If you’re reading this today, Sunday morning November 1, there’s a good chance that I’m still asleep and paying the price of celebrating Halloween in Las Vegas. And why not? Vegas is a non-stop freak show 364 other days of the year, what better place to revel in Halloween madness?
Downtown Las Vegas neon.
Big cities aren’t usually on our list of must-see attractions. In fact we prefer to avoid them at all costs. Through the years we’ve found that taking the rig into a big city is no fun for either of us, so whenever there’s a loop or a beltway around the chaos we’ll grab the chance to take it and stay on the outskirts.
Las Vegas Strip RV parking
But as you know, Vegas is not like other cities. Modern and bright, this 24/7 city has nice wide streets and freeways that easily accommodate any size rig. Although we aren’t gamblers, and we’re too frugal to take in most big-name entertainment, we’ll still make the trek for several reasons:
Cheap camping. Vegas has some exceptionally nice RV resorts, but they’re located on the fringes of town and too far from the action for our taste. Sure, a calmer environment is nice but the price you pay for it isn’t – those Vegas RV resorts are spendy!
But thanks to our frugal full-timing pals we’ve learned a few good ways to save money when RVing in Las Vegas. The biggest money saver? Discreet stays in casino parking lots. Several casinos on the Strip allow RVers to park in their lots so if you’re brave enough to drive into the heart of Vegas Strip traffic, you can have your pick of premium RV parking spaces behind these casinos.
Of course, always get permission from hotel security and follow overnight RVing rules – no awning, keep your jacks in, don’t put out the lawn chairs and do not overstay your welcome. After a few days of being in the thick of things right on the Strip you’ll gladly pack up and go to a pricey Las Vegas RV resort for some peace, quiet and hookups!
Free entertainment. Any trip to Vegas means constant entertainment, even if you’re just sitting outside of a hotel and watching the endless parade of happy gamblers, disgruntled losers and busking musicians, dancers and impersonators.
For us, the real fun happens down on Fremont Street, where the spirit of “Old Vegas” lives and chic casino pretentiousness gives way to a non-stop street party for all walks of life underneath neon skies.
On Halloween night Fremont Street really comes alive. You’ve never seen more adults getting into the spirit of Halloween in one place! This is one of the main reasons why we love going.
Proximity to peace and quiet. After a few days of casino fun your senses will need a break. From Vegas you can head out in any number of directions to explore the solitude of the desert. From Death Valley to eastern Nevada to the Grand Canyon, Vegas puts you within a stones throw of gorgeous places where your RV will be right at home.
Through the years I still can’t believe the number of people I meet who have never been to Las Vegas. Sure, it’s not a truly great city of culture, like San Francisco or New York, but it’s a genuine one-of-a-kind place that’s relatively RV friendly so why not add it to your full-timing itinerary?
Rene Agredano and her husband, Jim Nelson, became full-time RVers in 2007 and have been touring the country ever since. In her blog, Rene chronicles the ins and outs of the full-timing life and brings readers along to meet the fascinating people and amazing places they visit on the road. Her road trip adventures are chronicled in her blog at LiveWorkDream.com.
We come to Vegas every year, but have never found casinos on the strip willing to let you park..can you share where you go?
Hi Beverly! There are a few that do, the Stratosphere being one. For more options, do check out the Escapees Days End Directory, it’s saved us tons in Vegas and around North America.
Thanks!
Nice blog, thank you for the tips! If you are looking for a camper van, I highly recommend Vegas campers! http://vegascampers.com I booked their van last Summer and it has everything you need! The host is is superb too!