You know the feeling. You’re making good time on a major interstate, the miles are flying by, but that little light on your control panel is mocking you. The gray tank is creeping towards full, and the black tank isn’t far behind. When you’re barreling down Interstate 80 in Northern California, somewhere between the Sierra foothills and the chaos of the Bay Area, your options can feel pretty slim. That’s when a simple, no frills spot like the Chevron gas station in Dixon becomes an absolute lifesaver. It’s located at 1300 Stratford Avenue, just a quick hop off the highway, and it’s a classic example of a gas and go dump station that can save you from a major detour into the Sacramento suburbs.
For a small fee, which fellow RVers have reported as being around ten dollars, you can get the necessary business done, empty both of your waste tanks, and get back on the road. It’s not glamorous, it’s not scenic, but it is incredibly convenient. This is the kind of place that seasoned travelers keep in their back pocket for just such an emergency. You can even top off your propane tank here, which saves you yet another stop down the road. Grab a coffee from the convenience store, and you’re ready to tackle the rest of the Central Valley or the infamous Bay Area traffic with a little more peace of mind.
Now, before you get too excited, let’s talk about the on the ground reality. This is a neighborhood Chevron, not one of those sprawling travel plazas with acres of parking. That means quarters are tight. The dump port is situated on the south side of the station, and you’ll need to be mindful of the curbs and the flow of traffic. If you’re driving anything over 35 feet, you’ll want to take it slow and maybe even have your co pilot hop out to guide you. If you’re towing a car, you’ll almost certainly need to unhook it before you even think about approaching the dump station. The fuel lanes get busy, especially during commuter hours, so a little patience and situational awareness go a long way.
The biggest, most important thing you need to know about this spot is that there is no dedicated rinse water spigot. This is a huge deal. You absolutely cannot leave without flushing your sewer hose, so you must come prepared. We always carry a couple of extra gallon jugs of non potable water specifically for this purpose. It’s a simple habit to get into, and it will save you from a messy and unsanitary situation. The station does have a restroom inside the convenience store, which is handy for washing your hands after the job is done, but don’t expect any other creature comforts. There are no electric hookups, and you’ll need to pack out your own trash. The lot is small, so it’s not really a place to let your pets stretch their legs either. Plan on finding a nearby park for that.
When it comes to cost, there’s a bit of a variable. While many people have paid just ten dollars, some reviews have mentioned the price jumping to twenty or even thirty dollars, especially if you don’t purchase any fuel. The absolute best piece of advice I can give you is to walk inside and ask the cashier for the current price before you even position your rig. It avoids any awkward surprises at the register. Even at the higher end, it’s often still a better deal than what you’d pay at an RV park closer to the Bay Area, but it’s always better to know upfront.
While the stop itself is purely functional, the surrounding area offers some surprisingly cool opportunities to turn a routine chore into a memorable detour. Dixon sits right in the heart of California’s farm country. If you’re passing through in the spring, you owe it to yourself to take the short drive over to the UC Davis Jepson Prairie Preserve. It’s a unique landscape of vernal pools that erupt in stunning rings of wildflowers. It’s a photographer’s dream. The nearby Sacramento San Joaquin Delta is also a world class spot for bird watching, especially in the winter when it’s teeming with sandhill cranes and other waterfowl. For a bit of family fun, you can check out the massive corn maze at Cool Patch Pumpkins in the fall.
A few tips for a smooth stop: try to arrive after the morning commuter rush, maybe between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The fuel lanes will be much quieter. Because space is so limited, get all your gear ready before you pull into position. Have your gloves, sewer hose, and adapter within arm’s reach. It’s also a good idea to have a slightly longer sewer hose, maybe 15 feet, just in case you can’t get your rig perfectly aligned with the port. In summary, the Chevron in Dixon is a strategic, no frills tool for the smart RVer. It’s not a destination, but it’s a problem solver. Go in prepared, ask about the price, and maybe take an hour to see the local sights. You’ll leave with empty tanks and an unexpected memory.
1300 Stratford Ave, Dixon, CA 95620
(707) 678-0528
Cost: $10
Category: Gas station
No Water
chevronwithtechron.com/station