Sometimes, you just need a quick and easy solution. You’re rolling down the interstate, the kids are getting restless, the sun is getting low, and you see that little red light on your tank monitor start to glow. It’s a familiar feeling for any RVer. In those moments, you’re not looking for a resort with a swimming pool; you’re looking for a fast, no nonsense place to take care of business. That’s exactly what the Chevron on Alameda Boulevard in north Albuquerque offers. It’s a beacon of convenience right off Interstate 25, a place where you can pull in, empty your tanks, fill up on diesel, grab a snack, and be back on the highway in under twenty minutes. For the road weary traveler, that kind of efficiency is worth its weight in gold.
The station is situated in a pretty convenient spot in Albuquerque’s North Valley. It’s a typical suburban area with big box stores and restaurants, but it’s also surprisingly close to some beautiful natural spots. If you need to stretch your legs and get a dose of nature, the Los Poblanos Fields Open Space is just ten minutes away. It's a lovely area along the Rio Grande where you can watch sandhill cranes during their migration. A little further east, the massive Sandia Mountains loom over the city, offering incredible hiking opportunities like the famous La Luz Trail. This Chevron is also strategically located if you're in town for the Balloon Fiesta. Many people boondock or stay in overflow lots for the event, and having a reliable dump station nearby for a quick dawn patrol run is absolutely essential. You can get in and out before the major crowds descend on the park.
Now, dumping at a gas station is a different beast compared to a campground or a dedicated storage facility. The name of the game here is throughput. These places are designed to get people in and out quickly, so you have to adjust your expectations accordingly. First, the space can be tight. The turning radius around the pumps and the convenience store can be a challenge for larger rigs. I always recommend taking a wide, slow swing into the lot, keeping a close eye on your mirrors to clear any light poles or the station canopy. Some of these older stations were not built with modern 45 foot Class A motorhomes in mind.
Second, payment is usually handled at a kiosk or with the cashier inside. This Chevron has been reported to have a pay system right at the dump station, which is super convenient. Expect to pay a flat fee, probably somewhere in the six to ten dollar range. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, just in case the card reader is acting up. Third, be prepared for a high curb around the sewer connection. This is common at gas stations. It’s a smart move to carry a few leveling blocks with you. If the pad slopes away from the drain, you can use the blocks to raise the low side of your rig a bit, ensuring that gravity does its job and you get a complete and clean drain. Nothing is worse than a dump station where you can’t get the last few gallons out of the tank.
Let’s talk about the amenities, or in this case, the focused utility of the place. The big draw is that you can get both gasoline and diesel here, so you can fill up your chassis tank and your generator tank in one go. They also offer propane refills, which is another handy convenience. You can top off your grill cylinders before you head up into the mountains for some off grid camping. Inside the minimart, there's a restroom where you can wash your hands after you’re done with the dirty work, though it can get busy during the morning coffee rush. What you won't find here are things like potable water for your fresh tank, electric hookups, showers, or laundry. This is a purely utilitarian stop. A recent report I saw mentioned there was no rinse water available at the dump station itself. This is a critical piece of information. I never travel without a dedicated five gallon jug of water just for this purpose, to rinse out my hose and the dump area when I’m done. It's a must have for any responsible RVer. And as for pets, it’s best to keep them securely inside the RV. A busy gas station forecourt is no place for a dog to be wandering around.
Value is a key consideration here. While the official fee isn't posted online, travelers have reported paying around six dollars. In a metro area like Albuquerque, that’s a very competitive price. It’s certainly cheaper than what you’d pay at most private parks and is right in line with municipal rates, but with the added convenience of 24 hour access and fuel on site. For the price, the convenience is hard to beat.
To make your stop as smooth as possible, here are a few tips from the road. Try to arrive in the mid afternoon. You'll avoid the morning and evening commuter traffic on Alameda Boulevard, making it much easier to get in and out. If you’re coming from the west, heading eastbound on Alameda, your entry will be a simple right turn. Coming from the east requires a left turn across traffic, which can be tricky in a big rig. Have your payment ready, whether it's a credit card or exact change. And as I mentioned, bring your own rinse water. Don't count on it being available. Finally, be mindful of the height of the canopy over the fuel pumps. If you’re in a tall Class A, you might need to approach at a slight angle to ensure you have enough clearance.
The bottom line is this: the Chevron on Alameda is all about speed, convenience, and location. It’s not a scenic spot, and the space is a bit limited. But if your goal is to empty the tanks, fuel up, and get back on your adventure with minimal fuss and time wasted, it’s an excellent option. It delivers on its promise of being a quick pit stop. Just do yourself a favor and call ahead to confirm the current fee and the rinse water situation. A two minute phone call can save you an hour of frustration.
5980 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 821-9953
Cost: Price not available
Category: Gas station
No Water
chevronwithtechron.com/station