Out on the southwestern edge of the sprawling Salt Lake Valley, where the suburbs start to give way to the rugged foothills of the Oquirrh Mountains, lies the rapidly growing community of Herriman. For those of us who love to use our RVs to get closer to nature, this area is a gateway to some incredible high-desert adventures. You can spend a day hiking or mountain biking the canyons, only to find yourself coming back to civilization with muddy boots, a happy heart, and, almost certainly, full holding tanks. In these moments, you're not looking for a fancy RV resort; you're looking for a quick, cheap, and easy place to take care of business. That’s the exact role that the Sinclair gas station on 13400 S plays. It’s an unassuming, workhorse of a dump station that delivers exactly what you need, right where you need it.
For just five bucks, this spot offers a no-frills solution that’s become a go-to for local RVers and savvy travelers alike. The best part is its accessibility. It's surprisingly easy to get into and out of, even if you’re driving a larger Class A or towing a decent-sized trailer. The layout is compact but thoughtfully designed, allowing for enough room to maneuver without feeling like you’re about to clip a gas pump. It’s the kind of place you pull into after a fantastic weekend of boondocking up in the canyons, feeling grateful that you don’t have to drive all the way across the valley just to find a dump station.
The real magic of this location is its proximity to the Oquirrh Mountains. This 30-mile-long range forms the western wall of the Salt Lake Valley, and it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Just minutes from the Sinclair station, you can find the trailhead for Yellow Fork Canyon. It’s a local favorite, offering everything from a gentle 1.4-mile family-friendly loop to more strenuous 6-mile treks that take you deep into the scrub oak and along shaded creek beds. Further up, the Southwest Canyon Trails network is constantly expanding, linking Butterfield and Rose canyons with a growing system of paths for hikers and mountain bikers. Being able to cap off a day of exploring these stunning landscapes with a cheap and convenient stop to empty your tanks is a perfect combination. You get the thrill of the adventure and the practicality of modern convenience all in one afternoon.
So what’s the experience of dumping at a gas station like this actually like? It's different from a dedicated truck stop or an RV park. You need to adjust your expectations. The dump port at this Sinclair is tucked away to the side of the main fueling area. You'll want to look for the iconic green dinosaur logo on the building and then scan the curbside for the tell-tale signs of a dump station: a small concrete pad and a sewer cap. The process is simple: you go inside the convenience store to pay the fee, and they’ll give you a code or a key to unlock the cap. Pull your rig forward, align your hose, and you’re good to go. The lighting is adequate for daytime use, but I wouldn't recommend trying to navigate it for the first time in the dark. It’s not a brightly lit travel plaza, so a daytime visit is definitely the smarter play.
Now, let's talk about the amenities, or rather, the lack thereof. This is a bare-bones operation, and that’s reflected in the price. The most critical thing to know is that there is no rinse water available. This is non-negotiable. You must bring your own water supply if you want to flush your black tank or clean your sewer hose. This is a common theme with budget-friendly dump stations, and it’s a trade-off many of us are willing to make to save a few dollars. Always have a couple of dedicated water jugs on hand for this purpose. Beyond that, it’s a very simple setup. You can obviously get gasoline on-site, which is handy to do before you head up into the higher elevations of the canyons. But there’s no dedicated pet area, no propane refills, no showers, no laundry, and no place to discard your trash. This is purely a "fuel-and-flush" stop. Plan to carry your trash out with you and make other arrangements for your other RVing needs.
The value proposition here is crystal clear. At just five dollars, this is one of the most affordable paid dump stations you’ll find anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley. It’s a fantastic deal, especially when you consider its convenient location. There’s also an insider tip that’s worth trying: some Sinclair stations have an unwritten rule where they might waive the dump fee if you purchase a certain amount of fuel, often around 10 gallons or more. It never hurts to ask the cashier politely when you go in to pay. The worst they can say is no, and you might just save yourself five bucks.
For a smooth visit, timing is everything. This station is located on a busy suburban thoroughfare. Try to avoid the morning and evening commute times, as the forecourt can get jammed with local traffic. A mid-afternoon stop on a weekday is usually your best bet for a quiet, stress-free experience. When you pull up to the dump port, take a moment to assess the slope. At this particular location, the port sits a little bit uphill, which means you might need to give your sewer hose a little help to ensure it drains completely. A hose support ramp can be your best friend in these situations.
My final take? The Sinclair in Herriman is a winner for the budget-conscious and self-sufficient RVer. It’s not fancy, and it doesn't hold your hand, but it delivers on its promise of a fast, cheap dump. It’s the perfect bookend to a day of adventure in the Oquirrh Mountains. You can roll out of the canyons with full tanks and be completely serviced and on your way in under 20 minutes. As long as you remember to bring your own rinse water and manage your expectations, this little gas station is a savvy stop that will leave you with an empty tank and a full wallet.
6382 13400 S, Herriman, UT 84096
(801) 666-6932
Cost: $5
Category: Gas station
No Water
stations.sinclairoil.com/ut/herriman/6382-w-13400-s?utm_source=google&utm_medium=yext