Let me tell you, there's a certain feeling you get when you’re rolling through Arizona’s Valley of the Sun, the Superstition Mountains painting a jagged silhouette against that impossibly blue sky. It’s a feeling of freedom, of open road, of endless sunshine. But that feeling can get a little… heavy, shall we say, when you realize your black and gray tanks are nearing their limits. In a sprawling metro area like Mesa, finding a convenient, clean, and quick place to handle your business can turn a relaxing journey into a stressful hunt. You start scanning every gas station sign, wondering if they can even accommodate your rig, let alone offer a proper dump station. That’s where a spot like the Chevron on North Ellsworth Road becomes a real oasis in the asphalt desert. It’s one of those places you bookmark in your mind, a reliable go-to that takes the guesswork out of a crucial chore.
This isn’t just some forgotten pump tucked behind a building. It's a well thought out stop for those of us navigating the roads in something bigger than a sedan. Located right at the foothills of those majestic mountains, it offers a dedicated RV dump lane, which is music to any RVer’s ears. No trying to squeeze past a line of cars, no awkward maneuvering, just a straight shot to get the job done. And in a place that sees over 300 days of sunshine a year, being able to perform this task in pleasant, balmy weather, even in the dead of winter, is a luxury East Coast full-timers can only dream of. The process here is refreshingly straightforward. Recent travelers have raved about how fast and easy it is, and that’s exactly what you want. You’re not looking for a destination; you’re looking for an efficient pit stop that gets you back to the adventure.
The area itself is a fantastic launching point for what makes this part of Arizona so special. You’re less than a fifteen-minute drive from turning off the engine and dipping a paddle into the cool waters of Saguaro Lake. This beautiful reservoir, a dammed-up section of the Salt River, winds through Tonto National Forest, its shores lined with iconic saguaro cacti standing like silent sentinels. You can spend the morning emptying your tanks and the afternoon kayaking through serene coves. Or maybe you’re more of a land adventurer. The legendary Lost Dutchman gold is rumored to be hidden somewhere in the nearby Superstitions, and while you might not strike it rich, the postcard-worthy sunsets are a treasure in themselves. For something a bit more structured, you can book a horseback ride at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch or test your aim at the Usery Mountain Regional Park, which boasts the only “Five-Star” archery range in the state. And when you’re done with the dust and the trails, downtown Mesa offers a surprising dose of culture with its craft breweries and the impressive Mesa Arts Center.
Using a gas station dump station is a skill every RVer learns, and this Chevron is a perfect example of the model. These places are built for turnover. They expect you to be efficient, and the layout reflects that. The 24/7 access typical of major fuel brands is a lifesaver. Whether you’re a late-night driver pushing to make miles or an early riser trying to beat the traffic, you’re not at the mercy of a nine-to-five schedule. The side-by-side service design is pure genius for RVers. You can pull up to the dump grate, do your thing, and then simply pull forward to the diesel, gasoline, or propane islands without ever having to get back in a queue. It streamlines the whole process of refueling your rig, your propane tanks, and emptying your waste tanks into one seamless operation. A word to the wise, though: aim for mid-morning on weekdays. During rush hour, the turns can get tight as commercial traffic and local commuters flood the station. But if you time it right, it’s a breeze.
Let's break down the amenities from an RVer’s perspective, because the details matter. They have water available, which is critical. You can fill a dedicated rinse bucket or, if you're careful and courteous, use it to help flush your black tank. A pro tip I’ve learned over the years is to carry a Y-splitter for the spigot. That way, you can connect your rinse hose without monopolizing the water source if someone else needs it. Now, this is important: the station is not pet-friendly. As much as we love our four-legged co-pilots, you’ll need to leave them in the rig. That Arizona asphalt gets brutally hot, and it’s a matter of safety for your animals. The on-site gas and propane are the main event. Combining all your errands here is the smart play. You save time, and you also save money, which brings us to the value.
The posted fee is fifteen dollars, which is right in line with the regional average for a standalone dump station. In some metro areas, I’ve seen prices creep up to twenty or even twenty-five dollars, so fifteen is perfectly fair. But the real secret handshake here is the discount. If you fill up on fuel or get your propane tanks topped off, the dump fee drops to just ten dollars. In an area with surprisingly limited public dump options, a clean, accessible station for ten bucks is a fantastic deal. As always, it’s a good practice to confirm the rate and the discount at the counter before you start. Gas station promotions can change, and a quick question can save you any surprises. For the price, you also get access to customer restrooms for a proper hand-washing session post-dump and trash disposal bins to get rid of your used gloves and any other waste. Just be sure to bag everything up neatly to keep the area clean for the next person. That’s just good road etiquette.
For a perfectly smooth visit, a little prep goes a long way. First, give them a quick call before you head over, especially in the peak of summer. Gaskets and other parts can wear out in the intense desert heat, and you want to be sure the lane is fully operational. Second, have your supplies ready before you even pull up to the grate. Your sewer hose, gloves, a clear elbow connector, your dedicated rinse hose, and enzyme packets should be easily accessible. This isn’t the place to be digging through your basement storage. Third, follow the signs. The station has a clear yellow "RV Dump" placard. You pull nose-in and exit straight toward Ellsworth Road, which is a great design that prevents you from having to back up into the flow of traffic. And finally, a personal tip: hydrate. Standing on that black asphalt in the Arizona sun can zap you faster than you think. Keep a water bottle handy.
So, what's the final verdict on the Chevron in Mesa? It’s a solid, reliable, and incredibly convenient stop. It gives you quick access to the highway, dependable water and propane, and a great discount for combining services. It’s a workhorse of a dump station that understands what RVers on the move truly need. Just remember to pack your own rinse gear, respect the rules, and call ahead to be safe. Do that, and this spot will become a favorite on any Arizona itinerary, a place that lets you quickly handle the chores so you can get back to chasing those magnificent desert sunsets.
1143 N Ellsworth Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207
(480) 357-3822
Cost: $15
Category: Gas station
Has Water
chevronwithtechron.com/stations/station-finder.aspx