When you’re logging long miles on the interstate, a good rest area can feel like a gift from the heavens. Too often, they are just a noisy patch of asphalt with a sad, lonely vending machine. But every once in a while, you stumble upon a place that truly offers a moment of rest and restoration. The Dwyer Junction Rest Area, located on US-26 about twelve miles north of Wheatland, Wyoming, is one of those places. This isn’t just a spot to pull over. With its sweeping views of the Laramie Mountains, clean facilities, and even a dedicated dog run, it transforms a necessary pit stop into a genuinely pleasant break from the high plains monotony of I-25.
The location itself is perfectly situated for travelers heading north or south through Wyoming. Wheatland, the anchor of Platte County’s vast ranch country, is just down the road and serves as a great little hub for stocking up on supplies. If you have some time to spare, the area is a gateway to some wonderful outdoor recreation. Glendo State Park, with its massive 22,000 acre reservoir, is a boater’s and angler’s paradise. For the history buffs among us, the town of Wheatland itself is a worthy detour. You can dive into the region’s pioneer and cattle baron history at the Laramie Peak Museum before hopping back on the interstate. This rest area sits right along the historic Oregon Trail Byway, and you can almost feel the weight of that history as you look out over the landscape.
What makes Dwyer Junction stand out from a practical RVer’s perspective is how well it’s maintained and designed. The Wyoming Department of Transportation takes good care of its facilities, and this one is a prime example. You’ll appreciate the dual direction entrances and the clearly marked, separate lanes for big rigs. There’s no stress about trying to squeeze past cars or navigate a tight parking lot. You have your own space, which makes a world of difference when you’re piloting a large coach or towing a trailer. The dump station is located on a proper concrete pad with a rinse spigot, making the whole process clean and efficient. Best of all, the restrooms are known for being exceptionally clean and are open 24/7, barring any rare winter closures for maintenance.
Let’s break down the amenities, because there’s one very important catch. You get a free dump station, which is fantastic. You get incredibly clean restrooms. There are lovely shaded picnic shelters, which make for a perfect lunch stop, and plenty of trash bins for your road trip garbage. There’s even a fenced in dog exercise area, a real luxury that your four legged companions will certainly appreciate after being cooped up in the rig for hours. However, and this is a big one, recent reports consistently note that the potable water spigots are dry. This means you cannot fill your fresh water tank here. It also means you need to be self sufficient for rinsing your gear.
This lack of potable water is the only real cost to consider at this otherwise free facility. The savings are obvious, you’re not paying the ten or fifteen dollars you might at a private park. But that savings is predicated on you being prepared. Before you pull into the dump lane, make sure you have a gallon or two of your own water on hand. A simple garden sprayer or a water jug works perfectly for rinsing your sewer hose and the dump station area after you’re finished. It’s a small thing, but it’s crucial for a clean and sanitary stop.
To make the most of your visit, a few local tips are in order. First and foremost, be aware of the wind. This part of Wyoming is notorious for its powerful gusts. You will frequently see electronic signs on I-25 flashing “Extreme Blow-Over Risk” for high profile vehicles. They are not exaggerating. This is not the place to extend your awning for a picnic, no matter how sunny it is. Keep your stop brief and your rig buttoned up if the wind is howling. Also, try to arrive during daylight hours. This is open range country, and wildlife, especially deer and pronghorn, become very active at dawn and dusk. Finally, use your stop wisely. While your tanks are draining, take the opportunity to walk the dog, read the historical markers that tell the story of the pioneers, and stretch your legs.
Ultimately, for any RVer traveling the I-25 corridor, Dwyer Junction is a top tier stop. It offers a free dump, clean facilities, and a genuinely beautiful view, a combination that’s hard to beat on the high plains of Wyoming. Just be sure to call WYDOT for the latest water status if a fresh water fill is critical for you, and always, always come with your own rinse water. Do that, and you’ll find this rest area to be a perfect, restorative break on your journey.
US-26, Wheatland, WY 82201
Cost: Price not available
Category: Rest stop
No Water
dot.state.wy.us/restareas