Let me tell you, when you’re rolling through the vast, open spaces of West Texas, finding a reliable place to take care of business, and I mean all of your business, can feel like finding an oasis in the desert. The landscape out here is beautiful in its own stark way, but services can be few and far between. That’s why a spot like the Chisum and Yesway Travel Center on the southeast side of Lubbock is a sight for sore eyes. I’ve marked this one on my map for a reason. It’s not just a gas station with a forgotten hose out back; it’s a full-fledged 24/7 travel plaza, a real hub of activity right off US-84, which means it’s incredibly easy to get to and just as easy to get back on your way. For those of us navigating the big highways, having a go-to spot like this takes a whole lot of stress out of the equation. You can pull in at three in the morning or three in the afternoon, and the lights will be on, ready for you.
Getting there is a breeze, which is something you really appreciate when you’re piloting a forty-foot coach. The roads around Lubbock are generally wide and flat, a welcome relief after winding through hill country. This travel center is perched perfectly for travelers coming from any direction, with Interstate 27 just a stone’s throw away. This makes it a perfect staging point. Maybe you’re heading north toward the stunning, rust-colored cliffs of Palo Duro Canyon, a place that absolutely has to be on your bucket list. Or perhaps you’re pointed west, making a run for the New Mexico border. Before you commit to those long, empty stretches of highway, you can pull into this Yesway to empty the tanks, fill up on diesel, grab a hot coffee, and stock the pantry. While you’re in town, Lubbock itself has more to offer than you might think. It’s the home of Buddy Holly, and the Buddy Holly Center downtown is a fantastic tribute. For a taste of true Texas history, the National Ranching Heritage Center is a sprawling, fascinating outdoor museum at Texas Tech. You can easily spend a whole afternoon there. And don’t forget the wineries. The Texas High Plains is producing some seriously good wine, and you can find a cluster of tasting rooms not too far from the city. This Yesway makes a convenient base for a quick exploration before you hit the road again.
Now, let's talk about the on-the-ground experience, because that's what really matters. This is a truck stop, through and through, so you have to go in with the right mindset. It’s a world of diesel engines, the hiss of air brakes, and the constant hum of motion. Don’t expect serene silence. What you get instead is efficiency and round-the-clock access. When you pull in, you’ll likely need to navigate past the professional drivers in their big rigs to find the designated RV island. It’s usually clearly marked, but keep your eyes peeled. The first thing you do is head inside to the counter to pay the fee. I always make it a point to be friendly with the clerk; a little kindness goes a long way. Once you’ve paid, you head back to the rig and get down to business. My advice is to avoid the peak hours if you can. Weekend mornings are a flurry of activity with everyone trying to get an early start, and the evening shift changes can also create a bit of a traffic jam. I’ve found that a mid-morning stop on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually smooth sailing. You can pull right up, do your thing, and be on your way without any waiting.
The amenities here are geared toward the traveler on the move. Having both potable water and a separate rinse spigot is a huge plus. I can’t stress this enough: always use your own dedicated, clean white hose for the potable water to fill your fresh tank. You never want to risk cross-contamination. Use a different, clearly marked hose for rinsing your black tank and sewer equipment. The convenience of being able to handle this chore right where you fuel up is a massive time saver. The fuel islands are set up for big vehicles, so there’s plenty of room to maneuver. And while your tanks are draining, you can take advantage of the other facilities. Need a shower after a few days of boondocking? They’ve got them, and they’re generally kept clean for the long-haul truckers. Got a bag of laundry that’s starting to get a life of its own? You can throw a load in while you wait. There’s even a bit of grassy area around the perimeter of the lot, which is a welcome sight for any four-legged copilots who need a stretch and a potty break. They even have some basic repair services, which can be a real lifesaver if you notice a tire looking a little low during your walk-around.
Of course, no spot is perfect, and you need to know what they don’t have. Last I checked, there was no on-site propane filling, so you’ll need to handle that elsewhere if your tanks are running low. More importantly, be prepared to pack out your own trash. They don’t have public-use dumpsters for RVers, so you need to have a plan for your garbage. This is why I always recommend calling ahead. A quick phone call an hour before you arrive can confirm the dump station is open, verify the current price, and check if the water has been turned off for any reason, which can sometimes happen in a hard freeze. When you do pull up, get your gear staged and ready before you even get into position. Have your gloves on, your sewer hose and elbow fitting out, and your rinse hose handy. It just makes the whole process quicker and cleaner. Pay first, then dump and rinse, then pull forward to a parking spot if you need to go inside or do anything else. This keeps the lane clear for the next person.
So, what's the verdict? For a straightforward, no-nonsense dump-and-go in Lubbock, the Chisum Yesway Travel Center is a solid bet. The price, which you’ll need to confirm but is usually around ten or fifteen dollars, is fair for the 24-hour convenience and the ability to get fuel, water, and even a shower all in one stop. It’s the perfect pit stop for full-timers and road-trippers alike who value efficiency. Just remember to call ahead, manage your own trash, and embrace the hustle and bustle of a true American truck stop. It’s a reliable tool in the RVer’s toolbox for navigating the beautiful plains of West Texas.
2611 Slaton Rd, Lubbock, TX 79404
(806) 771-8800
Cost: Price not available
Category: Truck stop
Has Water
yesway.com/locations/yesway-store-1156