Excellent Value in St. Louis – Part II

Last time I talked about our visit to Casino Queen (CQ) in St. Louis and how it’s a great place for non-gamblers because of the RV park (closed until May), low cost rooms, convenient location, shuttle service, and multiple good dining options.  If you’re a gambler you’ll appreciate all that as well, plus you’ll also like the gaming, comps and promotions. The Gaming For most people gambling is entertainment and in the long run the house wins.  What makes the difference is how much value you get from your entertainment budget.  Some places offer tight games that return a lower percentage.  You’ll usually find these conditions in casinos that have no local competition.  They take your money fast because they can — people will still play there because they don’t have any choices other than not playing.  Casino Queen is on the other end of the spectrum.  They have three major competitors in the St. Louis market and have decided to compete based on value.  In my opinion they’re succeeding! Read more  Read More →

Excellent Value in St. Louis – Great Casino for Non-Gamblers

Our Midwest casino tour continues!  In my last post I told you about stopping overnight at Harrah’s in North Kansas City, MO.  For our next stop we wanted an RV park with hookups, and we wanted to visit St. Louis for a few days. We had never been to Casino Queen but knew they had an RV park that was chosen by readers of Midwest Gaming & Travel magazine as one of the best casino RV parks in the Midwest.  That plus the convenient location made them an easy choice, so we made a reservation for 3 nights. A Great Casino for Non-Gamblers I’ll have to split this story into two parts because it’s too long!  Casino Queen is a great choice for both gamblers, and non-gamblers alike.  This week I’ll talk to you non-gamblers, and next week more details for the players. Many are surprised when they hear about non-gamblers being casino campers, but when you consider the whole situation it becomes clear that casinos often give you a great value.  Casino Queen is a prime example, and here’s why in a nutshell; location, low cost, convenience, dining options. Location Casino Queen RV Park is located in East St. Louis, IL with a great view of the arch and downtown St. Louis.  The only negative (which is a problem in any large city) was getting there in a 40’ motorhome with a toad and being led by a Garmin Nuvi that thought we were driving a Honda Civic!  But that’s another story.  Do take time to look at your route in advance to avoid areas where large vehicles shouldn’t... Read more

Midwest Casino Tour 2010 Is Underway!

After sitting in one spot (Las Vegas) from May through August we spent the first 2 weeks of September at The Ranch in Lakewood, NM.  Now we’re on the road again traveling through the Midwest and visiting casinos along the way.  We don’t have a specific route planned, but we hope to stop at 6 to 8 casinos including several that are new to us.  Our primary criteria is that they be RV friendly, either with an RV park or allowing overnight dry parking. First stop Harrah’s, Kansas City, MO We’ve been to this Harrah’s before and wanted to visit again.  When we pulled in last night after a 700 mile day it was a welcome sight!  Read more  Read More →

New Casino Proposed – Targeting RVers

Penn Harris Gaming is trying a different twist on the “RV friendly casino” and they hope to create a destination for a broad spectrum of travelers.   They’re starting with an existing Holiday Inn hotel about 10 miles from Harrisburg, PA and plan to build a casino and “RV World”. I have to admit I was skeptical when I first heard about their plans, but as I learn more about it I’m warming up to their idea.  The state requires that all casino hotels have at least 275 rooms.  The hotel that Penn Harris hopes to convert to a casino resort only has 239, and they’re moving RVs onto the lot to make up for the additional 36 rooms.  The first image that popped into my mind was a FEMA trailer park, but that thought was quickly replaced by a more appealing one.  It seems they have a multifaceted approach to different segments of the RV community. Read more  Read More →

Three Tips for Being a Happier Casino Camper

After being in Tampa FL for 3 months we’ve finally hit the road and tonight we find ourselves at Miccosukee Resort and Gaming in South Florida on US-41, west of Miami.  We’ve driven by this casino a dozen times but this is the first time we’ve stopped in.  So here’s a story of me listening to my own advice:  Read more  Read More →

Casino Camping News

Random items that Casino Campers might want to know… Free Issue of the Las Vegas Advisor:  In the past you’ve heard me talk about the LVA and the coupon book that members get each year.  They’ve published a free issue for January so you can try it out.  No obligation (and I have no financial connection to them).   Free Issue Tucson, AZ:  The expansion of the Desert Diamond Casino Hotel, Nogales has completed.  A reader of my website says they offer overnight RV parking in a large, level, asphalt parking lot on the south side.  He cautions that RVers should watch the speed bumps at the entrance! The casino is said to offer a good buffet, and a large selection of table games and slot machines including multiplayer video games and video craps.  Smoking is allowed, but it’s reported there’s a good air circulation system and the air is breathable. Happy travels, and good luck in the casinos! Mac www.CasinoCamper.com  Read More →

Casino Camping News – Jan 9, 2010

Random items that Casino Campers might want to know… Looking for a thrill? A new ride is opening this spring at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas.  SkyJump Las Vegas will drop you over 800 feet at up to 40 MPH.  This continues the Strat’s transformation from a Casino/Hotel to an Amusement Park.  Read more  Read More →

Casino Camping for Non-Gamblers

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... Read more

Top Midwest Casino RV Parks (Part 2)

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.  Read more  Read More →

Top Midwest Casino RV Parks

Midwest Gaming and Travel magazine runs an annual survey of readers to find out which casinos are their favorites in various categories.  It’s called the “Reader’s Choice Awards”.   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.  You may find the results of all these surveys to be useful for planning your casino based travels, especially if you haven’t visited the area before.  This week I’ll share with you the Readers Choice Awards 2009 for the commercial casinos with the best RV parks: Read more  Read More →

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