Ameristar Is RV-Friendly

The Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa recently completed a renovation and expansion of the casino. It is now Iowa's largest riverboat with more than 1,500 slots and 39 table games.

While there is no RV Park at this location, the casino provides a convenient and quiet parking area for RVs. The north lot is designated for car and RV parking only (truck parking is on the other side of the complex.)

Ameristar is situated near the intersection of I-29 and I-80. From I-80 use exit 1A and from I-29 use exit 52. Overnight parking is OK for self-contained RVs.

Note: Even though Iowa recently passed a non-smoking law, casinos are exempt. So the casino will be quite smokey at peak times.

ADDITIONAL NOTE ON IOWA CASINO

The new Wild Rose Casino, land-based in Clinton, Iowa (see July 10th post) is open from 8am-2am weekdays and 8am-4am weekends. There is parking available for RVs. Please check in with Security if you plan to stay overnight. As with all Iowa casinos, smoking is permitted. However, this casino appears to have an excellent filtering system. When we were in the casino last month we didn't notice any heavy smoke in the air.

Lots of Penny Slots in Waterloo

THE ISLE CASINO & HOTEL, WATERLOO, IOWA

This pretty casino is located on US-218 in Waterloo, Iowa. It opened just one year ago, so a lot of RV travelers still aren't aware that it's here. The 35,000 square-foot casino is actually a riverboat all on one level. It features over 1,100 slots in all denominations and 30 pit/table games. It has Isle of Capri signature Buffet and Farraday's restaurants plus a Starbuck's.

Smoking is still allowed in the casino and there are no separate sections for non-smokers at The Isle. Being seated next to a smoker at a gaming table or slot machine can spoil an otherwise pleasant gaming experience.

To get to The Isle take I-380 to exit 71A and merge onto US-218 south for 1.4 mile, then west on Shaulis Road. On The Isle property, follow signs to the bus parking area west of the casino building. Overnight parking is permitted for self-contained RVs.

No more free electric

If you are using our guide book, Casino Camping, please note that two casinos listed as having free electric hookups in their parking lot, no longer have those hookups.

Diamond Jo Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa is expanding the casino. The section of the parking lot that had the free electric hookups now has a building on top of it. The casino says free overnight parking is still available for RVs. Just ask security where to park.

Coeur D'Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho does not have electric hookups available any more. However, the casino still allows free dry camping overnight. Please notify Securityy if you plan to stay.

If you haven't bought your copy of Casino Camping -- a must-have book for every rig -- it is available from the RV Bookstore, and they ship fast! If the book helps you to save just one night's camping fee, it pays for itself.

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Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos
This is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks and which ones offer free overnight stays in their parking lots. The fact is, more casinos all the time are soliciting the business of RVers, and many either offer attractive, bargain-priced campgrounds or a parking lot where RVers are invited to stay for free. Learn more or order.

At the "Top of Iowa"

Finding a place where I can get connected on my lap top has been a bit of a challenge here in northern Iowa. Not too many hot spots. But today I found a little computer work station set up in the "Top of Iowa" Welcome Center -- I-35 exit 214, just south of the MInnesota state line. And, guess what, there's a casino right next door! So while Jack is over there getting acquainted with the dealers, I'm sending you Happy Tuesday greetings from Iowa, the state with many styles of casinos -- riverboats, land-based traditional casinos, racinos (casinos at race tracks) and even one Indian casino on the west side of the state.

The casino at the "Top of Iowa" is the Diamond Jo, opened just about two years ago. It has a huge selection of slots from pennies to dollars. The variety of video poker is somewhat disappointing and there are no nickel or penny poker machines. Live action at the gaming tables includes varied blackjack and poker plus craps and roulette. The buffet at this casino is unique featuring (in addition to the usual menu items) food freh from the fertile farms of Iowa. There's also a Burger King and Starbuck's inside the casino. The casino is open 8am-3am weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.

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New Casino in Iowa

En route to the Winnebago Grand National Rally last week, we made a stop in Clinton, Iowa to see the state's newest casino -- the Wild Rose, a land-based casino about 14 miles west of the Mississippi River and located on the north side of US-30.
This is the second Wild Rose land-based casino in Iowa, the first one being in north-central Iowa in Emmitsburg.

The old Mississippi Belle II, that for many years had been docked on the Mississippi River in Clinton, was purchased by the Wild Rose corporation, then closed and replaced with the new, modern land-based facility.

A "soft opening" was held on June 28, so the casino is now open Sunday thru Thursday 9am-2am and Friday & Saturday 9am-4am. A three-day official grand opening with ribbon-cutting ceremonies will be held July 18, 19 & 20. The Gatlin Brothers will appear in concert for the grand opening festivities.

Many of the new casino's patrons are from Illinois and Wisconsin. The all-new casino is located within a 60-room hotel. It has 600 slots and video poker michines, with odds set at 91.7%, and 16 gaming tables. Food venues include a buffet and a deli.

I took pictures of the new casino, but internet service is very, very spotty up here. Pictures of the new Wild Rose (hopefully) will follow.

Anyone heading for the Winnebago GNR in Forest City, IA... Pre-rally week begins tomorrow (July 13th). GNR Rally is July 20-25th. We're here doing book signings - Look for us on Merchants Row. Also, we're on the program for a seminar on Full-Time RVing, Monday, July 21st.

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Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos
This is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks or offer free overnight stays. Plus information about other casino benefits for RVers. Learn more or order.

New casinos to see this summer

The Midwest has added new casinos in Iowa, Indiana and Michigan:

In Iowa, The long-awaited second Wild Rose land-based casino -- a replacement for the old Mississippi Belle II in Clinton, IA -- is scheduled to open in mid-July. It will be situated on 29-acres just off US-30 in Clinton. It will have a casino within a 60-room hotel, buffet restaurant, sports bar & grille and an indoor/outdoor event center. The new resort joins its sister Wild Rose Casino Resort located on US-18 in Emmitsburg. The Emmitsburg facility has a reasonably-priced RV Park; the Clinton resort will not have an RV Park when it opens. But there is plenty of room for RV parking.

In Indiana, two racinos, casinos at race tracks, open this month. Each racino will have 2,000 slots and electronic versions of the most popular table games. The racino at Hoosier Park opened this week. Its location is just off I-69 at exit 26. The racino at Indiana Downs is expected to open later this month. It will be located just off I-74 at exit 109.

In Michigan, the Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino opened in January in Standish, MI. The new casino is owned by the Saginaw Chippawa Indian Tribe, the same organization that owns the popular Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant. It is open 24/7 and features 700 slots and 58 gaming tables, including 18 in the poker room. The casino is RV-Friendly.

Traveling to Maine this summer?
You may want to check out the all-new Hollywood Casino in Bangor. It had been operating as a temporary slots parlor since November 2006 while the new casino was under construction. The Hollywood Casino has a 1,000 slots and the Epic Buffet. It is located near the Bangor Raceway and OTB in historic Bass Park in downtown Bangor just a mile from I-95.

More casinos??

Iowa's Racing and Gaming Commission is expected to discuss additional casino licenses at their March meeting. Specifically, expansion proponents claim that a second casino near the large Meskwaki Indian Casino resort in Tama would enhance the area as a destination resort. Meskwaki added a 52-space RV Park last year.

In llinois, the state's General Assembly is looking into expansion of gambling as a way to fund bridge, schools and road construction. However, the idea is already facing stiff opposition. Two Casino RV Parks, popular with travelers, are located in Illinois -- Casino Queen in East St. Louis (convenient to I-70/I-55) and Empress RV Park in Joliet (convenient to I-80.)

Massachussetts Governor Deval Patrick is still looking for support for his proposal to license three resort casinos. He recently announced that more than $100 million in casino licensing fees would be passed along to financially-strapped cities and towns in the state in order to cover budget shortfalls. The state does not currently have any casinos.

Up & Down I-29 in Western Iowa

Interstate 29 runs north/south for 152 miles along the west side of Iowa (just east of the NE/IA state line), and there are three small but lovely RV-Friendly casinos along the way.

On the north end, Argosy Sioux City is next to the interstate at exit 147. It's a riverboat docked on the scenic Missouri River and visible from the southbound lanes of I-29. The recently-renovated casino is spacious and comfortable. RVs are welcome to park on the gravel lot south of the boat, with shuttle service available 24 hours. After you come off the interstate and enter the riverfront area, go three-quarters of the way around the circle and pull into the gravel lot (near the valet sign.)

WinnaVegas Casino, a Native American casino, is just 3 miles off the interstate at exit 127. There are 14 pull-thru electric hookup sites available for $7 per night. RVs are welcome to dry camp in the lot as well, but considering the cost of running a generator, it's probably more prudent to utilize one of the sites. The small casino is friendly and features numerous drawings for slots and table players just about every day. Seniors get $5 free play on Wednesdays and Players Club cardholders get discounts every day at the restaurant that has buffet and table service.

Further south, Casino Omaha, another Native American casino, is about 3 miles from I-29 at exit 112. It has been renovated and has many new-style slots, as well as a full complement of pit/table games. There are 14 free pull-thru sites with electric hookups. There is also a travel center on property.

Check the Casino Camping book for accurate directions into the two Native American casinos. They are both far enough off the highway to provide for a restful night, yet close enough to make for a convenient stop.

Wild Rose:

THE IRISH-THEMED CASINO DOWN ON THE FARM The modern Wild Rose Casino Resort, next to a 12-acre lake, is surrounded by quiet, lovely Iowa farmland. A 68-site RV Park has many lakefront spots. Rates are reasonable at $15 per night. Although it is some distance from the nearest interstate, it's a great place for a quiet, restful hiatus.


The resort is located directly on US-18 on the east edge of Emmetsburg in north-central Iowa. The casino has over 500 new slots, a few video poker machines and 16 pit/table games. The buffet, open for three meals daily, always has some of the menu items fresh from the farm. There is a cafe and an authentic Irish pub in the casino building. The Wild Rose recently celebrated its first year of operation. This year live entertainment is featured monthly. The Oak Ridge Boys performed at an outdoor venue last Saturday evening. On August 18th at noon, A Beach Party will feature Papa Doo Run Run. Ricky Scaggs will appear on September 8th and TG Sheppard is scheduled for November 24th.

Casino welcomes you to Iowa

Iowa has lots of casinos all over the state. When you come into Iowa on I-35 from the north, your first stop can be the Diamond Jo Worth Casino in Northwood. And, the Iowa Welcome Center is just steps away.

The small casino has a varied selection of slots, just few standard video poker machines and several gaming tables. The buffet, a Burger King and Starbucks are inside the casino. While there are no RV hookups at this location, free overnight parking is available. There is a gas station behind the motel and a dump station at the welcome center.

Terribles In The Midwest

Terribles Casinos aren't just in Nevada anymore. The popular casino now has a presence in the Midwest at three locations:

- Mark Twain, LaGrange, MO
- Lakeside, Osceola, IA
- St.Jo Frontier, St. Joseph, MO

The LaGrange Mark Twain Casino is just off US-61 (go east on Hwy-B) in northeastern Missouri. It's a small and friendly riverboat and has seven RV parking spaces with electric and water hookups for $5 a night. Register at the gift shop.

The Osceola Iowa Lakeside Casino is a popular stopping-off place for RVers because it is just two-tenths of a mile from I-35 exit 34 (southcentral Iowa.) There is a full hookup RV Park at this casino. Daily rate is discounted to $10 for Players Club cardholders. The small casino has a varied selection of slots, gaming tables and wholesome fare at the restaurant.

The casino in St. Joseph, Missouri is about seven miles from I-29 (northwestern Missouri.) While it does not have an RV facility, there is a designated area for RV parking and free overnight parking is OK.

What's New At Isle Of Capri

RV Parking in Lula, Mississippi
A new RV parking area has been added at the Isle of Capri in Lula, MS. There are 28 level spaces with full hookups and cable TV in the parking area at the front of the casino. Daily camping fee is $14.95 and registration is at the front desk in the main lobby. The Lula Isle of Capri is located on the Mississippi River just across from Helena, Artkansas. From US-61 in Mississippi, travel west on US-49 or from Arkansas take I-40 exit 216 at Brinkley and travel east on US-49 to the Helena Bridge.

New casino opens in Waterloo, Iowa
"The Isle" opened last week in Waterloo, IA. The casino includes 1,100 slots, 27 pit/gaming tables and a 6-table poker room. The tropical-themed Isle Buffet is open along with Tradewinds, featuring fast food and ice cream. The`signature steakhouse Farradays is expected to open later this summer. The new casino is located south of US-20 exit 232A. Follow US-218 south to Shaulis Rd., then right to Isle of Capri Blvd. RVs should park in the lot west of the casino.

Isle One card is networked nationwide
RV travelers prefer the Isle One Players Club because points earned at all Isle locations post to a single account. You can play at an Isle of Capri casino in one state, then stop at an Isle casino in another state and points earned in both places automatically add up under your single Isle One account number. That makes it easier to accumulate credits toward free restaurant meals or gift items. (The Harrah's Total Rewards Club is the only other one that accumulates points earned at multiple locations.)

RV Park At Meskwaki Casino

RVers who have been going to the Meskwaki Casino in Tama, Iowa since it opened will remember that, for a number of years, RVs could park on the grassy (somewhat bumpy) field behind the casino where free electric hookups were provided. Last year the casino complex was enlarged and, as part of the expansion, a new RV Park was constructed. It has 52 level paved sites with electric hookups, fresh water and a central dump. RV guests are invited to use the pool at the hotel. There is a laundry at the RV Park. Daily camping fee is $15. The area where RVs used to park is now a corn field. However, if you're just passing through and want to dry camp for the night, the parking lot in front of the casino is available.


The expanded and renovated casino includes 1,400 slots, 26 pit/table games, live keno, racing simulcast, poker room and a high limits gaming area. There is also a separate non-smoking slots area. Dining options include the Jackpot Buffet with daily specials and a food court. Meskwaki is located directly on the south side of US-30, 47 miles east of I-35 exit 111. It can also be reached from I-80 exit 191/Tama, then north on US-63 for 22.8 miles to US-30, then east for 4 miles.

Iowa's Riverside (near I-80) Is Spectacular

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT

Iowa's new Riverside Resort looks spectacular during its first summer season. The lavish resort, which opened last Fall, is nestled into a quiet and relaxing part of the state just south of Iowa City. The elegant 58,000 square-foot Vegas-style casino features more than 1,100 of the newest and most popular gaming machines plus 28 pit/table games and a 12-table poker room. Designed with its water theme in mind, the casino's centerpiece is a stunning fountain above a circular bar. Cascading walls of water grace the entrance ways into the gaming floor. The gaming area is roomy and comfortable. A 200-room hotel, spa and golf course complete the sprawling resort complex. The beautifully-maintained golf course is especially impressive. Dining options at the resort include a steakhouse, buffet, diner and coffee house.

The southeast section of the parking area is designated for RVs. Although there are no hookups, self-contained RVs will find a level and secure spot for a night or two. Shuttle service is available to the casino. The environment is clean, pleasant and safe.

To get to Riverside take exit 229A from I-80 to US-218/27 south for 15.8 miles to exit 80, then SR-22 east for 1.3 mile to the casino.