Midwest Gaming and Travel magazine runs an annual survey of readers called the “Reader’s Choice Awards” to find out which casinos are their favorites in various categories. Along with asking which casinos have the best video poker, best lounge, friendliest staff, etc. they also ask about the best RV park. The ratings are separated into two categories; commercial casinos, and Native American casinos. Way back in July I told you the results for the commercial casinos — yes, I know, I need to post more often! Below are the results for Native American casinos along with a few comments about each.
Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, Tama, IA
We visited this RV park September 29th. All spaces are pull through, level, and long enough for a 40′ MH pulling a toad. Electric only 30/50 Amp with a dump station. There’s a clean bath house and on-site laundry. The casino is fairly new and the Buffet and other dining was good. We were especially impressed by the museum quality displays of Native American artifacts, along with narrative about this tribe’s culture and history. RVers get full use of the hotel fitness center and indoor pool. They also have a very popular day spa, so you snowbirds coming south might want to stop in and let the massage therapist work out your kinks and relax you for the journey! $15/night in the RV park, and the casino also allows free overnight parking along with the buses in their parking lot.
Island Resort & Casino, Harris, MI
You may have heard this casino called “Chip-In Casino”. We visited on September 19th. Pull through sites will accommodate the largest rigs; however, there could be some difficulty if the park is close to full because of the site arrangement and the way space is shared. Also some sites are quite a bit off level. If you’re a golfer you need to visit here at least once. They have a beautiful 18 hole course that I think you’ll enjoy. RV Park cost is $15/night through November 1st. Open through November 30th with electric only for $10/night. The casino also allows free overnight dry parking in a designated area of their parking lot.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake, MN
We were there Labor Day weekend and it was nearly full but not completely. 122 paved sites with full hookups, many pull through sites and big-rig friendly. Dry camping is also available in designated spaces. This park is attractive, clean, and well maintained. They have several conveniences on-site including a fuel station and a large RV wash. There’s also a playground for the kids. This park is close to the Twin Cities and the Mall of America. Open year round, rates vary $21 to $30 per night for full hookups and $10 for dry camping.
North Star Mohican Casino, Bowler, WI
Our visit to North Star was in the middle of September. If you’ve been here before note that they have a new casino just opened in 2009. The RV park has pull through sites with “side-by-side” full hookups seasonally available. Big rig friendly. They have fire rings, and we enjoy a fire in the evening but neighbors are close so be considerate with the smoke. The park is nestled in the woods which we enjoyed, but some sites may not have a view of the satellite for TV or Internet. Rates vary $25 to $35 a night with a $10 rebate in free play.
There you have it, the top four Native American Casino RV Parks in the Midwest. I hope to be back on track posting more frequently about Casino Camping and related topics.
Happy travels, and good luck in the casinos!
Mac McClellan
www.CasinoCamper.com