51°F
weather icon Partly Cloudy

Mancamp plays important role in Tonopah region

Tonopah has been a mining town ever since it was established, but even after the mineral production boom ended, it continues to see a high number of miners who work in the area by day and come to Tonopah to eat and sleep by night.

Tonopah Hospitality Services Vice President of Operations Bruce Jabbour, whose facility includes an RV Park and a cluster of dormitories commonly known as the “man camp,” said he had seen an increase in stays mainly because of an ongoing expansion of Round Mountain.

“Where the influx of demand came from was actually Round Mountain Gold expansion project,” Jabbour said in an interview.

Those who stay at the man camp, can pay on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. A two-bedroom with a kitchen, bathroom and a living room goes for $84.35 per night. Included in the rate are utilities, cleaning and amenities.

The occupancy rate at the man camp is currently at 95 percent. The clientele is made up of the workers from Round Mountain, government employees, geologists, and corporate employees.

“It’s definitely increased in the (last) year,” Jabbour said about the occupancy rate. “We were at 70 percent last year (at the same time) and now we are at 95 percent.”

Currently, the man camp has approximately 15-20 people on the waiting list, and the majority of those who are waiting are employees of the companies who have already stayed at the establishment.

“As people move out, transfer, move on, and something opens, whoever is first on the list, we call (them) to see if there’s still need of accommodation,” Jabbour said.

On average, workers stay at man camp from one to four months. Only a quarter of the guests stay less than a month, Jabbour said.

Still, he doesn’t think the widely-used moniker accurately represents the business, as female workers also stay at the man camp.

“It’s not accurate to call it a man camp when we have female workers here,” he said.

Many of the projects around Tonopah have a cyclical nature. Workers arrive from other states when the construction phase is going on and leave when the project is completed. That has been the history of the area that encompasses Tonopah, Goldfield and Round Mountain.

Joanne Campbell, general manager of Best Western Hi-Desert Inn in Tonopah, said that the Best Western sees a lot of guests who stay 2-3 days and some who stay longer.

“We don’t track exactly where they are going to work, we just know they are here for business,” Campbell said.

When the man camp facility that traditionally houses long-term guests can’t accommodate them, Jabbour calls other hotels and motels in town to help them find accommodation.

“It’s not just for us and our facility. … If we are full, I refer them to other properties that are in town, because it only makes sense for the growth and infrastructure and benefit of the town of Tonopah,” Jabbour said.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
More fire hydrants installed in Central Pahrump

The hydrants will help with fire protection in the area, and should give homeowners there a break on their fire insurance rates.

More roads reopen in Death Valley

Roughly four months after severe summer storms, additional roadways in Death Valley National Park are finally reopening.

Like Santa? Like Cookies? This PDOP event is for you

Pahrump Disability Outreach Program will be helping families get into the holiday spirit with an all-new, free community event: Cookies with Santa.

Man tried to carjack driver with knife: NCSO

A Pahrump man was arrested Sunday morning after he allegedly tried to stab a motorist with a knife on Highway 160 near McDonald’s, according to reports from the Nye County Sheriff’s Office.

VEA and CoBank donate $20k to these nonprofits

In the true giving spirit of the holidays, Valley Electric Association and CoBank are spreading the love this season with $20,000 in donations making their way into the coffers of three area nonprofits, bolstering each of the organization’s community-oriented efforts.

Want to see the Silver Tappers Christmas show? There’s a waitlist

The Nevada Silver Tappers and Ms. Senior Golden Years will host their 32nd Annual Christmas Benefit Show and members are excited to report that tickets are in such high demand, “There’s actually a waiting list!”

Holiday fundraiser will help kids get a good night’s sleep

The holiday season is officially underway so it’s a great time for residents to think about how they can help make a difference in the lives of others. One simple way to do just that is attending the 2nd Annual Nye County Sleep in Heavenly Peace Holiday Fundraiser, proceeds from which will go directly to providing beds to children in need.