Reno Parking

[mikedee]

We parked in the Atlantis parking lot last night, like we have for years, only to be politely told by security that next Thursday all overnight camping in Reno casino lots will be illegal.

He also told me the casino security will not be in-forcing the ban but it will be done by the Reno police. A guy that used to work for me was booted by hotel security from the lot at the Grand Sierra last week.

Always knew I liked Vegas better.

[garyde]

Hi Mike. Did they say what is the reasoning behind this new policy? Also, is there not plenty of cars in the parking lot 24/7 anyway.

[mikedee]

Gary,
No reason, I felt like the security at the Atlantis was going to look the other way. Not that many at the club last night. The Horizon in Tahoe has great back lot parking. They have you sign in, give you a pass for how long you plan to stay.

This was tried in Laughlin NV about two years ago. The RVer's protested and boycotted the town. I don't know the outcome, but when the boycott was on the AVI was so busy you could not get in. Being Indian ground they had different rules.

If you get to Reno, the Atlantis has the best shrimp cocktail ever, $14.95 and I couldn't finish it.

[Darl-Wilson]

Mike and Dee, you were in town and didn't give us a call? Are you discriminating against old, short people? And Jim Shoen also lives in Reno, not far from The Atlantis.

There has always been RV parking on the street behind the Atlantis, between Peckham Ln and Moana Ln. Actually it was getting to look a little run-down, with lots of old vans and 60s-70s Winnebago types using that area as a permanent home. Maybe that's why things are changing.

A few weeks ago I arranged for my sister and bro-in-law to stay overnight in their Newell in the rear parking lot of the Tamarack Junction on S. Virginia. I noticed then there were signs posted that prohibited overnight parking and cited a Reno city ordinance. I am going to check on what is happening and will post the result here tomorrow.

In the meantime, if you don't mind traveling around in your toad here are some places to stay. On I-80 east of Reno is Boomtown (http://www.boomtownreno.com/rv-park.aspx), and the Gold Ranch (http://www.zvents.com/verdi-nv/venues/show/370945-terribles-gold-ranch-casino) (not that kind of ranch) both have RV parks and both permit free overnight RV parking behind the casino. The Peppermill, just 4-5 blocks north of The Atlantis has an association with The Silver Sage RV Park (http://www.silversagervpark.com/) which is across the street. The Grand Sierra also has an RV Park (http://www.grandsierraresort.com/activities/recreation/rvpark/) and there is a nice 'Big Rig' friendly park in Sparks. (http://www.sparksmarinarvpark.com/)

I'll admit that Downtown Reno, the Casino district, is not a place for RVs. Reno is much older than Las Vegas and is more compact, not allowing a lot of surface parking. However, Reno is a different type of vacation destination. It is unlike Las Vegas where the main attraction, apart from gaming/shows, is a lake with a receding shoreline that is crowded and NOT a great fishing area. The strip there is crammed with rude vendors selling all types junk. Las Vegas is the proverbial, 'One Trick Pony', separating tourists from their dollars.

On the other hand Reno, in the shadow of the Sierra Mountains, has the beautiful, crystal-clear Truckee River (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8808627@N02/2281397044/) flowing through town (http://www.flickr.com/photos/charles_soper/2359758517/), friendly casinos, and many other natural attractions. The Mt. Rose ski area (http://www.mtrose.com/) is only 10-12 minutes from our home. Nearby Squaw Valley (http://www.squaw.com/) offers year-around activities Sparkling Lake Tahoe (http://www.worldfromtheweb.com/Parks/LakeTahoe/P7272475.html) is in the same county (yes, Lake Tahoe is in Nevada) about a 20-25 minute drive from Reno. World famous Lahontan Trout are prolific in Pyramid Lake, (http://www.fliesandfins.com/article803.html) just North of town. Virginia City (http://www.renoscasinos.com/virginia/city.html) is also a great place to spend a few hours checking out the old west. We are also pretty good at grabbing some of your gambling dollars but just use a little more finesse and make it more enjoyable than LV. Oh, this 'Ranch' (http://www.thewildhorse.com/wh-truckers.php)does have free overnight 'trucker' parking and you can run your engine all night!

So if you want to get skinned and stay in a lovely park like the Circus Circus (http://3dreamersrvpark.com/Gallery/RV_Park/100_2539) go to Las Vegas. If you want a vacation, part of it away from the casinos, come to Reno. What ever you do, KEEP NEVADA GREEN!! (http://upload.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_comp/Acclaim_Images_comp_0018-0512-2216-0030.jpg)

Darl

[jello_jeep]

(yes, Lake Tahoe is in Nevada)

Darl

Come on Darl, only half of lake T is in Nevada :p

[Darl-Wilson]

Actually is is about 1/3 in Nevada. My point is that the lake IS in Nevada, not completely in Nevada. It is surprising that many people believe LT is entirely in CA. I can fish anywhere in the lake with my NV fishing license, likewise for you folks from CA.

Hey, nice post about the Zitters.

Darl

[lewpopp]

If you talk as much as you write about a parking spot, I can understand why Mike and Dee did not stop.

[jello_jeep]

Thanks for the information on Reno Darl... Pay no attention to the other parties, I think they might not have taken their meds :p:p

We are going to be in Minden NV next weekend, but not quite to Reno! We are meeting some relatives for a little get together...

Later..

[Darl-Wilson]

A check with the Reno PD finds no new parking ordinance and nothing that applies to casino parking lots. Most of the casinos want RVers to check in with their security and many will issue a pass to be placed in the window. The pass and the parking is free. The reason given is that they want to have some control and be able to keep out homesteaders. This offers us some protection from undesireables so I don't see anything wrong with some control.

Also, RVs can legally park on the streets up to 48 hours.

If you are coming to Reno/Sparks and need some help please feel free to call me, even Lew, no, especially Lew. Our phones are on Dales Map.

Warren, the Carson Valley Inn (http://www.cvinn.com/accommodations/rv_resort/index.htm) in Minden has a nice park if you and Kelly Jo don't have something else arranged. Give us a call if you get up to Reno.:cool:

Darl & Martha

[garyde]

In Santa Barbara, they have a 'No Parking between 2:00 AM - 5:00 AM ' in all areas near the Beaches and Ocean. We have such a large Homeless community and a group of near Homeless old RV's , the city is very strict about Parking. It doesn't stop them, but it slows them down .

[jello_jeep]

Darl, CVI is ok I would say.. The big downfall is its so tight.. If I didn't have an end spot I could see from the gate, I would have never been able to fit in there... We won't be there but a couple nights, so its cheaper to drive the 300 and stay in the hotel. Cigarette smoke and all...cough, cough...hack... :)