2026 29th Annual Gathering

The Annual Gathering Rally of the Tin Can Tourists is the oldest, longest running vintage trailer rally in the country. This event has always been held the weekend before Memorial Day.

You must be a current Tin Can Tourists member to attend this event. Click on JOIN on the menu to join the club!

Registration Process

Starting on January 1st, 2026, you can register for the event by sending an email to tct1919@gmail.com with the following information:

• Names of attendees
• Trailer/RV – year, make & model
• Camp Site preference and backup site – Use the list below to see which campsites have been assigned and pick one not on the list – (please insure your trailer/RV meets the size the site supports by checking the details below)
• Number of adults and kids (16 years old or younger)
• Is this your first time attending this event

Next step is to make your payment for the event. We are only accepting electronic payments in 2026. Send $25 per adult and $6 per child by:

• Paypal @TinCanTourists
• Credit Card – email us at tct1919@gmail.com that you’d like us to send you an invoice to pay using a credit card.

Once we receive both the registration information and the rally fee payment, we will select your campsite based on your preference and any possible conflicts with others that also selected that site.

Once you receive your confirmed site number by email, you will call Camp Dearborn and pay for your campsite. This year, if your site is not paid for one month ahead of the event, your site will be released.

RALLY FEE REFUND POLICY – Rally Fee less the PayPal or Credit Card fee will be refunded if cancelled on or before April 30, 2026. No refund after April 30th.

Agenda

VintageFest Car Show

Stopping for the Night Along Route 66 – From Motor Camps to Motel
Chains

On Saturday night in the tent, join roadside historian and TCT Hall of Fame member Daniel Hershberger as he discusses the historical development of roadside lodging found along “America’s Main Street” from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Even before the route was officially designated in 1926, travelers were pulling off into motor camps for the night. Roadside lodging would soon evolve into quaint cabin courts in the 1930s, offering more substantial lodgings, and eventually into more modern motels in the 1940s, ‘50s
and ‘60s.
This highly visual talk is filled with period postcards as well as vintage and contemporary photography and as it will highlight many of the classic tourist courts and motels still in operation along the route, it is a “must see” for anyone planning a road trip to get their kicks on 66!

Rally Theme

School Spirit – show some school pride, whether from your high school or college. Think letter jackets, jerseys, cheer, hats, mascots, etc.

Roster

As of 04/01/26 – 111 sites registered, 201 People (CAMP DEARBORN indicates site that the campground is holding for their employees)

14 First Timers have registered for this event

Facebook group for the event: TCT Spring and Fall Rallies (Camp Dearborn – Milford Michigan) | Facebook

Here is a map of the campground

campdearbornmap

“No Burn Zone”

The “no burn zone” is a small area where campfires are not allowed to protect the trailers that are not resistant to sparks or embers. The area consists of sites 45 through 54. These sites are available for trailers that have features that make them flammable. Examples include canvas tops, wood-sided trailers, etc. Sites 53-54 are held in reserve for attendees with special needs who might need to be close to the comfort station.

Here are the size limits of the sites

Sites 1-65 up to 35 foot trailer ( electric only )

Sites 66-76 up to 50 foot trailer ( full hook up )

Sites 77-81 up to 45 foot trailer ( full hook up )

Sites 82 to 91 up to 35 foot trailer ( full hook up )

Sites 92 to 102 up to a 40 foot trailer  ( full hook up )

Sites 103 to 122 up to a 32 foot trailer ( full hook up )

Sites 123,124,125 up to about a 25 foot trailer ( full hook up )

Sites 126 to 140 up to 32 foot trailer ( full hook up )

Sites 141 to 161 up to 45 foot trailer ( full hook up )

Sites 162 to 191 up to 32 foot trailer ( electric only )