Safety Tips for Blacktop Boondocking

By Jane Kenny – RV Lifestyle Specialist

Question: Why do you suppose so many RVs are attracted to casino parking lots?

Answer: It’s the free overnight parking.

RVers looking for a place to “blacktop boondock” (dry camping-parking lot style) soon discover that there aren’t too many places that allow free overnight parking.

Most states discourage overnight parking at interstate rest areas because of security concerns. Shopping centers typically ask RVs to leave at the end of the business day. And even the 24-hour supercenters, that generally welcome RVs, have posted “No Overnight Parking” signs at many of their locations. You can usually stay overnight at a truck stop, but their parking areas tend to be very noisy.

Casino parking lots, on the other hand, are hospitable. Casinos throughout the country welcome adult campers because they know they might get additional business. And the travelers get a quiet, safe spot to rest for the night without being hassled. Since most casinos are open 24/7, security personnel are on duty all night.

Here are a few safety and security tips for people who want to take advantage of the free overnight parking available at most at casinos:

1.) After you pull into the parking lot, check with security to verify that you can stay overnight and ask where they want you to park.

2.) Limit your free overnight stay to a single 24-hour period.

3.) If there is no designated area for large vehicles, park on the perimeter of the lot. Don’t take up spaces intended for cars. (Note that a few casinos, particularly those in crowded urban areas, do not have the space to accommodate RVs. Consequently, the first order of business after you pull in should be #1 as listed above.)

4.) Don’t abuse the property owner’s hospitality. During our travels we’ve observed RVers who act like they own the place and put out the awning, barbeque and chairs. Remember, a parking lot is not a campground. If there’s enough space, it’s OK to put out a slideout, but restrict your activity to the inside of your vehicle. Be considerate of the casino owners who have given permission for you to park free for a limited number of hours on their property.

5.) Do not leave your motor home unattended overnight or for any extended period of time. This may seem like simple, common sense advice, but you’d be surprised at how many folks park their expensive units in a parking lot and then go off to visit friends for a few days. If you are foolish enough to do this, don’t be surprised upon your return to find your unattended vehicle has been towed away.

6.) If you want to blacktop boondock at a casino that also has a fee-pay campground as part of the facility, it is essential to check with security to ask about your options for staying overnight. Some casinos will allow you to stay for free in the parking lot anyway. But there are a number of casinos that require you to pull into their RV Park and pay the fee.

“Blacktop boondocking” at a casino is free and convenient. These days casinos are located all over the country, many are within a mile or two of an interstate exit.

You can find these casinos identified in the popular guide to RV-Friendly Casinos entitled Casino Camping, available at www.roadnotes.com