Let me tell you, when you’re barreling down a long stretch of I-30, the last thing you want to worry about is where you’re going to find a decent dump station. The miles can get monotonous, and the need to empty the tanks just adds another layer of stress. That’s why the Flying J in Texarkana has become one of my go-to mental bookmarks for this part of the country. It’s located right at 8300 State Hwy 108, just a stone's throw north of the Arkansas-Texas line, making it a perfectly timed pit stop whether you’re heading east toward Little Rock or west toward the sprawl of Dallas. The best part? It’s a 24/7 operation. I can’t count the number of times I’ve rolled in late at night, long after any campground office would have closed, and been able to take care of business without a single hassle. It turns a chore into a genuine relief.
This isn’t just some sad, forgotten dump port in the back of a gas station. It’s a full-blown travel center designed for people on the move. The RV lane is clearly marked and easy to get to, situated just beyond the big rig diesel islands. It's a pull-through setup, which is a godsend for anyone driving a larger Class A or towing a fifth wheel. There's plenty of room to maneuver without feeling like you’re about to clip a curb or a fuel pump. This location has it all, from high-flow diesel for the pushers to EV fast-chargers, so you see a real mix of travelers here.
Before or after the dump, it’s worth soaking in a bit of Texarkana itself. The city has this fun "Twice as Nice" slogan because it literally straddles two states, and you can even stand in a spot downtown with one foot in Arkansas and the other in Texas. If you have an afternoon to kill, the Four States Auto Museum is a surprisingly cool stop. It’s not some massive, overwhelming place; it’s a curated collection of classic cars that tells a story about automotive history. For a bit of local flavor, the historic Rail Yard Entertainment District is coming alive with music and good food, centered around the old Arkansas Municipal Auditorium where guys like Elvis once played. If you’re more of an outdoors person, you’re in luck too. Wright Patman Lake is nearby for some kayaking, and Millwood Lake is a well-known spot for bass fishing in the Ouachita lowlands. It’s a great area to decompress before getting back on the interstate.
Now, let’s talk about the on-the-ground experience of using the dump station at a busy truck stop like this. Be prepared for some hustle and bustle. On a Friday afternoon, it can feel like a beehive of activity, with semis and other RVs all jockeying for position. My advice is to be patient and follow the signs for "RV Services." You’ll find a dedicated lane with a concrete pad that’s sloped just right for a thorough drain. While the staff are pretty good about keeping the area clean, I always, always, always wear my disposable gloves. You just never know. The real trade-off for the traffic is the sheer convenience. You can dump your tanks, fill your propane cylinders, top off your DEF fluid, grab a hot meal at the diner, take a shower, and even do a load of laundry, all without ever leaving the property. It’s the ultimate one-stop-shop for resetting your rig on a long journey.
But here’s the most critical piece of information, the one thing you absolutely must know before you pull in: there is no non-potable rinse water at the dump station itself. This is a huge deal. You cannot rinse your sewer hose or flush your black tank without your own water supply. I learned this the hard way years ago. Now, I never travel without a dedicated five-gallon water jug specifically for this purpose. Some folks use those clever bladder-style rinse tools. Whatever your method, make sure you have it with you. Forgetting it means either leaving with a dirty hose or making a mess, and nobody wants that.
The other amenities more than make up for it, though. There’s a nice strip of grass over by the car parking area that’s perfect for walking the dog. Being able to refuel your gas or diesel rig and your propane in the same stop is a massive time-saver. And let’s be honest, after a few days on the road, access to a clean, private shower can feel like the height of luxury. You can even reserve one through their mobile app to avoid waiting in line. The restrooms inside the main store and the attached fast-food joints are always kept clean. Just remember, there’s no dedicated trash can at the dump pad itself, so you’ll need to pack out your trash or carry it to the bins at the main store entrance. And this is strictly a dump-and-go spot, no overnight hookups available.
The cost can vary a bit. Usually, these stops are around $10 or $15. Sometimes they offer a discount for certain club memberships. My best advice is to either call the store directly before you arrive or check their app for the current fee. They typically accept credit cards right at the pump, but it’s good to confirm. Even at fifteen bucks, the value is undeniable. The time and fuel you save by not having to hunt for a separate dump station, propane filler, and grocery store is well worth the cost. For an extra tip, try to hit it on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. That seems to be the sweet spot for avoiding the weekend rush of RVers and the weekday rush of professional truckers. Get your gloves, sewer elbow, and rinse jug ready before you even pull up to the pad. It makes the whole process smoother and gets you back on the road faster. For anyone crossing the country on I-30, this Flying J is a must-save location on your map.
8300 State Hwy 108, Texarkana, AR 71854
(870) 774-3595
Cost: Price not available
Category: Truck stop
No Water
locations.pilotflyingj.com/us/ar/texarkana/8300-state-highway-108