How to Survive EAA AirVenture Camping With 40,000 People

Forty thousand people sleeping on an airport for a week. That’s EAA AirVenture’s camping situation in a nutshell. I’ve done it seven times. Here’s what the first-timers need to know.

The Camping Options Explained

North 40: The original and largest camping area. Predominantly RVs and large tents. Good community atmosphere, established neighbors return yearly. Showers available but lines can be brutal during peak hours.

Camp Scholler: The massive tent camping area west of the main grounds. More affordable, younger crowd, slightly longer walk to everything. This is where first-timers often land.

Vintage/Warbird Camping: If you fly in a qualifying aircraft, you can camp under your wing in these dedicated areas. This is aviation pilgrimage-level experience.

Fly-in camping: Brought your airplane? Camp in designated aircraft camping areas. You haven’t lived until you’ve watched sunrise from under your Cessna’s wing while coffee brews.

The Reservation Reality

EAA opens camping reservations in early spring. Premium spots – particularly drive-in locations with electrical hookups – sell out within hours. If you’re planning next year’s trip, set calendar reminders for reservation opening day.

Camp Scholler tent camping typically doesn’t require advance reservation but operates first-come, first-served during the event week. Arrive Tuesday or earlier for reasonable spot selection.

What to Bring (That Nobody Tells You)

Industrial-grade ear protection: Aircraft movements continue until 10pm and resume at 6am. Warbirds will taxi past your tent at sunrise. Heavy-duty earplugs are mandatory for any sleep.

A real mattress solution: Sleeping pads get old after seven nights. Air mattresses, quality cots, or thick foam pads transform the experience.

Portable power station: Electrical hookups are limited and expensive. A decent power station (Jackery, Bluetti) keeps phones charged and small fans running without fighting for outlet access.

Shade structure: Wisconsin summer sun is brutal. Your tent will be uninhabitable by 9am without external shade. Canopy tents or tarps are essential.

Wagon or cart: You’ll be hauling everything from showers to your campsite. Arms full of wet towels and toiletries gets old fast.

The Shower Situation

Public shower houses exist but serve thousands. Peak times (7-9am, 6-8pm) mean 30+ minute waits. Strategies that work:

• Shower at off-hours (6am early birds, 2pm while everyone’s at the show)
• Invest in a portable camp shower for non-hair-washing days
• Baby wipes are your friend for quick refreshes
• Some campers make friends with nearby hangar owners who have private facilities

Food Strategy

The grounds have extensive food options, but eating out every meal for a week destroys budgets. Smart campers bring:

• Cooler with breakfast supplies (the on-site breakfast vendors are expensive)
• Propane stove for simple cooking
• Non-perishable snacks to avoid $6 vendor granola bars
• Budget for one or two genuine restaurant meals at the on-field establishments

Safety and Security

Oshkosh camping is remarkably safe – aviation people generally respect each other’s property. But basics apply:

• Lock valuables in vehicles, not tents
• Know your neighbors (you’ll see them all week)
• The EAA security team is professional and responsive
• Carry identification – you’ll need credentials to move between zones

The Community Factor

Here’s what makes Oshkosh camping special: you’re surrounded by aviation obsessives. That RV neighbor? Retired airline captain. The tent cluster next door? Experimental aircraft builders comparing notes. Evening conversations around camp chairs are often better than the airshow itself. Bring something to share – cold beverages make instant friends.