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DAS26miles's avatar
DAS26miles
Explorer II
Dec 03, 2014

Chukchansi Casino closed, need another Free overnight spot

We have stopped many times at the Chukchansi Casino on our way to Yosemite. It gives us a jump on the trip up from LA. We would leave LA after work and drive 4 hours up to the casino, have dinner and do a little gambling($20 limit) . Then spend the night in their well lite and secure parking lot. Then it was just 2 hours to the Yosemite valley. Like getting a whole extra day up there. The Chukchansi Casino closed back in October because of intertribal problems. So we are looking for another boondocking spot either along HWy 99 or 41 near Fresno. We checked back a few years ago and the Table Mountain Casino didn't allow overnight RV parking. Maybe they have changed their minds. Anyway, any suggestions for dry camping? I don't think the Walmarts in the area allow it.
Boondocking
Dry Camping
Public Lands

6 Replies

  • Cat_Lady's avatar
    Cat_Lady
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2014
    If you're a member of Escapees, you can boondock at Park of the Sierras campground about a mile or two below Chukchansi Casino for a nominal fee ($5 - 8/night).

    Cat Lady
  • DAS26miles's avatar
    DAS26miles
    Explorer II
    Dec 04, 2014
    We thought about stopping at Pixley about an hour north of Bakersfield, but that's not far enough along. Maybe the casino will reopen in the not to distant future. It was perfect with a gas station around the corner on 41.
  • TOOBOLD's avatar
    TOOBOLD
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2014
    It's not free, but Millerton Lake campground is off the 41.
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2014
    I'm 6 miles east of 41 and Herndon exit. You are more than welcome to park in front of my house for the night if you like. PM me if you need directions or info.
  • DAS26miles's avatar
    DAS26miles
    Explorer II
    Dec 03, 2014
    We have stopped at both the Phillip Raines and
    charles Wardlow rest stops on Hwy 99 for lunch or bathroom breaks. Wardlow is an hour before Fresno. Never considered stopping overnight. Have read some stories of vandals and robbers victimizing overnighters, but not at these two. We have a watch dog and a Browning. Probably best to park close to the entrance if we do use one of them, rather than way in the back .
  • Cordelia's avatar
    Cordelia
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2014
    We have used the Caltrans rest stops on both 99 and I-5 with no problems for years. There is a 8 hour stay limit.

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