Southern Utah is a landscape of epic proportions. When you’re driving through this part of the country, you’re often traveling between giants, whether it’s the towering cliffs of Zion National Park, the surreal hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, or the snowy peaks of Brian Head. In a land this vast, managing your resources is everything, and that includes your holding tanks. That’s why the Sunoco gas station on West 200 North in Cedar City is a place every RVer should know about. In a region where travel plazas are increasingly charging fifteen dollars or more for a quick dump, this unassuming spot offers a five-dollar solution that’s hard to beat.
Cedar City itself is a fantastic hub. Known as "Festival City USA," it has a vibrant energy, thanks in large part to the world-renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival. But beyond the theater, it’s the perfect launchpad for outdoor adventures. You're just a short drive from the stunning, underrated beauty of Cedar Breaks National Monument and positioned perfectly for trips into Dixie National Forest. After days spent hiking among the red rocks or enjoying the high-altitude air, you inevitably need to come back to town to resupply, refuel, and, of course, take care of the tanks. This Sunoco makes that process incredibly easy and affordable.
Being a gas station dump station, the experience is a bit different from what you'd find at a dedicated RV park. It’s all about convenience and self-reliance. The dump lane is situated near the diesel islands, which means you can expect a steady flow of traffic and some potentially tight turns. I’ve seen RVs of all sizes manage it, but it pays to be patient and take it slow. The station has a clearly marked, angled concrete pad for "RV/Bus Waste," so you know you’re in the right place. The key here is to have your whole process down before you even pull up. The attendants are busy juggling fuel customers and the convenience store, so you shouldn't expect a guided tour. Get your gloves on, have your sewer hose and any connectors you might need at the ready.
The routine is straightforward: connect your hose securely, pull the valve for the black tank, and let it drain completely. Once that’s done, close the black valve and open the grey. The soapy water from your showers and sinks will help flush out any residue left in the hose. It’s a system that works, and doing it efficiently helps keep things moving for everyone. After you’re all done and capped off, you just head inside to pay the five-dollar fee at the counter. I’ve heard from other travelers that sometimes they’ll waive the fee with a significant fuel purchase, but you should never assume that’s the case. Policies can change, so it’s always best to just plan on the five dollars and be pleasantly surprised if they offer a deal.
One of the biggest advantages of this particular Sunoco is the on-site amenities that are so often missing at other budget dump stations. They have potable water, which is a huge plus. You can give your equipment a proper rinse and, more importantly, top off your fresh water tank before you head back out into the desert or up into the mountains. They also have propane, allowing you to take care of all your fuel needs in one single stop, which is a massive time-saver. And after a long drive through the desert, having access to a real, flushing restroom inside the station is a creature comfort you learn not to take for granted.
There are a few things to keep in mind for a smooth stop. The station can get quite busy, especially during the evening commute from 5 to 7 p.m. when locals are filling up. I always try to plan my stop for mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid the rush. Also, the concrete pad has a bit of a slope to it. If you have one of those flimsy, cheap sewer hoses, it might kink. Using a hose support can make a world of difference in ensuring a smooth, downhill flow. And since it is a busy public space, it’s smart to keep your own disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer ready for cleanup.
The location is another huge selling point. It’s right in the heart of Cedar City, which means you can combine your dump-and-fill stop with other errands. There’s a Smith’s grocery store right across the street, which is the perfect place to stock up on supplies. Food prices in the smaller mountain towns near the ski resorts can be sky-high, so getting your shopping done here can save you a good chunk of change.
In the end, this Sunoco is all about incredible value. You will sacrifice the quiet, spacious serenity of a dedicated RV park, but in return, you get an unbeatable price and the convenience of handling all your essential services in one quick, efficient stop. That five or ten dollars you save is money you can put toward a delicious pizza at a local spot like Centro or a pie at Rusty’s Ranch House on your way up to Brian Head. For any budget-conscious RVer exploring the wonders of southern Utah, this Sunoco is an absolute gem. Mark it on your map; you’ll be glad you did.
1495 W 200 N, Cedar City, UT 84720
(435) 586-7400
Cost: $5
Category: Gas station
Has Water
sunoco.com