Most RV parking at casinos (other than casino RV parks) is “dry camping” sometimes called “blacktop boondocking”. To really enjoy doing this you’ll need be able to camp without hookups for water, electric, and sewer.

Dry camping opens up a whole new world of opportunities for you to enjoy your RV — not only at casinos, but also in beautiful, wild, remote areas of the country as well.

If you have a fully self-contained RV then you can probably dry camp for 2 – 3 days with no changes at all. But if you want to enjoy this for extended periods you’ll need to prepare. We dry camp a lot (over 50% of the time) and we can help you learn how.

Fresh water, black and grey water, and electricity all become crucial if dry-camping for any length of time.

• Fresh water – use what water you have sparingly.
  • To help save water, use paper plates.
  • Catch the water in your shower in a small wash bucket while waiting for it to get hot. Then use this water in the bucket to do dishes.
  • Only take quick showers every few days.
• Waste water
  • Do dishes in a small wash bucket, then toss this gray water on some nearby trees or bushes.
• Electricity
  • Only use one a two small lights at night. Preferably LED lights.
  • Change your most-used lighting to LED lights.
  • Turn your inverter off when not in use. This includes turning it off overnight.

You can learn much more about dry camping and modifications we’ve made to our motor home. Visit our personal website here.

Have you ever changed jobs, joined a new club, visited another country?  If so, you realize there are different norms for behavior in different places.  Casino parking is the same way — each casino is different.  So be a good guest, understand what’s expected and allowed, and “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”.

Some casinos have an RV park or resort with full hookups. Many others allow free overnight parking, and quite a few even welcome you to dry-camp for several days or even weeks.

Facilities vary, but generally you’ll be “blacktop boondocking” in a parking lot. Here are some guidelines to help you enjoy this free dry parking and to be a good guest of the casino:

• Call Ahead  If you’re concerned about whether or not overnight RV parking is allowed call the casino and ask to talk with Security.  Our website is a good starting point; however, don’t be upset with a casino if our information is incorrect, it’s not their fault.  Please send send a report and we’ll update our listing.
• Don’t Leak in the Parking Lot!  If your RV is leaking anything take care of it first or stay away from the casinos please. Leaking oil, transmission fluid, waste water, etc. is a sure way to get kicked out – and rightfully so.
• Find a good parking spot  It will often be obvious, either they’ll have signs pointing the way or you’ll see other RV’s already there. Otherwise drive to a distant area of the parking lot, and please only take as many spaces as you need. If the area isn’t full, I recommend leaving at some space between you and any neighboring RV.
• Be sure you feel safe  When you arrive check things out. Look around and make sure you feel comfortable.
• Check with casino security  Sometimes security will see you drive in and meet you to ensure you know their parking rules. If they don’t, it’s a good idea to check in with them. Some casinos require you to fill out a form, or to join their players club. Sometimes they’ll give you a list of rules. In other locations there’s no formal process.
• Can you use jacks to get level?  This is sometimes OK, ask Security. If you must use jacks, be sure to put boards down so you won’t leave marks on the asphalt. Trailer and 5th wheel owners, be aware that some places have rules against dropping the rig and driving off.
• Length of stay? If you plan to stay more than one night make sure this is allowed. Some casinos have no set policy, others say 1 night, 3 days, etc. so be sure you know.
• Setting up camp?  Using your big awning, table, chairs, BBQ grill, etc. Some casinos have an actual dry camping field or lot, and everyone “makes camp”. However, in most cases you’re staying in a regular parking lot so you don’t want to look like you’re establishing residence!
• Keep your area clean  Every time we go outside our RV we pick up any trash, cigarette butts, etc. that we see — it doesn’t matter if it’s “our” trash.
• Be a good neighbor  Be considerate with your generator, TV, stereo, etc.
• Use common sense and common courtesy with your pets — I don’t have to go into detail here do I?
• Give the casino your business  We gamble a lot, maybe you don’t gamble that’s fine. Casinos often have very good restaurants and buffets. Some will have arcades, bowling, movie theatres, etc. Higher end places will have a spa, hair salon, retail shops, and so on.
• Enjoy yourself!  And send us a review to tell others about your experience!