If you love mixing travel with a bit of adventure and resourcefulness, casino camping might be something to check out. Park your RV at a casino parking lot, enjoy some perks, and get a safe, usually well-lit place to spend the night. It’s a mix of convenience, fun, and saving money, especially for people roadtripping or looking to break up a long ride without the full cost of a campground.
What is Casino Camping?
Casino camping is when RV travelers or van lifers use casino parking lots as overnight stops. Most casinos across the United States and Canada offer designated RV or oversized vehicle parking areas, and some specifically welcome overnight guests. Sometimes it’s a free stay, and other times, there’s a small fee or a required player’s club membership.
The appeal is pretty clear. Alongside a safe spot to park, you’ll often find access to bathrooms, restaurants, and sometimes even free beverages. Some casinos even offer hookups, dump stations, or shuttle services to local attractions. It’s not quite like a resortstyle RV park, but it’s definitely better than pulling off at a noisy rest stop.
Why Casino Camping Appeals to RVers
Parking an RV at a casino can be both practical and enjoyable. For one, it’s typically cheaper or free compared to most campgrounds. Casinos are known for their 24/7 operations, so there’s regular security and lighting. Both perks if you value safety.
If you’re in transit and not looking to set up for days, casinos can be super convenient. There’s usually easy access to fuel, food, and entertainment, all without having to unhook your rig or drive far. Many casinos are located near highways or travel routes, making them a stressfree stop for longer hauls.
How to Find Casino Camping Opportunities
Firsthand experience really helps here, but there are also some handy resources to help you scout casino camping spots:
- Online Directories: Websites like CasinoCamper provide up-to-date lists, rules, and user reviews of casino camping locations across the country.
- Apps: Road trip apps such as Campendium and AllStays include casino camping in their filters, giving you tips from other travelers.
- Phone a Friend: RV forums and Facebook groups are full of veterans willing to share which spots are RVfriendly and which ones to avoid.
Before parking, always check with the casino itself or their website. Rules change frequently depending on local ordinances, renovations, or management decisions. A quick call or stop by the security desk saves a lot of hassle later on.
Getting Set Up: What to Expect and Basic Etiquette
Casino camping is usually pretty straightforward, but every spot has its own rules. Most casinos offer dry camping, meaning no hookups for water, power, or sewer. Some locations are more like fullservice RV parks with dump stations, potable water, or even electrical hookups for a small fee.
- Check In With Security: Most casinos want you to register with security or at the front desk when you arrive. They’ll let you know where to park and what the rules are.
- Length of Stay: Many places allow one to three nights max. Longer stays are rare and could draw unwanted attention.
- Parking Spots: Use only the areas assigned for RVs or oversized vehicles. Don’t take up regular parking spots, especially on a busy weekend.
- Leave No Trace: Clean up your trash. Leaving a mess is an easy way to get casino camping banned for everyone.
If you’re running a generator, try to be courteous; noise can be a real bother for fellow travelers. Most casinos want things kept lowkey, so keep your slideouts, grills, and chairs to a minimum if the parking area feels tight or crowded.
Perks & Challenges of Casino Camping
Perks
- Economical: Most casino camping is free, or the cost is minimal. Some even offer player perks that mean the stay literally pays for itself.
- Amenities: Casinos open up possibilities beyond just a parking space. Expect restrooms, restaurants, ATMs, gift shops, entertainment, and sometimes even showers.
- Safety: Security patrols and cameras are usually the norm. This makes for a safer overnight experience compared to some truck stops or roadside pullouts.
Challenges
- No Hookups (Most of the Time): Be prepared to dry camp and stay selfcontained. Water and electricity are not common unless the casino advertises RV park facilities.
- Noise: Casinos are busy places. There might be occasional traffic, music from the venue, or lights shining in overnight.
- Limited Privacy: Parking lots aren’t known for their privacy, so you’re not getting the nature experience you’d get at a state park or forest camp.
- Uncertain Policies: Not all casinos allow overnight RV stays, and rules can change fast. Always doublecheck before arriving.
Common Terms and What They Mean
- Dry Camping: Parking without water, sewer, or electric hookups, basically boondocking, but at a casino.
- Comped Stay: Some casinos offer free parking in exchange for signing up for their player rewards card. Sometimes, a small bit of play is enough to unlock this perk.
- Dump Station: An onsite facility to empty your RV waste tanks. Not common at most casinos, but a handful offer it for a small fee.
- Player’s Club: Most perks come after signing up for the casino’s player’s club or loyalty program, sometimes right at checkin.
Preparing For Your Casino Camping Stay
- Scout Your Spot: Research ahead using online directories, forums, or even Google Maps satellite images. A quick search for restrictions and amenities helps avoid surprises.
- Pack For Dry Camping: Bring water, limit your power usage, and empty your tanks beforehand. Treat it like any other offgrid overnight where you depend on your own supplies.
- Stay Flexible: Sometimes, parking areas fill up or policies change. Have Plan B nearby, especially in busy areas.
- Play Responsibly: If you plan on enjoying the gaming floor, set a budget ahead of time. Free parking isn’t really free if you spend the night losing big at the casino!
Tips For an Awesome Casino Camping Experience
- Be friendly with security and casino staff; they’re your best resource for getting the lay of the land and staying on good terms.
- Look for midweek stays if possible; less crowded than weekends, and you’re more likely to get a prime parking spot.
- If you have pets, doublecheck casino pet policies and stick to designated areas for walks. Casinos with attached hotels often have pet areas, but not all do.
- Some casinos run shuttles or have transit stops; take advantage to check out nearby attractions or grab groceries without moving your rig.
Extra Advice for a Smooth Stay
Mind your neighbors: Give fellow campers space and keep noise levels down, especially at night. If you need to run a generator, try to let others know or only use it at reasonable hours.
Cash is still king: Even though most casinos take cards, having some cash on hand is helpful for tips, small purchases, and emergencies.
Track down local events: Big events or holidays can fill up casino lots. Check casino calendars online to avoid crowds.
Try the food: Casinos often have restaurants and buffets that offer good value or late-night options for a snack after a long drive.
Real-World Examples (And Why People Love Casino Camping)
Plenty of RVers have found themselves at casinos, whether by plan or necessity. On a solo trip through Nevada, I pulled into a casino just outside Reno. After checking in with security, I parked alongside half a dozen other rigs. Some were clearly seasoned snowbirds, others just passing through. Having access to a 24-hour restaurant and free WiFi felt like a huge bonus compared to waiting in a stuffy gas station lot.
Friends have raved about hitting coastal casinos along the Gulf Coast, splitting their time between the gaming floor and white sand beaches. Others use casino camping for crosscountry trips, breaking up the monotony of long highway drives with decent food and somewhere fun to stretch their legs.
- Urban Escapes: Some casinos are right on the edge of big cities, making them a handy base for exploring downtown areas without the headache of city RV parking.
- Rural Retreats: Others are located near parks, hiking trails, or historic attractions. Spend the day outside, then wind down with a buffet dinner and a safe, welllit campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do all casinos allow overnight RV parking?
Answer: No, not all casinos offer overnight parking. Always call ahead or check online resources like Casino Camper to confirm rules and avoid disappointment.
Question: Can I stay for multiple nights at a casino?
Answer: Some casinos allow you to stay for a couple of nights, but most prefer that RVers limit their stay to one or two nights. Always ask security or the front desk about current policy before settling in.
Question: What should I do if a casino parking area is full?
Answer: Have a backup plan ready, like a nearby truck stop, rest area, or alternative campground. Arriving midafternoon often gives you a better shot at a parking spot than showing up late in the evening.
Question: Is casino camping safe?
Answer: Casino parking lots are usually patrolled by security and have cameras, making them some of the safer overnight options for RV travelers. Still, use common sense and secure your belongings as you would anywhere else.
Is Casino Camping Right For You?
Casino camping is a pretty handy tool for RV travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned snowbird, a parttime adventurer, or somewhere in between, the mix of free or lowcost parking, security, and onsite amenities makes it an easy recommendation for those passing through larger towns or cities. Just keep your expectations in check; it might not have the scenic view of a national park, but it delivers convenience and a little bit of fun that can make your travels more enjoyable. Always check casino policy ahead of time, clean up after yourself, and enjoy the ride. Casino camping keeps your options open and your travel budget in check.