5 of the Best Pieces of Gear for Underwing Camping

Whether at AirVenture or sleeping under the stars, here's what you'll want to have with you.

Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 12:42 PM ET

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The right gear helps to create the perfect underwing soirée at EAA AirVenture in July at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. [Courtesy: Bella McFarland]

Key Takeaways:

The author's focus at EAA AirVenture has shifted over time from airplanes to the people and community, leading to an emphasis on creating a comfortable "underwing patio" as a social gathering place.
Key elements for building this ideal fly-in camping setup include a comfortable reclining camp chair, warm solar-powered string lights for ambiance, a durable cooler for cold drinks, a portable camp table for organization, and a high-capacity power station for charging devices.
Beyond specific gear, successful fly-in camping requires researching destinations, considering available amenities, using reliable shelter, packing essential survival items, and adhering to "Leave No Trace" principles.

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Over the years, I’ve learned that the more you attend the EAA AirVenture fly-in at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the more the event becomes about the people rather than the airplanes.

When I first visited in 1998 or so, my mind boggled at the incredible variety of flying rarities on display, and with my cheap film camera in hand, I pursued them all with ferocity. Now, having stalked and captured the most intriguing specimens—and having met new friends every year—AirVenture has become an annual reunion of some of my favorite people in the world.

Jason McDowell

Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He can be found on Instagram as @cessnateur.