There are a few names in the world of travel that bring an immediate sense of relief to a road-weary RVer, and Flying J is right at the top of that list. You see that big, familiar sign from the highway, and you just know you’re going to find what you need. The Flying J at Exit 32 off I-71 near Lebanon, Ohio, is a perfect example of this. It’s the quintessential 24/7 travel center that delivers everything the brand promises: a dedicated and easy-to-access RV dump station, plenty of pull-through parking, fuel, propane, and a hot cup of coffee waiting inside. It’s the reliable, stress-free pit stop we all dream of.
The location is fantastic, putting you right in the middle of what’s known as Ohio’s “Golden Triangle” of family fun and outdoor recreation. Just ten miles up the road is Caesar Creek State Park, a massive 2,800-acre park that’s a haven for boaters and fossil hunters. A little further south, you’ll find Kings Island, one of the biggest and best amusement parks in the entire Midwest, complete with its own giant waterpark. It’s a place you could easily spend a few days exploring. And if you get a rainy day, the vibrant city of Cincinnati with its awesome brewery scene and riverfront attractions is just a short drive away. This Flying J’s prime location on a major north-south interstate makes it a natural and strategic hub for anyone traveling between the Great Lakes and the Smoky Mountains.
Dumping your tanks at a well-designed truck stop like a Flying J is about as easy as it gets. Their layouts are specifically designed with big rigs in mind, which is great news for those of us driving Class A motorhomes, especially if we’re towing a car. You can expect wide lanes, easy right-angle turns, and clear signage that directs you straight to the dedicated RV fuel island and dump station. Everything is well-lit all night long, so a late-night arrival is never an issue. And the best part is that all the other amenities are just a few steps away. You can grab a shower, do a load of laundry, or get a hot meal without ever having to move your rig. If you use their mobile app, you can even check for real-time shower availability and reserve your spot in line before you even park.
The list of amenities here is exactly what an RVer wants to see. They have high-flow diesel pumps on the truck side and separate, less crowded RV pumps with both gas and diesel. There’s a metered propane station, so you can fill your onboard tank without having to lug heavy bottles around. Just pull alongside and ring the bell for an attendant. The showers are clean and come with fresh towels, and the laundry facilities are a lifesaver on a long trip. You’ll find large, frequently cleaned restrooms and plenty of trash cans right at the fuel island, so you can finally clear out all the clutter from the cab. They even have 20-amp outlets in some of the RV parking spots, which is a nice little perk if you want to stop for a break and keep the fridge running without using your generator.
Now, there is one small but important detail to note. The official amenity list doesn’t specifically mention "rinse water" at the dump station itself. This is a bit unusual for a Flying J. Often, this means the spigot might be non-potable, or it could be unreliable. So, my standard advice applies here more than ever: it’s always a good idea to have a few gallons of your own water in a jug just for rinsing your hose and the dump station area. It’s a small bit of preparation that can save you a lot of hassle.
But let’s talk about the best part: the cost. With a Pilot Flying J myRewards card, which is free to get, the dump fee is typically just five dollars. That is an absolute bargain, one of the cheapest branded dump stations you’ll find anywhere east of the Mississippi. When you pair that with the fuel discount you get with the card, the value is just off the charts. You can dump your tanks, fill up on fuel, take a hot shower, and grab a coffee for less than the price of a single fast-food meal.
A few tips to make your stop even smoother: look for the QR code on the dump station payment kiosk. You can often scan it with your phone to pay, which means you don’t have to touch the public buttons. A good workflow here is to dump your tanks first, then pull forward to the fuel pumps. The traffic is usually designed to flow in a counter-clockwise direction past the RV island. If you need propane, it’s a good idea to double-check the hours. While the station is 24/7, the certified propane technician might not be on duty overnight. Finally, if you’re traveling through on a race weekend for the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, be prepared for a spike in local traffic.
The bottom line is simple: the Flying J in Lebanon, Ohio, is the gold standard for a highway RV dump station. It’s reliable, incredibly inexpensive, and open around the clock. The amazing price, combined with a full suite of amenities and its perfect location near major Ohio attractions, earns it a permanent spot on my list of must-stop waypoints in the Midwest. Just download the app, have your rewards card ready, and enjoy one of the most stress-free pit stops you’ll ever make.