Let me tell you, there are few things more stressful on a long travel day through the desert than seeing that red light on your tank monitor start blinking. You know the one. It’s the one that says your black tank is getting dangerously close to full. When you’re out in the magnificent, sprawling red-rock country of Southern Utah, with Zion National Park’s majestic cliffs calling your name, the last thing you want to be thinking about is where you’re going to find a place to dump. That’s why finding a spot like the Texaco in Hurricane is like finding an oasis. It’s not just a gas station; for a road-weary RVer, it’s a beacon of hope, a promise that you can handle the dirty work quickly, efficiently, and get right back to the adventure. And the best part? It’s completely free.
Pulling off Interstate 15 onto the Hurricane exit, you’re immediately struck by the landscape. This isn’t just any town; it’s a gateway. You’re on the doorstep of some of the most spectacular scenery in the entire country. You’re less than a half-hour’s drive from the south entrance of Zion, a place that should be on every RVer’s bucket list. But it’s not just Zion. You’re within striking distance of Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly hoodoos, the high-altitude vistas of Cedar Breaks, and even the less-traveled North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Hurricane itself is an RVer’s playground. You’ve got Sand Hollow and Quail Creek State Parks just down the road, where the impossible turquoise water meets fiery red sand. It’s a paradise for anyone with a kayak, a paddleboard, or just a desire to cool off after a day of hiking. The surrounding area is crisscrossed with mountain biking trails and OHV routes that disappear into the Hurricane Cliffs. All this fun has a consequence, of course. When you’re out there living the dream, your holding tanks fill up fast. That’s what makes this unassuming Texaco station on North Coral Canyon Boulevard so incredibly valuable. It’s strategically placed to solve a problem every single one of us faces.
Now, let’s talk about the on-the-ground reality of using a gas station dump. It’s a different world from the leisurely pace of a campground’s sanitation station. This is a place of business, with cars, trucks, and other RVs all vying for a spot at the pumps. The dump island itself is usually set off to the side, a simple, no-frills setup designed for function over form. You’ll find a concrete pad, a sewer connection, and that’s about it. My advice is to try and time your visit strategically. The morning and evening commute times can get a little hectic. If you have a big rig like I do, navigating a crowded gas station can be a white-knuckle experience. I always aim for a late-morning stop, somewhere between 10 and 11 a.m., after the morning rush has died down but before the lunch crowd shows up. Early evening, after 7 p.m., is another good window. The 24/7 access is a huge plus for those of us who like to boondock on the nearby BLM land around Virgin or Leeds. You aren’t tied to the 9-to-5 schedule of a campground office. You can explore all day, watch the sunset paint the cliffs orange and purple, and then swing by to empty your tanks before settling in for the night.
So what do you get for free? You get the essentials. You get a place to connect your sewer hose and empty your black and grey tanks. You get access to gasoline and diesel, so you can fill up your motorhome’s tank and your generator’s can all in one go. That’s a big deal when you’re about to head into the steep grades of Zion. There are restrooms inside the convenience store, and you can usually grab the access code from the cashier when you go in to say thanks or buy a drink. But it’s what’s not here that you need to plan for. This is the crucial part. There is no reliable rinse water. I’ve seen reviews and heard from fellow travelers that the water spigot is inconsistent at best, and often turned off completely. For me, that’s a dealbreaker if I’m not prepared. A seasoned RVer knows you never, ever leave your black tank without a good rinse. So, you absolutely must come prepared. I carry a dedicated five-gallon jug of non-potable water and a separate, clearly marked hose just for this purpose. After the tank is empty, I can give it a quick flush to clear out any lingering debris. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in preventing sensor issues and odors down the road. Also, be aware there are no dedicated RV trash bins. You’ll need to have a good, sealable trash bag on board and plan to dispose of it at your next stop. This is a dump-and-dash spot, not a full-service resort.
The value proposition here is simple and unbeatable. In a region where private campgrounds can charge you ten, fifteen, even twenty dollars just to use their dump station, “free” is a beautiful word. Still, I make it a habit to be courteous. I always go inside, thank the cashier, and usually buy a coffee or a snack. It’s a small gesture of appreciation for a business providing a valuable service. It’s also wise to call ahead, especially if you’re traveling during the shoulder seasons or in winter. A quick call can confirm the dump is operational and save you a pointless detour. When you pull up, have your gear ready to go. I line up my gloves, sewer hose, elbow fitting, and some sanitizing wipes on the running board of my truck before I even open the bay door. This minimizes my time at the station and keeps things moving for everyone. The ground at this particular station has a slight grade to it, which can actually be a bonus, helping gravity do its job to get your tanks completely empty. Just make sure you replace the sewer cap securely when you’re done. It’s a small act of courtesy that prevents odors and problems for the next person.
So, is this Texaco the right stop for you? If you’re a self-sufficient RVer who needs a quick, no-nonsense place to empty your tanks and refuel on your way to adventure, then absolutely. It’s a must-save location in my GPS. The convenience, 24/7 access, and unbeatable price make it a key piece of infrastructure for anyone exploring Southern Utah. Just remember the golden rule: come prepared. Bring your own rinse water, have a plan for your trash, and be ready for the hustle and bustle of a busy gas station. Do that, and you’ll be back on the road in minutes, rolling toward the gates of Zion with empty tanks and a full sense of freedom.
82 N Coral Canyon Blvd, Hurricane, UT 84737
Cost: FREE
Category: Gas station
No Water
texaco.com