Black Hills & Badlands Hangout 2024 – Sold Out, Join Waiting List
May 6 - May 13
Like the pioneers before us, get ready to explore the wild west for 7-nights! From bison herds, U.S. monuments, and shootouts to brothels. Interact with how life was and how nature endures in South Dakota. Join us as we ‘re-settle’ in the wild west with visits to scenic Custer State Park, the rustic Badlands, and its wildlife. We’ll get a little rowdy with gunfights in Deadwood and a brothel museum experience. We’ll chow down on local fare like bison burgers and beer. Let’s show the West we are the new RV pioneers.
This Hangout is currently sold out, but join the waiting list and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!
Hangout Highlights
- Explore Mount Rushmore Monument
- Visit Devils Tower Monument
- Drive Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
- Take in Spearfish Canyon
- Visit Badlands National Park
- Tour historic town of Deadwood
- Deadwood Brothel Museum & Gunfights
- Saloon Murder Mystery Theme Night
- Cowboy Campfire Cookout & Potlucks
- 7-nights FHU at RV Resort
Please note: With so many remarkable sites to see, a lot of scenic driving time is needed on multiple days. For several of our adventures we've made them optional and invite you to set your own driving pace. The time you’ll spend behind the wheel is not merely a means to an end but an integral part of the exploring the scenic Black Hills.
Devils Tower, a captivating geological enigma, which rises dramatically from the landscape. Comprised of hexagonal columns of igneous rock, standing at a towering 867 feet. Devils Tower has puzzled geologists for centuries. This unique monolith is revered by Native American tribes for its spiritual significance. Wear your hiking boots to explore the trails, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and marvel at the rock climbers.
The Custer State Park Wildlife Loop is a journey through the heart of the Black Hills, offering an opportunity to see the region’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. As you wind through this scenic loop, you’ll encounter herds of bison, graceful pronghorns, curious wild burros, and even the occasional glimpse of elusive mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The Wildlife Loop is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Have your cameras ready!
Deadwood, holds a prominent place in the annals of the Wild West, where history and legend intertwine. Founded during the Gold Rush in the late 1800s, this once-lawless frontier town attracted iconic figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, who both met their ends here. Infamous for its gambling halls, gunfights, brothels, rugged and unruly spirit.
Badlands National Park, a geological wonder showcasing a labyrinth of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires, carved by wind and water over millions of years. The Badlands name reflects its challenging terrain for early settlers and its ability to mystify you with its striking beauty. A haven for wildlife, home to bison, bighorn sheep and pronghorns. Whether you’re hiking the rugged trails, or gazing at the painted sunset skies you will be mesmerized.
Hangout location
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort is located on the historic Frawley Ranch in the heart of the Northern Black Hills with over 5,000 acres of ranchland and Buffalo herds grazing against a mountainous backdrop. Golf and dining are near the park.
This Hangout is limited to 30 RVs, don’t wait to register!
Is this event right for me?
Every member is welcome at all Escapees RV Club events and every activity is optional. With that said, this Hangout is best suited for members who:
- enjoy walking and hiking for several miles
- can participate in activities during weekdays (traditional working/business hours)
- have transportation if carpooling can not be arranged
- enjoy scenic drives up to 1.5 hours to National Parks or Monuments (don’t forget the return trip drive too)
- are comfortable being away from your rig for up to 7-8 hours during the day.
For events designed specifically for working-age RVers, with most activities in the evenings and on weekends, try an Xscapers Convergence.
Or, for more of an all-inclusive, guided-tour experience, you may prefer one of our Head-Out Programs (HOPs).
Pet Owners
We love our pets and try to select pet-friendly activities and venues so your pet can come along. But, it’s not always possible. Several activities during this Hangout will require you to be away from your pet for the day. We recommend making advanced care arrangements for your pet. Many Hangout attendees have used www.rover.com.
Schedule
Scheduled activities are subject to change. Activities marked with an *asterisk are not included in your Hangout fee such as entrance and parking fees at National Parks and Monuments. Please bring your park passes.
Monday May 6
- Arrival and Registration at Campground
- Welcome Gathering and Introductions
Tuesday May 7
- Coffee Roundup
- Geographic Center of the Nation Monument
- Bison Burger Lunch (vegetarian options available)
- Devils Tower National Monument*
- Wild West Chili Cook Off & Lot Crawl
Wednesday May 8
- Coffee Roundup
- Needles Eye Tunnel Drive
- Mount Rushmore National Monument*
- Group Lunch*
- Mount Rushmore Sunset Sculpture Illumination
Thursday May 9
- Free day to explore on your own, or visit:
- Badlands National Park Drive*
- Wall Drug Store*
- Ghost Town of Scenic*
- Wild West Saloon Murder Mystery Theme Night
Friday May 10
- Coffee Roundup
- Deadwood Brothel Museum Tour
- Deadwood Street Gunfights
- Mount Moriah Cemetery Tour*
- Wild Bill Hickok Shootout & Outlaw Square Music Shows
Saturday May 11
- Coffee Roundup
- Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Drive*
- Crazy Horse Monument & Museum*
- Campfire & Horseshoes
Sunday May 12
- Coffee Roundup
- Mother’s Day Potluck Brunch
- Spearfish Canyon Drive
- Self-guided Frawley Ranch Tour
- Campfire Roll-up Cook Out, and Pub Luck*
Monday May 13
- GTHO Breakfast
- Departure and happy trails!
Registration includes:
- 7-nights RV Resort Full Hookup Campsite
- Sightseeing to National Monuments/Parks: Spearfish Canyon, Badlands, Custer Wildlife Loop, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, Needles Eye Tunnel
- Geographic Center of the Nation Museum
- Deadwood Brothel Museum Tour
- Event Center for Indoor Activities
- Morning Coffee Talks
- Cowboy Campfire Roll-up Cookout
- Saloon Murder Mystery Theme Night
- Bison Burger Lunch
- Chili Cook Off
- Cowgirl Potluck Brunch
- Mother’s Day Gift
- Hiking & biking
- GTHO departure day breakfast
- Hangout Hosts
Additional costs to consider: meals out, park entrance and parking fees, and optional activities
All activities listed for this event are subject to change.
Hangout Cost:
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RV site, 2 people $675
Full Hookup Site on Concrete Pad
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Deduct for only 1 person -$80
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Each additional persons (including children) $100
For more than 2 people in the same RV
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Escapee RV Club Membership
You must be an Escapees RV Club member to attend this event. If you are not currently a member, you will be able to add a new membership during the registration process.
By registering for this Hangout, you are representing and agreeing to the following:
- You are physically capable of participating in the event.
- Your recreational vehicle, other vehicles, and any other equipment you may use to participate in the event will be in working condition.
- You will observe all applicable laws (including obtaining relevant licenses) and event rules and will conduct yourself in a safe and prudent manner while participating in the event.
- Although volunteers may be directing and assisting you to your parking area, it is the driver of the vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations and is solely responsible for any damage to your property or the property of others.
- You accept and assume all risks arising from participation in the event and waive and release all claims against Escapees or its affiliates relating to such participation.
- You consent to receive medical treatment deemed necessary if you are injured or require medical attention during your participation in the event and agree that you are solely responsible for all related costs.
- You grant your permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotapes, or photographed and grant to Escapees full use thereof without compensation.
- You will receive occasional email notifications of future Escapees events; however, you can opt out of these notifications at any time.
The above is only a summary. Please carefully read the full terms and conditions, assumption of risk, and waiver of claims agreement that will be provided to you during the registration process.
How to register
To register, click the button below and follow the instructions on your screen. If you need assistance with your registration, please call Escapees Event Registration at (936) 329-6499 or email registration@escapees.com.
We’re sorry, but this Hangout is currently sold out. If you’d still like to attend, please join the waiting list below. We’ll notify you if a spot opens up.
After you register
You’ll receive an email from registration@escapees.com with your registration confirmation. If you don’t receive it, call Escapees Event Registration at (936) 329-6499 to ensure your registration was processed correctly.
After you register, please join the private Hangout group on Facebook (a link to this group will be in your confirmation email). We will use this Facebook group as our primary source of communication with Hangout attendees before and during the event.
You will receive a pre-arrival email about 30 days prior to the Hangout’s start date with details to help you plan for the Hangout.
Cancellations & Travel Insurance
Should you need to cancel your registration, call Escapees Event Registration at (936) 329-6499 between 8 am and 4 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday, or email registration@escapees.com. You may be entitled to a partial refund of your registration fees, depending on when we receive your cancellation:
- On or before Thursday, March 7, 2024: $50 cancellation fee, remainder of payment refunded.
- Friday, March 8 to Friday, April 5, 2024: 50% refund of full event cost.
- After Friday, April 5, 2024: no refund.
Travel Insurance
Things can happen; and we don’t want you to be even more disappointed by not receiving a refund. We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Guard travel insurance from AIG after registering to protect your investment in the Hangout if you must cancel due to unexpected illness, death, or certain other contingencies. Travel insurance can help cover emergency medical and trip interruption expenses during the Hangout. Pre-existing medical conditions are waived if you purchase your insurance within 15 days after your Hangout registration fee payment.
Waiting list
If this Hangout is sold out when you try to register, please join the waiting list by completing the form below. There are usually several cancellations before a Hangout…so if a spot opens up and you’re the next one on the waiting list, you’ll get another shot at registration!
