Las Vegas RV "Hot" Spot

Like many people living in the Northeastern U.S., I seasonally yearn for warmer weather. Therefore, in my quest to fulfill my desire, I didn't heed the multiple warnings against visiting Las Vegas during peak "hot" months. Since August was the only month I had the opportunity to travel west with my family, we trudged onward. I assumed that I could handle whatever came my way, but never stopped to consider the heat tolerance of my family, my puppy, and of course my Class A Motor Coach.

As we headed toward our Circus Circus KOA campsite destination, I watched the temperature gauge as it continued to climb, ultimately plateauing at 126 degrees Fahrenheit! I could hear not one, not two, but all three of my air cooling systems functioning at maximum capacity, breaking a sweat while trying to provide some level of internal cabin heat relief. Continuing on our journey, we encountered literal warning signs posted along our route which encouraged travelers to turn off air cooling systems in order to avoid overload and system failures. These roadside jabs caused me to mentally hear my mother's voice saying, "I warned you." I remained optimistic that shaded relief from the scorching sun would surface once we reached our campsite.

We finally arrived in Las Vegas! Not knowing exactly where the KOA was situated in reference to the main strip, we became a little uneasy while maneuvering our 45 foot RV with extended 20 foot Jeep through the heart of the city. We reached our destination at the Circus Circus Hotel/Casino/KOA. Once registered, it was time to search for our plush site and set up. With a confused look on my face, I turned to my husband and asked, "Are we suppose to drive through the parking lot in order to get to the campsite?" He glanced over at me and reluctantly said, "The parking lot is the campsite."

Sure enough he was right. The sites were situated in a parking lot off the side of the hotel with the essential hookups extending out of the black asphalt surrounded by medium-sized, white decorative stone. I was discouraged by the absence of green foliage, knowing that we could be cooked alive in the metal roasting pan we called "home." Again I tried to stay positive awaiting the descent of the sun in hopes of cooler night temperatures. Fortunately, the temperature dropped a whopping 26 degrees by nightfall; leveling the outside temperature around a cool 100 degrees Fahrenheit. My 7 lb. Yorkie Poo (half poodle/half Yorkshire terrier) became extremely restless due to the absence of a proper dumping ground. She sarcastically sighed as if to say, "You try going on the hot coals."

Then a blessing came our way. In my peripheral view, I noticed a sister Class A Bus pulling out of its home base near the entrance of the hotel and exiting the "campsite." And behold....an oasis was unveiled! It was a huge triangular plot of freshly cut grass with several thickly trunked trees speckled throughout the island. At first I thought perhaps the heat affected my vision causing me to see a mirage, but when I saw my husband racing to the registration office, I knew I wasn't the only one seeing it. Excitedly exiting the office, my husband delivered the good news of the park side property acquisition. We quickly pulled in the four slides and disconnected our utilities. We claimed our territory under the draping tree limbs and basked in the shade. The dog ran freely, jumping and leaping in all her dog glory. Fellow RVers looked longingly at our gem. Understanding their plight, we warmly invited all to share in our fabulous temporary residential space.

Bottom Line Lessons Learned and Teaching Tips

Traveling West in August or Having a Desire to Vacation in Hot Regions?

Research campsites with abundant shade and make a reservation.

When Purchasing/Renting a RV, pick one:

With a minimum of two cooling units, preferably three.

With light exterior colors to avoid heat absorption.

Despite the Lack of Foliage, Circus Circus KOA has Many Great Attributes and I Would Stay There Again:

Situated in the heart of Las Vegas, close to the Main Strip.

Part of Circus Circus Hotel/Casino and all the benefits that go with it (Top Restaurants, Shops, Indoor Roller Coaster and Amusement Park).

Swimming pool, Outdoor Kid Play Area, Kamp K-9 for pet owners, Wi-Fi

If staying at Circus Circus KOA Las Vegas during the hotter months, simply request/reserve the "Oasis" up front.

Great Customer Service