If you’ve ever pointed your rig eastbound on Interstate 80, you know the long, hypnotic stretch of highway that unspools across Iowa. It’s a ribbon of blacktop connecting the rolling hills of the west with the mighty Mississippi on the eastern border. While it’s a beautiful drive, especially with the cornfields stretching to the horizon, it can also be a bit of a service desert when you’re in desperate need of a dump station. Finding a spot that’s easy to get to, doesn’t cost a small fortune, and won’t have you navigating a crowded, chaotic truck stop can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why the eastbound rest stop near Tiffin, right around mile marker 237, feels like such a well-kept secret for those of us in the know. It’s one of those places you stumble upon once and then file away in your mental rolodex of essential road warrior knowledge. For folks traveling on a budget, and let’s be honest, who isn’t these days, the word “free” is music to the ears. Finding a free dump station right on the interstate isn’t just about saving ten or fifteen bucks; it’s about the principle. It’s about being able to put that money toward a better campsite down the road, a nice dinner out, or a ticket to a local attraction you might have otherwise skipped. It’s a small victory in the grand game of full time travel.
The drive itself through this part of Iowa is classic Midwest. It’s a landscape that can soothe the soul, with wide open skies and a sense of peaceful monotony that lets your mind wander. But when that little red light on your tank monitor starts blinking, that peaceful drive can quickly turn into a stressful one. This rest area appears just when you need it most, nestled conveniently between Des Moines and the Quad Cities. It’s not just a pull-off with a bathroom; it’s a full-service Iowa DOT facility, which means it’s generally well-maintained, well-lit, and designed with travelers in mind. You’ll find separate lanes for cars and trucks, which is always a relief when you’re piloting a big rig. There’s nothing worse than trying to squeeze your Class A into a spot designed for a minivan. The RV parking is roomy, with pull-through spots that make life so much easier. You can pull in, get your business done, and get back on the road without the hassle of a tricky backing maneuver.
Now, let’s talk about the main event: the dump station itself. When you pull into the rest area, keep your eyes peeled for the brown “Sanitary Station” signs. They typically direct you toward the car parking side of the facility, away from the constant rumble and churn of the semi-trucks. This separation is a small but significant detail. It means you’re not competing for space with professional drivers on a tight schedule, and the overall atmosphere is a bit more relaxed. The setup is straightforward, exactly what you’d expect from a state-run facility. It’s functional, no-frills, and designed for efficiency. But there is one critical piece of information you absolutely must know before you go, a detail that’s been flagged on multiple travel apps and confirmed by fellow RVers time and again. There is no rinse water. Let me say that again, because it’s important: you will not find a working spigot to flush your black tank or rinse your sewer hose. For a seasoned RVer, this is a major detail that changes your entire approach. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you have to be prepared. This is where the old habit of carrying a few extra gallons of water in a dedicated jerrycan pays off. You’ll need it for a proper hose rinse down to keep things sanitary and stored away cleanly. Some folks even use a couple of bottles of water just to get the job done. Forgetting this detail can make for a messy and unpleasant cleanup, so consider this your official heads-up. Plan ahead, bring your own water, and the whole process will be smooth and stress-free.
Beyond the dump station, the rest area offers the essentials. The restrooms are open 24/7 and have a reputation for being remarkably clean, which is always a pleasant surprise on a major interstate. There’s also a designated pet exercise area, a fenced-in space where your furry co-pilot can safely stretch their legs after being cooped up for a few hours. This is a huge plus for those of us who travel with our four-legged family members. You won’t find any fuel or propane here, so make sure your tanks are topped off before you pull in. The nearby town of Coralville, just a few miles to the east at exit 242, is your best bet for gas stations, truck plazas, and grocery stores. While there are standard trash barrels near the picnic shelters, there isn’t a large dumpster right at the RV island, so it’s best to practice the pack-it-in, pack-it-out philosophy for any bulky garbage you’ve accumulated. This stop is purely for dumping and resting; there are no electric hookups or repair services. It’s a true dump-and-go spot.
What makes this particular rest stop special, though, is its location. You’re just a stone’s throw from some really wonderful Iowa attractions. If you have an afternoon or even a full day to spare, you can turn a routine chore into a memorable side trip. Just north of the interstate is Coralville Lake, a massive reservoir managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It’s a haven for outdoor lovers, with hundreds of campsites, beautiful coves for kayaking and paddling, and the incredible Devonian Fossil Gorge, where you can literally walk on a 375-million-year-old ocean floor. A bit further east lie the Amana Colonies, a collection of seven villages that are a designated National Historic Landmark. Stepping into the Amana Colonies is like stepping back in time. The area is steeped in German communal heritage, and you can spend a whole day wandering through craft shops, sampling local wines and beers, and enjoying a hearty family-style meal. If you time your visit right, you might even catch one of their famous festivals, like Maifest or Oktoberfest. It’s amazing to think that all of this is just a short drive from a simple interstate rest stop. It’s a perfect example of how RV travel allows you to discover these hidden gems that are often just off the beaten path. So, is this stop worth it? Absolutely. For the RVer who needs a quick, convenient, and free place to take care of business on I-80, the Tiffin rest area is a must-know location. Just don’t forget to bring your own rinse water. Plan for that one detail, and you’ll find it’s one of the most valuable and convenient stops in all of eastern Iowa.
I-80 Eastbound, Tiffin, IA 52340
Cost: FREE
Category: Rest stop
No Water
iowadot.gov/maintenance/rest-areas