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Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Thunder Valley has issues

BLOG UPDATE (12-8-07) from the RVtravel.com editor: As you will see from the comments below, many readers have complained that the posting here does not go far enough to explain why the casino changed its policy from allowing RVers to park in its parking lot to banning the practice. I agree, and will talk to the casino management personally next week to get the true and complete story.

As y'all know researching RV-Friendly casinos for our Casino Camping guide book is an ongoing project for me.

Since Thunder Valley is the prime topic of conversation these days, I went back and checked my notes from earlier editions of the book. When we were gathering info for the first edition of Casino Camping in 2003 we visited many California casinos personally, including Thunder Valley...the management and marketing people were very hospitable at that time and they were delighted to be listed in the book. They wanted us to be sure and mention that they offered shuttle service from the parking lot for RVers. The first Casino Camping came out in July 2004 and Thunder Valley was lsited as RV-Friendly.

Our visit the following year was a different story. When we called on Thunder Valley they requested not to be listed in subsequent editions because they no longer allowed RVs in their parking lot. They would not say why, but they were quite adamant about it. So when the 2nd edition of Casino Camping was published in Nov 2006 a special note appeared in the California section to alert RVers not to go to Thunder Valley. I was perplexed (because they had been so hospitable the previous year and there surely is enough room in their parking lot) so I did some checking around. It appeared they had very good reasons for their decision to exclude RVs from the premises. Although when I asked them about what I'd heard they would not confirm or comment. So they join the ranks of the RV-UNFriendly casinos...and there are a number of them throughout the country for a variety of reasons. Some simply don't have room in the parking lots...some aren't open 24 hours and don't want RVers out there overnight when they can't provide security. Construction, expansions and unexpected events like hurricanes cause casinos to become temporarily or permanently UNfriendly to RVs.

But, like my friend & colleague Mac McClellen said, there are plenty of casinos that want us -- too many to worry about the few that don't! Central California has lots of very nice RV-Friendly casinos...check 'em out!

Please remember, when you go into a casino it's always a good idea to check in with Security or a member of management to verify their parking policy for RVs, especially if you plan to dry camp overnight in the parking lot.


Camp for FREE! "Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com to learn about where to camp in an RV for free or nearly free in the USA.

Labels:

posted by JANE at 9:23 PM

46 Comments:

  • They will NEVER get my money now. Screw'em!!!!!!!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 2:36 AM  

  • Appears we are talking Apples and Oranges here. The original story regarding Thunder Valley indicated that these RV'ers merely wanted to park long enough to enjoy a meal. I understand why some casinos don't allow over night stays, however, I would think that they would welcome folks wanting to purchase a meal and perhaps drop a few dollars in the casino while there. Makes no sense from the "Customer Service" standpoint.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 3:00 AM  

  • It is not only overnight parking. Harrah's in Vicksburg, Mississippi wouldn't even let us park to go in a spend our money. We were way out in the north forty and the place was not crowded but as soon as we pulled up and parked here came security to run us off.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 3:44 AM  

  • SOOO...WHAT was their reason???

    By Blogger ken, at December 8, 2007 4:31 AM  

  • So... What have you heard from siurces OTHER than the Casino itself?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 5:00 AM  

  • Unfortunately, it is a small percent of RVers that abuse the privilege of staying in someone elses "backyard", whether it's WalMart or Casinos or where ever. Those are the ones we need to identify and speak to. If you see someone abusing their stay, say something to them! Or call the authorities if you don't want a confrontation.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 5:07 AM  

  • This article didn't actually provide the answers the leading paragraph indicated it would. It merely says that casinos sometimes have very good reasons, but doesn't expand on those reasons.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 5:30 AM  

  • nice article, but I still don't understand the WHY of it as in the headline.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 6:22 AM  

  • Are we missing something? I thought she was supposed to tell us why that casino didn't allow overnight stays and we didn't see anywhere in the posting where she said why. We can assume it is because some clods over stayed their welcome and didn't care where they emptied their tanks. Is this correct?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 6:25 AM  

  • Hi from Ga...so actually you didn't answer the question about why some casinos don't allow RV parking. Just some innuendo about why. Great. Thanks.

    By Anonymous Ergo West, at December 8, 2007 6:35 AM  

  • When I read the original article, I was under the impression the people only wanted to park so they could go into the casino for a few hours, not that they wanted to stay overnight. They were not allowed even to do that, until they went "up the chain of command." He told them this time it would be okay, but never again. That has nothing to do with people who abuse the privilege of overnight camping. And, I agree, with the other posts. This post tells me absolutely nothing about the title.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 7:08 AM  

  • what a lame story. misleading headline.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 7:16 AM  

  • OK, so the author didn't follow up on the headline as far as possible. To the complainers, I say, "Get a life!" If you don't like the blog I suspect the author will offer you double your money back. Personally, I appreciate the effort that goes into making some good information available to me at no charge.

    By Anonymous JeffG, at December 8, 2007 7:49 AM  

  • Please DO NOT publish an article like that again. She gave us no infomation at all.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 8:10 AM  

  • It would appear the author is just protecting herself by not flaming the Casino so she can continue to work with the other casinos and continue to produce future Casino Camping issues.

    By Anonymous Vegasdan, at December 8, 2007 8:15 AM  

  • I agree with many others. Explain your "headline." Next time you fill out an application that asks for occupation, please avoid saying journalist.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 8:26 AM  

  • Casino's are all over the place when it comes to treatment of their customers. You can drink 'til you vomit at the bar or perhaps while dinning. You can get upset with a machine and damage it or perhaps insult a dealer or more. You could make the most despicable mess in a restroom, or perhaps in your room and they never shut down any of those sections for the next customer. But, park an RV in the parking lot and do something not user freindly and everyone in an RV is thrown out. I used to work in the casino's in Laughlin during the winter ( snowbird ) and park in the parking lot of a casino. I have seen the picture from both sides. MN Al

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 8:27 AM  

  • This article its writen just to make curious so you bought Casino Camping.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 8:39 AM  

  • Harrah's in Cherokee NC stopped overnight parking because Rvers were dumping their gray water into a nearby stream
    I also think it was too much competition for the local campgrounds.
    The bottom line is a small portion of our group abuses the priviledge and we all get punished.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 8:43 AM  

  • HUH????
    This article only reiterates that some casinos don't allow parking. Where was the article promised? The COVER STORY?
    I agree with other posters, this was very lame and a big disappointment.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 9:29 AM  

  • Lame?? It was that at best; it was bait and switch! I learned very little new in the article that common sense would not convey to any individual. Reading that article was a waste of my time one the computer---VERY POOR JOURNALISM!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 9:55 AM  

  • In the article is stated, "I was perplexed (because they had been so hospitable the previous year and there surely is enough room in their parking lot) so I did some checking around. It appeared they had very good reasons for their decision to exclude RVs from the premises. Although when I asked them about what I'd heard they would not confirm or comment." So what was the reason they no longer allow RV's??? This article was a total waste, and poorly written, if your only going to try and sell your book that is one thing! But, you NEVER state why Thurnder Valley refuses RV's!

    By Blogger G William, at December 8, 2007 10:24 AM  

  • Dear readers,

    Yes. . . I agree that this topic needs to be explored in far more depth. I'll contact the casino next week to see if I can learn EXACTLY why the business changed its rule from allowing RVs to park in the parking lot to banning the practice all together. I'll let you know what I discover and provide a better explanation of the situation than was provided in this blog posting.

    Chuck Woodbury, editor
    RVtravel.com

    By Blogger Chuck Woodbury, at December 8, 2007 10:51 AM  

  • I agree, Jane, you blew it on the information side. Regarding Vicksburg, it's not just Harrah's - read http://www.HoffmanTravels.com/ chapter 39 "Vicksburg - Not an RV Town" that I wrote after an unpleasant visit there in 2002.

    By Anonymous Oldguy2, at December 8, 2007 11:16 AM  

  • My my, some very angry RV'ers out there. I would hate to see their comments if it wasn’t the season of good will. The story was somewhat incomplete, but gave good advice; check out the rules, before assuming anything-easy; wherever you park. Explain the bait and switch complaint to me. The article certainly didn't take that much time to review. I also get new tips, so I appreciate what I can learn. Happy Holidays!

    By Blogger SFC Be, at December 8, 2007 11:54 AM  

  • Casinos are designed to extract the maximum amount of cash from the suckers who frequent them. This is the only reason they "welcome" you. This sounds like yet another good reason to avoid them for a location that is healthier and more positive.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 12:00 PM  

  • I noticed she is working on 3rd book, maybe the reasons will be in it. (wink wink)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 1:07 PM  

  • I will reiterate and paraphrase my comment of last week. When a representative of a business on private property tells you that you are not welcome there and you decide to ignore that person and do as you please, YOU are the one in the wrong.

    As to reasons for the ban, at that point, they are immaterial. It's like asking a traffic cop WHY the speed limit is 35 mph as he hands you the citation. It just is, pal, now move along.

    The arrogance and dismissive attitude by the original poster are 2 of many reasons I can see for banning Rv'ers (and others). As always, there are a few people who believe that the rules are meant for someone else and who contribute to others in the group having a negative reputation.

    Mark M.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 2:03 PM  

  • I think Jane did all she could to, considering the attitude of the people she talked to at Thunder Mountain Casino.
    Yes Chuck, a follow up by you and posting of your input would be appreciated, but don't blast Jane, she didn't make the new rule, just reported what she could!

    By Anonymous Don from San Diego, at December 8, 2007 2:08 PM  

  • I believe Jane did all she could, but when you run into such negative people at the Casino, just figure, There are others around the corner"
    Check the web site under Thunder Valley Casino. At the bottom, it clearly says "no RV's or Camping". Looks like Jane should have done her homework prior to her recent visit

    By Anonymous Don from San Diego, at December 8, 2007 2:16 PM  

  • Remember polite? Back in the day, we cared for each other's feelings and didn't lash into each other like wolverines at the first whiff of an imagined injustice. Calm down, y'all. I'd like to think the RVing community was a little more laid-back and polite than I'm seeing here. JeffG and Sfc Be, you're welcome at my campsite anytime.

    By Anonymous Megan in Texas, at December 8, 2007 2:23 PM  

  • I live in the area of Thunder Valley Casino and have written the casino to complain about their policy not allowing RVs to park and have not received a response. The reason given friends who love to gamble but need to rest frequently because of health problems was that an RV dumped a black water tank in the parking lot, creating a health hazard.

    By Anonymous timtim, at December 8, 2007 3:09 PM  

  • James Dean here and I am an entertainer as well as a RVer. I have a bus conversion, a a40 Ft. Eagle and it is heavy and I always check with the management at any area I want to park for a while. I stay in the WalMart/KMart or some other shopping center parking lot when traveling or just out visiting some of the small towns, which my wife and I like to do when I'm ot working. ANYONE KNOWS ONE NEVER DUMPS ANYTHING IN A PARKING LOT OR ANYWHERE ELSE OTHER THAN A RV DUMP SITE. SOME do this and we as RVers pay the price.I do not mind saying something to someone that is doing something that will call for screwing up a place or someone's parking lot or property. We stay at one of the casino RV centers when in Vicksberg, Ms. We use the shuttle from there to all the casino we want to go to. We must all know NO one has the right to just park a nd stay for free unless the signs are posted at the parking lot saying "RV's Welcome." Then and only then should an RVer park. It is still a good policy to check with the secuity for any rules that may not be posted. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP! TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED AND GO TO ANOTHER CASINO IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS. THE CASINOS WILL SOON GET THE MESSAGE. THANKS, JAMES DEAN

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 6:44 PM  

  • I'm just glad to now be aware that a casino might not allow me to park, if I'm travelling with my 5th wheel camper. It wouldn't have occured to me that they wouldn't because I see it all the time at our local casino. Now I know and I appreciate that knowledge.

    By Anonymous Candy, at December 8, 2007 8:07 PM  

  • no reasons provided. I'm disappointed in this "article". Nothing new mentioned.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 8, 2007 11:27 PM  

  • Thank you Mark M. for your intelligent response. I was beginning to think those of us who love RV-ing are a group of anarchists! You make what is the only important point in this whole incident. Private property is just that. And I think it is likely that there was no initial rudeness from their security people. That more likely came later, if at all, after their very clear statement of policy was completely ignored by the man who ignored their instructions and drove in and parked anyway. And he thought the CASINO was rude?!? Please! Suppose I came to the door of your coach and tried to come in. You tell me I'm not welcome inside and say please don't enter. I decide you have no right to tell me not to come in and open the door and enter anyway. I've changed the scale a little, but the issue is still illegal entry on private property, which is EXACTLY what you did. Why they didn't call local law enforcement and have you arrested completely escapes me, because that is exactly what I would have done. Now, if you don't like RV unfriendly casinos, here's my advice: Don't patronize them. But don't tell them how to run their private business. And for those who enlightened us to the purpose of the casino being to separate you from as much money as they can, thanks. Did that come as new information to anyone else? It's an entertainment business. Try going to a pro sports game. Between the parking, ticket, refreshments, souvenirs and anything else you might want while there, the casino is relatively harmless. Anyway, it's still all about private property. Which you violated. Game over. Lee E, Ohio.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 9, 2007 7:34 AM  

  • We also were not allowed to park our motorhome at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Fl. It was my birthday and we just wanted to gamble for a couple of hours and have a nice dinner, not overnight.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 9, 2007 8:29 AM  

  • As will always be the case, a few bad apples spoil the whole barrel for the rest of us.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 9, 2007 8:54 AM  

  • I completely agree with Mark and Lee. Let's be a little more civil.
    Cliff, Ohio

    By Anonymous Daddio, at December 9, 2007 9:54 AM  

  • I totally agree with Mark & Lee. It seems the majority of folks nowadays believe the world is meant for their enjoyment whether or not it infringes on the rights of others - it's all about me first!

    By Blogger Kitty, at December 9, 2007 5:55 PM  

  • no wonder a lot of them don't wont these pigs staying around when they leave it looks like a bunch of hogs had been there.throwing their trash on the parking lot staying for weeks and being insulted when asked to leave.stealing toilet paper&towels mooching from the customers with hard luck stories.why put up with this from these deadbeats

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 12, 2007 6:12 PM  

  • This was a terrable article....no
    reason ever mentioned...Articles
    like this are not in the best intrest for RV TRAVEL..It degrades
    a GREAT Publication...

    Perplexed in PA

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 16, 2007 12:40 PM  

  • I find it interesting how you would call RVers PIGS, when we are giving away this entire country to a culture who is turning us into a third world! How about speaking up about what REALLY THREATENS us?? Have you seen the trashed Arizona desert?? Have you seen the graffiti?? Have you noticed the census of our jails?? Have you heard about the disappearance of our citizens at the southern border?? RV parking is a minor set-back... but just wait and see what this country has fostered when we legalize all the law-breakers!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 16, 2007 1:13 PM  

  • I can't understand why so many are so "upset" and wanting "reasons". Perhaps we are wanting to much sensationalism in our lives.."give me the gorey details" frame of mind. Everyone can simply and easily figure out that the offending RVers did something they should not have, period! What's the big deal? Are you expecting to hear something like what might happen on "Desparate Housewives? Dumping trash and dumping a holding tank is undoubtedly what the "details" are, not very sensational. Personally all I care about is that some idiot goofed it up for everyone since we know the Casino welcomed RVs the year before. And I agree - their property, their business, their right to do as they choose. Quit squacking and move on.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at January 5, 2008 2:23 PM  

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    in efficiency for everyday consumers to get bargain based products from all
    areas of the world, but now we are faced with a new dilemma, Online Gambling and
    online casinos. As a concerned member of the human race, I'm not sure that
    Online gambling would be a legitimate business that benefits us as a society.
    The big questions is, are the positives of online gambling greater than the
    negatives?

    Casino, Pokies, Bingo, slots and gambling centers all around the world are
    already the cause of many family breakdowns and financial woes. Now we're taking
    it to the next level – going online for our gambling. With the rate of young
    adults participating in global gaming communities, by the billions, Gaming
    companies are encountering a massive profit / money making facility just by
    traditional arcade game play – which is absolutely fine. However, now parts of
    the world are investing heavily in developments of Online Gambling and Online
    Casino software to target global hopefuls in chances of winning their Million
    dollars or their Austin Martins. How are we to monitor companies that provide
    online gambling facilities? In some countries under developed countries, hungry
    scheming predators are lurking about waiting for the next 'big idea' in ripping
    consumers and the wonderful world wide web offers to do that. Where else can you
    build a money making machine that can directly be linked to an offshore business
    account in the British Virgin Islands and be able to people off? Online Casinos
    are a major threat to our global socio economics and are a nuisance to the
    Online community and the community at large. If I want to gamble I'd spend my
    money and go to Las Vegas, instead of typing in my Credit card details and stare
    at my laptop hoping to win money. Say no to Online Gambling and Online Casinos.
    I sure did.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at February 1, 2008 11:03 AM  

  • The mathematics of online gambling are always against the individual. There
    is no way that a professional gambler could ever say otherwise and yet how come
    there are people that make money every day playing and gambling online every
    day? Simply, they employ good strategies that work more in their favour than the
    average person. The main goal of the professional gambler is to either target
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    double up the bet and repeat until you win, then go back to the original amount
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    By Anonymous Anonymous, at February 1, 2008 11:03 AM  

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