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Rendezvous in the Ozarks 2018

If you own a 4x4 vehicle and enjoy the overlanding lifestyle or you just want to learn more about this fast growing passion you are invited to join Natural State Overland at Byrd's Adventure Center, in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Arkansas October 19 -21 2018, where you will rendezvous with others who share your interest in overland style travel and all the adventure it brings! If you haven't experienced the trails and backroads of the ozarks, you don't want to miss this opportunity, and if you have this is your chance to get back out there.

Come share your experiences, knowledge, and enthusiasm while you learn from others and talk to vendors about their overland related products and participate in our vendor sponsored raffle all in a family friendly atmosphere! We are also planning various presentations on overland related topics, and trip reports, as well as ample opportunity to get out and explore the beautiful Ozark National Forest. Byrd's is also hosting their Fall Fly-In this same weekend. So those attending the Rendezvous will have the opportunity to watch these single engine aircraft arrive and depart from Byrd's grass airstrip!

Video courtesy of Tim Nichols

Top Ten Reasons you don't want to miss this event!

Reason #10

Three chances to win cash and prizes!

Join our Natural State Overland Facebook group and Like our Rendezvous in the Ozarks Page to keep up to date with all the information about this event and submit your ideas and suggestions as we make this event one you will want to return to year after year! Check out these articles and pictures from last year's event!

Venue
Event Plans

Byrd's Adventure Center is our venue for this years Rendezvous! Located along the Mulberry River within the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas, Byrd’s Adventure Center is your destination for all outdoor sports and events. Byrd's has

 

  • 800 acres

  • 40+ electric sites

  • Large primitive camping area

  • Off-road trails for every skill level

  • Borders Ozark National Forest

  • Clean restrooms with showers

  • Hiking trails

  • Canoe and Kayak rental

  • Great restaurant overlooking the Mulberry River

  • Grass airstrip for single-engine planes as well as ultralight aircraft such as powered parachutes and trikes

Event Raffle

There will also be an event raffle on Saturday evening. Last year we gave away over $5,000 of prizes, including two roof top tents, two 12v fridges, two awnings, and a 9500lb winch! This year only those that choose one of the three day registration options will receive a raffle ticket. There will be no other way to get a raffle ticket. Register for one of our three day options before April 1st to be eligible for our early bird drawing valued around $200 to be held at the event.

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50/50 Raffle

We also plan to have a 50/50 drawing to benefit the winner, and Tread Lightly. You can buy as many raffle tickets as you want! One winner will be drawn and will be awarded half the pot. The other half will be donated to Tread Lightly.

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Awards

Depending on sponsor donations we hope to also have various awards for different vehicle builds, trailer builds, best presentation, vehicle that travels the farthest, best campfire story, etc.

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Classes, Presentations, Trip Reports

Each day there will be various classes, presentations, and trip reports. They will cover various overland related topics. Some possibilities are Basic Winching, Recovery Gear Overview, 4WD Systems Overview, Tire Tech/Repair, Vehicle Packing, Basics of Navigation, Off Road Safety, Outdoor Photography Tips, Basic First Aid, Camp Cooking, Trail Communications, Solar Power, Tread Lightly, On-board Water, and others. What presentations are offered will depend on attendance, volunteers, and scheduling. We will publish a final schedule as we get closer to the event.

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Vendors/Exhibitors

We will be inviting vendors of overland related products to be a part of this event. Where would we be without our vendors! Each vendor booth will provide product or gift certificate valued at $100 or more for the event raffle. Attendees will need to visit every vendor booth to participate in the grand prize drawing. Winners will be announced during the Saturday evenings festivities. We invite you to visit our Vendor Spotlight page often to keep up with the vendors that have committed to support this event.

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Food

Byrd's Riverfront Restaurant on site. Enjoy steaks, trout, catfish, chicken, smoked meats, burgers, sandwiches, salads, breakfast, and homemade desserts. Open Friday and Saturday from 8 am-9 pm, and Sunday from 8 am-6 pm. We have also invited the Hillbilly TaterDogs food truck back this year.

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Trail Time Possibilities

  1. Byrd's has their own ORV Park with trails for all skill levels. Park fees are not included in your event registration cost but those camping at Byrd's are eligible for a discounted rate of $12 per day should you choose to take advantage of the ORV Park. You will need to pay this trail fee at the Byrd's Adventure Center office BEFORE wheeling on any trail at Byrd's. If you are caught riding in the ORV park without a Byrd's permit you will be asked to leave the event!

  2. Guided groups. We will also be pursuing a Special Event Permit from the National Forest Service that would allow us to provide guided trail runs on the Ozark National Forest trails. We are not allowed to do guided trail runs however unless we are successful in getting a special use permit. We will have a total of about 80 spots available for those interested in a guided trail run. Those interested will need to register early to get one of these spots and will need to choose one of the three day registrations. We will update this information as soon as we know if we are issued a permit.

  3. Self guided groups. Anyone is welcome to organize your own groups to explore the trails in the Ozark National Forest. We will have a trail information booth at the event for those that are interested in getting out on their own. Those looking for a group to go with will need to check-in at this booth to see if groups have open spots.

The Ozarks are beautiful in the Fall and there are trails for every level of experience and vehicle build!

We recommend everyone have a 4wd with tow points front and rear, and off road capable tires, also a CB, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit are recommended and we ask that everyone follow Tread Lightly principles while on the trail. Warning some trails can be tight and surface scratches are likely.

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Registration Options

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Three Day Plus Registration - $55

Includes three day admission to the Rendezvous for driver and passengers, one event t-shirt, one event patch, one event sticker, and one event raffle ticket.

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Three Day Basic Registration - $35 ($40 at the event)

Includes three day admission to the Rendezvous for driver and passengers, one event sticker, and one raffle ticket. Other items must be ordered separately if desired or purchased at the event.

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Single Day Registration - $5/per person 18 years or older

Includes one day admission to the Rendezvous and one event sticker. Other items must be ordered separately, if desired, or purchased at the event. Those that aren't camping/lodging at Byrd's, will also need to purchase a day use pass from Byrd's when they enter the property. Day use passes are $5/person over 11 years of age. Note: Those who register for a single day pass are not eligible for the raffle or the guided trail runs.

 

There will be event shirts, patches, and stickers for sale at the event however if you want to make sure you get one we would encourage you to purchase them with your registration.

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Camping: Camping and lodging fees are not included in your registration cost. You must contact Byrd's Adventure Center if you want to reserve an electric campsite for the event. There are a total of about 40 electric sites, a few have water as well, so you will want to reserve one early to be assured a site. Click HERE for a map of the campground. If you plan to primitive camp at the event you do not need to reserve a primitive site as there are not assigned campsites for primitive camping, there is a large tree shaded area designated for primitive camping and you just choose a spot upon arrival. You will need to stop at the Byrd's Adventure Center office office as you enter the property and pay for your camping before proceeding to the event. 

 

Refund Policy: If you cancel your registration by September 1st we will refund your registration cost. If you cancel your registration by September 20th you will not receive a refund but we will send any items that may have been included in your registration (ie. t-shirt, patch, etc) to you at no additional cost. If you cancel after September 20th you will not receive a refund.

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You can help us make this event even better! If you have suggestions or know of a potential vendor or sponsor, please go to our Contact Page and let us know. If we can't do it this year we might next year!

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Thank You: With the growing popularity of overland travel we know you have choices. We hope you choose to experience all Rendezvous in the Ozarks has to offer and look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.

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