When you’re crossing the vast, open country of the Great Plains on I-94, the city of Bismarck, North Dakota, rises up from the prairie like a true oasis. It’s a natural point to rest, resupply, and regroup, and for RVers, the Stamart Travel Center at Exit 161 is the welcome station. Now part of the Pilot family of brands, this place is a 24-hour hub of activity that understands the needs of people on the move. With its wide-open lanes, food service, showers, and a dedicated RV dump station, it’s the perfect spot to take care of business before pushing further west into the dramatic landscapes of the Badlands or exploring the history along the Missouri River.
Bismarck itself is more than just a stopping point; it’s a destination worth exploring. As the state capital, it’s home to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, a truly impressive facility that tells the story of the region from its prehistoric past to the present day. You can stroll along the banks of the mighty Missouri River, or even check out the state capitol building, the tallest building in all of North Dakota. For those of us who plan our travels around good food, the city has even been highlighted as a key stop on a culinary trail along I-94. This Stamart location serves as the perfect base camp for these urban explorations or as the final, major service stop before you head into the more remote, rugged beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Using the dump station at a big Plains travel center like this is usually a breeze. The entire property is built on a massive scale to accommodate semi-trucks, so maneuvering even the largest fifth-wheel or Class A motorhome is a stress-free experience. You’ll want to pull in, find the designated sanitary station, and then check inside at the counter. The policy on fees here seems to fluctuate. Sometimes it’s free with a qualifying fuel purchase, and other times there might be a modest fee of around ten dollars. It’s always best to just ask the cashier when you go in. One crucial tip for this part of the country, especially if you’re traveling in the shoulder seasons of late fall or early spring, is to be mindful of the weather. North Dakota winters are legendary, and there’s always a chance that an early or late-season freeze could impact the dump station’s operation. A quick call ahead if the temperatures have been dipping low can save you a lot of hassle.
Let’s break down the on-site amenities. Some online listings say there is no water available, but as with many travel centers, this can be season-dependent. Given the harsh winters, it’s very likely that any potable water hydrants are shut off for a significant portion of the year to prevent freezing. Your best bet is to ask inside, but don’t rely on being able to fill your fresh tank here outside of the summer months. The station offers a full range of fuel, with both gasoline and diesel lanes, making it a logical place to fill up before the long stretches of open road ahead. While they don’t advertise propane refills, you can likely find that service at an RV dealer or farm supply store in Bismarck or neighboring Mandan.
One listing I saw mentioned that pets are not allowed, but that would be highly unusual for a travel center of this type. It's more likely that they simply require pets to be in designated areas and, of course, on a leash. Just use common sense and keep your furry friends away from the busy fuel lanes. For the human crew, the private pay showers and laundry facilities are invaluable, especially on a cross-country trip. Being able to wash off the road grime and put on clean clothes can do wonders for your morale. The 24-hour restrooms are also great for a quick stop, allowing you to keep your own RV tanks clean and empty after you’ve used the dump station. As for trash, you’ll find plenty of cans for small items, but if you have several large bags of garbage from a few days of boondocking, it’s always courteous to ask the staff for the best place to dispose of them.
The value proposition here is excellent. Whether the dump is free with fuel or costs a few dollars, it’s a bargain for the convenience and peace of mind it provides in a location that serves as a gateway to more remote adventures. This is your last best chance to stock up on groceries, parts, and other supplies before you head west into the Badlands, where services are much more limited. To make your stop smooth, consider timing it for midday, which is often less busy than the early morning rush when truckers are starting their day.
In summary, the Stamart Travel Center in Bismarck is an essential waypoint for any RVer crossing the northern plains on I-94. It’s big, it’s open 24/7, and it’s perfectly positioned as a place to rest and resupply. While you should always verify the status of things like water and dump fees upon arrival, its reliability and spaciousness make it a top-tier choice. Put this stop on your itinerary, and you’ll be ready to roll into the wild beauty of western North Dakota with fresh tanks and a full supply of everything you need.
3936 Miriam Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 222-1675
Cost: $10
Category: Truck stop
No Water
locations.pilotflyingj.com/us/nd/bismarck/3936-miriam-ave