Bear River Casino | Informal Campsite

December 9th, 2024 by 2.5nomads

Great place to overnight, super quiet, everyone in the casino is friendly and helpful.

December 5th, 2024 by harpertconijn

I was at this place and everything is the same.

November 16th, 2024 by Indefinite Adventures

Large, secure, well lit parking area. Easy check-in. A bit of noise from the road nearby, but quiet overnight. The parking area for RVs is next to the maintenance storage, and they are up and at it early (7am). The "10.00 of gambling money" is activated when you put money in the machine, so....not exactly free, but worth it for a safe, level overnight spot.

August 26th, 2024 by breezyderby45

what others said, pretty much. sign up with the cashier, show the security guard your card, fill out form put in windshield, 3 nights. follow the rules on the form, theres picknick tables and garbagecans. quiet night, some light but also cameras and security so felt very safe.
to activate the 10$ on your card in the slots you have to "cover your initial bet" which means you actually have to put some cash-money into the machine (~1$), so even if it isnt much its not actually "free money". We tried to get the 4.99$ jackpot breakfast and found it on the menu of the eatery (not the fancy restaurant by the hotel, the eatery is in the actuall casino) but it was 6.99$ and there is no discount for it as a member, but you can comp it if you gamble.

August 6th, 2024 by sharpofficial12

Very happy with our visit! Wandered around and enjoyed our $10 gambling credits, free coffee water and sodas in the casino. The parking lot they allow camping is very peaceful and really nice! So grateful for our stay 🙏🏻

July 21st, 2024 by baatzy

Wonderful place. We found all the prior reviews correct. We were in a converted 21 ft sprinter van towing a 10ft trailer. We stayed the full 3 days and saw multiple travel trailers, a schoolie, and a variety of class A, B, and C RVs. We had the $4.99 breakfast and it was very good; all the food at the casino was good. The $4.99 breakfast is the Jackpot breakfast. It is 2 eggs, 2 sausage or 2 bacon, and 2 pancakes. If you are poor like us, if you order coffee with your breakfast, it is $3 for a small cup (free refills), just a heads up! They also have a gift shop with a variety of things. We got the homemade jam and it was glorious! They have a bunch of different kinds with clean ingredients. ATT had some service, Verizon was good. We were able to stream movies from our van each night. Everyone was so nice here. Great staff. We would definitely stay here again.

July 10th, 2024 by cg

Was great. Quiet except for three gun shots.

Checked in with the cashier who gave me a form to be a member, and I took that to the security guy who gave me a pass that went in the windshield.

June 30th, 2024 by shrillbarbeque68

Pretty nice place to stay. Up to 3 days, place to throw away trash, and picnic tables. Bathrooms available inside casino. Gave us 10 dollars each in free bets which we were able to turn into 20 dollars which was nice haha. Just to clarify on what others have said, you HAVE to get a players club card in order to get a free parking permit. It’s a free permit, but you have to sign up (which is also free). At the end of the day I’m up $20, got a free soda, and a quiet free place to sleep.

May 12th, 2024 by Clyde

This was or 3rd stay in 5 years, great food. Thank you Bear River casino.

May 2nd, 2024 by priorfence61

Can stay 1-3 nights when signing up for players card (free) & signing stay permit (parking pass). They give you $10 free play too!
It was quiet and wonderful! Food is pretty good too. With player card they offer a $4.99 breakfast and offer various other player card specials during the week.
It’s dogs friendly too (must be on leash & pick up after them)
We had 2-3 T-Mobile bars while parked but the Casino has wifi too.

February 28th, 2024 by sierraindia87

Still the same rules… need to sign up for a players card (you get $10 to play) and sign a form/obtain a parking pass for your windshield.

Stayed three nights. On the second night, a sedan parked alongside my RV to be hidden from security’s sight (they came at midnight and left at 5am), they kept slamming their doors and peed multiple times all over the blacktop pavement. This is what is going to get this place shut down for us travelers… please don’t be those morons. :-(

Had a burger & fries from the lounge. It was cheap and okay! Nice staff all around.

February 15th, 2024 by brewbarb

They will let you park in the parking lot. They service station has some hot food that I probably wouldn’t eat but it’s there. They have a couple of tables in the back where you can sit and eat and also have electric outlets so you can charge your phone or whatever. Beautiful view from one of their parking lots overlooking the whole eel river valley. Worth the drive just to look at the view. The parking lot is right past the service station on the right.

January 22nd, 2024 by darlenelanglois

Very quiet night. Got players card then signed in with security in the entrance foyer.

November 3rd, 2023 by hdanielsen93

Great free place to park! it's quiet, safe, and free. Love that they have security. Staff was super friendly and helped with check in and questions. As others noted, park in the back,then go to security to get a (free) players card and register. Breakfast is $4.99 with the card, plus other discounts. It also comes preloaded with $10 of points to play. Bonus is that if it's your birthday month, you get a free swipe! Would come again.

October 22nd, 2023 by jfsalvatore99

Just as others said. Walked right in and spoke with the security guard. He directed us to the counter to get player cards. Went back to the guard and filled out some basic paperwork for name/make/model etc… They did not ask if it was an RV and I did drop in the conversation it was a camper van which didn’t seem an issue. Results seem to vary though. Perhaps being a slow Sunday night they’re less concerned with folks staying over. They give you a list of rules as well which are simple: don’t treat it like a campground. Pack it in. Pack it out

October 17th, 2023 by nadiafontana70

NO AND NO SLEEPING IN CARS THERE IS ORHER LOCATION DOWN THE ROAD DONT PAY 10$ unless you I’m the RV or motor homes

August 19th, 2023 by inviaggiocolranger

Great stay! Quiet and safe! Free for 3 nights

August 7th, 2023 by rosyhlee

This parking lot is patrolled by security and we did not see any other vans. We checked in with security who asked if we were in a RV. When we said no, they hesitantly said we could stay for one night, but we got the sense that they didn’t want non-RVs to stay there. We had to register for a membership card at the casino before getting a parking form. We weren’t bothered. It was clean with some picnic tables.

July 30th, 2023 by ngt02usmc

Great spot I didn’t have to talk to anyone just parked and sleep plenty of space for lots of people my Verizon service works great here pretty quiet all night! 10/10 would recommend this spot over anything else in the area

July 22nd, 2023 by shaderfx

Nice place to stay if you need something for a night in the area. Clean. Friendly. Good food in restaurant. There were over 10 RVs when I stayed here.

Only downside is that the big bus-RVs will run their loud & smelly RV generators so you hope to get lucky and not be right next to one.

You can stay for up to 3 nights.
I did not register and had no problems.

July 18th, 2023 by amandaderstine.ad

just as everyone describes, perfect place for overnight and quite enough to spend the day

July 4th, 2023 by Stephen

Very clean and large space. please check in with the casino and get a players card.

June 18th, 2023 by ericalanholbrook

As advertised. A big ol parking lot at a 24 hour casino. You have to go check in, the regular situation. We are in a skoolie so we were a bit unsure if they would allow us to park, but it was fine. They just don't want car campers it seems.

Nice and secure.

June 8th, 2023 by VanLifeNomad

Large paved parking lot at a casino. Very full of cars and SUVs. Well lit and clean, no trash. We drove in and parked, raining, so we skipped check in. A large RV ran their extremely loud generator for a couple of hours, very annoying. Several RVs parked farther back in the rear of the lot. The sign says RV and tractor-trailer parking, but you might be able to get away with stealth camping in a car or SUV if you stay totally on the down low and are not obvious. We felt safe here. Verizon, 2-3 bars.

June 7th, 2023 by Calimero

Very nice place even if it's just a parking lot. Staff was very nice. You can leave your trailer if you want to explore around. Up to 3 days for $0. Some picnic tables around the parking. Some trash cans.

May 18th, 2023 by coleman.aimee333

I went tonight May 16th, 2023 and went to check in with security and they said no cars or vans, RVs only.

May 18th, 2023 by instagram.com/woodysvanlife

Stayed here in a econoline van on a Wednesday. It was one of the better nights of sleep I’ve had on the coast not having to deal with road noise. Parking lot is bright at night. There were probably 6 RVs and a sprinter here. You do have to get a players card (for free) at the desk before talking to security at the front door. 4.99$ breakfast 7-9am.

May 16th, 2023 by coleman.aimee333

I stopped here and it seemed like a great spot. I went to register with security as other comments mentioned and they said "sorry, only RVs, no vans or cars" and then told me I'd have to leave. I'm not sure if this is a new thing or if all these other comments were RVs but just giving fair warning of my experience.

May 8th, 2023 by brettyd1972

Casino carpark. Easy process to get checked in. Beautiful sunset in quiet location. Will return

April 15th, 2023 by chrissnguyen

Appreciated the free night stay here and use of bathrooms. As others have said, you have to go in to register. Bring your passport and driver's license.

March 21st, 2023 by GotPassport

We went in and got a players club card and registered our van. Be sure to place the infosheet security gives you on the dashboard. He automatically gave us 3 nights though we only planned to stay one. Each person has to have a player club card to partake the breakfast special at $4.99. Park towards the back of the parking lot which is more leveled. Can also get gas here with player card. We checked and has the same price as Costco the day we're here!

November 5th, 2022 by giggles05511

As described, it’s a big lot to park in but they no longer charge you to park. Still a 3 night max stay. Register your vehicle through security after getting a players card which matches your play for the first $10 and you only need $1 to start playing! The little restaurant inside offers a great breakfast special with the players card. Lots of large screen tvs inside to watch sports and sit at the bar. There is also a rec center across the street that is only $8/day pass to get nice and showered up. I’m super impressed with our stay here!

September 8th, 2022 by Wind and Whim

As described, we.parked then I went in, got a Players Card, ran a few slots (you have to put in at least a $1 bill) and then I went to Security, filled in the forms and put the provided sheet in the driver side window. No problems.

August 11th, 2022 by Mélanie Lapointe

Exactly like said. You have to register at the casino. They then give 10$ per adult to play in the casino (you need to spend like a 1$ to activate the card). It is a parking like any other parking. Lights all night and there can be noise sometime. Still good for a free place.

July 6th, 2022 by Daveykavey

Very clean, feels safe, I parked in the very back and was able to open my door to the woods so felt private. In July, the parking was sparse so that was nice. However coverage is a little spotty with LTE, but was able to run audio meetings just not with video reliably, there is also Wi-Fi in casino. Here are results of 3 download tests over 3 providers:
ATT: 3.5mb/7.3mb/7.1mb
T-Mobile: 270kb/500kb/660kb
Verizon: 1.5mb/40mb/26mb

June 14th, 2022 by michelleagner

All as described. Friendly, helpful employees throughout. Great bathrooms. Restaurant closed on the Tues we visited, but express cafe in casino was open. Lot is adjacent to a few homes; no noise issues. Turned the $20 in free gaming chips into $84 after dealer tips! (: View in photo is from field across the highway

June 12th, 2022 by kwilson

Loud people, loud cars, woke me multiple times. I suppose it would do in a pinch, but I’d plan better and find somewhere else.

June 9th, 2022 by kathrynjcook

Stayed four nights (requested an extra night bc my friends got here a day after I did, and was immediately approved by security). Initially they asked if I was registered as an RV (I’m not, I’m in a Promaster which I haven’t reregistered since converting), said that their policy was is only vehicles registered as RVs, but made an exception. In retrospect I would probably just say that was the case to save a little time.

Won 20 bucks with the free card they gave out, and my friend won $25 (it’s a little confusing and I can see why people say theirs didn’t work, but I asked one of the floor staff for help and he walked us through it).

Also, gas is the cheapest place in town (by far!) so definitely stop on your way out! And if you want a shower there’s a rec center across the street.

May 27th, 2022 by Pierre

As described. Great spot to sleep in the area

May 10th, 2022 by mitchell.a.mccann

No change. Seems great. Everyone seems extremely friendly.

April 24th, 2022 by kaladeviaje

Muy buen lugar para descansar. Cómo dicen 3d gratis. Obligatorio registrarse en el casino y llenar el formulario de parqueo RV. Personal amistoso. Buena señal Verizon.

A good place to rest. As said, 3 free days. Required to register at the Casino and fill the RV parking form. Friendly stuff. Good Verizon signal.

April 23rd, 2022 by fly1950

Super de place. Beaucoup d’espace. Tranquille

April 15th, 2022 by magicmiles

All true. Free parking for 3 days. You must go in and register. 1st you get a players card that’s free. 2nd you’ll go and register your vehicle. No cost and the staff was extremely helpful. The back parking lot is sloped, however the way, way back lot is not! Lights are in all night, so having blackout screens are very important. I opted to stay for ; days. There are no hookups and you must be fully self contained. Do NOT put out lawn chairs and act like you own the place … carry in and carry out please! Don’t burn this spot for others!!! Verizon 2 bars and sub 3mb up and down. There’s free wifi in the building though.

March 21st, 2022 by Hannah Meiner

Free camping for up to 3 nights. Have to obtain players card and check in with security. Free nonalcoholic drinks (coffee and soda). 4.99$ breakfast buffet.

For some reason our players card didn’t work even though we were supposed to get 10$ free players money.

Parking lot is lit up at night so make sure to have window covers.

Also, im almost 100% sure I heard a bear— guess that’s why it’s called bear river casino right.

Overall a good place to stay and super convenient.

March 18th, 2022 by oje.a1984

as described.

we stayed on a Saturday night when a MMA event was happening so the lot got very busy and very noisy - people, vehicle sounds, loud music. this may not happen every weekend, but this was our experience

otherwise, Hotel and casino staff was very kind and courteous

gas\diesel was very expensive for a casino station.

December 17th, 2021 by daleenbell

Nice parking lot, and great overnight stay. Watching the sunset with my man and dog. Doesn’t get any better than this!

December 4th, 2021 by road-to-pitches.com

Quiet, safe camping. Great service. We stayed two nights and showered across the way at the recreation center. Cell service upload is not good here, best if you go to the rec center!

November 15th, 2021 by lidybosker

great place and best to stay up near containers.

October 21st, 2021 by fortkevin10

IMPORTANT: must drive an RV/campervan/something manufactured to sleep in.

I called ahead of time as I saw a previous post about failed car camping and I'm in minivan, and I was very kindly told that "unfortunately you must be in a vehicle manufactured to sleep in, because a minivan with a bed in it isn't an RV, and sleeping in a car is loitering, which is a route we don't want to go down."

October 14th, 2021 by vagavaughans

As described, nice big paved lot. Fun little casino, easy to register with security after getting your players card. Won money so that's an added bonus. No $10 gas discount anyore but their gas
price is better than most places here. They also have diesel.

July 17th, 2021 by claytoneteague

Went to do this car camping and can say we did do it, but had a knock on the car in the morning around 7am telling us we couldn’t be there despite signing up and gambling. Did make 60 bucks with the 10 free dollars. Must be in rv or van.

July 14th, 2021 by stihl.warrior

As described. Membership was quick and easy. We had an rv and a car parked separately with only one pass between the two and got scolded for the car in the morning. Didn’t spend any extra time there.

June 28th, 2021 by elizabethnicole16

pretty even asphalt parking. stayed here 3 nights, registered with the casino and filled out a paper with security. its a casino parking lot so there is a bit of noise but we didn't find it bothersome. the food inside is wonderful and the staff was a joy. check out their tobacco traders store, also!

May 14th, 2021 by nicolas.calani

perfect place! big parking a lot of RV. you must to register in the casino and they give you 10 for casino and 10 for fuel. win win situation

May 6th, 2021 by redundantthrill12

Stayed here one night! Checked in at the front like advised and was given $10 free gas. Pretty sweet. Had lights in parking lot and a few people coming/going through the night so not the most peaceful sleep but felt pretty safe and was pretty excited about free gas money

April 21st, 2021 by marilynk471

Very accommodating. Register with security inside the casino. Sign up for the Players Club Card and receive $10 gaming credit & $10 fuel credit at the gas station.

March 25th, 2021 by lauramichelles

As stated previously check-in at the side entrance with security for instructions. If you park all the way in the back near shipping containers it's level. Good Verizon and T Mobile.

March 24th, 2021 by nomadicrafter

Very nice. Simple parking lot. They gave $10 play card +!! Must be rv self contained so if you're in a van, maybe, maybe not. I got in somehow as a "campervan". Bear River Band Aho!

September 8th, 2020 by instagram

As described. A haven. We even were given a $10 gas rebate.

August 2nd, 2020 by instagram.com/adetailedmap

As described. NOTE: They do not allow vans, only RVs according to the guy we worked with. We explained it's a self contained conversion van and his boss gave almost immediate approval over radio and no one came out to verify. Won $3 with their money, no complaints.

March 10th, 2020 by clementineletessier

Perfect place for staying from 1 to 3 nights. You need to be registered and to accept the rules and you are good! Really easy and the staff is friendly.
Very quiet parking lot. Flat. Nothing to say except it is really convenient for a stop! So thank you! 👍

February 21st, 2020 by pjcwilson

The previous comments reflect our findings. We did have a large class A running their generator...which was obnoxious. But, for a free place on the coast, you can't complain too much.

February 21st, 2020 by pjcwilson

Casino located on top of a beautiful ridge with a distant ocean view from the restaurant. You can park 3 days with a player's club card and you get free $10 of slots/roulette play.
We did have a large class A running their generator that marred our quiet. But, a free safe spot to camp!

February 11th, 2020 by Tucks' Truck

We were sceptical about checking in to get our players card (as described below) but we did it and had a go with our free $10 card. One of us won $40, the other won 50cents 😂😂. It's worth it for a laugh. Restaurant is reasonable especially with the prices for card holders. A peaceful night in the car park.

November 30th, 2019 by xander_troy

free rv parking up to 3 days at a time for players club members. 24 hr casino.
just park in the back left where it says rv parking. then go in and sign up for players club and then talk to a valet attendant/security for your free parking permit.
there's free coffee and soda that you get yourself near the players card sign up area. and free coffee in the hotel lobby in the morning.
its free to sign up for players club and you get a 10$ credit for gaming per person. which you cant cash out directly. it basically covers your first ten dollars in losses. while you still keep any winnings. we ended up winning 25 bucks by the time the 10 dollars each ran out. which was enough to get us the breakfast buffet in the morning. which was also discounted for players club members.
great stop for the eureka/humboldt area. before or after hitting up the redwoods.

November 27th, 2019 by briarrrrr

Was super windy & crazy weather so couldn’t continue driving, stayed here for the night in the upper parking lot, several vans, rvs & trucks. Quick to check in with security, cozy fireplace in lobby with wifi to enjoy as well

November 21st, 2019 by SedentaryNomad

Free parking and some casino credit. Eazy peazy

November 21st, 2019 by daveonanInstagram

As described. I pulled in and headed towards the RV lot. A few rigs parked here, I had planned to get my new bag of ice into the cooler, see if I could get levelish (it took leveling blocks) and then go to the Casino to register. Well I got too comfortable right away and never registered. But due to the lack of crowding I hope its not a prob. I'll update in the am if I did wrong. ✌Dave

October 3rd, 2019 by livefastdriveslow2019

Free parking! You have to go inside and sign up for the club card which gets you a free $10 to spend on games in the casino. Made $20 for gas money so I’d call it a win win situation. :)

September 12th, 2019 by renouf.jean

Large spots reserved for vans and overnighters at the very end of the parking. we checked in with the doorman and got the 10$ card at the desk so we could play for a while. we got a registration form sheet that we had to put visible in your car. you can stay from 1 to 3 nights. parking was very quiet.

August 21st, 2019 by imke184

Great place to sleep for free! We won 20$ with our free players credit! 🙂 free drinks and we felt very safe!

August 16th, 2019 by curtisgallagher

Big parking lot. Lots of lights. Felt safe. Other RVs and vans around. Quiet. Slopes but manageable lot.

August 15th, 2019 by jackez

As described. Paid to boondock, love it.

August 5th, 2019 by jnnfrkhlr

We spend here one night with no problems and no registration.

July 3rd, 2019 by RoverlandEarth

all info still correct. Won $50 with our free money so had drinks and dinner on the house.
everyone very pleasant.

April 28th, 2019 by ferransais

Perfecto para dormir en ruta, con varias RV, solo tienes que registrar en el casino, gratis.

December 23rd, 2018 by drive2world.com

Stayed one night with SUV-converted camper. No sign of obligatory registration. So I didn't register. No one bothered for whole night. Several RV parked nearby.

September 19th, 2018 by mail

Stayed here with our roof tent and nobody bothered us so far. Got the registration after we signed in for a free membership card (also got the 10$ free gambling money). Nice and easy :)

October 5th, 2017 by eyalo365

orgenized quiet safe. better than Eureka

November 12th, 2016 by reedwhitmont

FREE camping for up to three nights in the parking lot of Bear River Casino. You have to fill out a form, but it's quite easy. They also give you $10 in free gambling money, if you're into that. Everything must be self contained but still a damned good deal. Parking lot is slightly sloped, but there are spots in the shade that are flat enough. Lights, cameras and security in the parking lot were nice.