There's a unique kind of relief that washes over you when you've been driving for hours across the vast, open landscapes of Idaho's high desert, and that little low-fuel light starts to feel more like a glaring spotlight. You're rolling toward Boise, a fantastic city in the heart of the Treasure Valley, and you know you need to find a place to not only fuel up but also take care of the tanks. That’s when the sight of a familiar sign, that red, white, and blue Exxon logo, can feel like a beacon of hope. The Exxon on North Streams Edge Way in the northwest part of Boise is exactly that kind of place. It’s not just a gas station; it’s a well-thought-out pit stop for RVers, complete with a dump station that has become a reliable go-to for many of us traveling through this part of the country on U.S. 20 or State 44.
What makes this particular spot so great is its straightforward simplicity. There's a clear, posted fee, which was ten dollars the last time I passed through, and the access is 24/7 thanks to a pay-at-the-pump system. There’s no need to go inside and wait in line behind people buying coffee and lottery tickets. You can pull up, pay, and get down to business, no matter what time of day or night you happen to be rolling in. For those of us who like to drive late to chew up the miles or get an early pre-dawn start, this kind of accessibility is pure gold. It takes the guesswork and the stress out of planning your route.
And what a route it is. Boise has really blossomed into one of the most vibrant and livable cities in the West. Before or after your pit stop, you owe it to yourself to explore a little. The Boise River Greenbelt is the crown jewel of the city. It's a sprawling, 29-mile trail that winds along the river, shaded by massive cottonwood trees. It’s perfect for a bike ride, a long walk, or just finding a quiet spot to sit and watch the water flow by. It’s an incredible natural escape right in the middle of the urban environment. A little further west, you’ll find Eagle Island State Park, which is a fantastic spot for the whole family. It has a sandy swimming beach, a waterslide for the kids, and even trails for horseback riding, all nestled between two channels of the Boise River. It's a great place to spend an afternoon unwinding.
The area around this Exxon also puts you in a great position to dive into the local culture. Downtown Boise has a unique and fascinating Basque Block, where you can find incredible food and learn about the history of the Basque community in Idaho. And for the nature lovers, the World Center for Birds of Prey is nearby, offering a chance to see eagles, falcons, and condors up close. Whether you’re heading north into the mountains or east into the desert, this Exxon serves as a perfect staging point for all your adventures.
Now, let's talk about the on-the-ground experience of using the dump station itself. This is a gas station, a convenience store forecourt, so you have to set your expectations accordingly. The dump station is located near the diesel lanes, which means you’re going to be surrounded by the typical soundtrack of a truck stop. You'll hear the hiss of air brakes, the hum of refrigeration units on the big rigs, and the general hustle and bustle of a place that never sleeps. But there’s an upside to this: speed and efficiency. Most people are there to get a job done and get back on the road, so the turnover is quick. You pay at the outdoor kiosk, which is super convenient, and then you have a clear shot to line up your outlet with the sewer connection.
Here is the most important piece of insider information for this location: there is no non-potable rinse water provided on site. I repeat, you need to bring your own water for rinsing your hose. This is a critical detail, especially if you’re used to the full-service spigots you find at most campgrounds. For seasoned boondockers or full-timers, this is probably second nature. We often carry a few extra gallons of tap water in a dedicated jug just for this purpose, along with a short, separate hose for rinsing. If you’re not prepared, it can be a messy and frustrating experience. But if you know this ahead of time, it’s a non-issue. The huge advantage here is that you can do everything in one stop. You can empty your black and gray tanks, fill up the motorhome with gas or diesel, top off your toad vehicle, and run inside for a fresh cup of coffee and some road snacks without ever having to move your rig from the general area. That level of convenience is hard to beat when you’re on a long haul.
Breaking down the amenities, it’s all about efficiency. You have gas and diesel right there, which is the primary function of the place. The restrooms inside the convenience store are a godsend for washing your hands properly after you’ve handled the sewer equipment. But as we discussed, there’s no rinse water, and you also won’t find a place for general trash disposal right at the dump station, nor is there propane available. You'll need to plan on carrying your garbage to your next stop and finding a dedicated propane filler elsewhere in Boise’s industrial areas if you’re running low. And as for pets, there’s no designated pet area here. It’s an asphalt lot designed for vehicles, so it’s best to keep your furry friends inside the rig with the air conditioning running while you take care of business outside.
When it comes to cost and value, ten dollars is pretty much the standard rate you’ll find at most truck stops and travel centers along the interstate system. It’s a fair price for the convenience and 24-hour access. I didn’t see any advertisements for discounts from clubs like Good Sam, but it never hurts to call ahead and ask if you carry those kinds of membership cards.
For a really smooth visit, try to time your stop to avoid the morning and evening commuter rush. Hitting the pumps between 10 a.m. and noon usually means less local traffic to contend with. And I can’t emphasize this enough, bring a second hose or at least a gallon jug of water specifically for rinsing your sewer hose. It makes all the difference in keeping your storage bay clean. And one final tip: after you’ve disconnected, double and triple check that your sewer cap is locked on tight. The farm roads and highways in Idaho can be bumpy, and you do not want that cap vibrating loose. It’s a mistake you only make once.
So, what's the bottom line? For any RVer traveling through the Treasure Valley, whether you're tracing the scenic byways or just making a beeline for Boise, this Exxon is a fantastic find. It delivers on speed, price, and accessibility for rigs of all sizes. It’s a no-frills, get-it-done kind of stop. Just remember to bring your own rinse water, and you’ll be golden.
18525 N Streams Edge Way, Boise, ID 83714
(208) 938-2446
Cost: $10
Category: Gas station
No Water
exxon.com/en/find-station/MOBIL-BOISE-ID-ONTHEFLYATAVIMOR-200324550?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb