There are few events in the world that create a temporary city of RVs quite like the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Every summer, this place becomes the absolute epicenter of the aviation world, and along with the planes come thousands of campers, turning the fields around Wittman Regional Airport into a massive, sprawling RV community. At the heart of this community is Camp Scholler, and for those of us who call it home for a week, its RV dump station isn’t just a utility, it’s a critical piece of infrastructure. But here’s a little secret, even when the skies aren’t buzzing with warbirds and aerobatic performers, the dump station on Stits Road is often available for travelers exploring the beautiful Fox River Valley.
Visiting Oshkosh is an experience, especially during AirVenture. The sheer scale of it is hard to comprehend until you’re there. You’re camping under the flight path of everything from vintage biplanes to the latest military jets. The daily airshows are breathtaking, and the camaraderie among the attendees is something special. But Oshkosh is more than just a week long festival. It’s a lovely city on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, a massive body of water that’s a playground for fishing, boating, and even kiteboarding. The EAA Aviation Museum is open year round and is a must see for any enthusiast, with a collection of historic aircraft that will leave you in awe. The city itself has a charming downtown with farmers’ markets and live music. Plus, you’re only about an hour south of Green Bay, so a pilgrimage to Lambeau Field is an easy day trip.
Dumping your tanks at Camp Scholler during AirVenture is an exercise in planning and patience. This is a campground on an epic scale, and the logistics are managed accordingly. The dump station is a multi lane, self service facility that runs 24 hours a day. During the show, especially in the days leading up to the final weekend, you’ll see traffic control volunteers guiding rigs in and out in an impressively organized flow. The lines can get very, very long. If you try to dump on the final Sunday as everyone is leaving, you could easily wait for an hour or more. The seasoned veterans know the tricks. Go at 3 AM on a Tuesday, or first thing Thursday morning before the weekend exodus begins.
One of the most brilliant services offered during the event is the mobile pumping service. For a fee, a truck will come directly to your campsite and empty your black and grey tanks for you. This is an absolute lifesaver, especially if you’re parked in a tight spot in one of the generator rows and the idea of packing everything up just to move your rig is daunting. It allows you to stay put and enjoy the show without worrying about your tank levels. For those who do use the main station, you’ll find non potable water for rinsing right at the dump lanes. Potable water spigots are also scattered throughout the vast campground, but these can also develop long lines. A smart move is to fill your fresh tank as soon as you arrive, before you even get settled into your spot.
The amenities at Camp Scholler are designed to support a massive population. There are modern shower houses with flush toilets and coin laundry facilities, which are essential during those humid Wisconsin summers. While many of the sites are primitive dry camping spots, there are improved rows that offer water and electric hookups. These sites are like gold and sell out months, sometimes a year, in advance. If you want to run your air conditioning without firing up the generator, you need to plan way ahead. The campground is very pet friendly, with leashed pets welcome and dedicated dog walking areas marked on the camp map. Trash disposal is handled via large dumpsters located at central points like the Red One Market, not at the dump station island itself. There’s no on site repair shop, but you’ll often find flyers for local mobile RV techs posted on the bulletin boards near the registration buildings.
The cost structure is fantastic. The dump station is completely free for all registered campers. For day visitors or people just passing through outside of the main event, there has historically been a nominal fee, usually under five dollars. Considering the 24 hour access and the scale of the facility, the value is incredible. The most important tip for a smooth visit during AirVenture is to manage your time. Dump early in the day or very late at night. Have your hoses and connectors ready to go to keep the line moving. Follow the directions of the volunteers, they are there to make the process efficient for everyone. And always check the official AirVenture NOTAMs and departure procedures, as road closures can sometimes affect the traffic patterns near the dump station.
In summary, the dump station at EAA Camp Scholler is more than just a place to empty your tanks. It’s part of a unique and thrilling experience. It combines the excitement of a world class airshow with the practical, well thought out infrastructure needed to support thousands of your fellow RVers. Whether you’re a die hard aviation buff camping for the week or just a traveler looking for a convenient stop in eastern Wisconsin, this facility delivers. Just be prepared for the crowds if you’re there in late July, and you’ll enjoy one of the most memorable dump station experiences in the country.
Schaick Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 426-4800
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
eaa.org/airventure/plan-your-eaa-airventure-trip/eaa-camping-and-lodging/camp-scholler