Report from Plugginfool, July 16, 2010

I visited FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek Michigan on 7/15 - 7/16/2010. I have new information about the parking privileges at the casino. I spoke with outside roving security personnel and 2 officers inside the casino. I inquired about an overnight stay. I was told that there is no problem with an RV staying overnight. I stayed over at the casino 2 nights.

There have been some changes since the last reports have been posted. Trucks are no longer allowed, and a parking lot has been designated for RVs, west of the casino. The surface is crushed stone, level, sparsely lit (which is fine) but I did not notice security making rounds through the area.

There is an entrance to the parking lot that was closed when I visited. To enter the parking lot, use the eastern most entrance from MI-96 ( E. Michigan Avenue ), drive around the parking garage, then behind the casino, and into the lot.

In the past ALL LARGE VEHICLES have been barred from parking at the casino for a time. The security men related to me reasons why RVs were banned for a while. It seems that RVs were directed to an asphalt parking lot in front of the parking garage. Damage was done when jacks were used and depressions were made into the asphalt surface. Other campers were taking advantage of the generosity of the property owners by rolling out awnings, setting up lawn chairs, and picnicking in the parking lot.

RVs are now welcomed. So we all should be considerate of the generosity of the casino.

Photos from Plugginfool

First photo showing blocked entrance and truck parking not allowed.  Click for larger view

NOTE that reports below are retained for historical value only.  The current parking situation at Firekeepers has changed, see newer reports above.

Casino Camper Update, November 14, 2009

No, you're not seeing double.  This is the second update on this casino in a single day.  Let's take it step by step:

1.  November 2nd I received a report from Amy saying they were run off from Firekeepers in September.  I'm slow, so I didn't update the website until the 8th, and I also sent an email to the casino asking for clarification.

2.  This morning I received the "official word" from the casino.  Their first response was confusing, so I asked them to clarify.  I said:

"Thanks for getting back to me.  I want to ensure that I'm accurately reporting this.  My summary is:  

RV travelers are invited to stop and enjoy the casino, but staying in the RV overnight is currently not permitted.    

Let me know if that's correct." 

They responded "...Your information is correct but if I can suggest a different phrasing, it would be..."  "RV travelers are welcomed at the newly-opened FireKeepers Casino. Although parking is ample, currently there are no overnight facilities nor hook-up services available for camping on site. There is a separate lot immediately adjacent to the casino for parking.”

3.  Now this evening I have an email from Eric in Michigan -- the #1 casino camper in the state -- saying the following:

Mac, This is Eric from Michigan,

I read the update on Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, MI...we have been there 4 times so far (including today) and there are RV's there all the time with them staying overnight,,,we have been there once and stayed overnight and have never been bothered...I have seen RV's there all the time and they always stay overnight (including the 5 in the parking lot this morning when we got there at 7:00am)...there are always semi-trucks there also

Maybe the statement you got from Firekeepers meant they have no overnight facilities such as an RV park?

So here's my official position:  Read all the reports and make your own decision about whether to try staying overnight at Firekeepers.  It looks to me like the official prohibition is not usually enforced (Eric's experience) but that you may be there on the wrong night, with the wrong security guy, and get hassled (Amy's experience).

Anyone who stays here in the future, please write and let me know what you encounter.  If you see any posted rules take a picture and send to me.  Happy travels, and good luck in the casinos! 

Casino Camper Update, November 14, 2009

After receiving the report (below) from Amy I contacted the casino for clarification of their policy.  The short version is; you can visit in your RV, and there's a parking area for RVs, but you can't stay overnight in the RV. 

Report from Amy, November 2, 2009

We stayed at Firekeepers in September after first checking it out on a quick day trip a week after they opened. The day trip showed a designated RV lot away from the main parking, and a talk with security assured us we were welcome to come stay. We drive from south-central Ohio, so had planned on a weekend stay, which we were assured was no issue.
 
When we arrived on Friday night we found that the RV lot was no longer designated as such, instead was part of the overflow parking lot. We first checked with security to be sure we were correct. He informed us because of parking lot damage jacks were not allowed. After talking to him, it was agreed we get some blocks of wood to place under our jacks.
 
Saturday night we were coming out of the casino only to be greeted by a security guard who informed us it wasn’t a trailer park, and camping was not allowed.  We elected not to push the matter, and moved on to another casino for the rest of the weekend.
 
Firekeepers still isn’t quite sure what their stance is on casino camping.

Report from Jim T., July, 2009

There is going to be a new casino opening in Battle Creek, MI.  Just off  I-94, can be seen from the freeway.  They will be opening in Aug.  I have already E'mailed them, and yes R.V.'s will be allowed overnight in a parking area, no hook ups.  I will send a report after I try them.  The name of the casino is Fire Keeper.