On The Road To Redmond

CASINO RESORT NEXT TO I-84

If you are approaching Redmond from the east using Interstate 84, there's a nice casino resort, with an RV Park, near exit 216. Wildhorse Casino Resort includes a 100-site RV Park with full hookups, pool/spa and laundry. Free continental breakfast is offered to RV guests.

The resort also includes an 18-hole golf course with a clubhouse grille cafe, a cultural museum and teepee village. The casino has 650 slots, 16 pit/table games, a poker room, off track betting and live keno. The resort also includes four restaurants - one is open 24 hours.

Wildhorse is located about 230 miles northeast of Redmond.

On The Road To Redmond

THE CASINOS OF NORTHERN NEVADA
While Las Vegas is the Casino Capitol, there are also hundreds of other casinos scattered throughout the state of Nevada. Some interesting casino stops can be found along I-80 across northern Nevada.

Westbound I-80 travelers find a cluster of four casinos as soon as they cross the UT/NV state line. The West Wendover, NV casinos can be seen from the interstate. They are Montego Bay, Wendover Nugget, Peppermill and Rainbow. There is a 50-space RV Park at the Wendover Nugget (look for it behind the Shell station.) There is also a large lot designated for oversized vehicles on the far west end of Wendover Blvd. (just west of the Peppermill and across the street from the Rainbow.) Free overnight parking is permitted.

A number of other casinos are located along I-80 from the Utah state line to California just west of Reno. Even the Flying J at exit 352 has a small casino. The oldest continually operating casino in Nevada can be found in Elko at exit 301, along with three other casinos. The Model T at Winnemucca (exit 176) is a friendly little casino with a cozy 24-hour cafe.

If you enjoy fishing as well as gambling -- and you have time for a side trip -- the town of Jackpot, NV makes for an interesting stop. Located 68 miles north of I-80 on US-93, this charming little town, surrounded by mountain wilderness, is a bright cluster of casinos just south of the Idaho state line. There are many outdoor recreational opportunities in and around Jackpot, including excellent fishing in the nearby Little Salmon River and its tributaries. Cactus Pete's Casino has a moderately-priced 91-space RV Park and RV guests are invited to use the amenities at the resort hotel. The resort also has an 18-hole golf course. From Jackpot, it's just 40 miles or so north into Twin Falls, ID where you can pick up I-84 west into Oregon.

Roads That Lead To Redmond

Thousands of RVs will be en route to Redmond, Oregon this summer for two big events in July and August. This week, our Casino Camping blog will highlight RV-Friendly casinos located along major interstates that might be on your route.

If you are approaching Redmond from the south and/or west, you may be interested in some of these casinos in central and northern California:
On the 101 coastal highway, look for casinos in Lakeport (with an RV Park) and Hopland, just south of Ukiah and another casino just north of Ukiah. Further north, there are casinos in Ferndale, Trinidad, Crescent City and Smith River. All are RV-Friendly, so if it's time to stop for the night, you'll find free overnight parking there. If you're traveling through central California RVers get a warm welcome and valuable cash coupons at the KOA at Feather Falls Casino in Oroville. Each RV guest receives a $20 coupon for casino play and a discount meal coupon. For RVing couples that amounts to a free overnight stay plus. Oroville is east of I-5. There are also casinos near I-5 at Corning and Redding.

Along the western shore of Oregon you'll find: The Mill (with RV Park) in North Bend, Three Rivers in Florence, Chinook Winds (with RV Park) in Lincoln City and Spirit Mountain in Grand Ronde. The popular Seven Feathers Casino & RV Park is visible from exit 99 along I-5 in southwest Oregon. Also, in the south part of the state, Kla-Mo-Ya Casino is on US-97 near Klamath Falls (Redmond is also on US-97.)

Casino Camping: What's Your Style?

These days, it's commonplace to pull into a casino and see more than a few RVs parked there. During our travels we've met lots of casino campers all over the country. Some folks will always look for an RV Park or campground at the casino. They want the convenience of hookups and the added security of the RV Park. These casino campers will only stay overnight at a casino if it has a facility witrh hookups, and they will not dry camp overnight in the parking lot.

On the other hand, there's a fairly large group of casino campers who will only do free overnight dry camping in the parking lot. Even when an RV Park is part of the casino resort, they will opt for an overnight stay in the parking lot. These casino campers are determined to get full use of their self-contained units whenever possible. "Blacktop boondockers" take pride in the savings they can accrue by finding places that offer free overnight parking, and they track their average daily costs/savings.

Then there's the group of casino campers in the middle, who will take the free overnight camping (if they like the casino) and stay for a night, or two at the most. But, if the casino has an RV Park or campground, they'll stay there.

Obviously, while researching our book, Casino Camping, Jack & I have experienced both styles of casino camping. If we're staying in the parking lot overnight, we check out the area to be sure we feel safe there and we also check in with Security to get authorization for the overnight stay. It's always nice to have the opportunity to save a night's camping fee. However, if the casino has an RV Park or campground, we will stay there...and if we like the casino or if there are other places of interest in the area, we'll stay for a few days longer.

Casino Camping's third edition, just released, has two Appendix sections designed to appeal any style of casino camping: Appendix A is a state-by-state listing of RV Parks or campgrounds at casinos. Appendix A also includes the casinos that have free electric hookups in the parking lot. Appendix B lists casinos within 2 miles of an interstate exit; virtually all offer free overnight parking accomodations. Even casinos that have RV Parks will also permit overnight dry camping, if you don't want to go into the RV Park. There are only a couple of casinos that require RVs to check into their RV Park -- but, most welcome RVs no matter what the style of their camping. We have never seen a "No Overnight Camping" sign in a casino parking lot. (Unfortunately, more Wal-Marts than ever before have banned overnight parking.)

News From Vicksburg

THE SAME RV PARK ---
A NEW NAME!

The popular RV Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi is now owned and operated by the Ameristar Casino. RVers who have been to Vicksburg in the past will remember that the RV Park was originally owned by the Isle of Capri Casino. Last year, after Diamond Jack's purchased the Isle of Capri, the RV Park was managed by Diamond Jack's for a few months prior to being taken over by Ameristar this past February.

Even though management of the RV Park has changed hands a couple of times, it remains open for business as usual. When we visited recently we were pleased to see that the new owners added some concrete on the entrance road making it smooth enough so we didn't scrape the hitch when coming in. Jack did a Brooklyn cheer when he saw the new, improved entrance road!

The modern Park still features 67 level, paved, pull-thru patio sites with full hookups. This afternoon, with temperatures in the 90's, quite a few RVers were enoying the pool at the RV Park.

On demand shuttle service is provided 24 hours daily. The phone at the RV Park office is connected to the casino nearby and a security van shuttle arrives within minutes. Even though the picturesque red & white Ameristar riverboat is just across the street from the RV Park, it's easier and safer to take the shuttle. There are steep grades entering and exiting both the RV Park and the Casino property and Washington Street is a busy thoroughfare. (It would be a tough walk!)

Vicksburg MS, situated high on the bluffs along the Mississippi River, is rich in history. The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the defense and siege of Vicksburg. The battlefield includes 1,330 monuments and markers, a 16-mile tour road, a restored Union gunboat and a national Cemetery. There are many other attractions and activities in the area that make a visit to Vicksburg worthwhile. In addition to the Ameristar, there are three other casinos in Vicksburg.

The RV Park in Vicksburg is moderately priced and a discount is offered to Ameristar Casino cardholders. The Ameristar RV Park may be reached at 601-631-0402 or 800-700-7770.

Tunica County Mississippi Is RV-Friendly

The Casino Strip Resorts area in Tunica is a popular destination for RVers. Three casino resorts -- Hollywood and Resorts, next door to each another, and Sam's Town just across the street -- are within walking, casino-hopping distance. All are Vegas-style casinos in the laid-back style of the Deep South.

Sam's Town and Hollywood Casino both have RV Parks, modern and reasonably-priced. RV guests are invited to use the amenities at the hotel resorts. There's a broad range of dining choices at the three casinos and the River Bend Golf Course is just behind the Resorts and Hollywood properties.

While Resorts does not have an RV Park, RVs are welcome to dry camp in the parking lot behind the casino. A dump station and fresh water supply are available free of charge at the Resorts parking lot.

Although it isn't walking distance, Fitzgerald's casino is considered to be the fourth Casino Strip resort. It is a short shuttle hop away. Also nearby is The Tunica Queen paddlewheeler that day cruises on the Mississippi River. Their luncheon cruise is a relaxing non-gaming activity.

Casino RV Park Just Off I-80 near Chicago

If your summer travels take you along I-80 in Illinois, there's an RV Park in Joliet at the Empress Casino Resort, less than a mile from the highway. The RV Park is close enough to Chicago that it can serve as a home base for people planning to tour the city. Please note that this casino resort does not allow overnight dry camping in the parking lot. RVs planning to stay overnight are asked to go into the RV Park. Daily rates are $24 for back-in sites and $30 for pull thrus. There is good security and shuttle service is provided to the modern riverboat casino that has over 1,200 slots, video poker, 20 gaming tables and 3 restaurants.

Empress Casino Resort is just off I-80; use exit 130 (if you're westbound) or use exit 127 (if eastbound.)The RV Park has 80 paved sites with electric and water. The central dump is located behind the hotel building.

Tranquility At A Casino RV Park

The 27-space RV Park at Casino Aztar in Caruthersville, MO is located directly on the Mississippi River. It was constructed about two years ago, so it has the modern conveniences RVers look for: pull-through sites, full hookups, cable TV, free wi-fi , 24-hour security and modern laundry and shower facilities. It is a delightful little place to stop and relax for a while. Two of our favorite activities at the Aztar RV Park are (1) sitting on the park bench watching the Mississippi River traffic and (2) taking a stroll along the nature trail (pictured below.) The Nature Trail offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle out there. Informational posts along the way tell us about plant and animal life indiginous to this part of the Midwest and about the history of the area. And, every so often during the walk, a spectacular view of the river can be seen through the trees.

................The Nature Trail...............

While one would think this facility is way off the beaten path, it is actually located just 5 miles from I-55 exit 19 in the southernmost section (often referred to as the boot) of Missouri.

The charming, older riverboat casino is just a stone's throw away from any site in the RV Park. The bottom deck is smoke-free, slots and gaming tables on the main deck and a poker room on the top deck. Casino Aztar was recently purchased by the Isle of Capri company and it is expected that the casino will be renovated and upgraded after the new owners assume management of the gaming, dining and entertainment aspects of the operation.

More On Historic Deadwood

If you're a history buff, you'll enjoy visiting Deadwood, South Dakota. The old mining town is an interesting and unique gaming destination. Deadwood's long history of gaming began when the gold rush of 1876 ushered in the now legendary saloons, dance hall girls and notorious gamblers, including Poker Alice and Wild Bill Hickok. Gambling was officially banned in 1905 but kept going strong until 1947 when it was eliminated completely. In 1989 voters of the state approved legislation to once again open the gaming halls in Deadwood as part of a massive historic preservation project. Today visitors can enjoy Deadwood's brick streets, period lighting, old-time trolleys and Victorian style buildings. Proceeds from Deadwood gaming benefit historic preservation.

RVers should note that in recent years Deadwood has become a very popular destination. Consquently, overnight parking is no longer permitted in the public parking lots. The Days of '76 RV Park is closest to downtown and is on the city trolley route. It is moderately priced and proceeds benefit the '76 Historic Museum.

The Dead Man's Hand

Deadwood, South Dakota is famous as the place where Wild Bill Hickok was shot to death while playing cards in a saloon. It is said the hand Wild Bill held when he was shot contained two pair, aces and eights, known thereafter as "the dead man's hand." Vistors to Deadwood can actually go to the Old Style Saloon #10 and see the place where Wild Bill met his fate. Wild Bill's chair and other Old West artifacts are on display. During the summer, reenactments of the legendary card game are held several times each day.

Deadwood is a designated historic landmark and all buildings in the downtown area conform to authentic 1800's architecture. More details on Deadwood and where to park when you visit will be included in the next post on this blog site.

The Road To Redmond

All roads lead to Redmond, Oregon this summer when two big events will be held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds: The Rally in July and FMCA's International Convention in August.

If you're planning to attend one of these events -- and you want to include stops at casinos along the way -- the 3rd edition of Casino Camping has a new feature that may be of value to you. Appendix B (pages 308 to 312) is a state-by-state listing of casinos within 2 miles of an Interstate exit. This appendix section is new to this year's Casino Camping -- you will not find it in previous editions.

As we all know, most casinos offer free overnight parking, so if the book helps you to save just one night's camping fees, it pays for iteself. Click on the book cover shown on this page to order your copy of Casino Camping. RVBookstore ships fast!

The New Video Poker

When we first began stopping at casinos, slots and video poker machines didn't have much variety. A line of 7's and/or cherries on the slots. Poker machines with a single hand for 25 cents. It was kind of boring. Things sure have changed since then.

I consider myself a recreational gambler...nickels and pennies are my style. When the 9-line nickel machines rolled onto the gaming floor, I thought there could be no better fun. But then along came the penny slots -- 25 lines for a quarter and, oh, the neat graphics and bonus rounds! A lot of fun for minimal cost. But poker machines have always been my favorite casino game. When the three-hand and five-hand machines were introduced, I was fascinated, but shyed away from them because they were generally 25-cent denomination. But now there's nickel and penny poker in just about every casino. And what about these new novelty poker machines. How imaginative can they get! Everytime we go into a casino we discover something new: spin poker, multi-level poker, hundred line penny poker, etc.

The new Super Times Poker is popular. Last week we were in Tunica County for a few days, staying at the Hollywood RV Park. The casino has only two Super Times machines and they were in use all the time. Since I wanted to try the new game, I kept watching those machines, but they were never empty. For three days these machines were continuously in use. Resorts Casino, next door to the Hollywood, also had Super Times, but their 25-cent machines were not getting much play. The two Super Times at Hollywood have 1-cent and 5-cent options, and that's the reason for the differences in use.

The Super Times machine features a "kicker" that randomly kicks in to multiply the winnings of a single play by anywhere from 2X to 10X. But, in order to qualify for the "kicker" feature, the player must play 6 coins per hand -- that's 18 coins on a 3-play game or 30 coins on the 5-play. There's a difference between 30 quarters and 30 pennies, and smart slots players will manage their money carefully.

One of the cardinal rules is "don't spend money in the casino that you can't afford to lose." I look at the amount I spend at the casino as the "price of admission" for the entertainment value of the casino session, similar to a ticket to a movie. It's prudent to remember that no matter how clever the machine, the odds will always favor the house.

Gaming Destination In The Heart Of Dixie

The #1 gaming destination is Las Vegas and #2 is Atlantic City, but did you know that the nation's third most popular gaming destination is in the heart of Dixie? It is Tunica County in the northwest corner of the state of Mississippi. Nine riverfront casino resorts are nestled near the cotton fields in the fertile Mississippi River Delta where the weather is mild and pleasant year round. The resorts are spread out with plenty of space in between. RVers particularly enjoy the slow-paced and relaxed environment in Tunica...it is Vegas gaming, Mississippi-style.

Tunica casinos include:
-- The largest in Tunica: Grand Casino, on old Hwy 61.
-- Casino Strip Blvd. Area: Sams Town, Hollywood, Resorts and Fitzgerald's.
-- Casino Center Area: Gold Strike, Horseshoe, Sheraton and Ballys.

A variety of dining options can be found at all the resorts. Country and western stars are among the headline entertainment featured at most of the resorts throughout the year. This past weekend fans made the trip into Tunica to catch the Oak Ridge Boys show.

The Tunica County resorts are all in the town of Robinsonville, MS, just west of Interstate 55 about 20 miles south of Memphis, TN.