N

N319BC

Active Member
First time renting a motorhome and have a few questions. Previously, I have flown in and camped at HBC w/o any issues, other than the weather. Renting a Motorhome is giving me some problems and I'm hoping someone here can clarify what process I should follow. (1) When I rent the Motorhome, where do I tell the owner/provider where to set it up? since "Electric & Water campsites" aren't available to book until June 26th I do not have that info available. (2) Do you get a choice of available campsites on June 26th? or do you get the next one that is available closest to the show? This uncertainty is what is making me nervous. I'd prefer not being in the "sticks" but I'd like to hear from those who have done this on what is the best SOP. I'm not in WI to show up and get in line to secure a site, so that isn't an option. Any preferred vendors for motorhomes? I'm currently looking at RVshare and Outdoorsy. I know it's late in the game, but I have more people coming this year, and we all can't fit in the plane. Thanks
 
N319BC said:
First time renting a motorhome and have a few questions. Previously, I have flown in and camped at HBC w/o any issues, other than the weather. Renting a Motorhome is giving me some problems and I'm hoping someone here can clarify what process I should follow. (1) When I rent the Motorhome, where do I tell the owner/provider where to set it up? since "Electric & Water campsites" aren't available to book until June 26th I do not have that info available. (2) Do you get a choice of available campsites on June 26th? or do you get the next one that is available closest to the show? This uncertainty is what is making me nervous. I'd prefer not being in the "sticks" but I'd like to hear from those who have done this on what is the best SOP. I'm not in WI to show up and get in line to secure a site, so that isn't an option. Any preferred vendors for motorhomes? I'm currently looking at RVshare and Outdoorsy. I know it's late in the game, but I have more people coming this year, and we all can't fit in the plane. Thanks
Click to expand...
I went in 24’ camping for the first time.
When you buy, or book your campsite, you simply pick any available site at that time. Then it belongs to you from that day through the end of the show.
Additionally, the price drops each day until all sites are sold out. So you can wait and save a few bucks but checking the camp website each day will show fewer and fewer open sites. I waited until there were 100 sites still open then booked. So I paid for 16 days, only using 6 nights!
Hope this helps.
 
We own our own 19' motor home. 2021 we were preregistered everything in advance and arrived on opening day morning. Check in was easy and they said turn right and see what you can find. Barely fit into an area two "blocks from the dump station.
Opening day 2024 we were preregistered everything in advance again. The arrival lines from the highway fanned out to 4 receiving lines. 45 minutes for check in. They said turn right, follow the tractor. We conga lined through all of the established campground to a freshly mowed campground. This was where you would walk through the trees, through a gate and get on the seaplane school busses.
We were there for the aviation part of the event and had a great time.
What we are pointing out is that reservations in Federal and State parks gets you a designated "spot". Here even with preregistration at this event only gets you in.
 
Finley said:
Additionally, the price drops each day until all sites are sold out. So you can wait and save a few bucks but checking the camp website each day will show fewer and fewer open sites. I waited until there were 100 sites still open then booked. So I paid for 16 days, only using 6 nights!
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
You pay for all show days remaining. When you leave, you can surrender your pass at any exit gate for a refund of days not used.

Example.... you pay for 16 days, and leave on the seventh day. You will get a credit for nine days on your billed credit card.

The reason for this is they don't need to police who is paid up to what day.... the responsibility is up to you.
 
gasman said:
You pay for all show days remaining. When you leave, you can surrender your pass at any exit gate for a refund of days not used.

Example.... you pay for 16 days, and leave on the seventh day. You will get a credit for nine days on your billed credit card.

The reason for this is they don't need to police who is paid up to what day.... the responsibility is up to you.
Click to expand...
Not for the improved camping sites. You pay starting the day you book through the end of the show. There are no refunds for an early departure.
 
N10KE said:
Not for the improved camping sites. You pay starting the day you book through the end of the show. There are no refunds for an early departure.
Click to expand...
Improved sites are less than 10% of the sites. You are correct as stated on EAA camping info.
 
N319BC said:
Thanks for the responses. Now on to find a motorhome &/or trailer.
Click to expand...
We found the travel trailers we've used on RVShare, but there are other sites that perform the same function. Just don't use one of the local dealers -- it will cost you 2-3 times as much plus the dealer trailers come empty (no linens, towels, cookware, utensils, toilet paper, etc). We lucked into a relationship with a young family we found on RVshare and this and this will our 4th year renting from them. After the first year we switched to contacting them VFR direct and it's worked beautifully.

EDIT: If you do use an owner rental site like RVShare, don' forget to filter your search for owners that offer delivery and setup.
 
Last edited:
Another thing to consider is to rent outside Oshkosh and drive it in. My son rents in Minneapolis (he lives there) and drives it to/from. The rental period is long enough to provide adequate miles credit so he doesn’t get hit with a big per mile charge. Milwaukee, Madison, etc. might also work and you can avoid the big OSH upcharge.
 
Last year I rented a huge trailer from a individual who set everything up in advance, we stayed at:
Circle R Campground 1183 old knapp rd oshkosh wi 54902 it’s about a 5-10 min drive to EAA.

They have showers, washing machines, a swimming hole, regularly scheduled bus service to & from EAA, free coffee , etc

I didn’t get a reservation in soon enough to get a spot with water & power. I ended up in a Self-contained spots (huge empty field) but generators are allowed.

I figured out that if you camp at camp Scholler you’ll either pay 3k for the month for a water & power hookup, or end up in a camping area where generators are not allowed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.