There’s a certain rhythm to life on the American highway, a familiar cadence of miles clicking by, landscapes changing outside the window, and the ever-present hum of the engine. And for those of us who live and breathe this life, whether as full-timers or weekend warriors, there are certain beacons of reliability that we depend on. The big, bright, red heart of a Love’s Travel Stop sign glowing on the horizon is one of those beacons. When you’re rolling up US-23 in southern Ohio and your holding tank gauges are starting to look uncomfortably high, the Love’s in Circleville is more than just a gas station. It’s a comprehensive, one-stop solution for nearly every need an RVer has on the road.
This is the classic, dependable, 24/7 workhorse of a stop. You know what you’re going to get, and that predictability is a comfort. The process is simple: you pull into the designated RV lanes, head inside to the fuel desk to pay the fee, which is typically around ten dollars, and you get access to their dump station. It’s open around the clock, because your RV’s needs don’t keep business hours, and neither does Love’s. This particular location is a prime example of why the brand is so popular. It boasts over a hundred parking spots, seven showers, and even full Truck Care repair bays, making it a perfect spot for a quick service or even a safe overnight stop with permission from the store manager.
The location itself has a unique local flavor. Circleville is world famous for its annual Pumpkin Show, an enormous event dubbed the “Greatest Free Show on Earth” that takes over the town every October. If you’re traveling through during that week, you need to be prepared for some serious crowds and traffic. A quick call ahead would be wise to ask about the best routes. But any other time of year, you can enjoy the town’s historic 19th-century brick storefronts. And for the nature lovers, the stunning sandstone gorges and waterfalls of Hocking Hills State Park are just about an hour’s drive away, making this Love’s a perfectly logical place to stop for a full service before heading into the park or after a week of hiking.
Using a truck stop dump station is an experience every RVer should master. It’s all about efficiency. The dump station is usually located near the RV fuel lanes or at the back of the lot, often next to the propane refill station. The process is straightforward: pay inside, pull up, and get to work. Because these stations see such high traffic, it’s wise to come prepared. I always wear gloves and a pair of closed-toe shoes I don’t mind getting a little dirty. You’ll extend your sewer hose through a metal grate into the underground tank, open your black valve first, then your grey, and use the provided non-potable water for a quick rinse. The key is to be organized and efficient, respecting that other drivers might be waiting.
The true value of a stop like this Love’s lies in the incredible density of services. This is where you can knock out an entire checklist in one place. You can dump your tanks and fill your fresh water. You can refuel with either gasoline or diesel, and with eight DEF lanes, the wait times for diesel pushers are minimized. Then there are the showers. After a few days on the road or boondocking in a park, a private, hot shower can feel like the height of luxury. You can book one at the kiosk inside, and it’s always a good idea to bring your own shower shoes. The restrooms are generally kept very clean under the company’s "Clean Places" pledge, which is something every traveler appreciates.
But the amenity that provides the most peace of mind is the adjacent Truck Care service center. Getting a flat tire or having a minor mechanical issue can be a trip-ruining event, but having light mechanical and tire services available right on site can turn a crisis into a manageable inconvenience. They can handle most motorhomes and can be a real lifesaver. And for those of us traveling with pets, the designated pet walk area behind the store is a thoughtful and much-appreciated touch, far better than a sad little patch of grass next to the pumps. You will want to call ahead to confirm the availability of propane, as not every location has it, and be aware that you’ll need to carry your trash from the dump pad to the bins located closer to the main store.
The bottom line is that the value here is off the charts. For that ten-dollar dump fee, you’re not just getting an empty tank. You’re getting access to a clean, safe, and incredibly convenient ecosystem of travel services. You can take care of your rig, and you can take care of yourself. For those who are tech-savvy, downloading the Love’s Connect app is a great pro-tip. You can check fuel prices, see how long the wait is for a shower, and even pay at the pump, all from your phone. It streamlines the process even further.
So, who is this Love’s for? It’s for every RVer. It’s for the family heading to Hocking Hills, the full-timers making their way across the country, and the couple in the Class B van who just need a quick, reliable stop. It may not have the scenic charm of a state park, but it more than makes up for it with sheer, unadulterated, 24/7 convenience. It’s a dependable oasis on the highway, ready to get you cleaned up, fueled up, and back on the road to your next adventure.
25727 Duroc St, Circleville, OH 43113
(740) 474-4126
Cost: Price not available
Category: Truck stop
Has Water
loves.com/locations/690