hear from some of the experienced campers how early you have to arrive to get a decent spot in your red box area.

[Gently56]

Wow, I guess I am do some serious hobbling! I have never been to OSH and have a weeks camping and entry fee paid for, but I can not arrive until SUNDAY night (the 22nd). Does anyone know how fast the "Handicap" camping fills up? I know I cannot reserve a space (according to the web site) We just have a tent and a small car (a HHR) any thoughts, from someone with experience in this area?


Thanks,

Mike

[rleffler]

We typically stake our sites on the Tuesday before. You will be able to get a site in the red box.

[Sawdust]

So with work up to Thursday before, and a 20 hour drive from Houston, I can't get there until Saturday. Is it "fair" to get someone else who arrives earlier to stake out and save us a space? Or is that abusing the system?

[Jeff Point]

So with work up to Thursday before, and a 20 hour drive from Houston, I can't get there until Saturday. Is it "fair" to get someone else who arrives earlier to stake out and save us a space? Or is that abusing the system?

It is fair and commonly done. The only caveat is that the site has to be paid for from the day it is staked out.

[Mayhemxpc]

This will be the third year of flying up and camping with my family. In previous years we camped at Warbirds, but we thought we would try Scholler this year, arriving on the 22d (weather permitting.) Now I am unsure about that decision. I don't need to be too far forward and a little peace and quiet is nice (especially getting the younger children to sleep.) So will I be able to find a nice spot for my large, family-sized tent and minivan, or do we just go back to Warbirds. (Note: I am flying up with my oldest, the balance is driving up with the mother unit.)

[Antique Tower]

I think Tuesday before the show the area in the box will be wide open.

Just remember that some of that area is electrical spots.

And if this weather is any indication, this year I'd rather be in the shade than up close......

[flybuddy]

It is fair and commonly done. The only caveat is that the site has to be paid for from the day it is staked out.

It's fair if you're local.
It's fair if you have a local buddy you can impose on.
It's fair if you're getting revenue from the early empty spots.
For someone bringing family members for first time from 1500 miles away who doesn't have that option, it's not necessarily fair.Someone making a more substantial effort to attend due to distance, starts at a disadvantage...fair??Fair would be if everyone had the same options. If you allow staking out spots, why not reservations? More revenue, more "fair".

[Sawdust]

@flybuddy - to put it in perspective, I've been way out (as far down as 8th) for a number of years. It's not bad, just a little bit more walking (maybe an additional 10 minutes). Or, you can just catch the shuttle buses that run through camp, so there is a solution even you end up out west. With this many people, not everyone can be close, and EAA has done a great job of making Scholler a great place to stay no matter when you arrive.

Personally I like your idea of allowing folks to pay for advance reservations, but I guarantee that people would complain about "selling out" just for revenue, so it's a no-win for our fine EAA staff who have to try to make everyone happy. There's just no way to make it all "fair" (if that means equal) for everyone. For example, is it fair that your electrical hook-ups section took up a bunch of closer in spaces that us tent campers used to have a shot at? Tent campers probably don't think that's fair, but I bet you'll greatly appreciate it!

Just putting it all in perspective, can't wait to get to to Camp Scholler no matter where my spot is!