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Joel Holland, CEO
Harvest Hosts
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Message from Joel Holland:
Looking Ahead to an Exciting 2025
Hello Escapees,
I hope you’re all settling into the New Year. I’m excited for 2025, and I’m already planning my RV adventures for the coming year—including a fun-filled week in Tucson, AZ for Escapade 2025! It’s been about six months since we acquired the Escapees RV Club, and in that time, we’ve been hard at work making sure this wonderful community continues to thrive. We’re doubling down on giving our Members more value—without raising costs—and today, I’m thrilled to share some of what we’ve been planning for you.
First, I want you to know we’re 100% committed to supporting and growing the Escapees community. We truly believe life is better when you find your community and have a strong support network, and Escapees has always embodied that spirit.
To help build on that legacy, I’m excited to announce that Chris Smith has joined us as the new Senior Director of Community & Events. Chris brings over ten years of experience from FMCA, where he served as Executive Director & CEO for eight of those years. He’ll be working closely with the team of 18 Escapees employees who joined Harvest Hosts, and with our broader resources, to keep strengthening and growing Escapees. Please join me in giving him a warm welcome, and be sure to say hello to Chris in-person at Bash!
Next, I’m happy to report that we’re not changing the price of an Escapees membership — it’s still just $49.95. In a time when many companies are charging more for less, we want to go the other way. We’re determined to add more value to your Escapees membership while keeping costs the same.
With that in mind, we’re focusing on three key initiatives for 2025, all designed to bring even more value to Escapee Members. These improvements will be launching in March:
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Rebuilding the Escapees Website & Membership Portal
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Launching an Expanded Escapees Campground Discount Program
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Including Escapees in the Harvest Hosts All Access Membership
Safe travels and happy camping!
Joel Holland
CEO & Chief RVer
👉 To read the extended version of this letter, please click here. 👈 |
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Welcome, Chris! |
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Let's give a warm welcome to Chris Smith, new Senior Director of Community & Events!
Chris Smith recently began his new adventure as Senior Director of Community & Events for Harvest Hosts. His focus in this role is to build upon the wonderful legacy that Escapees currently has. This will be done by adding value to membership by expanding member benefits, events, and other social opportunities.
Chris spent the last 10 years in the RV industry serving as CEO of Family Motor Coach Association. Under his leadership, he expanded the community from motorhome owners only to allowing all self-contained RVs and non-owners interested in the RV lifestyle. Innovative member benefits such as discounted mobile hotspot and cellular plans added value to membership while filling a need for RVers on the road. His strategic vision for Escapees emphasizes innovation, member engagement, and expanding presence both online and in person, through the vast array of event offerings.
While not a fully-fledged RVer, Chris does enjoy traveling the country with his wife and three children. His preferred destination includes a beach, cold adult beverage, and being buried in the sand by his kids. He is also an avid sports fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and Kentucky Wildcats and collecting sports memorabilia of said teams. He is excited to become engrained in the Escapees culture and build upon its greatness. |
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Party on Plomosa! |
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The Escapees Quartzsite Happy Hour Is Back!
The Escapees Quartzsite Happy Hour is a long-standing tradition, and this year we look forward to continuing to bring a lively atmosphere and activities to Party on Plomosa.
The Escapees event trailer, known as Freedom One, will be center stage hosting one of Escapees’ favorite community bands, The Status Crowes. So come dance, sing along, and enjoy some food on us while you reunite with old friends and foster new connections with your RVing community. Don’t worry, we’ll have porta-potties onsite, too. Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter!
Don’t miss out on the national Escapees gathering in Quartzsite, Arizona. Bring a chair, grab a beverage, and invite a friend to the Party on Plomosa from 2pm-5:30pm on January 22nd!
This event is free for all RVers and those curious about RVing! So tell your friends! |
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From Your Escapade Directors |
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🎉 Hey there, Escapees and Xscapers Family! 🚐🌟
We’re Rob and Laura Kernodle, your enthusiastic Escapade Directors and proud members of this amazing RV community! After 7+ years of full-time RV living as Escapees, we know firsthand how special it is to connect with fellow members who share our lifestyle. 🛻🏞️
That’s why we’re beyond excited to personally invite YOU to Escapade 2025, happening March 16-21 in sunny Tucson, AZ! 🌵✨ Escapade isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of what makes our club so unique: community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.
This year, we’re bringing you:
🌟 Engaging seminars to fuel your RV knowledge.
🌟 Lively socials to connect with old friends and make new ones.
🌟 5 nights of incredible entertainment to keep the good vibes going.
🌟 And yes, plenty of time for downright silly fun (because laughter is the best part of RV life)! 😉
As part of our ever-growing Escapees family, the Harvest Hosts team will also be joining us! They’re eager to share updates, answer your questions, and connect with you—because together, we’re building an even stronger RVing community.
Escapade is more than an event; it’s about supporting and celebrating the incredible Escapees and Xscapers family. Your presence makes this gathering special, and we can’t wait to see you there.
👉 Reserve Your Spot Here 👈
Let’s make memories, deepen connections, and celebrate the heart of our RVing lifestyle—each other. 💕
See you in Tucson! 🌞
P.S. After Escapade, extend your stay to attend Beyond RVers Boot Camp or
Tombstone, the Wild West and Copper Mine HOP. Sign up when you register for Escapade!
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Upcoming Events |
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Find your community at one of our Escapees-led social events! We have a variety of destinations and schedules to suit your preferences and needs. This certainly isn't all of them, so take a look at our club events calendar to see the full lineup! |
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Party on Plomosa!
January 22, 2025
The Escapees Quartzsite Happy Hour is a long-standing tradition, and this year we look forward to continuing to bring a lively atmosphere and activities to Party on Plomosa.
The Escapees event trailer, known as Freedom One, will be center stage hosting one of Escapees’ favorite community bands, The Status Crowes. So come dance, sing along, and enjoy some food on us while you reunite with old friends and foster new connections with your RVing community. Don’t worry, we’ll have porta-potties onsite, too. Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter!
Don’t miss out on the national Escapees gathering in Quartzsite, Arizona. Bring a chair, grab a beverage, and invite a friend to the Party on Plomosa from 2pm-5:30pm on January 22nd!
This event is free for all RVers and those curious about RVing! So tell your friends! |
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Wandering Waco Hangout
April 13 - 20, 2025
Come experience the charm of Waco, a Central Texas gem where small-town allure meets modern vibrancy. Discover the rich history of Bonnie and Clyde's escapades with the Texas Rangers, the legendary feats of sports icons Earl Campbell and Roger Clements, and immerse yourself in the poetic works of Elizabeth and Robert Browning. No visit to Waco is complete without a stop at Magnolia Silos, where Chip and Joanna Gaines' creations await.
Meet Judge Indy and Judge Belle at Baylor's black bear exhibit, encounter Quincy the mammoth at Waco Mammoth National Monument, and say hello to Pablo the Penguin at Cameron Park Zoo. Explore Jacob’s Ladder and paddle the Brazos River before unwinding with a refreshing visit to the Dr. Pepper Museum, or a local winery or brewery.
Come see for yourself why Waco is the perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure!
Registration is open NOW! |
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Best of Nashville HOP 2025
April 27 - May 4, 2025
Immerse yourself in Nashville's vibrant music scene and fascinating past with these Escapees HOP highlights:
- Country Music Hall of Fame: Learn the stories, see iconic artifacts, and even sing in a recording booth!
- Grand Ole Opry Live Radio Show: Witness this iconic event with fantastic Escapees seats!
Beyond the music you'll visit the Belle Meade Plantation for a tour of the mansion and discover the secrets of whiskey making at the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Then, you'll visit Antique Archaeology, the home of TV show, American Pickers. And there's so much more!
Registration is open NOW! |
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NEW! Maine Leaves & Lobster HOP
Sept. 29 - Oct. 4, 2025
Picture crisp, beautiful mornings, stunning coastlines and landscapes ablaze with color.
Visit Acadia National Park, witness the roar of Thunder Hole, and conquer Cadillac Mountain, the East Coast's highest point. Explore Somes Sound, an ancient fjord, and delve into the rich history of Bar Harbor's lighthouses.
Spot majestic wildlife like whales, bald eagles, and playful seals. Embark on captivating land and sea tours, savor a traditional lobster bake, and capture breathtaking memories.
This one is an Escapees RV Club Favorite! Join fellow RV enthusiasts for a fall foliage adventure unlike any other. Book your spot today!
Registration is open NOW! |
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Iceland's Magical Northern Lights HOP
October 13 - 19, 2025
Embark on an Icelandic adventure in the land of fire and ice, where steaming lava fields meet towering glaciers, crafting breathtaking views of waterfalls, fjords, and black-sand beaches.
Begin in Reykjavík, Iceland’s lively capital visiting the harbor, city hall, Parliament, and historic cathedral. Dine on Icelandic specialties before setting sail across Faxaflói Bay for a northern lights cruise.
Journey along the Golden Circle visiting the Geysir thermal area, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll straddle the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Later, explore the Lava Exhibition Center and walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
The adventure continues at Reynisfjara beach, with its volcanic sands and basalt cliffs, then the Skógar Museum and Skógafoss waterfall, capped by a visit to Sólheimajökull Glacier. Discover Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park, where icebergs and seals await.
Conclude with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich waters on the Reykjanes Peninsula and a farewell dinner in Reykjavík.
Registration is open NOW! |
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BOFs - Birds of a Feather
Escapees BOF groups share lifestyle interests such as boondocking, working on the road, disaster relief, biking and hiking, boomers, amateur radio, pet lovers, solos, and quilters, just to name a few! Expand your talents and share your knowledge. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you are welcome. Join a BOF! |
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Escapees Magazine
Our bimonthly Escapees magazine is packed with information on all aspects of RVing. You will find technical tips, RV maintenance information, safety education, advice from full-time RVers, unique boondocking, and off-the-beaten-path locations, product reviews, and much more. You can view the current issue, or a favorite past issue, on our website. Our mission is to provide you with quick and easy access to this material in whatever format is the easiest and most convenient. It's available in both paper and digital versions. View your latest issue here. |
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RVers Online University - RVOU
With RVOU, we take our famous RVers Boot Camp online and expand it with additional content. Whether you are a weekend RVer, want to pursue full-time RVing, or find yourself anywhere in between, we want to help take the stress out of RV living and help you make the right choices to stay out of the repair shop and on the road. Escapees members can take advantage of discounted pricing! |
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The Importance of Redundancy In A Mobile Internet Setup
There are many different factors and variables to consider when putting together a solution for having consistent internet access while RVing.
There are many different things that can determine what will be the most ideal solution for each unique situation.
But if there’s one thing for certain – it’s that there is not a singular solution that is going to consistently work well for you every time and in every location. Which is why we always recommend building redundancy into your setup.
If you want to be reliably connected while traveling from location to location, you’ll need to have multiple connection options at your disposal. Read our latest blog post to find out how.
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Do you have feedback you want to share with Escapees RV Club staff? Click the button below to complete a brief feedback form and ensure your thoughts are heard by our staff and leadership. |
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