10 Tips for Camping at AirVenture

July 5, 2018 - Whether you’re camping underneath the wing of your airplane or among the thousands of Camp Scholler residents during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018, there are a few things you need to know prior to heading to Oshkosh. With the assistance of Jack Fleetwood, EAA 694416, and Jim Buxton, EAA 332590, here are some tips to consider when planning your camping stay at AirVenture.

1. Bring a good tent. Stake it down well. Practice putting it together at home before arriving and make sure to waterproof it. When in Oshkosh, close your tent windows. The last thing you want to do after a long day at AirVenture is pour water from your tent after a rain shower.
2. Bring chairs. If you want to hang out around your camping area, it’s nice to have something other than the ground to sit on. If you’re camping by your airplane, make sure to lay your chairs down when not using them. Nearby airplanes starting up can send your chairs flying!
3. If you’re staying in Camp Scholler, consider bringing a bike. You’ll be walking more than enough once you’re inside the AirVenture grounds. Having a bike can make the journey to the shower houses much shorter, depending where your campsite is.
4. Bring a cooler and water. You can purchase ice while you’re here. Make sure to stay hydrated.
5. The showers in Camp Scholler are most crowded in the morning. If you are flexible about when you shower, you can avoid the busiest times.
6. Bring a flashlight and batteries. If you’re heading back to your tent or camper after the night air show or one of the other evening activities, it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra light.
7. Red One Market West, Red One Market Central, and Red One Market Southwest in Camp Scholler are great for anything from the item you forgot to pack to fresh, locally sourced groceries for the grill. Although there are many great food options on the flightline, no Oshkosh camping experience is complete without at least one dinner enjoyed at the campsite.
8. Think about bringing ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper. The sound of airplanes in the morning and social gatherings in the evening can sometimes be detrimental to a good night’s sleep.
9. With the eighth tip in mind, you may not need an alarm clock. The sound of P-51 Mustangs taking off in the morning can serve as your notice that the day’s activities at AirVenture are about to begin!

10.  Prepare for any kind of weather. Whether it’s sunny and hot or rainy and cold, weather in Oshkosh during the summer can sometimes be unpredictable. Bring sunscreen, a raincoat, comfortable shoes, a hat, and some warmer clothes for the evenings and you should be in pretty good shape.