Driving the I-15 corridor in Utah is an experience of grand scales. You're squeezed between the towering Wasatch Front to the east and the Great Salt Lake desert flats to the west. It's a major artery for anyone traveling between Salt Lake City and Provo, and it's the main path for countless RVers heading south towards the breathtaking beauty of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks. Right in the middle of this bustling stretch, in the town of Lehi, sits a humble Sinclair gas station on Main Street. It doesn't look like much, but for a savvy RVer, this place is a critical strategic waypoint. It's a simple, no-frills stop where you can empty your tanks, top off your fuel, and grab some propane before you venture into the mountains or the red-rock desert.
Lehi itself is a fascinating place to pause. It's the epicenter of what’s known as Silicon Slopes, Utah’s booming tech hub. It has a vibrant, modern energy that feels a world away from the ancient landscapes just a short drive from town. If you have some time to kill, Thanksgiving Point is an absolute must-see, especially if you have kids. It's a massive complex with a world-class dinosaur museum, a stunning butterfly biosphere, and sprawling gardens. You could easily spend a whole day there. For those of us who crave the outdoors, you are just minutes from the mouth of American Fork Canyon, a spectacular alpine wonderland with hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning scenery. It’s the kind of place you go for a quick day hike that turns into an all-afternoon adventure. And if you’re a skier, you’re less than an hour’s drive from the legendary powder of Park City and Snowbird. This Sinclair stop, then, isn't just a place to dump; it's your launchpad to whatever kind of adventure you're seeking.
Now, let's get real about the on-the-ground experience of using a dump station at a gas station. It’s a game of trade-offs. You sacrifice the wide-open spaces of a dedicated truck stop or campground for sheer convenience. The dump drain is likely tucked away in a back corner of the parking lot, so you might have to do a little searching. Turns can be tight, especially during rush hour when the station is swarming with commuters from the nearby tech campuses. You have to be extra aware of your surroundings, watching for cars zipping in and out and keeping an eye on your tail swing. I’d also pay close attention to any overhead canopies or low-hanging wires, especially if you’re in a tall Class A or fifth wheel. But the upside is that you can accomplish several crucial tasks in one stop. You can fill up your truck with gas and get your propane cylinders for the fridge and furnace topped off, all in the same place you’re emptying your tanks.
The amenities here are exactly what you'd expect from a gas station: basic and functional. You have gas and propane on site, which is the main draw. They have standard public restrooms, which are handy for a quick hand wash after you’re done with the sewer hose. But here is the most important piece of information you need to know: the availability of rinse water is not guaranteed. I cannot stress this enough. You should operate under the assumption that there is NO non-potable water spigot at the dump station. This means you absolutely must arrive with your own rinse water. A dedicated five-gallon jug of water that you can pour down your toilet after the tank is empty is an essential piece of equipment. It’s the only way to get a proper flush and ensure your sensors don’t get gunked up. There are no other RV-specific amenities here, no showers, no laundry, and no dedicated trash disposal for big bags, so plan accordingly.
When it comes to cost, you'll need to go inside and ask the cashier. At places like this in Utah, the fee is typically very reasonable, often in the $5 to $10 range. Sometimes, they will even waive the fee entirely if you buy a certain amount of fuel. It’s always best to ask first before you start the process. For a smoother visit, I highly recommend trying to get there early in the morning, before 8 a.m., to beat the morning rush of tech workers heading to their offices. Here’s a local traffic tip: use the southern entrance to the station off Main Street. It lines you up better with the traffic signals and makes getting back onto the I-15 on-ramp much easier and less stressful. Because the space can be tight, it’s also a good idea to have a sewer hose extension with you. You may not be able to park perfectly centered over the drain, and that extra ten feet of hose can be a lifesaver.
So, what’s my final take? The Sinclair in Lehi is a workhorse, not a show pony. It’s a perfect example of a utilitarian stop that serves a vital purpose. It’s for the RVer who is on a mission, whether that’s getting through the city or getting ready for some serious boondocking in the Uinta Mountains. Its value is in its location and its basic, all-in-one offering of fuel, propane, and dumping. If you arrive prepared with your own rinse water and a little bit of patience for the tight quarters, you’ll find it to be an incredibly useful and efficient stop. It’s a definite pin to add to your map when you're traveling through the heart of Utah.