When you’re making the long haul down Interstate 25, slicing through the vast, high-desert landscape of New Mexico between Albuquerque and Truth or Consequences, a good pit stop is more than a convenience, it’s an oasis. The Love’s Travel Stop in Belen, exit 191, is exactly that. This place is a 24/7 beacon of modern road-trip efficiency. For a flat ten-dollar fee, you get access to a clean, well-maintained RV dump station, conveniently situated right next to the bulk DEF and propane lanes. With its bright LED lighting, you feel safe and secure even if you’re pulling in for a middle-of-the-night tank dump. It’s the ultimate one-stop shop for emptying your waste tanks, grabbing a hot shower, gassing up the rig, and even getting a quick meal before you venture out to explore the unique sights of central New Mexico.
Belen has a fascinating history and is more than just a spot on the map. It proudly calls itself the “Hub City,” a nickname it earned back in 1907 when it became a critical junction for the railroad. You can feel that heritage all over town. Railfans will be in heaven here, watching the seemingly endless freight trains, some a mile long, rumble through one of the busiest rail yards in the entire Southwest. The beautifully restored Harvey House Museum, a relic of the golden age of rail travel, is a must-see downtown. But for many of us RVers, the real draw lies just a bit further south. About 30 miles down the road is the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. This is a truly magical place. The 57,000-acre refuge along the Rio Grande becomes a winter haven for tens of thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese. If you are there between November and February, you absolutely must get up before dawn to witness the sunrise fly-out. The sound of tens of thousands of birds taking to the sky at once is something you will never forget. It’s a world-class wildlife spectacle, and this Love’s in Belen serves as the perfect, practical basecamp for boondocking birders heading that way.
The experience at a Love’s is predictable in the best way possible. Their layouts are standardized across the country, so you always know what to expect. You head inside to the fuel desk to pay the dump fee, and they’ll give you a code that you punch into a keypad at the station to unlock the dump valve. This system keeps it secure and clean. The pad itself is usually made of smooth concrete and has a slight slope to it, ensuring good drainage so you don’t end up with any unpleasant pooling. They often have sturdy plastic grates over the opening, which helps prevent you from accidentally dropping your hose cap down the drain, a small detail that any seasoned RVer appreciates. The entire complex is a hub of activity. Within the same parking lot, you'll find an air station for your tires, a fenced-in dog park, and often a Speedco repair bay. This means you can get your tires rotated, top off your DEF, and handle your tanks all without having to move your rig multiple times. During the peak snowbird migration seasons, you might find a short line at the dump station. It’s a popular stop. Just practice good RVer etiquette, be prepared, be efficient, and keep your stop to under 15 minutes to keep things moving for everyone.
The amenities are what make a stop like this so valuable. There’s a non-potable rinse water spigot right at the sewer inlet, perfect for thoroughly flushing out your hoses when you’re done. The gas and diesel prices are generally competitive, often better than what you’ll find in the bigger cities like Albuquerque. The on-site propane and Speedco repair services mean you can knock out a whole list of chores and maintenance tasks in one efficient visit. Inside, you’ll find clean, code-locked private shower stalls. You can even download the Love’s app on your phone and get in a digital queue for a shower, so you know exactly when one will be ready. The restrooms are spacious and well-maintained, and there are plenty of large trash dumpsters around the lot for getting rid of your accumulated garbage. For pet owners, the fenced dog run is a fantastic feature. After a long drive across the desert, it’s a safe and welcome space for your dog to get out and stretch its legs. Just remember, this is a travel stop, not a campground. There are no electric or full hookups available. If you need shore power, you’ll need to plan on running your generator for a bit or continuing on to a place like Elephant Butte State Park.
At a flat ten-dollar fee, the value here is outstanding. It often undercuts the dump fees at many of New Mexico’s state parks, and you get the added convenience of all the other services. Many managers will allow overnight parking for RVs, though it's always courteous to ask first and to park out of the way of the truck traffic. With an Arby’s and a convenience store right on site, you can restock on supplies and grab a hot meal. For any RVer traveling the I-25 corridor, the value proposition is simply unbeatable.
A few insider tips for your visit. Get one of the green-chile breakfast burritos from the in-store kitchen. They are legitimately delicious and the perfect fuel for an early morning trip down to Bosque del Apache. Try to time your stop to avoid the trucker shift changes, which are typically around 6 to 7 in the morning and evening. The fuel lanes can get very busy during these times, so a mid-morning or mid-afternoon dump is usually much quicker. While the lot is well-lit and regularly patrolled, it’s always wise to be security conscious. Belen’s busy rail yard can attract some transient folks, so make sure to lock your rig and storage compartments. And after the chores are done, take an hour to explore downtown Belen. Park near Becker Avenue and check out the antique shops and local art. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and get a feel for the Hub City’s unique vibe. Love’s in Belen perfectly encapsulates the virtues of a great national truck stop chain: it’s predictable, affordable, and accessible 24/7. When you add in the incredible local flavor of railroad history and world-class birdwatching just down the road, you have a dump station stop that is as enriching as it is efficient.
1903 Camino Del Llano, Belen, NM 87002
(505) 864-6107
Cost: $10
Category: Truck stop
Has Water
loves.com/locations/726