When you’re making serious miles on the interstate, there’s a certain rhythm to the road. You get in the zone, watching the signs, managing your fuel, and keeping an eye on the time. And when you’re in an RV, there’s one more critical task on that list: managing your holding tanks. When you’re rolling through a major crossroads like Knoxville, where I 40 and I 75 merge into a bustling artery of commerce and travel, you need a pit stop that’s as efficient and reliable as your diesel engine. That’s where the Petro Travel Center at Exit 369 comes in. This isn’t just a gas station; it’s a full blown command center for the long haul traveler, and for us RVers, it’s a one stop shop that lets you take care of business and get back on the road without missing a beat.
For a simple ten dollar bill, a price that’s been refreshingly consistent for years, you get access to a clean, modern dump station. But the value here goes far beyond that. This is a place where you can dump your tanks, fill up on high flow diesel, grab a hot shower, do a load of laundry, and even sit down for a real meal at the Iron Skillet restaurant, all in one single stop. That level of consolidation is pure gold when you’re on a long trip. It saves you time, it saves you stress, and it lets you focus on the journey ahead, whether you’re heading east toward the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville or west toward the music city of Nashville.
The location is absolutely strategic. Being on Watt Road at Exit 369 places you perfectly at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. You’re only about twenty minutes from the vibrant culture of downtown Knoxville’s Market Square, but more importantly for many of us, you’re just a 35 mile drive from the Sugarlands entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Think about that. You can pull off the interstate, get your rig completely refreshed and restocked, and be setting up camp in America’s most visited national park in about an hour. That’s the kind of convenience that can transform a travel day from a chore into a seamless part of the adventure.
Using the dump station at a major truck stop like a Petro has its own unique character. These places are built for efficiency and are humming with activity 24/7. The RV dump station is typically located on the automotive side of the complex, away from the constant flow of big rigs fueling up. Look for the distinctive red “RV Services” sign and the protective yellow bollards. The process is streamlined for speed. You just pull up, swipe a credit card at the kiosk, and you’re good to go. The station is well lit and usually has a concrete pad with a non potable water hose for rinsing your sewer hose and the surrounding area. The whole operation can be done in ten minutes flat, which is exactly what you want when you have places to be.
One of the standout features of this Petro is the attached TA Truck Service bay. While we all hope for trouble free travels, things happen. A tire could pick up a nail, or a check engine light could decide to make an appearance. Having professional mechanics on duty right where you’re stopping anyway provides an incredible amount of peace of mind. They can handle tire repairs and a range of light mechanical work, potentially saving your trip from a major delay.
Let’s talk about the full suite of amenities. The non potable rinse water at the dump pad is standard. The fuel islands offer both high flow diesel for the big pushers and regular auto gas. Inside the massive travel center, you’ll find the real creature comforts. The showers are private, tiled rooms that you can reserve, and after a long day behind the wheel, that can feel like a five star luxury. The coin operated laundry machines are open 24 hours, perfect for catching up on chores at any time. The restrooms are large, and because this is a flagship location, they are cleaned constantly. You will have to pack out your own trash from the dump station area itself, and there's no on site propane filling, but you can easily find that service in the nearby Knoxville suburb of Farragut. And a heads up for those traveling with pets: while there’s usually a small grassy area for a quick relief stop, the official policy keeps non service animals out of the main building.
For the ten dollar fee, the value is undeniable. When you consider that a shower alone can cost upwards of seventeen dollars at some travel centers, getting the dump service for ten is a bargain. Plus, if you’re a regular traveler, it pays to sign up for the TA/Petro “UltraONE” rewards program. You can earn points on fuel and other purchases that can be redeemed for free showers and meals, which really adds up over time.
A few tips for a smooth visit here: I always recommend hitting the dump station before you fuel up. This helps you avoid crossing the traffic patterns of cars and trucks heading to the pumps. The best time to visit for the lightest lines is usually late morning on a weekday, after the morning rush of truckers has cleared out. If you plan to do laundry, make sure you have a good supply of quarters, as the machines don’t typically take cards. And always be respectful of the designated parking areas. The truck only lanes are for professional drivers, many of whom are on tight schedules. RV parking is in the automotive lot, and keeping that separation makes things safer and smoother for everyone. Petro in Knoxville absolutely nails the one stop shop concept for RVers. It’s an affordable, efficient, and full service stop that provides everything you need to reset and recharge, just minutes away from the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
722 Watt Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934
(865) 693-6542
Cost: $10
Category: Truck stop
Has Water
ta-petro.com/location/tn/petro-knoxville