When you’re rolling down Interstate 90, cutting across the top of Ohio with Lake Erie just a stone's throw to your north, you get used to a certain rhythm. But there are stops, and then there are stops. The Love’s Travel Stop at Exit 212 in Madison is one of the latter. It’s more than just a place to fuel up; it’s a full-service oasis for the road-weary RVer. This isn't just a gas station with a forgotten dump station in the back. This is a place where you can get your rig weighed on a certified CAT Scale, empty your tanks, do your laundry, take a hot shower, and fill up on propane, all in one go. For those of us who have spent any time traveling in the shoulder seasons, knowing a place like this exists in the heart of the Lake Erie snowbelt is like having a golden ticket.
Before you even pull in to handle your chores, you have to appreciate where you are. Madison is the heart of the Grand River Valley, Ohio’s premier wine country. I’m not kidding. You pull off this major interstate, and within five or ten minutes, you can be surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards that look like they were plucked straight out of a postcard. Just a few miles south of the Love’s is a whole cluster of wineries. Imagine spending the afternoon at a place like Debonné Vineyards, doing a tasting, maybe picking up a few bottles of something local and unique. It’s a wonderful way to break up a long travel day. And if you’re traveling in the summer, you’re just a short drive from Geneva-on-the-Lake, a classic, old-school resort town right on the water with arcades, fishing charters, and that perfect nostalgic vacation vibe. This Love’s stop isn’t just a utility; it’s a gateway to some really lovely local experiences.
Now, let's get down to the business of the stop itself. The beauty of a big travel center like Love’s is the 24/7 convenience. It doesn't matter if you roll in at two in the afternoon or two in the morning, the lights are on and they’re ready for you. The RV lanes are typically separate from the big rig diesel pumps, which is a huge relief. You’re not trying to maneuver your 38-foot fifth wheel around a dozen eighteen-wheelers. The dump station is usually located right in the RV area, making it easy to access. And having the CAT Scale right there is a massive bonus. If you’re a full-timer or just conscientious about your weight, knowing your exact axle weights is crucial for safety and tire wear. Here’s a pro-tip from years of experience: dump your tanks before you weigh. Your black and grey tanks can easily hold several hundred pounds of liquid, and that weight can throw off your balance and give you an inaccurate reading. Empty everything first, then get your certified weight.
The amenities here are what truly set this location apart. They have both potable and non-potable water right at the dump station. This is fantastic. You can flush your black tank thoroughly with the non-potable spigot and then fill up your fresh tank from the separate, clean potable water spigot. Just remember to use two different hoses, a white or blue one for your fresh water and a dedicated, different-colored hose for the dirty work. Having on-site propane is another huge timesaver, eliminating the need to find a separate tractor supply or U-Haul center. But for many of us, especially those who enjoy boondocking, the real luxury is the showers and laundry. After a few days off-grid, there is almost nothing better than a long, hot, private shower. And being able to throw in a couple of loads of laundry while your batteries are topping off at one of their limited electric hookup spots feels like a total system reset. They even have a designated dog park, a real fenced-in area where your four-legged copilot can safely run off some steam.
When it comes to cost, you can expect the dump fee to be in the usual $10 to $15 range for Love’s locations. Often, if you’re buying a significant amount of fuel, they might waive the fee, but you should always confirm with the cashier first. The CAT Scale weight is a separate transaction at their standard national rate. If you’re a frequent traveler, I highly recommend using the Love’s Connect app. You can earn points on fuel that translate into free shower credits, which is a fantastic perk. My advice for timing your visit is to try and avoid late Friday afternoons when all the traffic from Cleveland seems to be heading east for the weekend. And a fun tip: since you’re in wine country, maybe keep a collapsible crate or a couple of wine sleeves in your basement storage. You never know when you’ll find a bottle you want to bring with you.
My final verdict on the Madison Love’s and CAT Scale is that it’s a premier stop on I-90. It’s a place that understands what RVers need. The combination of essential services like dumping, weighing, and propane, with the added luxuries of laundry and showers, makes it a top-tier facility. Add in the fact that you’re on the doorstep of a beautiful wine region, and it becomes a no-brainer. It’s the perfect place to hit the reset button on your rig and yourself before continuing your journey east or west.
1601 Great Lks Wy, Madison, OH 44057
(877) 228-7225
Cost: Price not available
Category: Truck stop
Has Water
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