Explore, Connect, Celebrate: Diving into the Fun at Camp Winnebago

Explore, Connect, Celebrate: Diving into the Fun at Camp Winnebago
Learn more about this RVer rally from a first-time attendee.

By: Charlie Grace

I thought that Camp Winnebago was going to be a fun camping experience, learning more about my RV as well as making more friends who love to camp, but it was so much more!

After I purchased my Winnebago EKKO, I was looking on the Winnebago website for events and found that Winnebago’s national rally called Camp Winnebago was happening in mid-July. I figured that there was no better way to learn more about my new RV as well as the Winnebago community than to jump right in and attend. 

I quickly purchased a ticket and then made my travel plans accordingly to drive to Camp Winnebago in Forest City, Iowa. I had never been to a national rally for an RV brand and had no idea the fun that I was about to experience.

Highlights of My First Camp Winnebago National Rally

I was able to attend for five days and wish I could have been there sooner. There were pre-rally days, which each group at the rally had events planned from games to potlucks. Looking back, I would suggest attending the extra days as it gives you a little more time to settle in and get to know the group that you are parked beside. I had such great conversations with my camping neighbors about their RVs and their travels that I sometimes had a hard time leaving to get down to the larger planned activities. 

I am a bit of a planner and loved having the agenda and schedule located on an app that I could carry with me at all times. This made it super easy to follow and gave helpful reminders on my phone when seminars and events were happening. As soon as my phone would ding, I would quickly walk to the end of my camping row and pick up a convenient shuttle to take me to the seminar or group area if I needed to get there quicker than walking. 

The vendor area also did not disappoint. There was everything from trip planning, part upgrades, electric bikes and carriers, to RV services including insurance and medical. This truly was a one-stop shop type of rally that had items that peaked everyone’s curiosity (from the newbies to the experienced RVers).

I was able to talk to vendors directly and have my generator oil changed, upgrade my fans, and even have my RV hood painted – all while staying parked at the campground. Not only was it convenient, but I truly felt confident with the expert service that I received while at the rally.

After a full day of workshops and activities, to quench your thirst and sooth your musical soul, there was a happy hour offered each day at camp. This was a great way for everyone to congregate and talk about all that they had learned as well as get ready for the larger activity of the night – such as the disco costume contest prior to the row party. 

Each year has a theme and this year’s was disco. This translated into each row being given a tent to decorate and then have something to offer each camper that resembled the theme by way of food. I sampled everything from gumbo, chili, meatballs, snowballs, chocolates, and more while being surrounded by campers in disco outfits and dancing to disco music. It was quite a night to remember.

See more photos of row night and more rally fun in this post by Winnebago and this video by the Newstate Nomads!

There were quite a few people who were there for the first time as well as others that had been attending for more than 20 years. The return campers shared with me that attending was not only an experience, but also a bit of a pilgrimage to come back to the place where their RV was designed and manufactured. Attendees had the opportunity not only take a Winnebago factory tour, but also meet with members from the Winnebago design, engineering, product planning, and technical groups. 

Not only did you get a sense and understanding of how the RVs are made, but as an attendee you could put a face with a person who was pivotal in the design of your RV which was priceless. There was a great sense of pride between the owners and the Winnebago staff that solidified why people continue to trust and buy from the brand.  

As a first-time attendee, I can’t wait until I get to come back for my next Camp Winnebago rally! There were so many things that I learned and friendships that I made that I am excited to see everyone again. 

For a look at more Camp Winnebago fun, watch my recap video of the event!

Top 5 Tips for Attending Camp Winnebago

1. Join a group to park with when you make a reservation. I joined the Winnebago EKKO row, and it gave me an opportunity to not only make friends in a smaller setting, but learn from the experiences of others with the same RV. They have different rows with different styles of RVs such as Class A (Forza, Vista), Class B (Travato, Solis, Revel), Class C (EKKO, View/Navion, Minnie Winnie), and Winnebago travel trailers. There are also rows for regional groups and special interest groups, like vintage Winnebago owners.

2. Dress for camp! Be comfortable and realize that you are going to be outside quite a bit going from seminar to workshop to happy hour. This means break out the sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes (as well as an outfit to match the year’s theme).

3. Take a factory tour and stop at the Winnebago Visitor Center. The Visitor Center shop is a great place to get a really cool t-shirt or hat that has your RV on it and the Factory Tours are a favorite with visitors. Learn more about taking a Factory Tour here.

If you missed out on getting Winnebago-branded gear in person, you can also purchase some online at the Winnebago Outdoor store. GoLife Perks members receive a 20% discount at the online store and 10% at the visitor center!

4. Take advantage of the Winnebago Factory Service Center within close proximity. Many people go to the service center while in town for upgrades, work, and installation of items that are being sold at the event. If you are in need of work done on your motorized RV (up to seven items), you can sign up at the Winnebago Service Center and they will call you over to bring your RV when it is your time. Thankfully, I did not need any service, but I did take advantage of the vendors offering service. (Learn more about the benefits of using the Winnebago Factory Service Center in this article.)

5. Plan your time realistically. There are numerous workshops and seminars to choose from, so pace yourself and realize that it’s hard to go to all of them. Download the app with the schedule, be flexible, and take the shuttle to get there on time, 

I hope this will encourage you to attend the next Camp Winnebago!

You can learn more about Charlie Grace and follow along with her adventures on her website, YouTube Channel, or Instagram.