I’ve been traveling up and down California and Oregon a lot over the last few months. Both states are over the top beautiful to say the least, but they are also expensive! Camping can be expensive too, RV Parks can run anywhere from $45 to close to $100 depending where you are at, and most state and national parks $35 a night. If someone on a budget, that can be a lot per month….thats where casino camping comes in! It’s cheap to free and many times very well located.

Here are the top 5 casinos I’ve camped at in California and Oregon. I am not a gambler so this top 5 has nothing to do with gambling aspect of the casinos.

View from Cher-Ae Heights Casino, Trinidad CA

1. Cher-Ae Heights Casino - Just a couple miles from Trinidad CA, a cool city and must stop. I rated this my #1 casino stop because of the view! The RV parking is up the hill from the casino, with large trees for shade, take the 25 yard walk to the edge of a hill overlooking the ocean into Trinidad…just beautiful!! The stay costs $20 for 3 nights…its very quite…and an added bonus, there is a small hiking trail 1/2 further down the road to a beautiful beach…enjoy!

Sand Dunes near Florence, OR

2. Three Rivers Casino - Just a couple miles outside Florence, OR. Florence is on the 101, and is the beginning (going south) of the coastal sand dunes. The casino is just off the 101 and a short drive to Historic Florence, I actually rode my bike down there one day. The lot is large and flat, plus I feel very safe as security does make the rounds (be sure to check-in). They allow you to stay 3 days free, more if you gamble. I like this stop because its close to the town to get a bite to eat, if you spend a few days in the area there are many day trips to take to the many state parks for hiking and site seeing.

http://www.threeriverscasino.com/

Shore Acres State Park near North Bend, OR

3. The Mill Casino - Located in North Bend, OR, The Mill offers both an RV Park (not sure the price) and a non-hookup lot for $15/night. You can take advantage of the restrooms/showers, laundry and wi-fi (does not work well, but you can walk up to the casino toward the back and get good coverage there). I have this #2 for a few reasons, it is right off the busy 101, but the bay is right there and very pretty, I like the use of the showers, and when its not busy they will allow you to use the dump station. They also have pretty good, reasonably priced food (I took advantage of the Sunday Morning buffet). The main reason is the closeness to State Parks (Sunset Bay, Cape Arago State Park and Shore Acres State Park)  Some of the most beauty coastline in Oregon, be sure to stop at the viewing area of the off-shore colonies of seals and sea lions at Shell Island (take your binoculars)

https://www.themillcasino.com

4. Blue Lake Casino - Located about 8 miles off the 101 in Blue Lake, CA….near Arcata. To be honest there is not much special about this location, nice small lot….very nice staff when I checked in and I remember the food was pretty good and inexpensive. The 2 main reasons I liked this place was 1. its inland and in the mountains, after being along the coast for a while and missing CO I just felt at home waking up and seeing mountains all around me 2. while the town is really small, Im a beer lover and there is a great brewery with outside patio I walked to called: Mad River Brewing Co.

http://www.bluelakecasino.com/

5. Agua Caliente Casino - Located in Rancho Mirage, CA….Short drive from Palm Springs. They make my list for the huge parking lot, and flat as well….When I went to check in they were very relaxed and felt I could have stayed there a few days in needed. Its located in near Palm Springs and is about an hour or so from Joshua Tree….and FREE

http://www.hotwatercasino.com/