Lakefront campers arrive extra early to nab a spot for "the best fireworks we've ever seen"

MILWAUKEE -- Part of the whole fireworks experience on Milwuakee's lakefront is the camping. Each year people seem to get more and more sophisticated with their set-up.

The U.S. Bank fireworks at the lakefront isn't just an event, it's an experience. And to do it right you need to go camping.

"We rent a 26 foot U-Haul truck and bring it down here and we had about 10 people down here helping to unload," said Klint Knueppel, camper.

Klint Krueppel and his family have been going to the fireworks for the past 15 years.

Each year seems to top the next as they have a basketball court, slushie machine, and even their own porta potty.

"My brother Clay, when anybody gives him an idea on something then next year it magically happens," said Knueppel.

People showed up as early as Thursday afternoon to claim their spot on the lakefront as many people like to set up in the same location year after year.

"Every year we start early the day before, 24 hours ahead of time you're roping the area off and you're thinking we're going to be doing it again," said Christopher Stanislowski, camper.

And then there's the food.

"20 pounds of pulled pork for later, we had chorizo and eggs for breakfast, we'll have nachos and chili cheesedogs for lunch," said Stanislowski.

Whether people are dressing up their campsite or themselves, it's all in anticipation of the incredible U.S. Bank fireworks.

"The fireworks at the end are just the icing on the cake. They are the best fireworks that we've ever seen. Every time you think they're done, they go for another 20 minutes," said Knueppel.

20,000 shells will be shot off Friday night using state-of-the-art technology.

Milwaukee County Parks officials will be handing out garbage bags throughout the day asking campers to clean up after themselves when they leave Veterans Park.