Let me tell you, when you’re barreling down the Pennsylvania Turnpike, trying to make good time between, say, the Delaware Water Gap and the rolling hills out west, the last thing you want to do is navigate a major city just to empty your tanks. It’s a momentum killer. You have to get off the toll road, find your way through unfamiliar streets, deal with city traffic, and then get back on again. That’s why finding a spot like the Allentown Service Plaza right on I-476 feels like striking gold. It’s one of those little conveniences that makes a long travel day so much more manageable. You pull off, you do your business, maybe you grab a coffee and a fresh pretzel, and you’re back on the highway in less than a half-hour. It’s the epitome of an efficient pit stop.
This isn’t just any random stretch of asphalt, either. The Lehigh Valley is a really interesting part of Pennsylvania, a place where old industrial steel towns are finding new life next to some beautiful outdoor recreation. If you’re not in a hurry, this stop can be a gateway. We’ve used it as a jumping-off point before heading up to hike a piece of the Appalachian Trail, which crosses not too far north of here. The trails in this region can be rocky and challenging, but the views are pure Pennsylvania ridge and valley. On another trip, with the grandkids in tow, we knew Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom was just down the road. Knowing we could easily dump our tanks at the plaza after a weekend of family fun made the logistics so much simpler. We didn’t have to worry about finding a campground with an available dump station on a busy Sunday. We just packed up, hit the road, and took care of it at the plaza.
Using a dump station at a turnpike service plaza is its own unique experience. It’s nothing like the slow, quiet process at a state park campground. These places are built for speed and volume. The lanes are wide and designed for massive trucks and tour buses, so even if you’re in a big Class A with a toad, you’re going to have plenty of room to maneuver. You’re not trying to back into a tight spot between two trees here. The dump station itself is usually located on the edge of the car parking area, away from the chaos of the diesel islands where the truckers are fueling up. This is a smart design, as it keeps us RVers out of their way, which is something I always appreciate. You’ll find a self-service kiosk, which makes things incredibly quick. Last I checked, it was just five bucks, and you just swipe your credit card. No need to go inside and wait in line.
Let’s talk about the amenities, because at a service plaza, it’s about more than just the dump. You get fuel, of course. The Sunoco station has both gas and diesel, and the lanes are easy to get in and out of. There are restrooms inside the main building, which are usually kept pretty clean, and a designated dog-walking area. After being cooped up in the cab for a few hours, being able to give your four-legged co-pilot a proper walk is a huge relief. There are also plenty of trash cans around, so it’s a good opportunity to get rid of the small bags of trash that accumulate on a travel day. But you need to know what’s not here. There’s no propane filling, no showers, and no laundry. This is a pit stop, not a full-service resort. If you’re desperate for a propane top-off, you’ll have to get off the turnpike and find a proper truck stop or supplier.
So, what does that five-dollar fee really get you? It buys you convenience, pure and simple. For the price of a fancy coffee, you get to avoid a 30-minute detour, city traffic, and the general headache of finding a dump station in an unfamiliar area. When you compare that to the ten, fifteen, or even twenty dollars some private campgrounds charge non-guests, it’s an absolute bargain. The real value is in the efficiency. You can dump the tanks, fill the gas tank, empty the trash, walk the dog, and grab a bite to eat all in one stop, right on your route. It turns a necessary chore into a streamlined part of your journey. One thing to always remember, though, is to check the price on the kiosk screen before you swipe your card. Things can change, and it’s always best to be sure.
A few pro tips for making your stop here as smooth as possible. These plazas are operated by a company called Applegreen. If you’re traveling on or right after a major holiday weekend, like the Fourth of July or Labor Day, it might be worth giving them a quick call just to make sure the dump station is operational. Heavy use can sometimes lead to temporary closures for maintenance. I always recommend having your own “dump kit” ready to go. A good pair of nitrile gloves is non-negotiable. I also carry a clear elbow adapter for the sewer hose so I can see when the tank is truly empty, and I always, always have a spare gallon or two of rinse water in the rig. The water spigot at these stations is for rinsing your hose, and it’s definitely non-potable. Sometimes the hose bib might be in use or in poor condition, so having your own water gives you peace of mind. When you pull in, park in the regular car lot to get your hoses and gloves ready. This keeps you out of the way of the big rigs and makes the whole process less stressful. Then, when you’re all set up, you can pull over to the station and get the job done quickly.
My final verdict? The Allentown Service Plaza is a must-know spot for anyone who travels the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It’s a perfect example of a functional, no-frills facility that does exactly what it needs to do. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap, it’s easy, and its location is unbeatable. As long as you come prepared with your own fresh water for your tank and don’t expect luxury amenities, it’s one of the most practical and efficient solutions for that necessary RV chore. It lets you take care of business and get right back to the adventure, whether that’s exploring the history of the Lehigh Valley or pushing onward to your next destination.
5052 Cetronia Rd, Allentown, PA 18106
(610) 398-7086
Cost: $5
Category: Toll road rest stop
Has Water
paturnpike.com/travel/plaza_locations/allentown.aspx