Camp Scholler newbie questions

[pdonahue]

I'm new to RVing and I have a couple of questions about staying at Camp Scholler.

It sounds like most sites don't have hookups and that there are restrictions on generators. I obviously can't run the A/C off the battery so am I just going to be hot unless I'm one of the lucky ones with a hookup? My fifth-wheel doesn't have a generator. I can get one if I need to but it's not going to help if it's hot/humid during quiet hours.

The Camp Scholler website says "Advance purchase provides the convenience of express registration at the campground entrance" which basically sounds like faster check-in. Do I need to make reservations way in advance or can I just reserve a few days before I arrive? Basically, does it fill up or can I procrastinate and play it by ear?

It says "all days must be purchased from the time of purchase through Sunday, July 31." If I leave before July 31, do I get a refund on unused days?

Are there any pull-through spaces?


Thanks,

-Paul

[Chris In Marshfield]

Hi Paul,

There are no pull throughs, but there are utility sites (back in). They cost twice the normal rate though, and they go quickly. So you'll want to reserve early. You will have to pay from the time of your reservation through the end of the show (min 3 days). But if you leave early, they'll refund the difference on the way out.

Beyond that, there is a 24-hour generator section, but since I've not camped there, I'm not sure how big it is or how many units it will hold. But that's your other option if utility camping is unavailable.

I've dry camped every year since starting there, so I'm used to it now :-)

[Auburntsts]

IMO you really won't need to run your a/c at night so don't sweat not getting one of the 24hr gen sites. The overwhelming majority in RV's, 5th wheels and campers aren't in the 24hr section and survive the experience just fine. We tent camp and I can tell you a/c at night is a non-issue. During the day however......;)

[gbrasch]

Todd is right about the need for A/C at night "most" of the time. I have camped in the 24 hour gen area for almost 30 years, I like the option of being able to run my generator during the day and if night if needed. So it might be worth it to bring a generator if you can, and there is a big enough area that finding a spot there is no issue, just my 2 cents.

[PaulDow]

I haven't camped at the big show, but for another data point I was wondering if it's likely to be able to get a site with electricity later in the week. Generally I think Wednesday is the peak day for airplanes on the aerodrome. Is that the same for campers? Are there people who leave mid-week allowing a move? Although I would think most people would stay put once they're unpacked.

How would people be chosen to move if there's high demand? Do new arrivals get priority, or can people shift? I can try to get one of those Hillary / Iowa caucus coins to toss to give me an advantage. :)

[Glory Aulik]

It sounds like you guys are Camp Scholler pros! If there are any questions that can't be answered here feel free to contact Liesl Wrolstad at lwrolstad@eaa.org.

[pdonahue]

This is great information. Thanks for your replies.


-Paul

[Cary]

Since I camp with my airplane, I have only visited Scholler when friends were camped there. But OSH weather is OSH weather no matter where you are. In many years of attending all week long, I've only wished for AC one night, after one day of over 100F daytime temps. Otherwise, on warmer nights, I have an overhead fan in my tent, which has proven completely adequate--in fact, there have been nights in which I got up and turned it off.

Cary

[krw920]

Probably should start a new thread for this, but it is related. I am thinking of camping this year but have no idea how sites are determined. I've walked around in Scholler and other than the sites with electric and water, I see no markings what so ever as to where one site starts and the the other leaves off. How does one determine how much space is their site?

[FlyingRon]

Info here: https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/plan-your-eaa-airventure-trip/eaa-camping-information/camp-scholler

Generally, the unimpoved spots are just grabbed first come, first served. Some people tape off their area, some just figure you know what they're using by what they have set up.

The hookup spots and the group areas are indeed preallocated.

The prime spots typically go as soon as the campground officially opens (June 24) this year.

[Chris In Marshfield]

Probably should start a new thread for this, but it is related. I am thinking of camping this year but have no idea how sites are determined. I've walked around in Scholler and other than the sites with electric and water, I see no markings what so ever as to where one site starts and the the other leaves off. How does one determine how much space is their site?

People like me and my camping buddies go out the week before the show and stake our claims in Scholler. We measure out our areas and tape them off. Each paid camping pass gets a 20x30 area to claim as yours for the duration of your stay. I bring a landscaper's rolling scale (rolling tape measure on a stick), map out our equivalent area, and then stake and tape it. After mowing the grass, we then set our campers and such, then head home for the longest work week in history.

You have the privilege of paying for the time you aren't there. But at least you have a spot. Beyond that, it's a "seek and ye shall find" event.

[MNWORD]

Hi Paul,

There are no pull throughs, but there are utility sites (back in). They cost twice the normal rate though, and they go quickly. So you'll want to reserve early. You will have to pay from the time of your reservation through the end of the show (min 3 days). But if you leave early, they'll refund the difference on the way out.

Beyond that, there is a 24-hour generator section, but since I've not camped there, I'm not sure how big it is or how many units it will hold. But that's your other option if utility camping is unavailable.

I've dry camped every year since starting there, so I'm used to it now :-)

Hey Chris, I have heard that they will not give back the money for the electric sites for unused days like they do for the dry camping sites. Has that policy changed?

[Chris In Marshfield]

Hey Chris, I have heard that they will not give back the money for the electric sites for unused days like they do for the dry camping sites. Has that policy changed?

I was unaware of that policy, but then again I don't use them. Might want to check out the online guide to Scholler and see what the current rates and rules are there.

[MNWORD]

Hey Chris this what I found......it would be VERY expensive to try and reserve a Full hookup spot. I know I would not be using them either. The odds of getting one when you get there I my opinion would be nil.


I was unaware of that policy, but then again I don't use them. Might want to check out the online guide to Scholler and see what the current rates and rules are there.

EAA’s camping policy also applies; a site must have a paid credential to be secured. Improved sites cannot be reserved nor payment collected for a future date; payment must start from the day a credential is created to secure an improved site through the end of AirVenture. Payment will be calculated at $65 per day from the day an EAA member secures a site for each day of camping through July 31. Unlike camping credentials for unimproved sites, there are no refunds for unused days on improved sites.

[Chris In Marshfield]

Yikes! I knew it was expensive by the daily rate. But I wasn't aware there were no refunds for unused days. It's interesting that folks still fill the place up, though. So it's important enough to someone :-)

Several years ago, I camped in that area regularly. Then they created VIP camping and we were pushed out of our place where we'd been camping for years. So we moved up a couple of rows. Then VIP camping expanded. And we were pushed further. Now it's utility camping and takes up an immense amount of area. But at least it's open to those who any who want to camp there, and not just pretty people selling sunglasses in the fly mart.

There's room for everyone in Scholler, though, and it's great meeting ground for friends, and a place where many memories are made!