The Camp Winnebago Rally is Coming Up Soon! Here’s What Attendees Can Expect

The Camp Winnebago Rally is Coming Up Soon! Here’s What Attendees Can Expect
Learn more about this large-scale owner event, plus fun highlights to enjoy!

By: GoLife Staff

Camp Winnebago (formerly Grand National Rally) is Winnebago’s annual owner rally which takes place in Forest City, Iowa, each summer. For more than 50 years, hundreds of Winnebago RVs have been gathering each summer at the rally grounds right up the road from the Winnebago Factory. During the event, owners have the opportunity to connect, learn, and have a lot of fun! Winnebago employees, vendors, and partners also join in the celebration of community.

Check out this recap from 2023 to get a taste of what to expect. This episode of RV There Yet? also shows what attending Camp Winnebago is like. If you are completely new to owner rallies, this article shares some of the many benefits of attending.

Camp Winnebago Overview 

In 2024, Camp Winnebago takes place from July 15-18, with pre-rally parking beginning July 10 at noon.  There is 30- and 50-amp parking available as well as accessible parking and dry camping options. When you register, you will have the option to be parked with others from your home state/province or an owner group you are part of or would like to join. 

Your Camp Winnebago ticket includes camping for the duration of the rally and access to daily live music, the Row Party celebration, Winnebago Factory tours, educational sessions, vendor and product displays, and opportunities to meet the Winnebago team to ask questions as well as offer your owner feedback. Plus, the rally team will provide water, daily morning coffee, and a daily happy hour. 

Many Winnebago owners see Camp Winnebago (formerly GNR) as a big family reunion! The themed Row Party Night is always a highlight of the event – with the 2024 theme being “Disco Fever.” If you are new to the annual rally, the Row Party Night is a beloved tradition where each row of campers gets together to decorate their row’s tent based on the theme, and it is always a good time!

You can also look forward to playing games like Music Bingo and Family Feud in the Special Events Tent, craft time, competing in the lawn game tournament, a cooking contest, trivia night, and a Campfire Jamboree. There will also be multiple food trucks and dining options on the grounds with shuttle services into town to stop at Hy-Vee (Forest City’s local grocery store) and enjoy restaurants around town!

What to Expect When Arriving at Camp Winnebago

Pre-rally parking begins on Wednesday, July 10, from 12-5 p.m., and gates are open daily from 12-5 p.m. until Sunday, July 14. All attendees must be parked by Sunday, July 14, since the event begins July 15. Be sure to arrive with empty black and gray tanks and a full water tank.

When initially arriving, enter through the south gate (330th St / Heritage Ln) to check-in and park. Note this gate is not open for entry/exit after initial check-in. For re-entry with a vehicle, use the main entrance on the west side of the rally grounds near the River Oaks building. This is open 24 hours a day with security guards, so make sure to have your car pass visible if using this gate. If you are re-entering in your RV from a Factory Service appointment, you will need to use the Red Barn gate on the west side of the grounds.

Read more about this process and camping rules on the Camp Winnebago FAQ page.

Upon arrival, event employees will check you in and guide you to your camping spot for the week. You will also receive a name badge and lanyard upon arrival. If you are a first-time attendee, you will receive a green lanyard which offers you access to a special session that will explain how to make the most of the event.

6 Tips for Making the Most of Camp Winnebago 

Whether you are a new attendee to Winnebago’s annual rally or have been going for decades, here are some ways to make the most of your time …

1. Consider Arriving for Pre-Rally Camping & Fun

If you’ve never been to Forest City, Iowa, arriving early can allow you to explore the area, have more time to get settled in, and start meeting new people before you dive into the rally activities. A shuttle bus service will also be available to take you into town to celebrate Forest City’s beloved Puckerbrush Days on Friday and Saturday of Pre-Rally. 

2. Take Advantage of First-Timer Programs

Attending such a large-scale event can be a bit intimidating. The first-timers seminar meetup is a great way to get a better understanding of what to expect at Camp Winnebago and gives you an opportunity to ask questions. Plus, it lets you meet other rally newbies and start making connections.

3. Rent a Golf Cart if You Want to Limit Your Steps!

If you’d like to rent a golf cart during your time at Camp Winnebago, please call 641-843-4132 to order one from Miller & Sons Golf Cars. This is a popular option since there is a lot to do and see during Camp Winnebago. 

4. Know the Process for Factory Service & Parts Pickup

For anyone planning on getting RV service done at the Winnebago Factory Service Center before, during, or after the rally, be sure to know the process is different during the entire month of July. For example, you will need to sign up for service, and repairs are limited to seven minor items. If you just need parts, call (641) 585-6949 to have parts ready for pickup upon your arrival. 

Read more about this process on the Camp Winnebago FAQ page.

5. Use the Official Camp Winnebago App

The official Camp Winnebago app has launched and is ready for you! All attendees will be emailed a link after registering to download and join the app. We encourage you to use the app to communicate with other attendees and staff leading up to and during Camp Winnebago!

6. Plan to Keep in Touch with New Friends

If you are attending the social events and chatting with your rally neighbors, you will likely leave Camp Winnebago with new friends and contacts you’d like to keep in touch with. Luckily, Winnebago’s GoLife Community owner groups make staying connected simple. 

In addition to gathering the individual contact information of new friends, you can join these online groups to stay up to date with where other owners may be meeting up and keep the conversations (about mods, travel tips, and more!) going once the rally has ended. 

Hopefully, this Camp Winnebago overview will help you plan for a wonderful time at this year’s rally. We can’t wait to see you there! If you haven’t registered to attend yet, there’s still time! Learn more here.