Greenville, MS

Another interesting casino destination on the Mississippi River is Greenville. There are three casinos docked on the river in Greenville. Lighthouse Point and Bayou Caddy's Jubilee Casinos are located next to each other on Lakefront Rd. Last year Harlow's Casino Resort opened in Greenville near the Mississippi River bridge in the heart of the Delta. The resort features a modern casino with 900 slots and 29 tables including a poker room. There are two restaurants, a hotel and an entertainment venue at Harlow's featuring concerts and sporting events.

All three Greenville casinos are RV-Friendly. Harlow's is currently in the process of building an RV Park, expected to open this summer. Meanwhile, RVs are invited to dry camp in the parking lot. For Lighthouse and Bayou Caddy's, RVs should park at the shuttle lot, corner of Alexander and Walnut and use the shuttle to go to both casinos. Overnight parking is permitted.

Don't let the high prices of gas get you down. RVers who love the traveling lifestyle will always find a way to cut back on other expenses so we can continue the traveling we love. One of the ways to save is to do some free dry camping, and casinos offer a great opportunity for safe free overnight parking. Our guidebook Casino Camping will help you find the RV-Friendly casinos all over the U.S. If the book helps you to save just one night's camping fee, it pays for itself!

Happy travels!

Summer in Mississippi

Mississippi is known at the "Casino Capitol of the South." If your summer travels take you into this lovely state, there are several popular casino destination areas there including:
- the Gulf Coast with at least a dozen casinos stretched along more than 26 miles along the state's scenic southern coastline,
-- Tunica County in the northwest corner of the state and
-- Other locations up and down the Mississippi River.

Casinos are not the only attractions in Mississippi. One of the most popular historic spots is the town of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg is rich in Civil War history. It has more monuments then any other U.S. National Park...many of the monuments are located on an interesting 16-mile driving tour. Downtown Vicksburg is a charming southern town with brick streets, shops, art galleries and outdoor murals that tell the history of the town.

There are four casinos in Vicksburg -- all are riverboat style docked along the Mighty Mississippi. The best place for RVs to park is at the Ameristar RV Park on the east side of Washington St, just three-tenths of a mile north of Interstate 20 -exit 1A. Daily fees are moderate and a discount is given at the RV Park for Ameristar players club cardholders. All sites are pull thrus and there is an outdoor pool at the park.

There are four casinos in Vicksburg. Ameristar and Diamond Jack's are across the road from the RV Park. Horizon Casino is downtown, about 2 miles up river from the RV Park and Rainbow Casino is about a mile south of the RV Park. Delta blues and jazz music by local talent are often featured at the casino lounges.

Reminder: Casino Camping is a good resource to have onboard your RV. The book -- a guide to RV-Friendly casinos -- lists casinos all over the U.S. and it pinpoints their locations, along with descriptions and accurate directions to individual casinos.

Mississippi Casino Makes Good Sam Top 100 List

If you're down in the Bay St. Louis area, looking for a place to hang it up for the night, then the Good Sam Club has a recommendation for you: The Hollywood Casino RV Park has made the club's Top 100 in membership sales for 2007.

With 101 on-site concrete pads, full-hookups (30 and 50amps), free Wi-Fi internet, cable TV, picnic tables, barbecue grills, laundry facilities, bathhouse, water features, 24-hour security and a pavilion, Hollywood has a big game going. The outfit says you'll want to take advantage of their free shuttles available throughout the 600 acre property. The Hollywood RV Park costs $28.00 per night. Good Sam club members receive a 10-percent discount.

For more information on the casino and contacts, click here.

Bay St. Louis sunset photo, courtesy Belle Isle on flickr.com

Casino Hopper in Biloxi

NEW BUS SERVICE: Casino hopping in Biloxi, MS has gotten easier now that the ATA Casino Hopper bus service is available. The bus runs seven days a week -- 5:20AM to 9:40PM on weekdays and 5:30AM to 1:40AM on weekends. The bus arrives every 15 minutes and circulates to the casinos along US-90 and the Back Bay. The fare is just $1. Look for the bus with the green frog painted on the side.

BILOXI COMIN' ON STRONG: Biloxi casinos, now almost completely rebuilt following Hurricane Katrina, continue to grow. They are having a strong first quarter thanks in part to snow birds. Parking for RVs at the Biloxi casinos on US-90 remains scarce due to some continuing construction and just plain lack of space. The new casinos and their huge parking garages have taken a lot of the former surface parking areas. However, the three casinos in the Back Bay area have ample space for RV parking and free overnight is OK, even though casinos on US-90 have severely limited surface parking. Several campgrounds in Biloxi are also now open for business and they are just a short drive from the casino areas.

GULFPORT, MS: The Gulfside town of Gulport, that had two casinos prior to Katrina, now has a single spectacular casino, the Island View Casino Resort. It's well worth a drive into Gulfport to visit the new casino. RVers will find a friendly welcome for dry camping in the lot east of the casino. Famed Chef Emeril Lagasse brings his extraordinary culinary skills to Emeril's Gulf Coast Fish House, now open at the Island View.

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Most Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos are totally rebuilt and open for business following the hit they took from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

TWO CASINOS NOW HAVE RV PARKS:
SILVER SLIPPER & HOLLYWOOD

RVers who prefer to hookup next to the casino will be happy to learn that the Silver Slipper in Lakeshore, MS now has an RV Park. RVers can enjoy the modern, full-hookup sites in a beautiful waterfront setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. All sites are back-ins at $26.75 per night. Shuttle service is provided to the casino.
Gaming: The new Silver Slipper Casino opened post-Katrina on a lovely parcel in Hancock County just west of Waveland. In addition to the full complement of slots and pit/table games, Silver Slipper has the only live keno on the Gulf Coast.
Entertainment: Backgrounds by Rowena entertains nightly in the Blue Bayou Bar & Grill with a combination of mandolin, guitar and keyboards in quiet classic style. Free shows are also scheduled in the Stage Bar on weekends.
Location: Silver Slipper is located about five miles west of Waveland, MS.

The always popular RV Park at Hollywood Casino in Bay St Louis was the first RV facility to reopen following Katrina and it's been busy! We stopped there on Monday and were glad we had made reservations in advance. Don't forget to use a Players Card when you play at Hollywood Casino. Your RV Park stay will be automatically discounted based on the points you accumulate. We played for about two hours and the one-night stay priced out at $6.20 after they scanned our Players cards...and I only play pennies or nickles.
More than gambling: Hollywood bills itself as the most comprehensive resort on the Gulf Coast with a casino, 5 restaurants, entertainment, golf course plus hotel & RV accomodations. Nearby Old Town Bay St Louis is also now back in business with antiques, art galleries, shopping and dining in the quaint coastal town. If you have a tow vehicle or toad, Old Town is just a short drive to Main Street where lots of shops are packed into a 3-block area.

You can get to both Silver Slipper and Hollywood via exit 13 off Interstate 10.

Feeble casino action in Florida

RVing snow birds wintering in Florida won't find "real" Vegas-style casino action at the land-based Indian casinos in the state. Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock is still running Class II gaming, which means their slots are actually electronic versions of bingo...and (look out!) the machines appear to be heavily stacked in the casino's favor. The only table game offered is poker at low limit tables. RVers will not find a welcome at the Tampa Hard Rock, either. Because of space limitations, the Hard Rock does not permit RVs in their parking lot at any time. Basically the same holds true for the Seminole casinos on the east side of the state. Their parking areas are congested and none of the Florida casinos has an RV Park. The one Indian casino that still offers free overnight parking is Miccosukee Casino on SR-997, just south of US-41 in Miami. It's a convenient stopping-off place for RVers headed down into the Keys, especially since the Wal-Mart in Florida City has no overnight parking signs posted. But Miccosukee, like the other Indian casinos in Florida, is definitely not Vegas-style.

For slot machine fans, there are three "racinos," casinos at race tracks, in Broward County (Hallendale and Pompano Beach), and their machines are Vegas-style. However, the table games are limited to poker -- no other pit/table games allowed. Also, no RV parks at the racinos and the parking lots can be congested, RVers in Florida looking for a casino hiatis are better off taking the trip to Mississippi -- either the Gulf Coast or Tunica. Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis and Sam's Town, Hollywood and the Grand in Tunica all have nice accomodations for RVs.

More Casino Getaways for Snow Birds

RVing Snow Birds are nested in for the winter season across the Snow Belt. When it's time for a casino getaway, here are additional casino RV Parks to consider:

Hollywood RV Park in Bay St Louis, MS is the only casino RV Park on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Everything is new on the Gulf (since they had to rebuild from scratch following Hurricane Katrina.) The RV Park at Hollywood Casino features about 100 full hookup mostly shaded sites. There is 24 hour shuttle service to the modern casino that also has four restaurants. The golf course is beautiful and challenging. The legendary Pete Fountain provides entertainment every Tuesday and Wednesday evening. This month temperatures are in the 70's during the day and 60's at night. The RV Park is very popular, so advanced reservations are suggested. The Good Sam discount is extended.

Pechanga RV Park in Temecula, CA has a full service RV Park with a heated pool and spa. Shuttle service is provided to the casino 24 hours. There are eight dining venues from fine dining to informal and quick snacks. Live entertainment is featured on weekends and you can check out the lineup on the website. The casino has an extensive non-smoking area. Pechanga is located in the beautiful Temecula Valley where outdoor activities abound. The Temecula Wine County is nearby. Advance reservations are suggested -- The RV Park extends Good Sam, AAA and AARP discounts.

What's happening in Biloxi

When Hurricane Katrina blew into MS and LA in August of 2005, the 13 casinos located along the lovely Mississippi Gulf Coast all blew away...literally. Portions of the casinos went out to sea, some of the casino boats and barges were lifted up and thrown over to the north side of Beach Blvd. None of the structures from Biloxi to Bay St Louis were left standing. The destruction was complete. Today, little more than two years later, most of the Gulf Coast casinos are back in operation, although there is still plenty of rebuilding to be done in the area.

RVers planning to come to the Gulf Coast gambling area should be aware that there is still plenty of ongoing construction and there are only a few casino lots available for free overnight parking. Your best bet for parking at the east end (Biloxi) is in the Back Bay area -- I-110 to exit 1D then east on Bayview. There's a large lot across the street from (west of) the IP where you'll find RV parking. Directly across from the IP is a large, level gravel lot where RVs are also welcome. The lot is actually designated for Boomtown employees, but RV parking is permitted. Boomtown Casino (east of the IP on Bayview) also has room for RVs on the paved parking area just west of their casino building.

Beach Blvd in Biloxi is busy and congested due to ongoing construction. The Grand currently has a fenced parking lot on the west side of the casino where RVs may park. Please check with Security as parking areas are continually shifting depending on space needed for construction equipment and materials.

All the Biloxi casinos are up and running and they are busier than ever. In addition to the IP & Boomtown, Palace is open in the Back Bay area and on Beach Blvd you'll see Isle of Capri, Grand, Hard Rock and Beau Rivage. On the west end of town, Treasure Bay is open, but is not RV-Friendly.

Further west in Gulfport the all new land-based Island View Casino is open and does have RV parking available. In Bay St. Louis, the Hollywood Casino has the only casino RV Park on the Gulf Coast. Reservations are advisable...Hollywood's RV Park is generally filled on weekends. Free overnight parking is also available in their lot.

Since all the casinos are brand new, a casino-hopping trip to the Gulf Coast is well worth it.

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.)

News from the Mississippi Gulf Coast

The Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi finally opened last Saturday (June 30th.) The casino had originally planned to open in September 2005, but Hurricane Katrina destroyed the new resort a few days before its scheduled grand opening date. The new Hard Rock has 1,445 slots, 50 gaming tables, a poker room, five restaurants and its famed rock memorabilia collection on display.

Also in Biloxi, the Treasure Bay opens its second floor gaming room today (July 2nd), adding another 500 slots, to bring their total gaming machines to over 700. Treasure Bay plans to open its fine dining restaurant on the 9th floor by Labor Day.

The RV Park at Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis still remains the only RV Park at a casino on the Gulf Coast. And, it is a good home base for a casino-hopping tour of the Gulf Coast. It has also become a very popular spot for RV club rallies. So, if you're planning to go to the Biloxi/Gulfport/Bay St. Louis area and want to hookup at an RV Park next to a casino, advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

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.

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.

Hard Rock Biloxi Aims for July Opening

The Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi plans to re-open on July 7th. The Hard Rock had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina within days of its opening in August 2005. The property is located on US-90 in Biloxi. The casino has slots, gaming tables and a poker room. You'll also find Starbucks and Ruth Chris Steahouse there. The authentic memorabilia displayed throughout the property will include a mannequin wearing Elvis Presley's Army uniform found floating in the Mississippi Sound after Katrina.

Gulf Coast Casinos Up & Running

The casinos along Mississippi's Gulf Coast were literally flattened in August 2005 when hurricane Katrina roared through. Now -- less than two years since the devastating event -- most of the casino resorts are back in business. If you go to the Gulf Coast anytime soon, you'll find that construction still continues at many of the resorts in Biloxi, Gulfport, Waveland and Bay St. Louis. But there's plenty of action at the casinos and at the entertainment venues as well.

The popular RV Park in Bay St. Louis (at Hollywood Casino, formerly Casino Magic) was one of the first facilities to re-open. Many of the large trees had been spared by the winds so the renovated RV Park is as lovely as ever. It remains the only RV Park at a casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Hollywood Casino (used to be Casino Magic) has also been completely rebuilt. The unique Bridges Golf Course, named for the 21 bridges on the course, is now open too, following a multi-million dollar renovation that was overseen by course designer Arnold Palmer himself.

Look for most of your favorite casinos along the Gulf Coast this season. However, RV parking in the lots may be somewhat tight because of the ongoing construction.