Casinos bet big on a new demographic: RV campers

Some call it camping, others call it glamping. Whatever you call it, RV camping is on the upswing.

In a report released last August, the RV Industry Association forecast that 505,900 RVs are expected to be shipped to dealers this year, “capping nine straight years of growth and resulting in the highest annual total for the RV market.”

And demographically speaking, with both boomers and millennials expressing an affinity for RV camping, it’s no wonder casinos have found a new market to woo.

As a result, casinos are now setting aside precious marketing dollars and physical space on their properties to attract the growing RV-campers-who-like-to-gamble clientele.

Locally, two casinos — Pala and Pechanga — have carved out big chunks of their casino land to cater to RV campers. Here’s a look at each.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort

11154 Highway 76, Pala. (844) 472-5278. palacasino.com. Email: RVRESORT@palacasino.com

Opened: May 23, 2016

How big: 10 acres

How many sites: 100, all full-service

Site details: 20, 30 and 50 amps of electrical service are available for RVs and trailers from 55 to 70 feet. Of the 100 sites, 77 are 30-foot-by-55-foot back-in sites, six are 30-foot-by-60-foot luxury sites equipped with barbecue grills, and 17 are 30-foot-by-70-foot premium pull-through sites. All have a grassy area with a picnic table, electrical, water and sewer hookups and free Wi-Fi and cable television service.

Amenities: Beyond site offerings, the campground has other special treats for campers. There are two heated swimming pools and two spas. Indoor amenities include the Registration Building, which has card tables, a billiard table, three TVs, a 24-hour laundromat and two restrooms with showers. Outdoor amenities include a fenced dog park, five barbecue grills, two horseshoe pits and two ping-pong tables. On the resort’s western end, there is another restroom facility, which also has showers. A luxury clubhouse, across the street from the Registration Building, offers two kitchens. The clubhouse can be rented for an additional fee.

Pets: The resort allows three pets per RV at a fee for $5 per pet per stay, up to seven days.

Forgot something?: Though there are grocery stores nearby, even more convenient is the Pala Mini-Mart across from the RV resort, adjacent to the gas station. It has everything from snacks and produce to alcohol and meats. The mini-mart’s deli also makes made-to-order sandwiches and pizzas.

Shuttle service: Shuttles are available 24 hours a day from the RV resort to the Pala hotel and casino.

Discounts: 10 percent discounts available to members of Good Sam, AAA, AARP, FMCA and military.

Accolades: Good Sam has awarded Pala RV Resort perfect 10s for three consecutive years, and in 2016 and 2017, both Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines gave Pala RV Resort a Gold Award, naming it as Best RV Resort Casino and Best Campground Resort. And just this past summer, it received the Platinum Reader’s Choice Award from the national publication RV West, naming it the Best Snowbird Destination in California.

Dining tips: If you tire of cooking in the RV, the casino has so many dining choices, you’ll think you hit the culinary jackpot. For quick and casual, there’s Coffee Amoré, which besides coffee also has pastries, salads and sandwiches. Pala Cafe has a huge menu, offering everything from burgers and salads to soups and hearty entrees. If Asian is your cup of tea, there’s Sushi Sake, a sushi-style bar, and Noodles, which serves soups as well as noodle and rice dishes from China, Vietnam, Thailand and Japan. If, on the other hand, you just can’t make up your mind, the casino’s expansive buffet, Choices, will give you more than food from which to choose — from salads and omelets to dishes from Mexico, Italy, Asia and beyond.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. (877) 997-8386. pechanga.com/rvresort

Opened: March 1, 2000

How big: 16 acres

How many sites: 210, all full-service

Site details: All sites have 12 feet of grass on either side, electrical, water and sewer hookups and free wi-fi and cable television service. Of the 210 sites, 112 are deluxe back-in sites, 24 are deluxe pull-through sites, 17 premium pull-through sites and four luxury sites. In addition, there are larger spaces — the “Chairman” is 2,400 square feet — that include fenced sites, each equipped with a gazebo and picnic table. For those camping with other RV enthusiasts, there are 22 buddy sites, which allow campers to position their RVs so their doors are facing.

Amenities: If you want to relax beyond the RV, near the clubhouse you’ll find a swimming pool and two spas. The clubhouse is available for use for an extra fee. RV resort guests can use the driving range at the Journeys golf course for free. There’s a 24-hour laundromat, and throughout the campground, there are three restroom facilities, two with showers. Outdoor amenities include a fenced dog park and a guest pavilion with outdoor seating for campfires or just relaxing.

Pets: The resort allows three pets per RV at a fee for $5 per pet per stay, up to seven days.

Forgot something?: The remodeled Pechanga Mini-Mart, adjacent to the gas station, has been remodeled and carries everything you might need while you’re camping at the resort — from produce to snacks to beer and wine. Inside the Mini-Mart is Baja Express, which serves traditional Mexican food. Tip: Forget about making fresh guacamole. Let the folks at Baja Express do the work — just order a pint for $7.

Shuttle service: Shuttles are available 24 hours a day from the RV resort to the Pechanga hotel and casino.

Discounts: 10 percent discounts available to members of Good Sam, AAA, AARP and military.

Accolades: Good Sam has awarded Pechanga RV Resort perfect 10s for five consecutive years. In 2017, both Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines gave the resort a Silver Award.

Dining tips: Those who don’t want to cook in the RV don’t need to go far for other dining options. Pechanga has everything for every taste — from grab-and-go and casual fare to fine dining. The Lobby Bar & Grill, located in the atrium, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with prices that won’t deplete your gambling budget. The mostly American-centric menu serves up everything from soups and salads to burgers and seafood, but don’t miss the steak and fries (hanger steak, $27) and the crispy Brussels sprouts with apple glaze and asiago cheese ($6). Outside of the main hotel and casino area, there is Journey’s End. It has beautiful views of the golf course and serves breakfast and lunch. If you’re looking for something light to munch on for happy hour, swing by after 3 p.m. The happy hour menu has a varied appetizer selection — from quesadillas and nachos to wings and pot stickers — as well as wine from Temecula wineries ($5).

Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd

michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com