Tons of Newbie Questions Going to AirVenture in RV (New to both RVing and AirVenture)

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07-04-2022, 01:39 PM
PiperWarriorII

Tons of Newbie Questions Going to AirVenture in RV (New to both RVing and AirVenture)
Hello all, I just wanted to ask some probably very basic questions about camping at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and RVing services / logistics. My name is Jean-Marie Vaneskahian and my son, and I are renting a 30’ RV from Cruise America and driving from Dallas, TX to Oshkosh to attend our first AirVenture! We have never rented or even been in an RV! I have been learning as much as I can from websites and YouTube videos. I was looking for advice and answers to some probably basic questions. I really appreciate any help on any of the topics that you can give.

My intentions:
1. Pick up RV on Wednesday July 20th
2. Leave for Oshkosh from North Dallas, TX on Thursday morning July 21st
3. Overnight at RV friendly stops (need to learn what / where those are between home and Oshkosh), any advice?
4. Fill up fuel, water, and propane as close as possible to Oshkosh before arriving at Camp Scholler
5. Arrive in Oshkosh Camp Scholler Saturday July 23^rd(Standard camp site with no power / no water / no sewer… Boondocking)
6. Stay in Oshkosh Camp Scholler without moving the RV at all from the camping spot until Sunday July 31^st
My Questions:
1. On the drive from Dallas to Oshkosh
  1. What are the best kinds of places to overnight and stay in the RV that are not far from the main highway? RV Campsite? RV Self Park? Gas Station? Truck Stop?
  2. What are places I can fill up fresh water and dump black and grey water?
  3. What is the closest spot to Oshkosh Camp Scholler where I can get fuel, fresh water, and dump waste?
2. What is the best time of day to arrive at Oshkosh Camp Scholler?
  1. What if I arrive at nighttime?
  2. Is Camp Scholler closed at certain hours?
  3. Can I find / pick a spot in the dark?
3. What is the process once I arrive at Camp Scholler?
  1. Do I have to check in anywhere?
  2. I paid for my Camp Scholler stay on the EAA website already, are there passes I have to display?
  3. Do I just pick any spot I want or do they direct traffic to your designated spot?
  4. Will I have to back into our spot or will I be able to drive into it?
4. If during the time we are at Camp Scholler (Saturday July 23^rd - Sunday July 31^st) we need RV services, (fresh water, dump out black and grey water) what are our options?
  1. How hard would it be to drive the RV to the RV Dump Station located on Stits Road, south of Cedar Avenue (I read that this exists on the EAA website) and make it back to the RV site? How do I make sure no one parks at our site while I do this if it is possible?
  2. I read online that there was an RV Holding Tank Service that can be purchased at Red One Market Central. How does this service work? Do they just come to the RV and empty the waste tanks and refill the fresh water? Do I have to be there when they arrive for this?
  3. Is there a way to get fuel for the RV if needed? (I am thinking if we need to run the generator during the day for electric power and it uses up fuel)
5. Where to charge up batteries? Can we leave devices unattended at a charge station and not have them stolen (like portable battery packs)? What are our options?
6. We are considering bringing bikes to bike from Camp Scholler to the entrance of the main EAA AirVenture Event. What gates or entry point would we bike to? Is there a place to lock up the bikes there?
7. Where at Camp Scholler is the best / closest place to park get to the entrance gates to the events?
  1. Is it better to park close to the showers or a market?
8. What items should I plan on bringing for the RV trip and Oshkosh? I have a list of some things, but wanted to make sure I did not miss anything:
  1. A wagon to go back and forth to the market
  2. Camping folding chairs
  3. Bug spray / sunscreen
  4. Hats / Caps
  5. Large Battery packs with a sign that has our names and contact details when we leave them charging
  6. Gloves for changing grey and black water tanks
  7. Towels, toiletries, sandals for taking a shower at the showering facilities at Camp Scholler
  8. Bikes on a bike trailer to go from Camp Scholler to the entrance to the main EAA AirVenture events. Bike locks.
  9. Backpacks with water bottles to carry around stuff while at AirVenture
  10. Flashlights
  11. Ear Plugs
  12. Rain Poncho and zip lock bags for electronics
  13. Extra pair of comfortable shoes and sunglasses
  14. Is a cooler needed if I have the RV?
That is everything I could think of asking. I am sure I forgot something and might have more educated questions as I get replies to these. I cannot thank everyone enough for any guidance and help on making our first RV trip ever and our first trip to Oshkosh EAA AirVenture a special one! We are both VERY excited!

Thanks again,
Jean-Marie and Marty Vaneskahian
07-05-2022, 09:15 AM
btaz

As far as places along the way, look at "Harvest Hosts". Far a reasonable annual fee you get access to various "Point of attraction" for free overnight stays(Wineries, breweries, farms, museums, etc.)

There is an app called "Gasbuddy" to help you identify best fuel options along the way.
07-05-2022, 09:44 AM
CHICAGORANDY

Can I park my RV at a Walmart store? While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store parking lots as we are able.

Note - they also sell just about everything you might want or need on a road trip - plus indoor plumbing. just be courteous and park the big rig out of the way of the shoppers.

I would suggest giving the Chicago Metro area a WIDE berth due to 24hr traffic concerns. Perhaps take 355 or 294 - but do NOT go near the downtown area.

I 'assume' you've already memorized the EAA info - lol - https://www.eaa.org/airventure/plan-...BoCkycQAvD_BwE
07-05-2022, 12:23 PM
FlyingRon

Camp Scholler has a dump station and water fill at the south gate. No charge. When you first arrive you go to the main gate/registration building. They will issue your camping credentials (they will also be able to sell you admission and EAA membership if you don't have these). If you're prepaid, that just means you don't have to pay again. You still have to get your credentials. They'll have it all in their computer. To my knowledge, this is open 24/7 continuously during the show. I do recommend you get there during daylight though, for practical purposes setting up. Once inside, it's pretty much a free for all as near as i can tell. Find some place not already marked out. There might be some people to assist you (I don't know, the times I've done this I've come up with my EAA chapter and they had my space taped out for me in their "compound" already. The spots vary based on what's already around you. You may be able to pull through or you might have to back in.

As stated, there's a dump station down at the southside. You can go to it and even leave the field entirely during the show. You mark out your spot with your camping credentials so people know you're coming back. There's a separate card that goes in your window that lets you back through the gates when you return. There is indeed a FOR FEE fill/pumpout that will come to your site. Don't know much about it (I was a tent camper).

All around the shower buildings are outlets and people tend to leave things there. Vintage runs a charging booth for a nominal fee at the red barn if you're paranoid.

For bikes, there's a massive bike parking area at the gate between Scholler and the main show (right up near the exhibit buildings/Theatre in the woods). You can chain up there. No bikes permitted in the show proper.

Arriving on the 23rd, you're probably going to have to take what you can get. You won't be exactly "close" to anything. However, it's not all that far (in fact, it's an easier walk than much of the regular auto parking or even shuttle bus landing). There are shuttles within Scholler I believe as well.

Wagons are handy. They are permitted. Folding chairs are handy for watching the airshow. Please do not leave them set up and unattended. They can blow into aircraft. You definitely need sunscreen and bug spray (especailly for night airshow, mosquito is the state bird of Wisconsin).
07-06-2022, 08:19 PM
PiperWarriorII

@FlyingRon, thanks so much for your very detailed and thoughtful response! It answers many of my questions, but it does create some new ones.

1. How are areas "Marked Out"?
2. If we want to leave to go to the dumping station or get fuel offsite, how do we "Mark Out" our area with our credentials?
3. What is this "Vintage" that you reference? is it a place or company that I can pay to keep my big charger plugged in?

This was VERY helpful... thanks again!
07-06-2022, 08:22 PM
PiperWarriorII

Quote:

Originally Posted by btaz

As far as places along the way, look at "Harvest Hosts". Far a reasonable annual fee you get access to various "Point of attraction" for free overnight stays(Wineries, breweries, farms, museums, etc.)

There is an app called "Gasbuddy" to help you identify best fuel options along the way.

That is a great point! I totally forgot about GadBuddy!!! Ans thanks for the Harvest Hosts tip! I will look into it...
07-06-2022, 08:24 PM
PiperWarriorII

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHICAGORANDY

Can I park my RV at a Walmart store? While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store parking lots as we are able.

Note - they also sell just about everything you might want or need on a road trip - plus indoor plumbing. just be courteous and park the big rig out of the way of the shoppers.

I would suggest giving the Chicago Metro area a WIDE berth due to 24hr traffic concerns. Perhaps take 355 or 294 - but do NOT go near the downtown area.

I 'assume' you've already memorized the EAA info - lol - https://www.eaa.org/airventure/plan-...BoCkycQAvD_BwE

I was thinking of just using the WAZE app for avoiding traffic... But that brings up a good point, is there a better app for Interstate driving to find big truck stops or places with tall awnings to fill up along the route?
07-07-2022, 03:50 AM
Auburntsts
Quote:

Originally Posted by PiperWarriorII

@FlyingRon, thanks so much for your very detailed and thoughtful response! It answers many of my questions, but it does create some new ones.

1. How are areas "Marked Out"?
2. If we want to leave to go to the dumping station or get fuel offsite, how do we "Mark Out" our area with our credentials?
3. What is this "Vintage" that you reference? is it a place or company that I can pay to keep my big charger plugged in?

This was VERY helpful... thanks again!

1. People use things like stakes with rope or boundary/barrier ribbon/tape you get at Home Depot/Lowes to mark the perimeter of their site. Typically you’ll only see sites marked from people that came on or about the day Camp Scholler opened, staked their claim, and are paying for that site for the entire month.
2. Dunno. Generally I don’t think people move RVs from their site once they are in-place unless they absolutely have to. I’d just slip some credentials into a plastic baggie and attach the baggie to a stake. Then leave some artifacts behind that the site is occupied (bikes, chairs, a cooler, etc). If your neighbors are around you can also ask them to help guard your site from poachers.
3. The Vintage Ron is referring to is the Vintage aircraft camping/parking area. For you in Scholler, the shower houses are where to plug your electronics in to charge. When you are at the show, in addition to Vintage, here’s a list of other charging stations you can use:
- EAA Four Corners Tents
- Aviation Gateway Park
- Hangar A, B, C, and D
- Aeroplane Workshop
- Blue Barn
- Museum Fergus Plaza
- KidVenture
- Helicopter Operations
- Red One Market Central
- Ultralight Cafe & Runway
- Warehouse
- Main Gate
Theses locations are annotated on the grounds map: https://www.eaa.org/airventure/plan-...ture-trip/maps
07-07-2022, 05:32 AM
CHICAGORANDY

I almost forgot - bring a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, a bag full of patience and GOOD rain gear. Half the clothes and twice the money is always sound advice - lol
07-07-2022, 07:36 AM
Airmutt

Prime camping real estate, such as Paul’s Woods, pretty much goes on Camp Scholler opening day. Everybody has their “favorite” location based on their needs and wants. Basic camp sites are not laid out, only the fire lanes and are first come first served. A site is considered a 20x30 plot. There are exceptions for oversized campers. If you stake out too much turf, Security will move your markers. Pay attention to the lay of the land. Some areas can get pretty mucky if it rains.
I’ve been volunteering and most of the sites near the Red One Barn / bike park are taken.
There is a Walmart just a couple of miles up 41 which is great for whatever you forget.
Camp ground traffic gets routed along the frontage road to Exit 113. Exit 116 near the museum is pretty much hammered by the day parking people. Navigating that area can be very time consuming. I would avoid.
Be prepared to walk - a lot!! Welcome to Oshkosh.
07-07-2022, 08:24 AM
keen9

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHICAGORANDY

I would suggest giving the Chicago Metro area a WIDE berth due to 24hr traffic concerns. Perhaps take 355 or 294 - but do NOT go near the downtown area.

From the southwest, if your route says to get that close to Chicago, instead stick to I-39 (combines with I-90 in Rockford) into WI, then US-151 from Madison.
07-07-2022, 01:25 PM
PiperWarriorII
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auburntsts

1. People use things like stakes with rope or boundary/barrier ribbon/tape you get at Home Depot/Lowes to mark the perimeter of their site. Typically you’ll only see sites marked from people that came on or about the day Camp Scholler opened, staked their claim, and are paying for that site for the entire month.
2. Dunno. Generally I don’t think people move RVs from their site once they are in-place unless they absolutely have to. I’d just slip some credentials into a plastic baggie and attach the baggie to a stake. Then leave some artifacts behind that the site is occupied (bikes, chairs, a cooler, etc). If your neighbors are around you can also ask them to help guard your site from poachers.
3. The Vintage Ron is referring to is the Vintage aircraft camping/parking area. For you in Scholler, the shower houses are where to plug your electronics in to charge. When you are at the show, in addition to Vintage, here’s a list of other charging stations you can use:

EAA Four Corners Tents
Aviation Gateway Park
Hangar A, B, C, and D
Aeroplane Workshop
Blue Barn
Museum Fergus Plaza
KidVenture
Helicopter Operations
Red One Market Central
Ultralight Cafe & Runway
Warehouse
Main Gate

Theses locations are annotated on the grounds map: https://www.eaa.org/airventure/plan-...ture-trip/maps
Awesome! Thanks... I was just worried about leaving a $500 Jackery Battery charging unattended but I guess I will trust it and just leave a sign. The reason is we need to charge devices overnight in the RV but I understand I cannot run the generator after 10:30 PM. Also my plan is to hopefully not have the move the RV unless I REALLY have to. I will try to fill up water and dump out anything and top off the fuel just before we arrive at Camp Scholler . But just in case I will bring steaks and the ribbon/tape like you stated...

What might be the closest place before getting to Camp Scholler where I would be able to fill up water and dump Grey and Black water tanks?
07-07-2022, 01:26 PM
PiperWarriorII

Quote:

Originally Posted by keen9

From the southwest, if your route says to get that close to Chicago, instead stick to I-39 (combines with I-90 in Rockford) into WI, then US-151 from Madison.

Thanks!! I just updated my travel map with that route. Much appreciated.
07-07-2022, 01:27 PM
PiperWarriorII

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHICAGORANDY

I almost forgot - bring a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, a bag full of patience and GOOD rain gear. Half the clothes and twice the money is always sound advice - lol

Hahahaha!!! I think that is a GREAT suggestion... Sadly twice the money is the norm everywhere, not just AirVenture.
07-07-2022, 01:35 PM
PiperWarriorII

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airmutt

Prime camping real estate, such as Paul’s Woods, pretty much goes on Camp Scholler opening day. Everybody has their “favorite” location based on their needs and wants. Basic camp sites are not laid out, only the fire lanes and are first come first served. A site is considered a 20x30 plot. There are exceptions for oversized campers. If you stake out too much turf, Security will move your markers. Pay attention to the lay of the land. Some areas can get pretty mucky if it rains.
I’ve been volunteering and most of the sites near the Red One Barn / bike park are taken.
There is a Walmart just a couple of miles up 41 which is great for whatever you forget.
Camp ground traffic gets routed along the frontage road to Exit 113. Exit 116 near the museum is pretty much hammered by the day parking people. Navigating that area can be very time consuming. I would avoid.
Be prepared to walk - a lot!! Welcome to Oshkosh.

Thanks for the information! So when I arrive with the RV, what is the correct entrance I should take... I think I have it as "3400 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI, USA" (Poberezny Road and Schaick Ave). Is that the right place to come into Camp Scholler? Once in, I know I have to go to registration. Does that mean I do not first find a spot? Do I just drive around until a find a nice spot that is not steaked / marked off and then just park there?
07-07-2022, 01:50 PM
BrianS

Unless this has changed significantly last year or for this year, camper registration (your first entrance) will be via Neunteufel Ave. Part of registration will be a card you affix to your window that allows you to easily come in and out through the gate at Schaick (and elsewhere).

https://goo.gl/maps/TfmC1RLM6TLTroUw8

The process on arrival is as you describe: get in line at registration. Pay, get your credentials and such - then drive around to find a spot.
07-07-2022, 02:59 PM
PiperWarriorII

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianS

Unless this has changed significantly last year or for this year, camper registration (your first entrance) will be via Neunteufel Ave. Part of registration will be a card you affix to your window that allows you to easily come in and out through the gate at Schaick (and elsewhere).

https://goo.gl/maps/TfmC1RLM6TLTroUw8

The process on arrival is as you describe: get in line at registration. Pay, get your credentials and such - then drive around to find a spot.

Perfect!! I think I am beginning to understand the process much better. I appreciate the google maps! Makes it much easier to understand where to come in. I guess I am all set. I am am curious though, since I already paid for the camp scholler, why not send you all the info in the mail like they did with the wristbands for the main event and skip the registration office?
07-07-2022, 06:50 PM
Al Burgemeister

Enroute camping

Quote:

Originally Posted by btaz

As far as places along the way, look at "Harvest Hosts". Far a reasonable annual fee you get access to various "Point of attraction" for free overnight stays(Wineries, breweries, farms, museums, etc.)

There is an app called "Gasbuddy" to help you identify best fuel options along the way.

I recommend you go to a Camping World and purchase their campground guide. You can pick out campgrounds along your route, check their amenities, and call ahead for reservations. They have very good step-by-step guidance to the campground. They all have dumpstations and you can choose a basic site or with power, water, and sewer.
07-07-2022, 08:13 PM
Serenity_Valley

As far as charging your phones, my family often runs the generator for a little while in the evenings, with their phones plugged in to the RV to charge. I leave mine plugged in to my camper overnight; if I wake up during the night, I might unplug it. But it draws next to nothing from the RV battery. I also carry a little portable charger around the grounds in my backpack, in case I need some extra juice.
07-07-2022, 09:10 PM
PiperWarriorII

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al Burgemeister

I recommend you go to a Camping World and purchase their campground guide. You can pick out campgrounds along your route, check their amenities, and call ahead for reservations. They have very good step-by-step guidance to the campground. They all have dumpstations and you can choose a basic site or with power, water, and sewer.

I did not even know that existed! I found a Camping World about 51 miles from my home. I will take a trip this weekend and learn all about it. My plan was to look for big service stations like Loves and Flying J and stay there... I do not want to move too far from the Interstate because I have never driven a 30' RV (or any RV) and am not sure how comfortable I will be driving around town. I will go check it out!

Thanks!
07-07-2022, 09:13 PM
PiperWarriorII

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serenity_Valley

As far as charging your phones, my family often runs the generator for a little while in the evenings, with their phones plugged in to the RV to charge. I leave mine plugged in to my camper overnight; if I wake up during the night, I might unplug it. But it draws next to nothing from the RV battery. I also carry a little portable charger around the grounds in my backpack, in case I need some extra juice.

I wanted to do that too! My only concern / question was will the Cruise America 30' RV provide power (even from the battery) when the generator is off. I did not think so. If it does then we can charge our phones even at night while we sleep. Also, could I, if needed run the generator during the day while we are away and come back later and turn it off. That scares me a bit, but might be a viable option. As long as no one would steal the Jackery battery, then the best option is to leave it charging at a charge station with a sign and a label on how to contact me.
07-08-2022, 09:54 AM
BrianS

You've probably seen them, but the traffic maps here are useful in relation to the campground.

Maps (eaa.org)
07-08-2022, 10:03 AM
BrianS

Here's what I do with chargers: sometime early in the day when I walk onto the grounds I drop it off at the charging station at Vintage. They charge devices for a donation, so throw them a couple dollars. It's always staffed and treated like coat check, you'll get a claim ticket and such. It's secure compared to just charging stuff at a public charging station.

Then at the end of the day, I stop by to pick it up and it's fresh for charging devices overnight. Depending on your charging battery you may not need to do this every day.

I'm not sure if your Jackery batter is too big for that process - it works fine for my Anker power bricks and the like.

The other option is to be strategic about when you run your generator. Charge your battery in the AM while you're having breakfast and getting ready, or when you're back for midday break. It depends a lot on your own daily schedule and needs.

I am a firm believer in "Oshkosh culture" and I know stuff can be left out at shower houses and such. But also, why tempt fate?
07-09-2022, 10:28 AM
Serenity_Valley

Quote:

Originally Posted by PiperWarriorII

I wanted to do that too! My only concern / question was will the Cruise America 30' RV provide power (even from the battery) when the generator is off. I did not think so. If it does then we can charge our phones even at night while we sleep. Also, could I, if needed run the generator during the day while we are away and come back later and turn it off. That scares me a bit, but might be a viable option. As long as no one would steal the Jackery battery, then the best option is to leave it charging at a charge station with a sign and a label on how to contact me.

This is a good point; the standard outlets in your RV won't provide power unless your generator is running. I should clarify, my little camper has a car charger-type outlet, which is what I plug my phone into.

I wouldn't recommend leaving a generator running while away from your campsite all day. It's a little unsafe, and probably poor camper etiquette.
07-10-2022, 01:35 PM
skyfixer8

I have a 2019 Forest River Salem that has USB ports in several places. I have used them for charging off the battery. I have friends with older campers that installed USB ports also. I also have solar panels to keep up with battery when not near the site. Installing ports might solve your problem.
07-11-2022, 06:54 AM
mcdewey

Shoes. Good shoes.
07-11-2022, 10:58 AM
FlyingRon

I charge my hearing aid charger and my usb battery while working during the day and then use them to recharge things at night.