Airplane Types Unlock AirVenture Locations for Parking, Camping

So you’re finally an airplane owner. The best place to park and camp at AirVenture in Oshkosh largely depends on what kind you have.

Jason McDowell

Wednesday, July 03, 2024 at 09:21 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

Your aircraft type and year of manufacture dictates where you’re allowed to camp at EAA AirVenture, so plan accordingly. [Credit: Larry Griffiths]

Key Takeaways:

EAA AirVenture has strict aircraft categorization for parking, meaning planes like the friend's 1973 Bellanca Super Viking (which missed the 1971 vintage cutoff) are directed to general aviation parking in either the North 40 or South 40 areas.
The North 40 offers a more bustling "city living" experience with proximity to external businesses, excellent runway views, and extensive amenities, though it is also characterized by steady road noise.
The South 40 provides a quieter, more "country" camping experience with a peaceful vibe and improving amenities, closer access to ultralight activities, but lacks direct runway views and is further from the main show action.

See a mistake? Contact us.

My good friend Chris recently bought his first airplane. It’s over half a century old and has a wooden airframe covered in fabric. He loves it and has been looking forward to flying it to as many fly-ins and get-togethers as possible.

As is the case with any first-time airplane owner, he’s pretty excited and has been asking me all kinds of thoughtful questions about the logistics of flying into the biggest aviation celebration in the world, EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. One of his first questions pertained to the geography of the July 22-28 event and in what area he should plan to park and camp.