ELKS LODGES, Convenient and Inexpensive
RV’ers always need a place to park or stay whether it’s just an overnight on a journey or a short term base for a new adventure. Elks members enjoy a great alternative to RV Parks, Walmart and even State Parks. Simply, the Elks are a humble organization dedicated to the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. The Elks have donated nearly $4 Billion for Americas youth, veterans, disadvantaged and handicapped and to individuals and groups in support of patriotic and civic programs. Many of the lodges offer some level of services for us from lot parking only, to full hookups, laundry, bathrooms, and showers. https://www.elks.org/.
LOCATIONS
Great news! They have more than 2,000 lodges all over the US, 100 in Florida alone. You’ll find them in large cities, rural towns, everywhere in between and best of all, you’ll find them in great locations. We like to visit the lodges we run across during our travels even if we are not staying at that lodge. Recently we visited lodges in Kalispell, MT, Telluride, Colorado Springs, Silverton and Ouray CO, Cody Wy and stayed at lodges in Farmington and Alamogordo, NM, Colorado Springs, CO and St. George, UT. Not only are these great locations for adventure, but some also have great amenities such as Golf or Swimming Pools to compliment their restaurants and bars.
MEMBERSHIP
If you don’t have a friend who is a member, do what I did. Go to your local lodge, introduce yourself and tell them you’re interested in becoming a member. They will help you with a sponsor who will help you through the application, interview and answer your questions. Once initiated, you can take part in meetings, social functions, and volunteer positions.
Benefits in some cases include business solutions, email marketing, cyber security, moving services discounts on hotels, rental cars, travel packages, medical assistance/evacuation, health screening, medical alert, prescription, medical, dental and hearing insurance. And of course, great RV spots with approximate rates of $20 per night.
It’s easy. Elks’ membership numbers are strong, and they actively seek new members. As we travel, being sworn in can be a timing challenge. That meeting usually occurs once a month but lodges can work together to get it done. I joined and was sponsored in beautiful Bemidji Minnesota, but we were moving on before the new member ceremony. My sponsor made arrangements for me to be sworn in the next month when we arrived in Chico, CA. Annual dues are based on the lodge, our dues are about $100 per year. https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/a-new-chapter-bemidji-elks-lodge-sells-downtown-building-after-more-than-100-years
RV RESERVATIONS?
If we are traveling a great distance across the country, we call a lodge we will be passing by about a month in advance to get the details on possible parking. We haven’t found many that take reservations, it’s usually first come first served so we ask how busy they are, what’s it usually like at that certain time of the year. Look at a satellite view of the location. How much parking do they have? A good time to arrive is mid-morning, just after the other campers have departed. Guess who usually checks you in? That’s right, it’s the bartender! They are very good at everything they do.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Elks do a lot of great things for Americans, see the Elks National Fund. It’s an honor and privilege to be a member. You can count on a great membership to help you along your way, as much as you need it. You’ll probably make some new friends at the lodges and see them down the road. We met a fellow RV Jeeper Elk in Alamogordo, NM and saw him again in Bozeman Montana. It’s a small world!
