There you are, barreling down Interstate 35, somewhere in that long, straight stretch between Dallas and Oklahoma City. The landscape is hypnotic, the miles are ticking by, and then you see it, that little light on your control panel starts blinking. The black tank is getting full. It's a moment every RVer knows well. You need a dump station, and you need one that’s easy to get to, reliable, and won’t throw a wrench in your travel day. This is where a place like the Flying J Travel Center at Exit 33 in Ardmore, Oklahoma, becomes your best friend. This isn't some quaint, scenic stop. This is a high-speed, no-nonsense, 24/7 pit stop machine, and sometimes, that’s exactly what the road demands. It's a place built for people on the move, a beacon of light for truckers and RVers alike who just need to refuel, refresh, and get back on the highway.
While the Flying J itself is all about efficiency, the area around Ardmore offers a fantastic reason to slow down for a bit. Just a short, ten-mile detour south of the interstate lies Lake Murray, Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park. This is a true gem. The water is famously clear, and the park is a playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can go boating, fishing, or even hit the ATV trails. For us RVers, the park has nine different campgrounds, making it the perfect place to head after you’ve taken care of business at the Flying J. It’s a wonderful contrast, going from the hustle and bustle of the truck stop to the peaceful, red-rock shores of the lake. It’s a great way to turn a routine chore into a mini-adventure. You can dump the tanks, grab some supplies, and then be setting up your campsite with a beautiful lake view in less than half an hour.
Now, let's talk about the dump station experience at a big truck stop like this one. It's a different world from a quiet campground. The RV island at this Flying J is located right near the truck diesel bays, so you are in the thick of the action. You have to be prepared for the constant rumble of engines and the flow of heavy traffic. There are usually two dedicated pull-through lanes for RVs, which keeps things moving. The setup is typically a simple, flush-mounted lid with a payment kiosk right there. Professional truck drivers value efficiency above all else, and it’s a good idea to adopt that mindset here. Have your gloves on, your sewer hose out, and your connections ready to go before you even pull into the lane. The person behind you will appreciate it. This is not the place to be fumbling around and reading the instructions on your new sewer hose support. Be prepared, be quick, and be on your way.
Here’s the most critical piece of information for this stop, and it’s a big one: there is no rinse water. Let me repeat that, no rinse water. This is a deal-breaker for unprepared RVers, but for those in the know, it’s just part of the process. You absolutely must bring your own water for rinsing your hose and the connection point. I always keep a dedicated one-gallon jug of non-potable water in an outside compartment just for this purpose. A quick swish and a rinse, and you’re good to go. The other amenities, however, are top-notch. You’ve got eight lanes of gas and diesel, plus DEF fluid, so you can fuel up your rig and your tow vehicle at the same time. They have bulk propane, which is a lifesaver if you’re heading out to do some boondocking in the Arbuckle Mountains. Inside, you’ll find showers and laundry facilities, which can be a godsend on a long trip. You can even reserve a shower spot through their mobile app. And, of course, there are large trash cans right by the fuel lanes, perfect for getting rid of all the accumulated road trip garbage.
The cost for using the dump station usually hovers around the $10 to $15 mark, which is pretty standard. The payment kiosk is almost always credit card only, so don't expect to be able to use cash. Here’s a pro tip: Flying J and Pilot often have promotions where they will waive the dump fee if you fuel up, especially if you use their loyalty app. It’s always worth calling the store directly or checking the app to see if there’s a deal going on. A free dump is always a good dump. When you pull up, if there’s a line, be courteous and stage your rig off to the side while you get your gear ready. Don’t block the diesel pumps for the truckers who are on a tight schedule. And always use your wheel chocks. Those concrete pads are sloped for drainage, and you don’t want your rig rolling an inch while you’re connected.
So, what's the bottom line? The Flying J in Ardmore is the epitome of convenience. It’s not glamorous, but it’s fast, it’s reliable, and it has everything you need to get your rig road-ready in one quick stop. You can dump your tanks, fill your propane, get fuel, do laundry, and even grab a hot meal before you hit the road again. The lack of rinse water is a non-issue as long as you come prepared. Pair this efficient pit stop with a relaxing afternoon or overnight stay at the beautiful Lake Murray State Park, and you’ve got the perfect combination of practicality and pleasure. For any RVer traveling the I-35 corridor, this is a must-have waypoint in your GPS.
2450 Cooper Dr, Ardmore, OK 73401
(580) 226-3833
Cost: Price not available
Category: Truck stop
No Water
locations.pilotflyingj.com/us/ok/ardmore/2450-cooper-drive