Every full time RVer has a mental map of their go to spots, the tried and true places that never let them down. For me, the Love’s Travel Stop network is a big part of that map, and the location in Box Elder, just a stone's throw north of Rapid City, is a perfect example of why. It’s a clean, modern, and predictable oasis in the middle of a long travel day. While some might see a truck stop as just a place for fuel, a seasoned RVer sees it for what it truly is: a comprehensive service center for our homes on wheels.
This particular Love’s is located in Box Elder, a quieter town that serves as a northern gateway to the Rapid City area. Its position is strategic. It’s right near Ellsworth Air Force Base and provides a fantastic last chance stop before you head west into the denser parts of the Black Hills or north towards Bear Butte State Park. I often find these slightly out of the way travel centers to be a bit less chaotic than the ones located right on a major interchange within a big city. It’s a place to pull in, take a deep breath, and get all your ducks in a row before the next phase of your adventure.
As a 24/7 travel stop, this Love’s is built for efficiency and for vehicles of all sizes. They have dedicated RV lanes, which is always a welcome sight. It means you’re not trying to squeeze your thirty five foot motorhome in between a row of gas pumps designed for compact cars. The flow is logical, and there’s plenty of room to maneuver. The constant stream of traffic means the facilities are generally well maintained and the services are reliable around the clock.
The main attraction for many of us, beyond fuel, is the RV dump station. Here at Love’s, it comes with a ten dollar fee. Now, some people might balk at paying for a dump station when free ones, like the nearby Flying J, exist. But here’s my take on it, learned over many years on the road. A ten dollar fee often buys you a cleaner, better maintained, and more reliable facility. And in this case, it buys you one critical amenity that the free option lacks: a working water source. This Love’s has fresh water available right at the dump station, which means you can properly rinse your sewer hose, clean your connections, and wash down the area after you’re done. To me, that convenience and cleanliness is easily worth ten dollars. It saves me from having to use my own precious fresh water supply for cleanup duty.
The process is straightforward. You pull into the designated RV lane, pay the fee inside or sometimes right at the station, and do your business. As always, it’s smart to have your own gloves and maybe some cleaning wipes on hand, because you can never be too careful at a public station. But generally, paid stations at major chains like Love’s are kept in better shape than their free counterparts.
But the stop doesn’t end there. This is where the beauty of a full service travel plaza comes in. You can accomplish half a dozen chores in a single stop. You can fill up on both gasoline or diesel and, crucially, propane. Having an on site propane fill is a huge convenience, saving you from having to hunt down a separate supplier. After a week of boondocking, being able to top off the tank that runs your refrigerator and furnace is a top priority.
Inside, you’ll find the amenities that make road life more comfortable. Clean restrooms are a given, but the availability of private showers is a real game changer. For a small fee, you can wash away the grime of the road and feel human again. They also have a laundry facility, so you can throw in a load of clothes while you’re fueling up and grabbing a snack. It’s all about maximizing your time. Instead of your stop being a single task, it becomes a highly efficient reset button. There are also designated pet relief areas, so your furry co pilot can stretch their legs in a safe spot away from the big rigs.
One other key service offered here is light mechanical and tire support. If you’ve picked up a nail in your tire or have a minor mechanical issue, having on site help can be a lifesaver. It provides a level of peace of mind, knowing that if you run into trouble, there’s a potential solution right there. This isn’t a place for an engine rebuild, but for common road issues, it’s an invaluable resource.
Of course, this is not a campground. There are no electric hookups for overnight stays. This is a "dump and go" or "fuel and go" establishment. You get your services done, and you get back on the road. To avoid the biggest crowds, I’d suggest timing your visit for the late morning or early afternoon on a weekday. The early morning and late evening hours tend to be the busiest with long haul truckers and commuters.
In short, the Love’s Travel Stop in Box Elder is a perfect example of a smart, practical choice for any RVer. It offers a full suite of essential services in one convenient location. The ten dollar dump fee is a fair price to pay for a clean station that includes a rinse water supply. When you combine that with the ability to get fuel, propane, a hot shower, and clean laundry, it represents a high value stop. It’s a reliable, no nonsense place that does exactly what it promises, helping you stay safe, clean, and comfortable on your journey through the beautiful landscapes of South Dakota.
679 Reagan Ave, Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-4292
Cost: $10
Category: Truck stop
Has Water
loves.com/locations/602