Thunder Valley Casino to allow RV parking (maybe)
By Chuck Woodbury
editor, RVtravel.com
A representative of the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, Calif., told me Thursday that the casino will once again allow RVs in its parking lot during the day while the RVers are gambling, dining or enjoying other activities at the popular casino, one of California’s largest. It will not allow overnight stays in recreational vehicles.
However, an updated message on the casino’s website on Friday suggested otherwise. “Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate RV's or trailors during our construction phase,” it reads, and yes, the spelling of trailers is incorrect.
In early December, we ran a letter in this blog from a Washington state man who had driven his motorhome to the Sacramento-area casino but was informed by a security guard that RVs were not allowed in the parking lot unless they could fit into one space. He was told instead to park on the street. As expected, the letter brought a flood of mostly angry comments from RVtravel.com readers, most with promises to boycott the casino.
A representative of Thunder Valley told me that the casino had disallowed RVs in its parking lot primarily for space reasons. The casino is undergoing a huge expansion with a 23-story hotel, two ballrooms and a performing arts center that will connect to the present 200,000-square-foot casino. So during construction, parking space is limited.
“They have to think about having parking space for the 2,000 employees of the casino,” said Doug Elmets, whose public relations agency represents the casino.
Elmets said there had been some problems with some RVers in the past that had contributed to the casino’s decision to simply ban all motorhomes and trailers unless they could fit into one parking space.
But when I informed Elmets of the casino’s “No RVs allowed” statement (without offering a reason why) on its website’s front page and how that served as a slap in the face to the RV community, he called the casino manager to see what could be done. In banning all RVs, I don’t believe the casino had any idea of the size of the RV community and its potentially positive economic impact to its business. And I wondered if the casino's managers knew how virtually all other large casinos not only allow RVs in their parking lots, but go out of their way to welcome them.
Elmet called back a few hours later. “The casino will find a way to squeeze in RVs,” he said. I suggested that the casino change its front page “No RVs allowed” message to something more accommodating. Instead, a day later, the message was essentially the same, although it did add that RVs were not allowed “during our construction phase.”
So my suggestion is that for now RVers avoid going of their way to the Thunder Valley Casino until it removes the “No RV parking” message from its website or in some other way shows an interest in welcoming RVers. Or if they go, be ready to park on the street.
editor, RVtravel.com
A representative of the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, Calif., told me Thursday that the casino will once again allow RVs in its parking lot during the day while the RVers are gambling, dining or enjoying other activities at the popular casino, one of California’s largest. It will not allow overnight stays in recreational vehicles.
However, an updated message on the casino’s website on Friday suggested otherwise. “Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate RV's or trailors during our construction phase,” it reads, and yes, the spelling of trailers is incorrect.
In early December, we ran a letter in this blog from a Washington state man who had driven his motorhome to the Sacramento-area casino but was informed by a security guard that RVs were not allowed in the parking lot unless they could fit into one space. He was told instead to park on the street. As expected, the letter brought a flood of mostly angry comments from RVtravel.com readers, most with promises to boycott the casino.
A representative of Thunder Valley told me that the casino had disallowed RVs in its parking lot primarily for space reasons. The casino is undergoing a huge expansion with a 23-story hotel, two ballrooms and a performing arts center that will connect to the present 200,000-square-foot casino. So during construction, parking space is limited.
“They have to think about having parking space for the 2,000 employees of the casino,” said Doug Elmets, whose public relations agency represents the casino.
Elmets said there had been some problems with some RVers in the past that had contributed to the casino’s decision to simply ban all motorhomes and trailers unless they could fit into one parking space.
But when I informed Elmets of the casino’s “No RVs allowed” statement (without offering a reason why) on its website’s front page and how that served as a slap in the face to the RV community, he called the casino manager to see what could be done. In banning all RVs, I don’t believe the casino had any idea of the size of the RV community and its potentially positive economic impact to its business. And I wondered if the casino's managers knew how virtually all other large casinos not only allow RVs in their parking lots, but go out of their way to welcome them.
Elmet called back a few hours later. “The casino will find a way to squeeze in RVs,” he said. I suggested that the casino change its front page “No RVs allowed” message to something more accommodating. Instead, a day later, the message was essentially the same, although it did add that RVs were not allowed “during our construction phase.”
So my suggestion is that for now RVers avoid going of their way to the Thunder Valley Casino until it removes the “No RV parking” message from its website or in some other way shows an interest in welcoming RVers. Or if they go, be ready to park on the street.
Labels: CA
posted by Chuck Woodbury at
11:03 AM
23 Comments:
Chuck, thanks for the follow-up. I am, however, disappointed that you didn't deal with the issue of an RVer FORCING his way on private property. There is no way this makes the rest of us look good. And before others jump in with statements like "This is the USA and we're free to do whatever we like!" Or, and I like this one better, "We have the RIGHT to go wherever we please!" No, you don't. Yes, this IS the United States, land of the free, home of the brave...and a civilized country of laws, which include respecting private property. Your RIGHTS are spelled out in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I haven't seen anything about RVers being allowed to run rampant over private property rights in there, although I am not a Constitutional scholar...I may have missed that part. But I don't think so. Would you address this aspect, please?
Lee E., Ohio
By
Anonymous, at December 15, 2007 5:06 AM
Thanks for the explanatory article, Chuck. It's really too bad You and the original blog author had to endure so much angry email over such a trivial matter. I guess the full-timing, retired lifestyle isn't as happy and carefree as it's portrayed.
By
Anonymous, at December 15, 2007 5:42 AM
Maybe the employees should car pool.
By
Anonymous, at December 15, 2007 7:29 AM
Hi from Ga...as one of those who responded negatively to the story, let me say tha best part of this is finding out that someone's out there,listening,responding,and replying.Thanks,Chuck, I'll keep reading .Regards, ErgoWest
By
ergowest, at December 15, 2007 7:38 AM
Chuck
I think anyone getting upset about the odd casino not letting them park on the property,is foolish. They are in the single best mode of transport around, and they have all The Power. The Power to just go somewhere else. Get back in the motor home or your truck and trailer and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.
They loose not us.Spend your money where it's wanted & appreciated.
By
obrone, at December 15, 2007 7:46 AM
We agree with the first two comments! If we are not welcomed, we will go elsewhere!
They obviously don't need our dollars, ie; their grand expansion.
By
R. Kirkpatrick, at December 15, 2007 8:08 AM
Chuck.. We all make mistakes, no one walked on water except our Lord, and my ex-husband (at least that's what HE claimed) Anyway you did your best to make something "right" that was apparently a misunderstanding.. and our appreciation is in the fact that you searched out the truth to let readers know! Not only that, but very grateful that you work so hard to give us all a FREE helpful newsletter!! A+ to you!
By
Anonymous, at December 15, 2007 9:44 AM
I agree with Chuck's approach. Business are not stupid, but they can be quite ignorant--they don't know what business they are losing unless we tell them! So simply staying away, without anyone telling them, will achieve nothing. Perhaps other Casinos will follow suit and soon RVs will be banned at many more. I'm betting the decision was originally made by some parking supervisor for his own department's convenience. There is now pressure on him/her/them to loosen this but they are resisting. Marketing would want RVs allowed for two reasons: more business from the RVers and no negative press about being exclusionary and turning away travelers from the community, etc. Good job Chuck on pursuing this in a firm but civil manner. Keep on!
By
Anonymous, at December 15, 2007 9:48 AM
Thanks Chuck for the follow-up and explanation on Thunder Valley Casino! Yes, I was one of those persons that entered a comment on the blog regarding the poorly writen article! Thank you for contacting the Casino for their explanation and their reversal on the ban on RV parking. I will still be boycotting Thunder Valley because they cannot spell "trailor" and they change their minds every other day regarding day-time RV parking! There are many other casinos in Northern California that welcome RVer's so there is no reason to go to Thunder Valley Casino!
By
G William, at December 15, 2007 10:59 AM
Thanks Chuck for The News.I guess I will just stop a WAL*Mart spend my money there, and at least walk away with something.(Like a few NO Loitering SIGNS for outside my camper)
By
Kodiak, at December 15, 2007 11:26 AM
Thank You Chuck for the follow up. I too was upset when reading this aticle, im thankful we have you out there fighting for us Rvers. I live 100 miles south of Thunder Valley and had simply decided not to spend anytime there. lets hope they get it together soon, or they will have lost in more ways the one.
By
djlanczok, at December 15, 2007 2:50 PM
I also agree with Chuck on the issue of avoiding this casino due to the parking restrictions on RV's. As for other businesses allowing overnite parking to RV's it is pure greed on their part. ie, Wal-Marts is the prime example.Think about it, they want you to come in their store and spend your money. They do not give a darn about the campground owner down the street or any other business they do damage to. Give it some serious thaught fellow RVers. Now tell me I'm wrong. A local Wal-Marts parking lot is a dangerous place to go in the late afternoon and evening because of the large amount of RV's in their lot because cars are trying to cut between them and cut across the parking lot. I'm waiting for a giant lawsuit against a Wal-Marts to cause the company to stop the practice in all their stores. Oh yes, I know I'm going to hear a lot of flack on this one but when you see Prevosts and other high end units in Wal-Marts parking lots, these people are being cheap and not supporting the industry they claim they want to be a part of. Nope they are not RVers, they are FREELOADERS
By
Anonymous, at December 15, 2007 3:33 PM
I think the idea of employees car pooling is a good one. Also, I don't plan to boycott Thunder Valley until after the construction is completed. At that time, if they change their policy, no harm, no foul. But if they continue to ban RVs then I'll not go there again. It would be nice if they allowed overnight parking. Are there any overnight parking spots in the Sacramento area?
By
RVnGrammy, at December 15, 2007 5:05 PM
I have two minor, and I do mean MINOR, problems with all of this.
First, the idea that the casino or any other business would severely restrict its customer access is just stupid. They deserve whatever bad press or drop in business they get.
But the other thing that bothers me is that I am finding more and more evidence of recreational vehicle owners become some sort of political action group. Good grief, people...didn't we buy RVs to leave the arm-twisting world behind us?
By
Dave in L.A., at December 15, 2007 5:12 PM
I believe Bob Knight has again been proven correct when he said "If you cannot get a job become a journalist". Look how much time and energy was expended because someone created the news instead of correctly reporting the news.
By
naplesrver, at December 15, 2007 5:58 PM
We came back from a visit to Mohegan Sun/Foxwood in Conn. and Fox is expanding ALOT. Their parking lot that was available for RV's is a construction site now. The casino made provisions for RV's to park in another area, however. It was much further from the casino, but they provided a shuttle every five minutes or so. The site was very unlevel, to say the least, but they apparently know the value of having RV's stay in their lot. They are in the process of building an RV park about two miles from the casino and we expect it will also be eye popping when done. For us, it is a matter of choice and convenience. We tend to drive longer than most people do when traveling, so a handy store-not always a Walmart-parking lot, rest area or casino lot is most welcome. It saves on potential "discussions" on where that darn campground is. That plus she LOVES to gamble and I love to eat! Do they do this to entice us to spend money there? Yes. Is it a choice on our part to spend it there? Again Yes. We also get very tired of people who feel that name calling is the way to make their point. How another chooses to spend or not spend their money is no one's business. We are quite sure that the name callers wouldn't like it at all if they were on the receiving end of such biased comments. As her brother lives a short distance from Thunder Valley and he has no place to park our RV, it is nice to know that the casino is relaxing it's restrictions. Thanks, Chuck, for clearing that up for us all. (Funny how Walmart seems to be the ONLY store that gets mentioned when discussing overnights in parking lots...talk about free advertizing;)
By
Anonymous, at December 16, 2007 6:20 AM
Whenever there is a posting of no rv's allowed the real reason is justified or unjustified. Either way it is the landowners decision and we, in the rv community, should make the conscious decision that since they have told us how they feel about us we should take our money and patronage somewhere that does support our rv community and needs.
It is plain and simple.
By
Jim, at December 16, 2007 5:30 PM
I live about 5 miles from Thunder Valley and a couple of years ago when I got a new 5th wheel I went to their parking lot to try an overnight test. TV said no, they closed for RVs because a few hookers were working out of RVs in their lot. Its been closed since!
By
Anonymous, at December 17, 2007 7:46 AM
Anonymous 12-15-07 3:33 PM:
Are you a private campground owner, or someone with a vested interest in the private campground industry?
Most people like being able to stay at Wal-Marts, even if they don't stay there every night. You've exaggerated the negative aspects.
This sure sounds like a "Negative Shill" by someone with an axe to grind.
By
Anonymous, at December 17, 2007 7:50 AM
Gee! I didn't realize so many of us old geezers were interested in losing money at casinos.
By
Anonymous, at December 17, 2007 9:00 AM
"Prevosts and other high end units in Wal-Marts parking lots... ...are freeloaders"
Many of the high-end people have cashed out their savings or sold their homes to go full-time. Many have worked hard all their life to finally be able to live their dream; and they are not necessarily over-privileged rich people.
A private campground will now run around $35 a night, sometimes higher. For $365 days a year, that's $12,775 a year. (Granted, many full-timers will stay in one place for a while to get reduced monthly rates, or seek out lower-cost places to park.) With the cost of gasoline doubling in the last 4 years and still going up, many of us are seeing our dream of traveling the country disappearing. If a company like Wal-Mart wants to be "RV-friendly", even if it is to get more business, they should be allowed to under the private enterprise system. Why should we have to pay $35+ just to park and sleep for a few hours? Because the campground owners want to get rich? (Or THINK they can get rich.)
The previous poster is right - you are probably a private campground owner. Your arguments about increased RV traffic creating any kind of significantly increased traffic hazard are not only spurious-but they also sound suspiciously like the kind of arguments that the private campground owners use to close down Wal-Mart and other free camping. When the private campgrounds try to close off all other forms of RV camping, they are strangling RVers and the RV industry. In the end their greed, with the gasoline prices on top of it as well, may wind up killing RVing: and the campground owners will wind up putting themselves out of business as well.
By
Anonymous, at December 18, 2007 3:08 PM
How come all I hear is Wal-Mart & casinos making money for letting RV's park overnight.What's wrong with that. You forget about the Truckers park every night at a truck stop for free just because they buy Diesel Fuel&food there. I'm not saying this is wrong.I just bringing up a point,about free enterprize.If businesses want to let RV's park on there property overnight,they should have the wright to.Isn't this the same thing as truck stops?Overnight stays should be ok as long as it is for one or maybe two night stays.There again, it is up to the property owner.
By
Kodiak, at December 21, 2007 12:23 PM
It seems like too many people do not seem to have a clue as to why a company is in business. Simple put, it is to make a PROFIT for the owners!!! There is no other reason to be in business period. Looking at it from Wal-marts viewpoint, I would consider only the impact that it would have on my company. If a customer wants to come in and spend an average in excess of $200, I am going to take care of that customer class. I am certainly not going to be concerned about the impact that it "might" or "might not" have on an RV park or any other business. My job is to maximiza the profitability of the company that I operate. That is reality!
By
Philip, at January 24, 2008 8:49 AM
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