When you’re out on the road, especially rolling through the vast landscapes of the West, you learn to appreciate the local, family run spots. The big truck stops are great, they have their place, but there’s a certain character and convenience to a smaller, independent station. Slim Olson’s in Bountiful, Utah, is exactly that kind of place. It’s a beacon for RVers navigating the busy Wasatch Front, that sprawling urban corridor that stretches from Ogden down past Salt Lake City. Finding a place that not only has a dump station but also offers propane and that hard to find ethanol free gas can feel like hitting the jackpot. It’s a one stop shop that saves you from bouncing all over town to get your rig ready for the next leg of your adventure.
Bountiful itself is a pleasant town, nestled right between the shores of the Great Salt Lake and the towering peaks of the Wasatch Mountains. It serves as a perfect staging ground for exploring the area. You can be playing a round of golf with mountain views one minute and then heading downtown to Salt Lake City, which is only a short ten minute drive south, the next. For us, this area is a gateway to some truly spectacular nature. A drive out to Antelope Island State Park is a must do; the sight of bison grazing with the salty lake and mountains in the background is something you won’t forget. And with Utah’s growing reputation for incredible dark skies, finding a spot like this to handle your chores before heading out to a remote campsite for some stargazing is incredibly valuable. It’s all about a seamless transition from the civilized world to the wild one.
Dumping at a place like Slim Olson’s is a different experience than you’ll have at a massive travel plaza. It’s more personal and a bit more compact. The dump station is located over by the car wash bays, so you need to be mindful of the flow of regular vehicle traffic. My advice is to avoid the morning and evening commuter rushes. Aim for a mid morning or early evening stop when the locals are at work and the lot is much quieter. You’ll have more room to maneuver your rig without feeling pressured. Unlike the fully automated systems at some places, here you’ll likely need to go inside and speak with the cashier. They’ll take your payment and often have to come out to unlock the dump cap for you. I actually prefer this. It’s a chance to have a quick chat, and I’ve gotten some great local advice from station clerks over the years. You’ll probably see other RVers there, too, filling up their propane tanks, which they do right on site. It creates a nice little sense of community, a brief hub for fellow travelers.
When you’re planning your stop, it’s good to know exactly what’s available. The potable water spigot is a huge plus. We all know the importance of sanitizing the spigot before we fill our fresh tanks, but having that option readily available is key. The real star of the show for me, though, is the fuel. They offer ethanol free 91 octane gasoline. Anyone who runs a generator knows that ethanol free fuel is like gold. It helps your generator run smoother and avoids the carburetor gumming issues that can plague you with standard E10 or E15 gas. Being able to fill up the rig and get clean fuel for the generator at the same time is a massive convenience. The on site propane service just completes the trifecta. No need to hunt for a tractor supply or a separate propane dealer.
Of course, it’s not a full service travel center, so you have to set your expectations accordingly. They have clean restrooms available during their business hours, which are typically from early morning to late evening. But you won’t find showers or laundry facilities here. This is a pit stop, not a place to spend half the day. It’s also important to be a good neighbor when it comes to your pets. The station property isn’t the place for a dog walk. Luckily, Bountiful City Park is just a couple of blocks away, and it’s a great spot to let your four legged companion stretch their legs before you get back on the highway. And while they have trash cans at the pumps, they’re meant for small, incidental trash. If you’ve been boondocking for a few days and have a couple of large bags of garbage, be courteous and plan to dispose of them elsewhere.
The cost for dumping has always been modest, based on what other RVers have said. Sometimes there's an extra small fee for the water fill, which is fair. Since prices can change, my standard operating procedure is to always call ahead. A quick two minute phone call can confirm the current rate, what forms of payment they accept, and make sure the station isn’t unexpectedly closed for maintenance. It’s a simple step that can prevent a lot of frustration.
Here are a few insider tips for making your stop at Slim Olson’s as smooth as possible. The lot can get a bit tight during the lunch hour on weekdays, so if you can, schedule your arrival for before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. When you’re getting propane, remember that Utah has a law requiring you to remain at the pump during the fill, so don’t wander off. If you need to give your gray tank a quick rinse, the car wash bay right next to the dump station has a high pressure hose. Just have some quarters handy. And finally, if you’re planning on heading up into the beautiful canyons nearby, like Bountiful Peak, be aware that cell service can get very patchy. Finalize your route and check road conditions on the main highway before you start your ascent. Slim Olson’s is a great find. It’s a reliable, friendly, and efficient place that offers the three essentials: a place to dump, clean fuel for your generator, and propane. It perfectly embodies the spirit of a helpful local business that serves the traveling community.
2301 S Main St, Bountiful, UT 84010
(801) 295-3421
Cost: Price not available
Category: Gas station
Has Water
