There's a special kind of beauty to the high desert of the Pacific Northwest. The landscapes are vast, the sky feels bigger, and the roads can stretch on for what feels like forever. When you're making your way through southern Oregon on U.S. 97, the journey itself is the destination. But even in the midst of all that natural wonder, the practical needs of RV life don't disappear. That’s why having a reliable, predictable place like the Love’s Travel Stop in Klamath Falls is so important. This isn't some hidden, off the beaten path spot. It's a bright, modern, and efficient travel center, and it serves as a critical pit stop for folks heading to or from one of the crown jewels of the National Park System, Crater Lake.
Located at the northern edge of the city, Love’s Store #823 is perfectly positioned. It’s an easy on, easy off from the highway, saving you from navigating unfamiliar city streets. More than just a place to empty your tanks, this location offers a trifecta of RVer essentials: an RV dump station, on site propane refills, and a fenced dog park. That last one is a real game changer for those of us who travel with our four legged family members. After a long stretch of being cooped up in the rig, giving your dog a safe, enclosed space to run and burn off some energy is a massive relief for both pup and owner. It’s one of those thoughtful amenities that shows Love’s understands the needs of the modern RVer.
The proximity to Crater Lake National Park is, without a doubt, a huge part of this location's appeal. You’re only about 60 miles south of the rim of America’s deepest and arguably bluest lake. It’s an easy and incredibly scenic day trip from Klamath Falls. Many travelers, myself included, use this Love’s as a base of operations. You can pull in, empty the black and gray tanks, top off the propane for the cool mountain nights, fill up on fuel, and be on your way to one of the most breathtaking sights in North America. The surrounding Klamath Basin is also a destination in its own right, a volcanic plateau filled with spruce forests and incredible opportunities for bird watching at Upper Klamath Lake. You can spend a day chasing waterfalls along the "Highway of Waterfalls," Highway 138, knowing you have a convenient place to handle your rig’s needs when you return.
Using the dump station at a national chain like Love’s is all about predictability, and that’s a comfort on the road. The layouts are generally consistent from one location to the next. You can expect wide concrete aprons that give you plenty of room to maneuver your rig, even if you’re driving a big Class A with a tow vehicle. The payment system is usually a pay at the pedestal card reader, which is quick and convenient. The RV pad is typically situated near the tire care bays, a smart placement that keeps you out of the way of the high traffic diesel islands, so you rarely have to wait in line behind the big commercial trucks.
Now, let’s break down the specific amenities. One critical thing to be aware of at this particular Love’s, and many others, is that there might not be a water spigot right at the dump pad. This can vary from store to store as they upgrade their facilities, so it's a good idea to confirm at the counter before you start the process. This is why seasoned RVers always carry a few gallons of utility water or a dedicated rinse jug. It’s a habit that will save you a lot of frustration. On the plus side, this location offers both gasoline and bulk propane, so you can take care of your engine and your house fuel in one stop. Inside the 24 hour convenience store, you’ll find clean restrooms and plenty of outdoor trash dumpsters for getting rid of your accumulated waste. The showers are another great perk, typically clean, private suites that you can rent. A pro tip is to use the Love’s Connect app on your phone; you can often reserve and pay for a shower right from the app while you’re outside dealing with the tanks, saving you time. While they have the dog park, they don't have on site laundry or repair bays, so you'll need to plan for those chores in a larger city like Medford or Bend.
When it comes to cost, Love’s doesn’t have a fixed national price for their dump stations. Based on recent traveler reports and my own experience, the fee typically hovers in the $10 to $15 range. The best practice is always to pop inside and ask the cashier for the current rate. Sometimes they even have app based coupons or promotions that can save you a few bucks. For the convenience and the collection of RV friendly services, especially the dog park and on site propane, it’s a fair price to pay.
For the smoothest possible visit, I have a few pieces of advice. Before you get your heart set on driving the famous Rim Drive at Crater Lake, check the park’s website or webcam. Snow can linger at that high elevation well into the summer, and the road can have closures. Arriving at the Love's early in the morning, before 8 a.m., is a great strategy to beat the daily rush of southbound campers heading out for the day. And as I mentioned, always have a water tote or a few jugs of non potable water with you, just in case the on pad spigot isn't available. In the high desert heat, staying hydrated is key, and if you’re a Love’s rewards member, you can often earn free fountain drinks, a small but welcome treat on a hot day. This Love's in Klamath Falls is a perfect example of a modern travel stop that truly caters to the RV community. It combines the reliability of a national chain with a location that’s a gateway to incredible adventures.