Date:         Thu, 24 Nov 2011 21:11:05 -0800
Reply-To:     Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Stealth Camping in Las Vegas
In-Reply-To:  <52343CC6-9211-4904-8E91-7CD6FFBB7099@gmail.com>
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Greetings fellow Vanagon-folks, and welcome to Las Vegas!

Granted, it's a pretty dismal town.  No need to add to that by spending extra bucks I say; especially if you are on your way to or from BBTB at Lake Havasu or are just goofing off like I am right now, AND most importantly, own a Vanagon, either Westy or Hardtop conversion like myself.

OK...here's the specifics.  Am stealth camping while we speak in the back parking lot at the T-----cana casino.  (Hint:  sounds like the tropics.)  It's old school Vegas...kewl.  From I-15, hang a right (south) onto Las Vegas Blvd. (the Strip); go one block; wait patiently for the green left arrow across from Mandalay Bay and the Luxor pyramid.  Left.  Left again into the "convention center" parking lot.  Find a spot.  You're done.

Now, I don't know if this place has had a convention in years, but no matter; I don't think they can afford much parking lot security.  I've stayed (Vanagon stealth camped) numerous times.   Best features:  quiet, close to the action of MGM, New York New York, Excaliber,  Luxor, and of course the Trop itself.  They really have upgraded that place....used to be super dismal, now only sorta dismal.  Oh yeah, another BIG upgrade....free Wi-Fi in the parking lot...where I am typing this from.  Slow at 750 Kb/sec....but it's FREE!!!   Much better than camping next to McDonalds or Starbucks for wi-fi, and I've done that mucho.

Next extra special Vanagon stealth camping info?:  you are only 150 yards from primo bathrooms for that morning visit.  Clean, everything works, yes they've upgraded the place for sure.  The whole casino now has a fragrence of vanilla!  And new carpet, new chairs for the slot machines, brighter in a warm way....yep, good stuff going one here. 

Extra bonus!:  sure, across the street is AmPm gas station, gas at 3.55 a gallon; I filled up in Barstow on my way here and thought I was getting a bargain at 3.65, San Diego is also about 3.65.  Even with the $0.45 fee, it's still OK especially for a road trip. 

I'm on my way tomorrow for Valley of Fire, about 1 hour north on I-15; will stock up with groceries at a local market tomorrow.  I've been to Vegas about 75 times minimum, but never been to Valley of Fire.  No moon tomorrow night, and moderate temps and clear skies forecast.  Yeah!  The valley gets its name from red rock mixed with black streaks; legend has it that when Captain James T. Kirk died, it was filmed there.  Also the outdoor scenes from Total Recall.

Anyway, amid the myriad of options for free Vanagon camping in Vegas, this site is on the top of my list.  Let's kinda keep it a secret between us, OK?  And...don't pop that top if you stay here and ruin it........

Rich
San Diego