The Pismo Rally began in 2008 under the leadership of Chuck and Toni Miltenberger, Bob and Cindy Ross, and Mike Keenan. What began as a gathering of vintage trailer friends grew into a must-attend event for the hobby. Over time, it welcomed as many as 300 trailers. (Photos in this post are from 2015)
For more than a decade, the original wagonmasters built the rally. They created friendly traditions that kept campers returning to Pismo Beach year after year.
As the event evolved, Mike Keenan eventually became its sole wagonmaster. He led the rally for several years, carrying on what the original team had created and helping it remain an important gathering on the vintage trailer calendar.
During that time, Paul and Caroline Lacitinola organized a separate fall rally in Pismo Beach with the support and blessing of the Miltenbergers and the Rosses. The additional gathering gave vintage trailer owners another opportunity to camp on the Central Coast later in the year.
Keenan eventually turned the original Pismo Rally over to Jay and Paige. They brought their own ideas and personality to the event while continuing the traditions that had made it so popular. As the rally approached its 20-year anniversary, Jay and Paige asked Paul and Caroline to become its next wagonmasters.
The timing made sense. The Lacitinolas were already preparing to move their November Pismo rally to Paso Robles. The dates available at the Pismo Beach campground were getting too late in November, while the Paso Robles location could accommodate the rally during the first weekend after Halloween.
The move created two vintage camping opportunities on California’s Central Coast: the long-running Pismo Rally in the spring and Vintage in the Vines in Paso Robles during the fall.
Pismo Beach offers the coastal setting and rally traditions campers have enjoyed for nearly two decades. Paso Robles provides a new location and a fall gathering surrounded by the sights and experiences of California wine country.
Spring or fall? Pismo Beach or Paso Robles?
Why choose? We’ll see you at both!
