A unique opportunity in a National Park

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 20 RVs.

This is a family friendly event as kids usually collect the most lint within the group.

Let's make a difference together

Cavern Conservation

The primary focus of this Hangout will be 4-5 days of work underground, deep inside the heavily-visited parts of Carlsbad Caverns, cleaning lint and other debris from the formations and trails. In 1987, National Park Service experts discovered that lint (comprised of tiny pieces of fibers, fabric, hair, skin cells dust and dirt) can eventually be incorporated into the formations themselves, or the water that condenses on it can dissolve the formations over time, permanently damaging them, and making them less bright and colorful too. That's why the National Park Service relies on volunteers like our Carlsbad Hangout groups to clean the lint, helping to preserve the delicate balance of these underground wonders for future generations. Photo credit: David Goldstein 126793

Volunteering with the National Park Service

Carlsbad Caverns Park Rangers Eric Kim and David Tise showcasing 40 lbs of lint as part of an educational exhibit in the park's Visitor Center, which was previously collected as part of a previous Escapees Hangout. The Rangers are excited to welcome back Escapees members to the Caverns, for a 5th Restoration Hangout. This isn't just a vacation for kids; they’ll work alongside Rangers, earning a Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger certificate or patch, while performing real-world conservation science. Photo credit: Kirsty Halliday 115499

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

We'll enjoy a group hike through beautiful McKittrick Canyon in neighboring Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which contains some of Carlsbad's most beautiful scenery above the caverns. Photo credit: Kirsty Halliday 115499

Each evening during the summer, Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from Carlsbad Cavern in search of food.

Bat Flight Program

The evening Bat Flight and Night Sky Program outside the natural entrance to Carlsbad Cavern is an amazing experience. The rangers present an evening talk in the Bat Flight Amphitheater, where Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from Carlsbad Cavern in search of food. Baby bats, born in early summer, join the flight along with migrating bats from colonies further north. We will watch the bat program together one evening but you are welcome to go watch them any evening. Very early risers can even go watch the pre-dawn return of the bats as they re-enter the cavern. Bat sightings are subject to Mother Nature and migration patterns. We hope to be rewarded with a private tour of part of the Caverns, but the NPS is unable to make a commitment at this time due to staffing changes. Photo credit: NPS/Nick Hristov

Hangout Highlights

7 Nights Camping

Group dinners in Carlsbad

McKittrick Canyon Group Hike

Volunteering Project with the NPS

Potluck Brunch

Bat Flight Program & Night Sky Program

Hangout Location

Whites City RV Park

Camping on the doorstep of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Located just outside the gates of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and 20 miles south of the town of Carlsbad. For those who prefer to be fully self-contained, dry camping sites are available. We also offer sites with full hookups (50amp in larger sites, 30amp in smaller sites). While a laundry room and bathhouse are on-site, they are an acquired taste, so bringing your own home on wheels amenities is encouraged! We have chosen this location to minimize the commute to and from the Caverns each day.

Check Out Whites City RV Park

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, October 17th

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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, October 18th

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Potluck Brunch

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Hike McKittrick Canyon in Guadalupe Mountains

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Bat Flight Program

Monday, October 19th

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Volunteer Orientation & Work in Cavern

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Group Mexican Dinner in Carlsbad

View Full Schedule

Event Details

Date

Oct 17-24, 2026

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

7 Nights Camping, FHU or Dry Camping

(30amp in smaller sites; 50amp in big-rig sites)

Group Social Activities: Potluck, Campfires & Group Hike

Group Mexican Dinner in Carlsbad

Escapees Hangout Hi-Vis Vest & Hangout Event Sticker

Ranger-led Bat Program

Hangout Hosts & Farewell Breakfast

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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Children should be able to follow the directions of NPS staff

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PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS

You should be aware that the work during this Hangout will be physically demanding, involving:

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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.

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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

rechargeable headlamps are provided. If you wish to bring your own, bring a rechargeable headlamp or else plenty of spare batteries

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working in cool and damp conditions (the temperature in the cave is 56°F 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.

After You Register

Email Confirmation

You will receive an Order Confirmation email from Leap Events. Please scroll down and read it. Email registration@escapees.com or call Escapees Event Registration at ‭936-329-6499 with any registration concerns. Email Hangouts@escapees.com for any event questions.

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) to communicate with other Hangout attendees before and during the event.

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.

Cancellations

Should you need to cancel your registration, email registration@escapees.com.

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Cancellations before 11:59 p.m. Central on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 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, September 17, 2026 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, September 17, 2026.

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All ticket sales on and after Thursday, September 17, 2026 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.

Travel Insurance

We highly suggest you purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in this event should you need to cancel.

Insurance can also help cover unexpected illnesses, emergency medical and trip interruption expenses during the event

If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, consider purchasing trip cancellation or interruption insurance.

Purchase Insurance

We highly suggest you purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in this event should you need to cancel.

Insurance can also help cover unexpected illnesses, emergency medical and trip interruption expenses during the event

If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, consider purchasing trip cancellation or interruption insurance.

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.

See You in the Caverns!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Kirsty Halliday

hangouts@escapees.com