This 7-day Hangout offers a unique volunteer opportunity for you to give back to a National Park.
We team up with the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Service to help clean some of the cavern features, working deep underground, removing lint and other debris from the formations and trails in the extensive cave system. We’ll hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, watch thousands of bats emerge from the caverns at sunset, and hopefully enjoy a private tour of a pristine portion of the cave that’s closed to the public. Plus community group activities locally and in camp.
This Hangout is limited to 25 RV sites.
This is a family friendly event as kids (12+) can enjoy being “Junior Rangers” while getting hands-on with nature.
Let's gather for a unique opportunity
Hangout Highlights
7 nights FHU camping
Group dinners in Carlsbad
McKittrick Canyon Group Hike
Volunteering Project with the NPS
Potluck Brunch & Dinner
Bat Flight Program & Night Sky Program
Hangout Location
Event 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, optional meals or activities.
Saturday, September 20th
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Arrival and Check-in at Whites City RV Park
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Check-in with Hangout Host
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Welcome Gathering & Introductions
Sunday, September 21st
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Potluck Brunch
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Hike McKittrick Canyon in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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Bat Flight & Night Sky Programs in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Monday, September 22nd
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Volunteer Orientation & Work in Cavern
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Group Mexican Dinner in Carlsbad
View Full Schedule
Event Details
Date
Sep 20-27, 2025
Host Name
James Francis
Location
Whites City RV Park
17 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy
Whites City, NM 88268
(32.176945, -104.379963)
Venue Contacts
https://whitescitynm.com/rv-campground/
575-361-3665
Get Directions
Registration Includes
Highlights, stops, sites and tours, including, but not limited to:
7 Nights Camping, FHU or Dry Camping
(30amp in smaller sites; 50amp in big-rig sites)
Group Social Activities: Potlucks, Campfire, Group Hike
Hangout Host
Group Mexican Dinner in Carlsbad
Escapees Hangout Hi-Vis Vest & Hangout Event Sticker
Ranger led Bat Program & hopefully a private cavern tour
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What to expect at THIS Hangout
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:
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enjoy exploring in groups
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can participate in activities all day during weekdays and weekends
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have their own transportation if carpooling cannot be arranged
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Pet Owners
Consider that the work day may keep you away from your RV from 8:00am - 4:00pm.
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PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS
You should be aware that the work during this Hangout with be physically demanding, involving:
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extended time underground (for 5-6 hours each weekday, up to 3 hours at a time)
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kneeling and sitting on hard surfaces
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stooping and bending
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working in low light conditions
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working in cool and damp conditions (the temperature in the cave is 56F with 90% humidity year-round)
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walking about 2-4 miles each day to and from the work sites and within the cave
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walking on steep grades (the paved trail descending into the cave through the natural entrance has areas that exceed a 20% grade)
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THIS HANGOUT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH HEART CONDITIONS, BREATHING PROBLEMS, SEVERE JOINT CONDITIONS, OR SIGNIFICANT MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS.
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Children must be at least 12 years old and able to follow the directions of NPS staff
Please register for this Hangout ONLY if at least one person in your party is willing and physically able to participate in the volunteer work.
If the unusual physical demands of this volunteer-oriented Hangout are beyond your comfort level, be sure to check out some of our more typical Hangouts. For events designed specifically for working-age RVers, with most scheduled 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 HOPs.
Disclaimers
By registering for this Hangout, you are representing and agreeing to the following:
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You are physically capable of participating in the event.
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Your recreational vehicle, other vehicles, and any other equipment you may use to participate in the event will be in working condition.
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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.
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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.
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You accept and assume all risks arising from participation in the event and waive and release all claims against Escapees, Harvest Hosts Opco LLC or its affiliates relating to such participation.
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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.
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You grant your permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped, or photographed and grant to Escapees full use thereof without compensation.
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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.
Cancellations
Should you need to cancel your registration, call Escapees Event Registration ASAP at 936-329-6499 between 8 am and 4 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday, or email registration@escapees.com.
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Cancellations before 11:59pm Central Time on Tuesday July 22, 2025 are entitled to a full refund, minus a $50 administrative fee.
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Cancellations before 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, August 21, 2025 will receive a 50% refund.
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No refunds will be given for cancellations made after 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
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All ticket sales on and after Thursday, August 21, 2025 are final.
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If Escapees RV Club has to cancel the Hangout, you would receive a full refund of your registration fee.
This cancellation policy is firm. There are no exceptions.
After You Register
1
Email Confirmation
You will receive an Order Confirmation email from Showclix. Please scroll down and read it. Email registration@escapees.com or call Escapees Event Registration at (936) 329-6499 with any registration concerns.
2
Event Facebook Group
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.
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Preparing for 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.
Travel Insurance
Things can happen; and we don’t want you to be even more disappointed by not receiving a refund.
We highly suggest you purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in this Hangout should you need to cancel. Insurance can also help cover unexpected illnesses, emergency medical and trip interruption expenses during the Hangout. If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, consider purchasing trip cancellation or interruption insurance.
