Becoming an Elk

gwol wrote:
Sorry if I misled anyone. As a member of the Rotary International, Druids and a City Council Member of the City of Cloverdale CA for 12 years, I know what it is to make a commitment to an organization. My friend has been after me for years to join the Elks but because of my limited time I never could. Now, that my wife and I are RVing (as of March 2014) I thought it would be a good way to join, be able to get to know the different clubs while using RV facilities, kind of like killing two birds with one stone
Thanks Gus

Glad to hear that and I'm sure you would be an asset to the lodge but you have to admit from your original post it sounded like all you wanted was a benefit. I was not trying to be harsh with you but it just struck a nerve I guess. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!!

gwol wrote:
A friend said I should consider becoming an Elk. Supposedly they have campgrounds all over the country and fairly inexpensive. Has anyone stayed at an Elk RV camp and do you need to be an Elk to camp at their camp sites.

You will find that there are many more Elk lodges with campgrounds or RV parking facilities in the Western US than in the East. The lodges we've visited in both east and west were very friendly..we like the idea of having a safe place to park and a friendly lodge with drinks and meals available to members..and yes, we do volunteer at our lodge when we are home in the winter.

Sorry if I misled anyone. As a member of the Rotary International, Druids and a City Council Member of the City of Cloverdale CA for 12 years, I know what it is to make a commitment to an organization. My friend has been after me for years to join the Elks but because of my limited time I never could. Now, that my wife and I are RVing (as of March 2014) I thought it would be a good way to join, be able to get to know the different clubs while using RV facilities, kind of like killing two birds with one stone
Thanks Gus

rv2go wrote:
Being able to stay in an Elks's RV park should not be the only reason you should want to be an Elk.

X2

There is much more to being an Elk than joining to just use the parking/camping facilities.

We are members of the Gila Bend, AZ. lodge #2089. They cater to RVers. Not all lodges have parking due to local restrictions or lack of room. Facilities differ at locations, but they sure do work for us. Dues varies from lodge to lodge usually reflecting lodge amenities. We use them if there is a lodge near where we are.

We belong to the BPOE (Elks) and we've stayed at dozens of Elk Lodges across the country. Some are very nice RV spots that have been created specifically for RVing, and some are upgrades to existing elk properties near the lodge. Sometimes the campground is separate from the lodge. An example is Tilamook Oregon Elks. They have a wonderful campground just south of Tilamook Oregon.

Many times we will just stop for one night while traveling. Then we stop by the lodge for a meal and a beer, and we leave in the morning. There are many Elk lodges close to major highways.

The Elks have realized the RVing is a viable way to bring in income. We pay from $10 to $25 a night, it depends on the facilities. Dinners at the Elks is usually very reasonably priced and the quality is pretty good.

I've read on here where some lodges have a special RV week, where potential members can send in paperwork ahead of time, and then they have an expedited membership process that takes just a few days to complete. I don't know which lodges do that, but the info. was on this forum. Those lodges will sign up several new members at a time.

I would encourage you to check into this as it does offer many possibilities for RVers.

gwol wrote:
A friend said I should consider becoming an Elk. Supposedly they have campgrounds all over the country and fairly inexpensive. Has anyone stayed at an Elk RV camp and do you need to be an Elk to camp at their camp sites.

Yes, you need to sign up to become an Elk member in order to use any Elks lodge RV facility. My dues are $160 per year. You have to have an current Elks member sponsor you to be considered for membership, then you will go through a initiation process. Elk membership prices will vary slightly in different lodges. The RV facilities are based on first come, first served, no reservations. There is a limit to how many days you can stay at a particular Lodge. Generally about 10 days, then you have to vacate for a day and then you can reregister. You can buy Elks RV directory set up by regions , state by state. The USA is divided into 4 regions and each directory covers a region. The Directory will give you all the information about the facility and accomations. Some Elks lodges do not have RV facilities but most do. Most Elks lodges will allow you to park in there parking lot if all the RV sites are full, so you at least have a place to stay overnight buy you still have to be a Elks member. You have to show your Elks ID card every Lodge you want to use. The prices are generally about 50% of what you would pay in a normal/public RV park. Email privately if you want more information.
You should NOT join the Elks Organization if using the RV facilities is the basis of your decision to join. Being a Elks member in good standing is much more than just finding a cheap place to RV.

I am an elk member and stay at the lodges when permitted while I travel. I see it as way to support the lodge, additionally I usually give donation at the end of my stay, lastly its a great way to meet people in the community

Being able to stay in an Elks's RV park should not be the only reason you should want to be an Elk.

I know about the Elks club. Had a great time at one of their Octoberfests. I've not heard about them having campgrounds tho. Wonder if your friend meant you could stay overnight in their parking lots?