Sometimes, the best spots on the road are the ones hiding in plain sight. We get so focused on finding the big, flashy truck stops with all the bells and whistles that we cruise right past the simple, quiet, and often free alternatives. Let me tell you about one such place, a real hidden gem for RVers making their way through Mississippi. The Scott County I-20 Westbound Rest Area, just past the town of Morton, is exactly that kind of spot. It doesn’t scream for your attention. It just sits there, nestled in the pines, offering a clean and easy place to empty your tanks right off the highway.
I’ve come to appreciate the understated beauty of a good rest area dump station. There’s a certain peace to them that you just can’t find at a bustling travel plaza. As you pull off I-20, leaving the steady hum of traffic behind, the atmosphere immediately shifts. You’re not navigating a maze of fuel islands and eighteen-wheelers. Instead, you’re pulling into a spacious, well-paved loop surrounded by Mississippi’s signature rolling pine forests. It’s a place to take a breath. For those of us traveling with partners, kids, or pets, this is a huge advantage. While you’re taking care of the not-so-glamorous task of dealing with the black and gray tanks, your co-pilots can be out stretching their legs on a maintained walking path or enjoying a snack at a picnic shelter. The dedicated pet walk area is a simple amenity that makes a world of difference when you’ve got a dog that’s been cooped up for hours.
This part of Mississippi is a gateway to some fantastic outdoor recreation, which makes the location of this rest stop even more strategic. Just a short ten-minute drive south of here is Roosevelt State Park. It’s a beautiful park with RV sites right on Shadow Lake, many of them built by the CCC back in the day. It’s the perfect place to head for a night or two after you’ve emptied your tanks here at the rest area. If you’re more of a boondocking enthusiast, the massive Bienville National Forest is just to the north. We’re talking about 178,000 acres of wilderness to explore. You can find hiking trails, like the 22-mile Shockaloe Horse and Hiking Trail, and beautiful spots for fishing like Marathon Lake. Knowing you have a convenient dump station right on the interstate lets you plan your off-grid adventures with more confidence. You can go into the forest with empty tanks, and you know you have an easy place to clean out when you emerge.
Dumping at a rest stop like this is a fundamentally different experience. The traffic is almost always lighter. You’ll likely have the place to yourself, especially if you time it right. There’s no pressure, no queue of other rigs waiting behind you. You can take your time, make sure you do a thorough job, and not feel rushed. The facilities are typically open during daylight hours, synced with the restroom building hours, and the lighting is perfectly adequate for the job. It’s a state-run facility, so cleanliness is usually a priority. The whole vibe is just more relaxed and tranquil. You can actually hear the birds chirping and the wind rustling through the pines while you work.
Now, it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting, and more importantly, what you’re not getting. The primary amenities are the dump station itself, clean restrooms for a quick wash-up, and that lovely pet area. That’s about it. And this brings us to the most critical piece of advice, something that applies to almost every rest area dump station: you must bring your own rinse water. There is no spigot for hosing down your gear. A small, portable water jug is an essential piece of equipment for this kind of stop. Furthermore, there’s no fuel, no propane, no electric hookups, and no major trash disposal service. You need to plan your fuel stops elsewhere, and if you have a big bag of garbage to get rid of, you should plan on carrying it to your next destination. This is a targeted surgical strike, not a one-stop-shop for all your RV needs.
The cost is another huge plus. While there’s no official word from the Mississippi Department of Transportation, these types of facilities are almost always free to use, or at most, operate on a small donation basis. Always check for any posted signage when you arrive, but the value is undeniable. The convenience of pulling directly off the interstate, into a peaceful green space, and taking care of business without spending a dime is hard to beat. You’d have to detour miles off your route to find a private facility, and it would almost certainly cost you.
For a smooth visit, try to aim for the middle of the day. Early mornings and lunchtimes can sometimes see a small rush of cars and the occasional tour bus. An early afternoon stop is often dead quiet. Be mindful of your waste; while there are trash cans, they aren’t meant for large bags from your rig. And because you’re in a natural, wooded setting, be aware of the local wildlife. Secure your hoses and don’t leave any food out that might attract a curious squirrel or raccoon.
In summary, the Scott County westbound rest area is a fantastic, low-stress option for RVers cruising I-20. It’s perfect for the traveler who values peace and a bit of nature over the all-in-one convenience of a truck stop. If you’re heading to or from Roosevelt State Park or the Bienville National Forest, it’s an absolute must-know location. It turns a routine chore into a genuinely refreshing break from the monotony of the highway. Just remember to bring your own water, and enjoy a moment of calm among the Mississippi pines.
I-20, Morton, MS 39117
Cost: Price not available
Category: Rest stop
No Water
