More about Reno's ban on overnight RV stays at casinos

We reported last week at RVtravel.com that Reno, Nevada is now enforcing a decades old law that prohibits RVers from staying overnight in their RVs in casino parking lots. So far, we have heard of nobody being arrested or even fined for staying overnight. The Atlantis Casino Resort has been putting notifications on the windshields of RVs in its parking lots, warning that it's illegal to stay overnight there instead of in a designated RV park.

The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno still allows RVs to stay overnight on its property because it has a special permit to allow it. The city of Reno says any casino or business could apply for one.

Reno's next door neighbor Sparks, just east on I-80, has no law prohibiting overnight stays in RVs. The Nugget Casino is reported to once again be allowing RVs to stay there after banning the practice years ago.

Nevada Casinos

Planning your summertime travels? One of the most popular destinations for RVers is Las Vegas. If Vegas is on your list for this year, check out the information in the April 8th and April 12th blogs. But Vegas isn't the only gaming destination in Nevada, the state where gambling has been legal since 1931. Although Vegas is the premiere gaming destination, there are other areas in Nevada that offer a relaxed, less hectic gaming experience...and many of these areas are favorites with RVers, like Laughlin, the pretty little Nevada town next to the Colorado River -- See our blog of April 19th .

Another town that we really enjoy is Pahrump in the Death Valley Region where you'll find friendly casinos and other non-gaming activities. For accomodations, the Saddle West RV Park on South Hwy 160 is the closest park to Death Valley National Park. Just outside of town you'll find a relaxing and pretty RV Park at Terrible's Lakeside Resort. Both RV parks have a pool/spa and the peddle boats at Terrible's are a lot of fun.There are casinos and restaurants at both resorts. At this time when many RVers are looking to drive less and stay longer, both of these RV parks offer weekly and monthly rates.

Pahrump, NV is about 60 miles (an hour) north of Las Vegas.

Slower paced casino-hopping in Nevada

There's no question but that Nevada is still the #1 destination for casinos, and Vegas is the most popular destination. However, for a slower-paced casino-hopping experience, we are really partial to Laughlin, Nevada. There are 11 casinos in Laughlin and they are all Vegas-style. There's live entertainment, lots of restaurants and plenty of non-gaming activity in Laughlin.

Laughlin is directly on the Colorado River where Nevada, Arizona and California meet. For us RVers, it offers a good variety of accomodations from the traditional RV Park to free dry camping. There are two full-hookup campgrounds. The Avi resort several miles north of town has a KOA where, you'll find quality sites and amenities consistent with KOA's high standards. Rates range from $23 on weekdays and can go up to $40 on holidays. The campground is noted for its spectacular beach area. The full-service resort has a 25,000 square-foot casino plus many other activities too numerous to mention. To get to the other casinos along the river, you'll need to drive there. Most casinos are along the river on Casino Drive. Don Laughlin's Resort has an RV Park with rates from $26. The town is hospitable to boondockers, too. The River Palms offers an area for dry camping for a nominal fee. Harrahs has two lots where RVs may park free for up to three days. For both River Palms and Harrahs you'll need to register for a parking permit. There is a dump station at the gas state near Harrahs; dump fee is $3.

About a year ago there was an attempt to pass local legislation to prohibit overnight parking in casino lots in Laughlin. Fortunately, the attempt did not succeed. At the time there was speculation that the concerns that prompted the prohibition attempt were environmental because irresponsible RVers were dumping grey water and, even worse, black water onto the casino parking lots in Laughlin. It is sad that -- as much as we appeal to RVers to be responsible -- such things do happen.

As frequent blacktop boondockers at casinos, as well as other businesses that are hospitable to RVers, Jack and I are especially sensitive to the issue. As often as RV publications run articles about the simple rules for overnight parking etiquette, we continue to see examples of RVers abusing the hospitality of businesses that allow free overnight parking. Just last week, we came through the Flying J in St. Augustine, FL for fuel. We observed about 15 motor homes & fifth wheels parked and apparently settled in for the night there. We couldn't believe what we saw. Several had their awnings out, chairs arranged in a socializing circle on the blacktop and the barbeques smokin away as the men grilled the dinner. From time to time, we've seen the same thing in casino parking lots. It makes me wonder how long it will be before places like Flying J and casinos will refuse the free overnight parking privilege altogether.

More Vegas Info

Two other RV Parks connected to casinos in Vegas (not mentioned in the previous post) might be of interest if you're headed for Las Vegas this year.

Arizona Charlie's on Boulder Highway is a pretty park with easy access from the highway. It's a popular spot for friends who enjoy camping together to meet for a mini-rally. The moderately-priced full hookup sites are attractive. Amenities at the park include shuffleboard, horseshoes, heated pool & spa, picnic area and a dog run. AZ Charlies Casino is the only casino within walking distance. You'll need to drive over to The Strip for the main action, but there's plenty of free parking at the Strip casino parking garages once you get there...you just need to be patient in traffic.

In downtown Las Vegas, California RV Park is also moderately priced with 93 full hookup sites at under $15 a night. Refer to your Casino Camping guide book for directions and registration information. The California RV Park puts you close to the downtown action at more than a dozen casinos, most located along a pedestrian mall know as the Fremont Street Experience. A free computer-generated sound and light show takes place each night 90 feet in the sky over Fremont Street. Free transportation to The Strip and to Sams Town on Boulder Hwy runs from the California, 8am to 11pm.

Heading For Vegas?

Las Vegas, NV -- the nation's premier gaming destination -- remains enormously popular among RVers. The famed Las Vegas "Strip" (more than 3 miles long) is home to some of the most fabulous casinos in the world.

Where do RVers stay in Vegas? There are many fine campgrounds and RV Parks in and around Vegas, but only one is located directly on the Strip. It's the KOA at Circus Circus Casino Resort. Be warned, however, it's expensive. Many RVers describe the Circus Circus RV Park as simply a parking lot with hookups. However, it's more than that -- it has full hook-up, pull-thru sites with plenty of room to extend the slides and put out the patio carpet and chairs. Other amenities include swimming pool, dog run, laundry, showers/rest rooms. Circus Circus remains the only RV Park that places you in walking distance of the action on the Strip.

Another popular RV Park is at Sams Town on Boulder Highway. Sams has a nice casino (walking distance from the RV), free bus service to the Strip and the RV Park is moderately priced. There are lots of other campgrounds & RV Parks in the Vegas area, most not connected to or operated by casinos. Some provide transportation to the Strip, but your best bet would be to take the tow vehicle or toad to the Strip. Casinos offer free parking in covered garages.

A word of caution: It is not safe to park in an open lot in Las Vegas and leave your RV unattended. While casinos generally have good parking lot security, in a place like Vegas their security priority is usually inside the casino. Las Vegas is a crowded, congested city. We would not put our rig at risk by leaving it unattended in a casino lot.

What about the weather? April is a nice month, as is May, when you'll experience temperature into the 80's, somewhat cooler at night. Summers tend to be very hot, especially July & August when 100+degree days are not unusual. June and September can also be on the hot side, but most other months will be comfortable. That having been said, a lot of people (including us) have ventured into Vegas in the summer and it's been OK. Air conditioning is cranked up wherever you go. However, if you travel with a pet, summer in Vegas may not be such a good idea.

There is so much to see and do, besides gambling, in Las Vegas. We usually budget more for dining than we do for gambling. The Buffet at the Bellagio is spectacular and while we're at Bellagio we never miss a walk through The Conservatory to enjoy the sights and scents of the lovely floral displays...or the synchronized laser light show in front of the fountain every half hour during the day and every 15 minutes evenings. These attractions are just a few of the many dining options, attractions and entertainment venues in Vegas.

If Vegas is on your agenda this year, please refer to the Nevada section of our Book Casino Camping (available at the RV Bookstore.) There is a detailed list of free shows in Las Vegas plus other valuable information about getting around town, on foot or on the Monorail.

Something for everyone in Laughlin

One of the most popular "casino-hopping" destinations for RVers is Laughlin, Nevada, a slower-paced casino hub nestled along the Colorado River. Whatever your accomodation style, Laughlin has it...from free dry camping in the casino parking lot, to dry camping with a view for a nominal fee to full-hookup RV parks with from moderate to upscale amenities.

Blacktop boondockers love Laughlin since many of the casinos welcome them for free dry camping. If you plan to stay in a parking lot, always check in with Security or a member of management at the casino to confirm that it's OK to park there and to find out which area of the parking lot they prefer for you to stay.

Specific places that may be of interest to boondockers:

-- Harrah's at the end of the Laughlin Strip has two lots across the street where you can park free for up to three days. Register at the gas station. There is also a dump at the gas station for a $3 fee.

-- River Palms has a lovely lot on the hill above the Strip. You need to present your vehicle registration at the River Palms to get a parking pass. There is a nominal fee ($5 or $7 depending on the view) to park at River Palms.

-- Although it has an RV Park, Avi also offers free overnight parking at the casino lot.

As always, when boondocking in a casino lot, be aware of your surroundings and take the usual common-sense security precautions. In general, Laughlin is a much better bet for blacktop boondockers than Vegas.

For the folks who prefer more creature comforts...(like someone told me yesterday, "I didn't get this big rig not to take advantage of all its great features.") there are two very nice RV parks with full hookups in Laughlin.

-- Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort is a terraced RV Park with a lovely view of the mountains. It has 840 full hookup spaces and guests may use the amenities at the hotel. A climate-controlled walkway connects the casino to the RV Park. Camping fees range from $26-$30 per night.

-- Avi KOA RV Resort is noted for its spectacular beach, the largest along the banks of the Colorado River. Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, all sorts of water sports on the river, movie theaters and, of course, the casino. Rates are $23, weekdays; $25, weekends; $40, holidays (the higher rate applies this coming weekend.) The Avi is south of the Laughlin Casino Strip.

The city of Laughlin itself was named for Don Laughlin who settled there in 1966. There are so many lovely features at this pretty little city by the river...too many to list. The walkway along the river is especially enjoyable and gives access to nine casinos. Live entertainment, a wide variety of restaurants and many other non-gaming activities are available. An interesting display of dozens of rare antique slot machines from Don Laughlin's personal collection can be seen at his resort.

Celebrity In An RV

Among the many celebrities who are also RVers is John Larroquette who is best known for his TV role as Dan Fielding on "Night Court" for which he won several Emmys in the 1980s. One of his favorite stopping-off places is the KOA at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, NV. Although it's a bit pricey, it's the only RV Park located directly on the famed Vegas Strip, close to the action in the nation's #1 gaming destination.

Over the years, Larroquette has also appeared in starring and supporting roles in a number of other TV shows and won another Emmy for an appearance on "Boston Legal." It's interesting to note that he's a member of the Libertarian Party.

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.

Vegas Security Issues

It's great to read your comments about where to stay in Vegas. That's what this blog is about...sharing information and insight with one another! I learned the in's and out's of casino camping from the terrific RVers we've met at casino RV Parks and in casino parking lots.

Regarding the Las Vegas security issue, we suggest that RVers going to Vegas stay in an RV Park or campground. It is safer than dry camping in a parking lot. There are many places in this country where it's generally safe to stay for free overnight in a parking lot, but I don't believe Vegas is one of them.

Experts who give the seminars on safe RVing will always tell us to "be aware of your surroundings!" That's the key to staying safe on the road. Common sense dictates that, in a city like Las Vegas (affectionately referred to as Sin City), there is a greater risk of break-ins than there would be in many other parts of the country. There are a few casinos in Vegas that will tell you it's OK to park there overnight for free. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, check out your surroundings and choose an option where you feel safe.

Blacktop boondocking, dry camping in a parking lot, free overnight parking in a section of a parking lot (whatever you want to call it) is commonplace at casinos all over the country...and usually it's safe for a night or two (similar to Wal-Mart parking.) We've done it lots of times in parking lots where the casino doesn't have an RV Park. There are certain safety habits we practice without fail...simple ones like always lock the door when you leave the rig, even if it's just for a 5-minute walk around the parking lot. Take the shuttle back and forth if the casino has one. Make sure Security knows you'll be out there overnight, be aware of what's around you, etc, etc. What other important safety habits do you practice?

Slower Paced Casino Hopping in Laughlin

Some RVers prefer other Nevada gaming destinations as an alternative to Las Vegas. Laughlin, the City by the River, has a special appeal...it offers a slower-paced, pleasant hiatus. Laughlin is nestled in the Colorado River Valley where Nevada, Arizona and California meet. There are 11 Vegas-style casinos in Laughlin plus more than 60 restaurants. It is relaxing to stroll along the walkway on the riverfront where most of the casinos are located. Sightseeing aboard the USS Riverside is a popular non-gaming activity.

Laughlin is RV-friendly. It has two full-service RV Resorts and free overnight parking is permitted at many casino parking lots. At Harrah's (end of the Laughlin Casino Drive Strip), RVs can park for free for up to 3 days, but registration at the gas station is required. There is a dump at the gas station ($3 fee.) Other casinos permit overnight parking, but RVers should be sure to check with Security for guidelines regarding their parking policy before settling in.

The two RV Parks in town are both very nice destination resorts. The city itself is named for Don Laughlin, owner of the Riverside Resort, who settled there in 1966. His terraced RV Park has a lovely view of the mountains. The Avi Resort, 11 miles from the Laughlin Strip, has a pretty KOA RV Park and a white sand beach on the banks of the Colorado River. RV guests can enjoy all the amenities at the large casino resort including the 9,000 square-foot lagoon pool that is heated year-round.

Have Fun, But Be Safe In Vegas

Las Vegas has been the top destination for American trade shows for 13 years. Vegas hosted 45 of the country's top 200 trade shows last year, and 6 of the top 10. Las Vegas is also the most popular destination for RVing gaming enthusiasts.

While it is common for RVers to be able to safely dry camp for free in casino parking lots in other parts of the country, it's not a good idea to do it in Vegas. As in any large metropolitan area, a motor home left unattended in an open parking lot poses grave safety and security concerns.

The centerpiece of Las Vegas is the 3+-mile-long portion of Las Vegas Boulevard where you'll find some of the most fabulous casinos in the world. The premier RV destination in Vegas is the KOA at Circus Circus because it is the only RV Park located directly on the Strip. There are two RV Parks located at casinos on Boulder Highway and one is downtown. There are also lots of nice RV Parks in Vegas with camping fees that range from inexpensive to moderate to pricey. Many of them provide free transportation to the Strip.

FREE SHOWS IN VEGAS
The newly-released third edition of Casino Camping includes a listing of some of Las Vegas's free shows and attractions. The book is now available in the bookstore.