Best truck stops of America

Life on the road as truck drivers requires good planning—where to eat, shower, sleep, and especially truck parking. Truck stops aren’t just a convenience; it has the power to make every trip better. Most have hotels with truck parking as well. Truck drivers can use thousands of distinct truck stops across the nation, a few of which are fully serviced with private lounges, restrooms, and restaurants. Let’s hit the road and explore some of the best truck stops of America.

The National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO), founded in 1960 represents over 2,200 U.S. travel centers and truck stops. NATSO defines a truck stop as a place with at least:

• 1 shower
• 15 truck parking lots and
• Diesel facility

Over 40,000 truck stops and travel centers in the US and Canada are rated by apps like Trucker Path. So, let’s hit the road and explore some of the best truck stops in America.

Best truck stops of America

1. Iowa 80 Truckstop – Walcott, Iowa

Known as the “World’s Largest Truck Stop,” Iowa 80 is a legend in the trucking community. With its impressive 900 truck parking spaces, a trucking museum, and a range of amenities from a dentist to a barbershop, Iowa 80 is serving more than 5000 customers daily.

The Iowa 80 offers an abundance of food choices. Wendy’s and the Iowa 80 Kitchen operate 24/7, providing homestyle meals for hungry drivers, complete with a massive 50-foot salad bar. Additional dining options include Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Orange Julius, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Chester’s Chicken, and Blimpie.

Highlights:

• Trucking Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history of trucking with a visit to Iowa 80’s dedicated trucking museum. Explore vintage rigs, historic artifacts, 1911 Walker electric trucks and other unique vehicles.
• Amenities: From a dentist’s office to a barbershop, Iowa 80 goes beyond the standard truck stops offerings. Its services include convenience store, truck wash, truck showroom, pet wash, workout room, theater, library, barber shop and so on.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kDWgWD8rwuNrDsb5A 

2. Jubitz Travel Center – Portland, Oregon

Situated conveniently just off I-5 at Exit 307 near Portland International Airport, Jubitz has transformed from a local fuel stop into a Portland icon with national recognition.

Spanning 26 acres of fully paved truck parking lot, Jubitz provides more than 250 free truck parking spots and 18 reserved spaces, all well-lit and clearly marked, including a designated area for bobtail units. Weekly, over 2,000 trucks make their way to the Jubitz campus to refuel, take a break, and possibly stay for a while. Jubitz features a driver’s lounge, a 24-hour scale, nine fuel lanes, a truck wash, and a convenience store.

What distinguishes Jubitz are its private showers and jacuzzis. To completely replicate a spa experience, Jubitz provides fluffy, large towels and massages. After a long day behind the wheel, you may benefit from a jacuzzi bath or massage. 

Highlights:

• Amenities: Amenities include convenience store, deli, jacuzzi tubs, oversized towels, lottery games, dog wash, 9 high-speed diesel pumps, driver lounge with TV, safety meeting facilities and so on.
• Truck service center: Opens from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Jubitz’s truck service center offers various services like oil change & lube service, DOT inspections, tire sales, mounting, and repair, brake service, alignment and suspension repair, auxiliary power units, and other major repairs.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SZ8pbrXh3CcCfcxDA 

3. Little America – Flagstaff, Arizona

If you’re driving southwest, make a truck stop at Little America in Flagstaff, AZ, to unwind amidst ponderosa pines. The Travel Center provides a grill, deli, and a 24-hour convenience store. The Rocky Mountain Truck Center is on hand for maintenance and roadside assistance. 

Beyond Flagstaff, Little America extends its hospitality to three more locations in the West: Little America, WY, Cheyenne, WY, and Salt Lake City, UT. Each one offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience for drivers on their journey through the Western landscapes.

Highlights:

• All-Inclusive Services: Little America transforms your truck stops into a comfortable break, allowing truckers to recharge before hitting the road again. Offerings at this location include semi-truck access, truck parking & fueling, along with a 24-hour convenience store. Private shower facilities with oversized tubs, fax services, an ATM, and coin-operated laundry are also available.
• Recognition: Received Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice award.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MNMWT7UaqErznHWo9 

4. Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop – Bangor, Maine

Dysart’s Truck Stop in the Northeast is a 24/7 establishment with a restaurant open daily from 6 am to 8 pm. Established in 1967, it is a family-owned truck stop and restaurant, embodying a “small community” spirit. Their offerings include traditional Maine food, full-service gas/fuel, garage facilities, private showers, internet access, and an automated truck/camper wash.

It has a diverse range of items, including souvenirs, snacks, and C.B. radios. Explore their gift shop for unique Maine-themed memorabilia such as cups, cookbooks, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more.

Highlights:

• Amenities: Amenities include full-service gas/fuel diesel, travel stop store, truckers lounge, car wash, dump station, DEF, good food, and all kinds of truck maintenance services.
• Recognition: Featured in a Saturday Night Live spoof

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AYPA3GrDdZe2kUFm6 

5. Big Apple Travel Center – Joplin, Missouri

The Big Apple Travel Center in Joplin, Mo., is just off Interstate 44 at Exit 13. It’s recognized as a top truck stops in America, known for its clean facilities and varied food options. Whether you’re in the mood for quick snacks from the convenience store or looking to savor the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine, the Rasoí take-out café has you covered. 

Beyond the culinary delights, the travel center goes the extra mile to ensure a pleasant journey, offering complimentary Wi-Fi, convenient charging stations, clean shower facilities, a dog park for furry companions, weigh scales for truckers, and a variety of other services and amenities.

Highlights:

• Amenities: Covers everything a driver needs like fuel, charging stations, showers, and good food. 
• Recognition: More than one-million drivers voted Big Apple Travel Center as the second-best independent truck stops in the country.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ZsiK3igVCA8y64S8 

6. South of the Border – Hamer, South Carolina

South of the Border is located off Interstate 95 in Hamer, South Carolina. This truck stop (Pedro’s Truck Stop) isn’t just a place to refuel; it’s a vibrant, Mexican-themed village acting as a popular tourist site. It includes restaurants, an ice cream shop, petrol stations, shopping area, and an amusement park.

Beyond catering to truckers, this truck stop accommodates motocross enthusiasts with an in-house motocross gear store. This store is a valuable resource for riders seeking gear or racing fuel, especially those visiting the nearby SOBMX training facility. Pedro’s Truck Stop stands out as a multifaceted stop that caters to the diverse needs of both truckers and motocross riders.

Highlights:

• Quirky Atmosphere: South of the Border embraces its Mexican theme with colorful architecture, oversized sombreros, and a playful ambiance. It’s a welcome break from the routine of long-haul driving.
• Amenities: DEF, trucker’s supplies, showers, a dedicated trucker’s lounge and a large picnic area to unwind.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NLXSRUjQHg9FPv4f9 

7. Noble’s Restaurant and Truck Stop – Corinth, Kentucky

Located in Corinth Noble’s is an old school restaurant and truck stop. It has a restaurant, convenience store and a gas station. If you are driving through Kentucky and like some homestyle cooking, do stop by Noble’s Restaurant and Truck Stop.

Highlights:

• Amenities: Has basic driver’s needs like fuel station, restaurant and a convenience store.
• Recognition: Many drivers voted Noble’s Restaurant and Truck Stops as the best place for independent truck stops.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i8mN8X2TfBF1Yp7X9 

8. Clearwater Travel Plaza – Clearwater, Minnesota

Clearwater Travel Plaza is located just off of I-94, around 60 miles west of the Twin Cities and 13 miles east of St. Cloud. They prioritize easy access for all customers whether driving a car or a big truck.

Clearwater Travel Plaza has showers, fuel stations, a convenience shop, lounge area, and other perks & amenities. 

Highlights:

• Amenities: Basic driver’s needs like petrol points, lounge, ATM machine, mail drop, private showers, and is open 24/7. 
• Best for: The Food Network named it as one of the greatest truck stops for a quick bite to eat.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TCqKchY3zYrB7EoNA 

9. Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop – Johnstown, Colorado

Known for its giant cinnamon rolls and homestyle cooking, Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop in Colorado, off I-25, promises a delightful experience for tired travelers. They provide 110 truck parking spaces and various other amenities. 

Highlights:

• Known For: Giant cinnamon rolls and homestyle cooking.
• Facilities: Chapel, overnight truck parking, CAT scales, laundry facilities, FedEx dropoff, and free wifi.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g2G6nxj9PKvtAugo9 

10. Love’s Travel Stops – Various Locations, Nationwide

Love’s Travel Stops is another prominent name in the trucking world, providing a network of locations across the nation. It is in 41 states operating in 550 locations. Known for its friendly service and comprehensive offerings, Love’s truck stops are a go-to for truckers in need of a reliable stop.

Highlights:

• Love’s Connect App: The Love’s Connect app offers a seamless experience, allowing truckers to locate nearby stops, access current fuel prices, and take advantage of exclusive promotions.
• Truck Care Centers: Love’s Truck Care Centers provide on-site maintenance and repair services, ensuring that truckers can address mechanical issues promptly.

Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8JRTo4JH7wfnYaAe7 

Conclusion

In the vast landscape of truck stops, each destination has a story to tell. These aren’t just waypoints; they’re chapters in American trucking. The next time you hit the open road, consider discovering a new one, maybe it would turn into your best truck stops of America. These truck stops are more than rest areas; they’re comfort, community, and unforgettable experiences.