This was my first year and as anyone going for the first time it can be a lot to take in and figure out. So I thought I would help.
First lets talk where to stay?
Option 1 (Camping)(Cabins) (Like to party or be around a ton of people)(Not for a light sleeper)
Royal Blue Camp grounds (It is one of the main entrances so a ton of people riding by all night and people partying) They have Gas for your ride but you can get it even if your not staying with them. If you are in a cabin, the traffic doesn't seem to be as bad as long as you don't get one of the ones right behind the store.
Option 2 (Camping) (Have kids want to keep the noise down a little)
Stinking Creek ATV camp grounds (No entrance have to ride the road over to a entrance) But have a little place for the kids to play in the water. Way less traffic)
Option 2 also rents SXSs so if yours goes down or you just want a friend to go you could call and book one.
Option 3 (Camping) (haven't stayed but should be like Option 2 but no water area)
Eagle Rock Resort (Call Royal Blue Campgrounds to book)
Option 4 (Hotel) get food at store less clean up you get the point. Also gas station to fill up on the way in.
Comfort Inn, This is at a different Exit (141) Its a 30+ min ride to everybody and you have to ride the woods. But you have to take some trails. (For a quick trip and you don't mind night riding it a cool way to go) (If you are staying at the hotel learn the rules to street ride this looks like the main place the cops will stop you)
Lets talk a little riding. (You can get a map at Royal Blue camp grounds store)
ways in
27 is at Royal blue camp ground this can be a little much if you have never done anything like this or if the wife and kids are a little gun shy.
13 is very easy if you need a starter run or kids want to get wet. From Royal Blue camp grounds go west or towards the Interstate as soon as you pass the Cemetery sign on the south side of the road you take the next road it looks like a driveway just drive to the end and you are on 13.
10 If you don't turn on 13 and you keep going 10 is right before the Interstate. 10 isn't bad but does have a few spot if new.
12 is Comfort Inn or gas station or Restaurants 10 will take you to 12 see map.
If you are very new or the wife and kids are I would do 13 then turn around go back and take 10 to 12 and get them some ice cream at the store that will have them ready to ride.
Also good info on these maps
Ride Royal Blue MAP INFO - POI's, Unmarked trails, Shortcuts. Pioneer Takeover!
Everyone is super nice
Fill up on Gas everyday (You can ride 20-30miles a day easy)
Bring a few tools I would say no less that a jack, Hammer, crescent wrench, Big zip ties, Pliers, way to get wheel off.
2019 PIONEER TAKEOVER GEARLIST
If at all possible ride with another bike
Info for the Mud base people
Takeover (Mud ride based UTVs)
As far as kids go mine had a great time. They danced till like 10pm on the stage. I didn't see any issues with bring them.
May add more later but this is a good start