Escapees RV Club History: Roots Run Deep

Foundations of a Traveling Community (1978)

The Escapees RV Club officially began over the Independence Day week of July 4, 1978, marking its “birthday” with the first gathering of like-minded RVing families—a milestone chosen over other early events like the newsletter debut or initial member sign-ups. In August 1978, founders Joe and Kay Peterson published the club’s very first five-page newsletter, planting the seeds of connection and community.

Rising Around Community (1979–1982)

The spirit of communal travel burst into full bloom in February 1979, when 24 RVs rolled into Bakersfield, California to attend the very first "Escapade" rally—a casual but meaningful gathering that brought strangers together as friends. By July 1980, the club had grown to 375 member families, thanks to the newsletters, their Woodall’s Trailer Travel column, and word-of-mouth.

The Emergence of Infrastructure (1982–1986)

In September 1982, the first SKP Co-Op (member-owned RV cooperative) was established, offering lifetime-use lots designed for Escapees members—an embodiment of community-driven support. By 1984, the desire for gathering around shared interests sparked the creation of “Special Interest Groups” (SIGs), the predecessors of what would become Birds of a Feather (BOFs). Among the original SIGs, two—Boondockers and Amateur Radio—remain active today.

To better manage growth, in January 1986, Escapees formally incorporated as Escapees, Inc., a for-profit entity, while keeping SKP Co-Ops nonprofit to preserve affordability and member ownership.

Building a Headquarters and Park (1983–1985)

With membership swelling—1,984 families by January 1983 and 2,239 by year’s end—operating entirely from the road became unsustainable. This led to establishing a permanent home, and in 198*, Escapees opened its first headquarters and RV park, Rainbow’s End, in Livingston, Texas.

The development of Rainbow’s End was a true community effort. In October 1984, members joined a work rally to help clear land, pave access, and create shared facilities—marking the start of what became the annual Octoberfest celebration, complete with volunteer cookouts and bake sales supporting the local fire department.

During the 1984 holiday season, before a clubhouse existed, members celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s in the picnic area—wrapped in blankets against the cold and cooking meals in their RV ovens. By Christmas 1985, construction of the clubhouse was underway, offering warmth, light, and shared space for traditions to flourish.

The Growth of Parks & Volunteer Efforts (1990s)

In the early 1990s, skilled volunteers—dubbed the Rainbow Builders—helped construct additional Rainbow Parks, such as Rainbow Plantation in Alabama. These parks offered deeded ownership and reflected the group’s collective effort and shared vision.

Rainbow’s End itself expanded through the years. Its size grew, infrastructure improved (wide gravel roads replaced muddy paths), and facilities evolved—offering everything from cottages and shelters to game rooms, a library, and even hosting weddings. One unforgettable story: a surprise wedding during a 1993 Octoberfest, staged as a play and revealed in dramatic flair mid-performance.

Evolving Services & Community (2000s–2025)

Over time, the community’s services grew in both scale and sophistication. Escapees introduced:

• A voice message service in 1985 to bridge phone communication for travelers—a precursor to voicemail, tailored for RVers.
• A leading mail forwarding service, giving RVers a stable mailing address and domicile solution.
• Support programs like Escapees Healthcare Solutions, RVer Job Exchange, educational resources, and of course Escapees Magazine—evolving from the original 5-page flyer to a full-featured publication.
• The Xscapers community, launched in March 2015, specifically for working-age RVers—serving those who work, raise families, and travel with flexibility. This group continues to thrive on innovation and connection.
• A bureaucracy for organization and connection through Chapters (geographically based groups) and BOFs (interest-based groups)—there are now dozens of Chapters and nearly 40 BOFs operating across North America, keeping the “people helping people” spirit alive through events, support, and shared values.

A New Chapter with Harvest Hosts (2024)

In July 2024, Escapees RV Club joined forces with Harvest Hosts. This acquisition merged membership and event operations under Harvest Hosts, while mail forwarding and park management remained with the Carr family—marking a strategic evolution while preserving core offerings.

A Community on the Move

From a handwritten newsletter to a thriving, multi-faceted support network of over 70,000 members across North America, the Escapees RV Club’s story is one of shared values, volunteer spirit, and adaptability.

For nearly five decades, Escapees has embodied “people helping people”—translating an unconventional lifestyle into one supported by vibrant community, tangible services, and endless hospitality.