Southern California. The land of sunshine, movie stars, and traffic. Anyone who has ever tried to navigate the sprawling web of highways around Los Angeles in a big rig knows the unique brand of stress it can induce. The lanes feel narrow, the drivers are aggressive, and finding a place to pull over, let alone a place to handle essential RV chores, can feel like an impossible task. Just when your tanks are getting full and your patience is getting thin from crawling along Highway 118, a place like the Union 76 gas station in Simi Valley appears like an oasis in a desert of asphalt. Located at 2706 East Los Angeles Avenue, this isn't just a gas station. It’s an all-in-one, 24/7 pit stop designed for people on the move, and that includes us RVers. It offers gasoline, a place to fill your propane tanks, some basic repair services, and, most importantly, an RV dump station.
The price for dumping here can fluctuate, as is common in the volatile California market, but recent reports put it around fifteen dollars, with a nice five-dollar discount if you fill up your fuel tank. In a region where convenience is king, that feels like a fair price to pay. After you’ve dealt with the necessities, you’re perfectly positioned to explore what this corner of Ventura County has to offer. Just a few miles down the road is the magnificent Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Perched on a hilltop, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Santa Susana Mountains. Even if you’re not a history buff, seeing the actual Air Force One pavilion is an awe-inspiring experience. For those who need to stretch their legs after a long drive, the historic Old Stagecoach Road trail within Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park is nearby. You can hike the same route that once connected Los Angeles to the goldfields of San Francisco, a tangible connection to California’s rugged past. And from Simi Valley, you’re within striking distance of everything from the beachside RV parks near Malibu to the beautiful, shaded campgrounds tucked away in the canyons around Thousand Oaks. This 76 station becomes your gateway to it all.
Let’s be realistic about the on-the-ground experience, though. This is a busy gas station in a major metropolitan area. The dump station is typically a single lane, often located adjacent to the diesel island where the big commercial trucks fuel up. While the space for maneuvering is usually decent, it’s not going to feel like the wide-open spaces of a rural campground. You need to be aware of your surroundings, watch for cars and trucks, and be efficient. The tremendous upside is the 24/7 operation. The bright lights and security cameras provide a sense of safety that you don’t always get at more isolated spots, especially if you find yourself needing to dump late at night. The attendants at these kinds of places are also very serious about cleanliness. A spill isn’t just a breach of etiquette; it can lead to a hefty fine. So, you’ll want to have your gloves on, your hoses ready, and your process down pat before you even pull up.
The amenities are geared towards efficiency. There is a potable water spigot available, which is crucial for rinsing your sewer hose and, if needed, for flushing your tank. The real draw is the ability to handle multiple chores at once. You can fill your gas tank, top off your LP cylinders for the fridge and furnace, and empty your holding tanks all in one stop, with one credit card swipe. They even offer basic services like tire pressure checks. It’s the epitome of a “fuel and flush” stop. However, be aware of the limitations. This is not a pet-friendly oasis. There’s no grassy area for your dog; you’d be better off stopping at a nearby park like Tapo Canyon Park for that. The restrooms and trash bins are located inside the convenience store, so you’ll want to use them before you pull into the dump lane to avoid holding anyone up. And this should go without saying, but there is absolutely no overnight parking or electric hookups. This is a service stop, designed for a quick in-and-out. The goal is to get you back on CA-118, ready for the next leg of your journey. For any RVer transiting through the often-challenging SoCal region, this Union 76 is a textbook example of a perfect pit stop. It’s bright, efficient, and combines all the essential services you need into one convenient location.
2706 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 990-8153
Cost: Price not available
Category: Gas station
Has Water
76.com/station/u76-simi-valley-union-76-0000892940/?utm_source=G&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=google-local&utm_source=G&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=google-local