When we first started fulltiming, about 5 years ago, I was surprised to learn that some people who camp or park at casinos never gamble. Gambling had been a hobby of ours for many years so it seemed odd to us, but since then we’ve met many RVers who do this. Why do they visit casinos? They tell me it’s all about the free parking, and free or low cost camping.
Not all casino camping is free or low cost, but much of it is. Here are a few examples, from some locations that I’ve recently updated or added to our list:
- Isle of Capri, Lake Charles, LA has both free overnight parking without hookups and $10/night with electric
- Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, Sunland Park, NM offers RV sites with water and electric for $10/night and has a dump station on site.
- Win-River Casino, Redding, CA gives you 3 nights free dry parking.
Sometimes casinos require play to receive discounts in their RV parks, and rates change too, so if you see a low price advertised it’s good to inquire before you start your trip. We’ve also seen the opposite, where a casino gives you “free play” or a cash rebate in return for staying in their campground. This is often as much as 50% off the price of camping. Their intention of course is to get you into the casino.
Free play has to be run through a machine before you can cash it out. If they give you $10 free play pick a machine, then figure how many hands you have to play to equal $10. Play exactly that many hands and cash out whatever you have in winnings. You might lose the whole $10, or hit a jackpot, but on average you’ll cash out a little less than $5.
Cash rebates are easier. Normally they require you to sign up for a player’s card and then visit the cashier’s cage to receive your rebate.
Whatever the deal is, be sure to ask questions and fully understand the “fine print”.
Happy travels, and good luck in the casinos.