Every now and then on the road, you stumble upon a stop that’s just so wonderfully weird you have to tell people about it. For me, the Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino is one of those spots. Located at 1200 Futurity Drive, it’s practically spitting distance from the Texas border, right outside El Paso. From a distance, it looks exactly like what it is: a bustling hub of entertainment with a grandstand overlooking a horse track. But for those of us navigating the desert southwest in a motorhome, it represents something more. It’s a place where you can try your luck at the slots, maybe watch a live horse race, and, most importantly, find an RV dump station. It’s a combination you just don’t see every day, and it makes for a memorable chapter in any road trip logbook.
The journey to Sunland Park is pure desert beauty. You’re driving under a vast, blue New Mexico sky, with the rugged, imposing silhouette of the Franklin Mountains keeping watch on the horizon. This isn't just some flat, boring stretch of interstate. The landscape has character. And the location is a fantastic launchpad for some truly epic adventures. Franklin Mountains State Park is literally just a few minutes away, offering up some incredible desert hiking for those who want to stretch their legs. And if you’re up for a bit of a drive, you can be standing in the otherworldly gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park in about an hour. Imagine starting your day emptying your holding tanks and ending it sledding down a brilliant white sand dune under a setting sun. That’s the kind of experience this stop makes possible. You’re also right on the doorstep of the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument, another haven for rugged, scenic exploration.
Using a dump station at a casino is a unique experience with its own set of rules and rhythms. The first thing you’ll notice is the parking lot. It’s enormous. We’re talking acres of paved asphalt, which is a dream for maneuvering even the biggest of big rigs. Finding a spot to pull over and get yourself situated is never a problem. However, these lots are built for cars, not for campers, so don’t expect to find much in the way of shade. And you can forget about finding a perfectly level spot. A little bit of slope is the norm, so this is one of those times when having a good set of leveling blocks really pays off. It’s also important to remember that you’ll be sharing this space. During a big race weekend, the lot can fill up with horse trailers, fans, and a general buzz of excitement. On a quiet weekday, you might just be sharing it with a few truckers catching their legally required rest.
Because it’s a casino, security is a constant presence. You’ll see patrols making regular rounds, which adds a nice layer of peace of mind, especially if you decide to take advantage of the unofficial overnight boondocking that many RVers report. Before you do anything, your first stop should be inside at the guest services desk. This is where you’ll officially register your rig, get a parking tag, and most importantly, ask for the precise location of the dump station. It’s often tucked away in a less glamorous corner of the property, maybe near the maintenance buildings, so getting clear directions is key. This is also the time to ask about the fee. While the cost isn’t published online, fellow travelers have mentioned a fee around fifteen dollars, which sometimes includes water and electric access if those happen to be operational. If you plan on doing a little gambling, it never hurts to ask if using your player’s card might get you a comped dump. Many casinos are happy to extend these little perks to RVers who are also patrons.
Now for the nitty gritty on amenities, and this is where you need to manage your expectations. This is not a full service RV park. The biggest thing to be aware of is the potential lack of water. While some have found working water spigots, many have not. The safest bet is to assume you will not have access to rinse water. That means you need to come prepared. Have a few gallons of non potable water stored in a jug specifically for rinsing your sewer hose and the surrounding area. On the plus side, a casino often has amenities you won’t find at a state park. Access to laundry facilities can be a lifesaver after a few days of dry camping in the desert. You can also use the casino’s public restrooms during operating hours, though they might not be accessible late at night. And you’ll find plenty of large dumpsters on the edges of the lot to get rid of your accumulated trash. One very important note for pet owners: casino grounds are almost universally not pet friendly. You’ll need to plan on taking your dog for walks well off the property.
To make your visit as smooth as possible, a little planning goes a long way. Try to time your arrival for a non race day or at least between races. The lots can get chaotic when there’s an event. As I mentioned, bring your leveling pads. And if you’re a light sleeper and plan to stay the night, a good pair of earplugs is a wise investment. There are often nearby train tracks, and the general activity of a 24/7 facility can create a bit of noise. My final piece of advice is to embrace the location. Get your chores done, then go have some fun. Or, even better, use it as your basecamp for an early morning adventure. Set your alarm, get out before the desert heat builds, and go for a sunrise hike in the Franklin Mountains. You’ll be back at your rig before the casino floor even gets busy. Sunland Park isn’t your typical RV stop, but for the RVer with a sense of adventure, it’s a convenient, practical, and uniquely entertaining spot to take care of business.
1200 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063
(575) 874-5200
Cost: Price not available
Category: Casino
No Water
sunland-park.com