Camping questions

[planemechae]

This year I was fortunate to the the week of Airventure off work and am going to attend my first one. I have a few question that hopefully you seasoned veterans can answer for me.

I will be arriving Monday the 24th sometime between 4 and 7 pm and am going to be camping in Scholler. I plan on staying thru Saturday and leaving Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. I've got my EAA membership paid for and will be prepaying for my camping in a week or so.

My first question is what location in the campgrounds can I plan to get that time Monday evening?

Are the campgrounds secure? l will be in the show all day and will probably be leaving for groceries and supplies a few times during the week and was wondering if there is any issue with leaving my camp equipment; stove, chair, coolers, etc; out without fear of it coming up missing?

Since I will have camping credentials when I leave the grounds for errands can I reenter thru any gate or only the main check in line gate?

What hours are the shower houses open? I am very much a night owl and on my days off is not uncommon for me to be up at odd hours during the night. If the showers are open that sounds like a good time to catch one and avoid the crowds. The only info I found we hours that they close for cleaning not sure if the close during the night.

That's all the questions I have for now if I think of any more I will post them.

Thanks,

[martymayes]

My first question is what location in the campgrounds can I plan to get that time Monday evening?

You won't get a front row spot anywhere as those fill up 2-3 weeks ahead of starting day but there will be plenty of excellent camping spots. Get a map and come join us along sunset/sunrise between Lindbergh and Elm.



Are the campgrounds secure? l will be in the show all day and will probably be leaving for groceries and supplies a few times during the week and was wondering if there is any issue with leaving my camp equipment; stove, chair, coolers, etc; out without fear of it coming up missing?

No worries. I've never had anything go missing. It's a secure camping experience.


Since I will have camping credentials when I leave the grounds for errands can I reenter thru any gate or only the main check in line gate?

There is a gate on Schaick Ave @ Poberenzy Rd. where you can enter/exit with your camp credentials, hassle free. I think there is more than one but that is the one I always use.


What hours are the shower houses open? I am very much a night owl and on my days off is not uncommon for me to be up at odd hours during the night. If the showers are open that sounds like a good time to catch one and avoid the crowds. The only info I found we hours that they close for cleaning not sure if the close during the night.

I think shower houses are only closed 2x a day for cleaning and that only last 1 hr (maybe 2 hr) or so. Otherwise, open 24/7

[CHICAGORANDY]

Not camping advice, but I suggest to ALL 1st timers to Oshkosh - Sunscreen and lots of it, bug spray, a brimmed hat and wear COMFY shoes, walking boots - the venue is truly huge. Stay hydrated. Take advantage of the tram/bus service to get to the different areas of your interest then walk around those areas.

[skyfixer8]

Randy, I been driving tram more years than I can remember, Hope to see you down there. I got AM shift this year.

[CHICAGORANDY]

I've been a conductor for years myself. I have a mix of am and pm shifts over the 9 days which will work out well with my arrival and departure and still give me a chance to wander the grounds during off hours. Morning tram passengers have the look of hope, late in the day it's a look of relief - lol - I can barely contain my excitement to get started.

[FlyingRon]

If you are talking about entering on foot, you can go through any gate with your wristband.

If you're talking about driving in, you must use one of the Scholler gates. There are two from the US-41 frontage road and one I believe (with limited hours) off Ripple Ave and another off Knapp Street.


The showers are never locked. You can shower at 3AM if you want, or my favorite time, in the middle of the airshow.

[planemechae]

Thanks for all the answers guys. Im sure I'll have more questions in the coming weeks leading up to the event and I'll be sure to post them. I just bought a good new pair of comfortable shoes that I'm getting broken in before the trip. I've got sunscreen and wide brimmed hat on my list of essetials. I'm really getting excited thinking about this trip, been wanting to visit since was a little kid and am excited to finally be able to go. Been soaking up all the info I can find about it.

[RC Gregg]

Planemechae: You will have a great time at Oshkosh. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with things that fly, things to learn, do, and meet a lot of great people with great stories. I've been going since 1983, and there's only one place on Earth I want to be during the last week of July. The other members here have posted a lot good information. Camp Scholler is a fun and safe place to stay. There are a few low spots, but EAA has really improved drainage over the years. Check the campground map on the website for the many different areas for pets, 24hr.generators, no gens at night, etc. A bicycle is a great way to get between your campsite and the entrance (there are bicycle corrals at entry gates for locking up your ride). If you are out by highway 41, it can be a long walk. There are campground shuttle buses that will get you back and forth, too.

[planemechae]

Planemechae: You will have a great time at Oshkosh. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with things that fly, things to learn, do, and meet a lot of great people with great stories. I've been going since 1983, and there's only one place on Earth I want to be during the last week of July. The other members here have posted a lot good information. Camp Scholler is a fun and safe place to stay. There are a few low spots, but EAA has really improved drainage over the years. Check the campground map on the website for the many different areas for pets, 24hr.generators, no gens at night, etc. A bicycle is a great way to get between your campsite and the entrance (there are bicycle corrals at entry gates for locking up your ride). If you are out by highway 41, it can be a long walk. There are campground shuttle buses that will get you back and forth, too.

I'm trying to be prepared as possible but I know I'll be very overwhelmed by the shear size of the event. I've already stared an itinerary calendar to make sure the I don't miss a lot of the things I definitely want to see. I've got a bike ready to go planning on biking to and from the gates from my camp. There are several forums and seminars that appeal to me and want to make sure to try to attend those. Whats the attendance like at the forums and seminars? Do I need to plan to get there very early for some of them or just 5 or so minutes before the start of them?? Is it okay to carry a small backpack onto the show grounds with the essentials in it?? Water, sunscreen, etc..

Thanks for all the advice so far guys. I'm super pumped and ready to go. I've been browsing every Airventure resource I can find on the web and nearly every question I've had has been able to be found in the forums.

[Auburntsts]

Typically there are plenty of seats at the forums in my experience, but some can be SRO. My advice is to to show a few minutes early. The good news is a lot of the forums are held multiple times during the week so if you have a conflict there's a good chance you can catch it later.

And yes you can take backpacks onto the grounds.

[mcdewey]

If the speaker is well-known, the forum will start filling up during the session before the one of interest. E.g., anything with Pelton, Rutan, FAA leaders, NTSB leaders, etc. Also, probably anything on basic med, ATC privatization, user fees and other hot topics will be packed.

[CHICAGORANDY]

All backpacks can get a cursory security search at the entrance gates - Mine always contains raingear, a bottle of cold water, bug spray, sunscreen, and the like. There are NO firearms allowed on the grounds, this includes folks with a permit. So leave it at home or locked in the car.

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/about-eaa-airventure-oshkosh/policies/prohibited-items

[SteveCostello]

This will be my second year at Oshkosh (last year was Thursday-Sunday), and my first that I will try to attend forums/demos/workshops. This year I'll be there for the whole thing, so I started mapping things out, and... holy crap, there's just not enough time to go to everything! Plus I'll be doing two volunteer slots. I'm going to need a vacation after this...

[Cary]

This will be my second year at Oshkosh (last year was Thursday-Sunday), and my first that I will try to attend forums/demos/workshops. This year I'll be there for the whole thing, so I started mapping things out, and... holy crap, there's just not enough time to go to everything! Plus I'll be doing two volunteer slots. I'm going to need a vacation after this...

I've been going every year for the last dozen, plus a couple of earlier ones waaaaaaay back when. The last few years, I've been there all week, arriving before it starts and leaving after it's over. There are a few things I try to see each time: the Seaplane Base, the Museum, the Pioneer Museum (same day that I go to the Museum), the night airshows. Otherwise, I just see all I can, with the idea that if I miss something this year, there's always next year. Unless there's a specific performer I want to watch, I can take or leave the airshows (other than the night shows). Sometimes there are movies I'd like to see at the Ford theater. Sometimes there are concerts I want to see--Gary Senise's Lt. Dan Band has been memorable each year that he's been there. All in all, though, it's virtually impossible to attend everything--neither the time nor the energy. But that never detracts from the experience.

Cary

[dragon2knight]

This will be my first time at both Oshkosh and camping there for the full show. This thread was very helpful for sure, thanks!

[CHICAGORANDY]

dragon2knight - I can almost guarantee that it will be all that you hope it will be and more. The enormity of the event has to be experienced to be believed. Impossible to see it all in just one week, but a week is more than enough time to visit all the main display areas, the 4 exhibit hangars and watch some spectacular air shows.

As I suggest to anyone coming for the first time - wear COMFY walking shoes, bring raingear, wear a wide brim hat, use sunscreen liberally and stay hydrated. Oh, and grab a map as you enter the grounds - you'll thank me later. Add the Airventure app to your smart phone and recognize that unlike most any other map you have ever seen or used..... North is to the LEFT and straight up is EAST.

[robert l]

As far as the rain gear, I buy several of the "disposable" ones and keep at least two in my pack or pockets. They are cheap and about the size of a wallet.
Bob

[dragon2knight]

dragon2knight - I can almost guarantee that it will be all that you hope it will be and more. The enormity of the event has to be experienced to be believed. Impossible to see it all in just one week, but a week is more than enough time to visit all the main display areas, the 4 exhibit hangars and watch some spectacular air shows.

As I suggest to anyone coming for the first time - wear COMFY walking shoes, bring raingear, wear a wide brim hat, use sunscreen liberally and stay hydrated. Oh, and grab a map as you enter the grounds - you'll thank me later. Add the Airventure app to your smart phone and recognize that unlike most any other map you have ever seen or used..... North is to the LEFT and straight up is EAST.

I hope to take most of it in...sounds a little overwhelming, but I'm giving myself an extra day +(late Saturday and Sunday) to acclimate myself to it. Just bought the full week ticket yesterday and am buying the campground pass tomorrow. One question: do we choose where we are going to set up or do they? As long as I'm near a shower/bathroom, I'm good,lol. And thanks again, this is making me want this to be here already :)

Mike

[FlyingRon]

If you're talking about Scholler (non-airplane camping), you just pull into a space that's not otherwise staked out or reserved. See the map: https://www.eaa.org/~/media/files/airventure/planyourtrip/camping/av-2017-camp-scholler-map-6-28-17.pdf

Portolets abound through the grounds. There are limited flush toilets and shower buildings at key locations (as shown on the map).

[dragon2knight]

Ok, cool, nice to see something that's at least pointing me in the right direction, it's honestly a bit confusing. And by "just pull in" I'm assuming that my car sits on my spot with me...? never did a campground like that before.

[CHICAGORANDY]

Yes, your camper/tent and your car share the same roughly 20x30 foot space.

[robert l]

If you're talking about Scholler (non-airplane camping), you just pull into a space that's not otherwise staked out or reserved. See the map: https://www.eaa.org/~/media/files/airventure/planyourtrip/camping/av-2017-camp-scholler-map-6-28-17.pdf

Portolets abound through the grounds. There are limited flush toilets and shower buildings at key locations (as shown on the map).

FlyingRon, I just looked at the map you linked to and this is the first time I've noticed: "Non Generator Camping"! Does this mean that all camp sites that aren't non generator sites can have generators, but not for 24 hr. use?
Bob

[CHICAGORANDY]

If memory serves I've read that generators in those areas cannot be run overnight - 10:30pm to about 6:30 am? It's in the guidelines I believe.

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

[FlyingRon]

Yes, the non-generator area is no generators period. Everywhere else outside of the 24 hour generator area allows generators in the daylight hours. But if you have one that's particularly noisy, get a new one. There was one guy who ran this horrendously loud one a few years back and every time it stopped there was a round of applause from everybody in the area.

[dragon2knight]

Yes, your camper/tent and your car share the same roughly 20x30 foot space.

Thanks, it makes for charging up my electronics much easier that way :) That's also plenty of room for my tiny old Corolla and 6 man tent as well. The anticipation is killing me :D

[avinuts]

We have been attending EAA Oshkosh since 1974 and camping since 1980 in Camp Scholler. All I can say is, come prepared for anything. Oshkosh Wisconsin can be too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, too bright at night, and too noisy all of the time. But if you like aviation, for one week out of the year, it is the place to be. It can be overwhelming in it's size. The show is great, but the people are even better. If you are in a tent, anchor it down better than you think that you should right away. Storms are common this time of year and they can be severe. Scholler offers showers, camp stores, medical and fire assistance. Everyone is willing to help make your stay enjoyable. The pavilions sell you just about anything. What they don't have, the flyMart might. Airplane stuff galore. A great military re-enactment area, Warbirds, homebuilts, aerobatic planes, antique / classics, ultralights and helicopters. Don't forget the float plane base. Free trams and buses will take you around specified routes if you don't care to walk. Forums available if you want to learn more about something. It's a family event and there are activities for spouses and children. Evening airshows, theater in the woods, outdoor movie theater, big name concerts and a variety of food vendors can round out your day. Enjoy your stay!

[dragon2knight]

One last question, please.
Can I drive on the campgrounds after I get there to a shower or do I have to walk to them? I plan on showering in the off hours, like overnight, as well. I'm not into bikes(bad back) and would prefer to get to them by driving if possible. Thanks!

[FlyingRon]

You can drive up to the shower building but there's not a whole lot (if any) parking there. Of course, late at night you probably can get away with it.

[dragon2knight]

You can drive up to the shower building but there's not a whole lot (if any) parking there. Of course, late at night you probably can get away with it.
Good to know...I'll give it a shot and see. At least I know I can do it,lol. Thanks :)