There are certain roads in this country that feel like the backbone of the American road trip, and Interstate 80 is definitely one of them. It’s a major artery, funneling a constant stream of RVs, truckers, and families from east to west and back again. When you’re on a long haul like that, you come to appreciate the reliable, predictable oases along the way. The Flying J in Gretna, Nebraska, is one of those classic, one stop wonders that belongs on every RVer’s map. It’s got everything you need to reset and refuel, all in one sprawling lot: gas and diesel, food, surprisingly clean showers, a 24 hour laundry room, and, most importantly, a pay dump station that’s currently listed at a very reasonable ten dollars. And like most locations in this chain, the store and the professional driver lanes are open around the clock, which is a godsend for those of us who sometimes find ourselves rolling in late at night.
The location itself is perfectly situated for a little break from the road. If you’ve got a co pilot who enjoys a bit of retail therapy, the Nebraska Crossing outlets are just a mile north of the truck stop. It’s a huge complex with over eighty stores, and the best part is they have parking lots designed to accommodate big rigs, so you don’t have to worry about where to park the house. If you happen to be traveling in the fall, you absolutely cannot miss Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. It’s a local institution that’s been going strong for forty years, a massive celebration of autumn with corn mazes, hayrides, and those life changing caramel apples. For those who need to stretch their legs in a more natural setting, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is only a fifteen minute drive to the west. It’s a beautiful park perched above the Platte River, with an observation tower you can climb, ropes courses, and even a full on aquatic center. It’s a fantastic place to let the kids or the dog run off some steam.
Now, let’s talk about the logistics of using a busy truck stop dump station. At a Flying J, the RV dump is almost always located on one of the outer islands, near the dedicated RV fuel lanes, or sometimes adjacent to the truck care building. It’s a pretty slick system. You can swipe a credit card right at the station, or if you’re part of their rewards program, you can use the myRewards Plus app on your phone to pay and activate it. Once you’re paid up, you connect your hoses, press the foot pedal to open the drain, and you’re in business. The key here is to be efficient. These stations see a very high turnover, so it’s important to be considerate of your fellow travelers. Do your business, rinse your gear, and move along so the next person can get in. Avoid blocking the diesel lanes at all costs; those professional drivers are on a tight schedule. A huge bonus at this specific location is the on site Southern Tire Mart. If you’ve been noticing a bit of weird wear on your tires or have a minor mechanical issue, you can potentially get it looked at while you’re taking care of everything else. That’s a level of convenience that can truly save a trip.
This place is an amenities powerhouse. You can fill up your gas or diesel tank, top off your bulk propane for those chilly Nebraska nights, do a couple loads of laundry, and even grab a hot shower. Pro tip: you can reserve your shower through the app as soon as you pull into the lot, so it’s ready for you when you’re done with your other chores. The place is pet friendly, with grassy strips usually located behind the main parking areas. Just keep a close eye out for semi traffic when you’re walking your dog. There are large trash bins located by all the fuel islands, so it’s a great chance to get rid of your accumulated waste. Just please, be a good citizen and bag it up tightly. While they have a tire and lube shop, they don’t have full repair services or electric hookups for overnight stays. If you need shore power, you’ll have to plan on boondocking at one of the nearby state parks. And be prepared for no dedicated rinse water at the dump station itself. Always carry your own water for flushing out your hose.
At ten dollars, the dump fee here is the industry standard for a national travel plaza. It’s a fair price, and frankly, far cheaper than paying for a full campground stay if all you need is a quick dump and run. To really maximize the value of your stop, combine it with a propane fill and a fuel top off. Knock all your chores out at once.
A few insider tips for a smooth visit. Try to avoid stopping here on a Saturday afternoon. The nearby outlet mall gets absolutely flooded with shoppers, and the traffic in and around the Flying J can get a little crazy. When you pull in, head straight for the designated RV lanes. It keeps you out of the way of the big rigs and makes for a much less stressful experience. And here’s a good team strategy: one person can handle the dump station while the other runs inside to grab one of their surprisingly decent fresh baked pizzas. It’s a nice little reward. If you’re exhausted and thinking about overnighting in the lot, make sure you go inside and get permission from the manager first. Spaces can fill up incredibly fast, especially on a weekend when the Huskers have a home football game.
To wrap it all up, the Flying J in Gretna is a textbook example of a perfect I-80 pit stop. With its 24/7 access, full range of fuel services, and proximity to shopping and recreation, it’s an incredibly practical and stress free place to take care of business. Keep your hoses handy, follow the signs, and enjoy a moment of civilized convenience before you continue your journey toward Lincoln, Omaha, or wherever the road takes you next.
15010 NE-31, Gretna, NE 68028
(402) 332-4483
Cost: $10
Category: Truck stop
No Water
locations.pilotflyingj.com/us/ne/gretna/15010-south-state-hwy-31