There you are, rolling down Interstate 24, that long stretch of highway connecting Nashville, Tennessee, with Paducah, Kentucky. You’re making good time, the scenery is pleasant, but then you see it, the dreaded blinking red light on your tank sensor panel. It’s a moment every RVer knows well. Your grey and black tanks are nearing capacity, and the search for a dump station begins. That’s when the sight of the big, familiar Flying J sign at Exit 86 in Oak Grove, Kentucky, brings a wave of relief. This is the Flying J Travel Center #662, a place that understands the needs of life on the road. It’s a 24/7 operation with a dedicated RV dump station, and they make the process simple. There’s a posted fee, usually around $10, which you can either pay with the cashier inside or, even more conveniently, handle right from your phone using their myRewards Plus app. With its diesel islands, fast-food options, and easy-to-navigate pull-through lanes, this Flying J is the very definition of the one-stop-shop that we RVers have come to love and depend on.
Oak Grove itself is strategically located right on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, just a stone’s throw from the massive Fort Campbell military installation. This makes it a perfect place to stop and reset before you continue your journey. From here, you could be heading further into Kentucky to explore the famous bourbon country, or you might be on your way to the incredible Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. If you’ve never been, it’s a 170,000-acre paradise for outdoor lovers, known for its elk and bison prairies, numerous lake marinas, and over 300 miles of beautiful shoreline. It’s exactly the kind of destination that calls for an RV. If you’re just looking for a quick break, the War Memorial Walking Trail Park in Oak Grove offers a nice place to stretch your legs. And for a bit of evening entertainment, the Oak Grove Racing & Gaming complex offers both horse racing and slot machines. If you find yourself craving the energy of a big city after taking care of your tank chores, the vibrant live-music scene of Nashville is just a 50-mile drive south.
Using the dump station at a Flying J is a familiar routine for most seasoned travelers. They are typically well-designed, situated near the dedicated RV fueling lanes and away from the chaos of the big rig diesel islands. Just look for the brown “RV Services” sign, and it will lead you right there. You can expect the area to be well-lit, which is a huge plus for anyone needing to do the deed after dark, and they often have a rubberized, non-slip surface around the drain, a small but thoughtful touch. Because this is a major truck stop, the traffic flow has a certain rhythm. The professional truckers tend to peak in the pre-dawn hours, while the RV island sees its busiest time in the late morning as campers check out of nearby parks. For the shortest wait, try swinging in during the mid-afternoon lull. The process is straightforward: go inside and pay the fee first, and they’ll give you a code or remotely unlock the pump for you. The staff can usually provide a rinse hose if you ask, but most of us prefer to use our own to be certain of its cleanliness. Overnight parking is generally permitted here, which is a great perk, but it’s important to practice good etiquette. Always use the designated RV slots, and be respectful of the truckers by keeping your slide-outs in.
The amenities here are geared towards making life on the road easier. You’ll find a non-potable water spigot right beside the drain, perfect for rinsing out your tank and your sewer hose. Inside the travel center, you can take advantage of the professional-grade showers and laundry facilities, a perfect opportunity to knock out a few chores while your tanks are emptying. Of course, you can get both gasoline and diesel, making it easy to fill up before you merge back onto I-24. There’s also a propane refill station, so you can top off the bottles for your grill or furnace. And there are plenty of large trash cans, allowing you to get rid of any accumulated waste responsibly. Just be aware that there are no electric hookups for overnight parking, so you’ll be relying on your generator or batteries. And while pets are welcome on the property, they are not allowed inside the store itself, with the exception of service animals. You can walk them on the grassy strips along the outer edges of the parking lot.
When it comes to cost, the $10 fee is pretty much the industry standard for major truck stop chains across the country. It’s a fair price for the convenience and reliability they offer. If you’re a member of their myRewards loyalty program, you can often save a dollar or two, and they frequently run promotions that give you discounts on fuel when you use the dump station. When you consider that you can empty your tanks, refuel your rig, take a hot shower, do your laundry, and grab a bite to eat all in one stop, that fee represents excellent value. It certainly beats driving 20 miles off your route in search of a free municipal dump that may or may not be open or well-maintained. A little tip for anyone planning a stop here: this location has had to close temporarily in the past due to high water during periods of heavy rain. It’s always a good idea to check their website or call ahead if there’s been a lot of stormy weather in the area. This Flying J is a reliable, convenient, and fairly priced stop that has everything an RVer needs to refresh and resupply before hitting the road again.
18750 Herndon Oak Grove Rd, Oak Grove, KY 42262
(270) 640-7000
Cost: $10
Category: Truck stop
Has Water
locations.pilotflyingj.com/us/ky/oak-grove/18750-herndon-oak-grove-rd.