I like using the Elks RV facilities because they are usually located where I want to be. Enjoying sightseeing or visiting family from the convenience of a centrally located Elks lodge is a real plus.
As an example we recently visited one of our sons who is an Army Infantry Officer stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He lives in Tacoma and even though we were not able to find a traditional RV park nearby, we were able to stay at the Elks lodge 174 in Tacoma for $15 a night. This is one of the better lodges sporting a restaurant, bowling ally, indoor pool, gym, handball courts and a golf course. This lodge has your average RV park beat by a mile!
Most Elks RV campsites have water and electric (without sewer) and many have a dump station. Some are located at choice locations like lodge 552 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan which has four prime RV spots right on the water. You have to pay big bucks for this kind of view at the other campgrounds but here it's only $20 per night.
Elks lodges come in a varriety of sizes and ammenities, but one thing they all have in common is a group of friendly people. Staying at an Elks lodge is like staying with family, and it will save you money. Annual dues are very affordable and if you travel as little a several weeks a year you will more than pay for the dues with the money you save using the RV facilities.
The Elks Lodge #2103 in Carmichael, CA sells a three volume RV directory of Elks lodges with RV sites including information on the type of hook-ups, directions and other important information.
You'll find more information about the Elks here: Elks USA
Many other organizations offer reduced rate or free RV parking. Many Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Posts allow dry camping on their property and will sometimes allow you to hook-up to water and electric from their building. Here is an example of a large VFW parking lot where members are welcome to drycamp for free. If you are a veteran but not a member of the VFW chances are the Post Commander will allow you to dry camp if you ask.
Staying optomistic about RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
3 comments:
the last I knew the ELKS was a men's organization (no women allowed) I am disappointed that you would advocate a discriminatory oraganization. I am sure you are aware that there are many single women RVers. (If I am mistaken, mea culpa)
Mea culpa accepted. There were many women members at my lodge when I was initiated. You might want to check out the website. Jim Twamley
To Anonymous -- there are lots and lots of women members and officers in the Elks clubs and there have been for years. Before my husband's lodge accepted women, though, I participated often in their fundraising and volunteer activities, which were full of both men and women of all ages. I always felt welcome and I was treated great. Who cares, anyway? There are (I think) still some ladies only service organizations. So what if it was a men's only organization? It seems like there ought to be something for everyone, and if you are interested in doing community service, and there are lots of srvice clubs where you can get involved. (By the way, I'm the director of a state agency and not a cringing, downtrodden wife, if that's what you're picturing.) Anyway, if that's the only thing we have to worry about in today's society, then I guess we must be in pretty good shape!! Don't we live in a great country where we can post ANONYMOUS comments online to bad mouth people because they might not do everything the way WE want them to!! Merry Christmas!!
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