Let me tell you about a little oasis for your RV's plumbing right on the edge of the Mojave. If you’ve ever found yourself rolling toward Las Vegas with your tank sensors creeping into the red, you know the feeling. You start eyeing every gas station, wondering if they have a hidden dump station, all while the glittering lights of the Strip seem a million miles away. Finding a clean, reliable, and reasonably priced spot to take care of business can be a real headache, but Morton’s Travel Plaza in North Las Vegas is one of those places I’ve mentally bookmarked as a solid, no-nonsense solution.
Located just off Interstate 15, this spot is perfectly positioned for almost any Vegas-bound RVer. Whether you're coming down from the majestic canyons of Utah or just finished a spell of boondocking out in the desert, Morton's is your first real chance to reset before diving into the city's madness. It's also a fantastic last stop if you're leaving Vegas and heading toward the otherworldly landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park, which is only about an hour's drive from here. I always recommend that side trip; the swirling red sandstone formations are something you have to see to believe, and the hikes through places like Fire Wave are short enough that you can do them without breaking too much of a sweat, even in the desert heat.
Pulling into Morton’s feels exactly like what it is: a busy, functional truck stop. It’s not a resort, and it doesn't pretend to be. This is a place for getting things done. The constant hum of diesel engines, the hiss of air brakes, and the general hustle of professional drivers create a 24/7 energy that I find strangely comforting. You’re surrounded by people on the move, and everything is geared toward efficiency. When you pull your rig in, keep your eyes peeled for the signs directing you toward the RV lanes and the dump station. It’s usually situated near the propane filling area, a bit away from the main car and truck fueling islands. You’ll want to swing wide, especially if you’re pulling a toad, because those lanes can feel a bit snug when a couple of big rigs are maneuvering around.
The process itself is straightforward. You can typically pay the $10 fee right at the pump or head inside the convenience store to pay the cashier. I usually do the latter, as it gives me a chance to grab a coffee and a snack. It’s a pretty fair price for the area, considering some of the RV parks closer to the Strip will charge you a whole lot more for the privilege. While your tanks are draining, it’s the perfect time to multitask. You can fill up on fuel, top off your DEF, or even get your propane cylinders filled. This is what I love about well-designed travel plazas; you can knock out three or four essential RV chores in one stop, saving you precious time you’d rather spend exploring.
Now, let's talk specifics about the amenities. They do have water available, which is a huge plus. You'll find a rinse spigot right there at the dump station. However, and I can't stress this enough, always use your own dedicated non-potable water hose for rinsing your black tank and sewer hose. You never want to risk cross contamination by using your fresh water hose for that job. It’s just good RVing practice. If you’ve got a dog, there’s usually a gravelly patch of land on the edge of the lot where they can stretch their legs. It's not a fancy dog park, but it gets the job done. Just be a good neighbor and bring your own waste bags.
The on-site repair shop is another great feature. While they mostly cater to the big rigs, they can be a real lifesaver if you blow a tire or have a minor mechanical issue. It’s always a good idea to call ahead if you need anything more than a simple fix. One thing to be prepared for is the lack of a few key services. There’s no laundry facility and, critically, no public trash disposal. That means you’ll need to have a plan for your garbage, so make sure you have some sturdy bags to pack it out until you get to your next campground or a rest area with bins.
For a smooth visit, I’ve learned a few tricks. Try to time your stop for a mid-morning on a weekday. The morning rush of long-haul truckers has usually thinned out by then, and you won’t feel as pressured. Also, always wear a sturdy pair of gloves. That fine, alkaline desert dust gets on everything and can make your sewer fittings gritty and tough to handle. And even though there's rinse water, I always keep an extra gallon jug of water in a storage bay just for a final rinse of my sewer hose elbow. You never know when a station's water might be turned off for maintenance.
So, is Morton’s the right stop for you? If you’re a full-timer, a boondocker, or anyone who values efficiency and a fair price over fancy frills, then absolutely. It’s a workhorse of a dump station that lets you refuel your rig, your propane tanks, and your coffee cup all in one go. Just remember to bring your own trash solution and call ahead on a major holiday or event weekend to make sure it’s not completely swamped. It’s a dependable, friction-free place to get your tanks empty so you can get back to what really matters: enjoying the incredible landscapes of the American Southwest.