Let me tell you, navigating the sprawl of Phoenix in a big rig can test the patience of even the most seasoned RVer. You’re trying to enjoy the desert scenery, maybe heading north from the city grind towards the cooler pines of Flagstaff, and the last thing you want to worry about is where you’re going to handle the tanks. We’ve all been there, scanning maps, hoping to find a place that’s not only open but also clean and easy to get into. That’s why finding a spot like Luxury Storage RV & Boat is such a relief. It’s tucked right off the Carefree Highway, just a quick hop from the I-17, making it a perfect pit stop without a major detour.
This isn’t your typical chaotic truck stop. The moment you pull off Arizona State Route 74, you can feel the difference. It’s a dedicated storage facility, so the whole environment is calmer, more controlled. For full-timers or anyone who’s spent enough time on the road, that sense of order is a welcome change. You’re not dodging eighteen-wheelers or fighting for a spot at a cramped island. Instead, you’re pulling into a secure, gated property designed specifically for rigs like ours. The aisles are wide, built for maneuvering fifth-wheels and Class A coaches into their storage bays, which means you have all the room in the world to line up perfectly over the dump drain. No stress, no tight angles, just a straightforward, clean process.
Getting there is half the story, and this location is perched perfectly for anyone exploring the northern edge of the Valley of the Sun. If you’re like us, you don’t just travel to get from point A to point B; you’re out here to see things. Just a few minutes east of the facility is the Sonoran Preserve, a massive expanse of protected desert with miles of trails. It’s the perfect place to get out for an early morning hike before the pavement starts to bake, stretching your legs among the giant saguaros and the unique scent of creosote. Or, if water is more your style, heading west on the Carefree Highway takes you straight to Lake Pleasant Regional Park. This place is a desert oasis, a huge reservoir that’s a magnet for boaters, anglers, and campers. We’ve spent many a weekend there, and having a reliable dump station just down the road is incredibly convenient, especially after a few days of shoreline boondocking.
Now, let’s talk about the on-the-ground experience. Because it’s a storage facility, access is controlled. You’ll need to check in at the office, which is standard practice. I always recommend giving them a call before you even head over. This is just good RVer practice anywhere you go. Confirm their hours, make sure they’re open for public dumping, and get the current fee. Things can change, especially during the busy winter snowbird season, so a quick phone call saves you a world of headache. Once you’re cleared for entry, they’ll likely give you a gate code. The signage inside is usually clear, pointing you toward the sanitation area. Most facilities like this are smart about their layout; they put the dump station, rinse water, and often the propane fill station near the exit, so you can take care of everything in a logical order and pull straight out without having to loop back through the entire property.
As for amenities, this spot hits some key RVer needs. They have water, which is crucial. It’s non-potable rinse water, so you’ll want to have your dedicated black-hosed for flushing your tank and cleaning your fittings. Never, ever use your freshwater hose for this job. They also have propane on-site, which is a massive convenience. If you’re heading north into the higher elevations around Prescott or Flagstaff, you know how important it is to have full propane tanks for the furnace on those chilly nights. Being able to top off right after you dump is a huge time-saver. They even list electric hookups, which is more for their long-term tenants, but I’ve found that if you ask nicely, some places will let you plug in for a bit to top off your batteries. It never hurts to ask.
There are a few things to keep in mind, though. This is a specialized facility, not a full-service travel center. That means no gas station, no showers, and no laundry. You’ll need to plan your fuel stops separately, probably at one of the big truck plazas right at the I-17 and Carefree Highway interchange. More importantly, they don’t allow pets outside the rig and there are no public trash cans. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out situation. Before you pull in, find a spot to let your furry copilot have a walk break. And be prepared to haul your own garbage away. It’s a small trade-off for the peace and quiet of the facility.
When it comes to cost, you’ll have to call for the exact price, but facilities like this typically charge a flat fee somewhere in the neighborhood of five to fifteen dollars. For the convenience and the low-stress environment, I’d say that’s a fair deal. To make your visit as smooth as possible, get there with your gloves, sewer hose, and all your fittings ready to go. And my biggest piece of advice for this part of Arizona: pay attention to the time of day. The desert heat is no joke. Trying to wrestle with a sewer hose at two in the afternoon when it’s 105 degrees is just miserable. Plan your stop for the early morning. You’ll beat the Phoenix traffic and the worst of the heat.
So what's the bottom line? Luxury Storage RV & Boat is a fantastic option for anyone traveling north of Phoenix. It combines easy freeway access with the clean, quiet, and spacious environment of a private facility. It’s a perfect place to empty the tanks before heading to Lake Pleasant or after a long stretch of boondocking. While you need to be self-sufficient when it comes to fuel and trash, the availability of rinse water and propane makes it a solid, valuable stop. Just remember to call ahead, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
1331 E Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(602) 412-1049
Cost: Price not available
Category: Boat storage facility
Has Water
luxurystorageboatandrv.com