There’s a special kind of rhythm to driving through the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. The interstate winds and climbs through lush, green hills, and the scenery is a constant, beautiful distraction. But those long climbs and winding roads also mean you’re keeping a close eye on your fuel gauge and your tank levels. As you travel on I-64, breaking up the drive between the state’s two largest cities, Charleston and Huntington, the Hurricane Rest Area at mile marker 35 appears like a perfectly timed gift. For the road weary RVer, it’s more than just a place to pull over. It’s a free, easy to access dump station that allows you to lighten your load, stretch your legs, and take a well deserved break before tackling the next set of hills.
The town of Hurricane itself is situated almost perfectly halfway between Charleston and Huntington, making it a natural and popular meeting point for travelers. While the town may be small, it has a surprising amount of charm. The local Valley Park is a real community hub, with ballfields, fishing ponds, and a fantastic water park called Waves of Fun. Its huge 500,000 gallon wave pool is the perfect place to escape the humid, sweltering days of summer. It’s a fun little detour that can turn a routine travel day into a mini vacation. The drive along this stretch of I-64 is simply gorgeous. The highway is hugged by rolling hills and dense hardwood forests that come alive with a breathtaking explosion of color in the autumn, a display that easily rivals anything you’d see in New England. This rest area isn’t just a pit stop; it’s an invitation to pause and appreciate the simple, rugged beauty of Appalachia.
Using a dump station at a highway rest area is all about convenience and speed. These facilities are designed for quick turnover to serve the constant flow of travelers. At the Hurricane rest area, you’ll find a dedicated lane specifically for RVs, which is often separate from the parking areas for cars and commercial trucks. This is a huge plus, as it means you don’t have to worry about blocking anyone or navigating through a crowded lot. The dump station itself is situated within easy sight of the main building, which houses restrooms and vending machines. There’s also a lovely grassy area with picnic tables, perfect for a quick lunch, and a designated strip for walking your dog. One of the biggest advantages of a rest area like this is the 24 hour access. The interstate never sleeps, and neither does this facility. While the welcome center desk, where you can get maps and travel guides, typically keeps more traditional 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours, the dumping facilities are always open.
The amenities provided here are basic but essential. There is a potable water spigot available, which is perfect for rinsing out your sewer hose. It’s always a good practice to bring your own spray nozzle to attach to the spigot. Inside the main building, you’ll find clean restrooms and vending machines for a quick snack or drink. There are large trash dumpsters located near the car parking area, and it’s always a good idea to make sure the lids are securely fastened to discourage any curious raccoons or other wildlife. For those traveling with pets, the pet friendly lawn is a fantastic feature. It gives your furry copilot a chance to get out, run around, and burn off some energy before you hit the road again. You won’t find any electric hookups, propane filling services, or fuel pumps here. This is a stop for a specific purpose, so you’ll need to plan your fuel stops accordingly. The towns of Teays Valley, just five miles to the east, or Milton, about ten miles to the west, have plenty of gas stations and services.
The best part about this stop is the price. It’s free. West Virginia’s Department of Transportation maintains these rest area dump stations as a courtesy to travelers. This is an incredible value, and it’s up to us as the RVing community to help keep it that way. The best way to show our appreciation is to be courteous users. That means cleaning up any spills immediately, not hogging the station for an excessive amount of time, especially if others are waiting, and leaving the area just as clean, or cleaner, than we found it.
A few tips can make your visit even better. If you can, try to arrive before dusk. The lighting at the rest area is adequate, but the mountain fog that can roll in at night can sometimes reduce visibility. Like most dump stations, Sunday mornings tend to be the busiest time, with weekend campers making their final stop before heading home. If you can time your visit for a mid week morning, you’ll likely find it much quieter. And it bears repeating: always wear disposable gloves when handling your sewer equipment, and give the concrete pad a quick rinse if you happen to spill anything. While you're there, take advantage of the picnic tables for a quick meal, but be sure to secure your food. The local squirrels can be quite bold! It’s also a great idea to pop inside the welcome center during business hours and grab a free state highway map. Cell service can be notoriously spotty in the mountainous regions of West Virginia, and having a reliable paper map can be a real lifesaver.
So, what’s the final take? The Hurricane Rest Area on I-64 is an absolute no brainer for any RVer traveling through this part of West Virginia. The combination of a fee free dump station, clean restrooms, and a grassy area for your pets makes it an invaluable resource. When you pair that with the local charm of Hurricane’s wave pool and the sheer beauty of the surrounding Appalachian landscape, this stop becomes more than just a routine chore. It’s a pleasant and welcome interlude in your journey. Unless you're traveling in the dead of winter when facilities could potentially be closed due to freezing temperatures, you can count on this reliable rest area to keep your travels flowing smoothly.
335 I-64, Hurricane, WV 25526
Cost: Price not available
Category: Rest stop
Has Water
