There are two kinds of RV stops in this world: the ones that make you feel like an afterthought, and the ones that make you feel like they were designed just for you. For years, truck stops have been a necessary evil for many of us on the road. You could get fuel, maybe a hot meal, and if you were lucky, they had a dump station that wasn’t out of order or blocked by a semi-truck driver on his 10-hour break. But the game is changing, and the Love’s Travel Stop on Duval Road in Jacksonville is a prime example of the new breed. This isn’t just a gas station with a sewer connection; it’s a full-fledged RV Hookup facility, and it’s a game-changer for anyone navigating the I-295 loop around the city.
Imagine this: you’ve been driving for eight hours, battling traffic, and all you want to do is empty your tanks, fill up on propane, and maybe grab a hot shower before you settle in for the night. At a traditional stop, that could mean three different locations, a lot of maneuvering, and a fair bit of stress. Here, it’s all in one place. You pull off Exit 33, and the bright blue signs for the RV Hookup guide you away from the chaos of the commercial trucking lanes and into a dedicated area just for rigs like ours. It’s clean, it’s well-lit, and it’s open 24/7. That peace of mind alone is worth its weight in gold, especially for solo travelers or those arriving late at night.
The process itself is wonderfully modern and efficient. You can book your spot online in advance, which I highly recommend doing, especially on a weekend or during the snowbird season. When you book, you get a confirmation and a QR code sent directly to your phone. As you pull up to the gate of the RV area, you just scan your code, the gate lifts, and you’re in. No need to go inside and wait in line behind a dozen people buying coffee and lottery tickets. It’s a seamless, touch-free system that gets you off the road and into your spot in minutes.
If you’re just there to dump, you have a couple of options. Many of the overnight sites are pull-throughs with full hookups, meaning the sewer, water, and electric are right there at your site. If a site is vacant, you can often purchase a “dump-only” pass for a flat fee, usually around ten dollars. For that price, you get a clean, modern connection point without the hassle of a traditional, often messy, dump lane. You can take your time, do a thorough black tank flush, and not feel like you’re in anyone’s way.
The amenities here are what really set it apart. Of course, you have reliable 30 and 50 amp electric and potable water at each site. This is perfect for running the AC to cool down the rig on a hot Florida day while you go inside the travel center to stock up on supplies. But it’s the other stuff that makes a difference. Need propane? They have it. Need to do a load of laundry after a week on the beach? There’s a laundromat inside. The showers are clean and private, a welcome luxury if you’ve been trying to conserve water while boondocking. They even have a fenced-in dog run. For anyone traveling with a pet, you know how valuable a safe, enclosed space for your furry friend to stretch their legs can be. It’s located back behind the diesel bays, offering a bit of a buffer from the main traffic flow.
And because it’s a full-service travel stop, you have access to everything else. You can fuel up your motorhome or your tow vehicle, grab a bite to eat from one of the on-site restaurants, and even get minor repairs done at the Speedco service bay. It’s the ultimate one-stop shop for getting all your road chores done efficiently so you can get back to the fun part of traveling.
The location is strategic. Being right on I-295 gives you easy access to all points of Jacksonville and beyond. You’re just a short drive from the 22 miles of Atlantic beaches, where you can watch the surfers at the Jacksonville Pier or just relax on the sand. If you’re a history or nature buff, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is nearby, offering incredible kayaking through salt marshes and a glimpse into the area’s past. And if you’re up for a truly unforgettable experience, the bucket-list-worthy horseback rides on the beach at Amelia Island are just about an hour’s drive north.
My advice for making the most of this stop is to plan ahead. Use the online reservation system. It’s easy, and it guarantees you a spot, taking all the guesswork out of your arrival. When you get there, pay attention to the signage; the RV area is clearly marked and separate from the big rigs, which is a huge plus for maneuverability and noise levels. If you can, try to time your arrival for the early afternoon, between 1 and 3 p.m. That’s usually when the lunchtime rush has died down, and the overnight truckers haven’t all started pulling in for the evening, making the fuel islands and general traffic much more manageable.
In short, the Love’s RV Hookup on Duval Road represents the future of RV travel convenience. It takes the stress and uncertainty out of a necessary chore and turns it into a streamlined, comfortable experience. For a ten-dollar bill, you can get your tanks empty and be back on your way, or for a bit more, you can have a secure, comfortable place to spend the night with all the amenities you could need right at your fingertips. It’s a perfect pit stop before tackling the city traffic or making the push further south down the coast.
12921 Duval Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218
(904) 330-3011
Cost: $10
Category: RV park
Has Water
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